Chapter 458 - 330: Countering with a Stratagem
The people were lively, the street vendors cried out, the crowd bustling—such a wonderful Yan Country it was.
She was willing to dedicate her entire life to pursuing that kind of... a peaceful and prosperous world.
Miaoyan’s eyes were distant, as if they’d already seen a beautiful and far-off future.
She centered herself, a shallow smile brushing through her clear, dark eyes. She solemnly and proudly replied:
"If it were me, as an Emperor, the throne and power are indeed important, but as long as the Marquis Mansion and Prince Xiang can bring stability to the land, can protect the citizens’ peace, I would use my life to defend them.
—What I want is not a world where one person does as they please, but a Yan Country where people and resources thrive, where the years are bountiful and prosperous."
Miaoyan completely immersed herself in the identity of the Emperor. In her heart, no dynasty could last forever, and to allow every citizen on this land to live in peace and prosperity was what an Emperor ought to do.
Those enchanting and beautiful eyes were filled with light, like the moonlight streaming upon her pale gray cloak, shimmering like a silvery brook, carrying an undeniable purity and allure.
Cheng Yu was utterly captivated, and listening to her words, almost felt his knees go weak, nearly falling to the ground, crying out Long Live.
This kind of Princess did not resemble a delicate and beautiful maiden, but more like a regal figure seated upon the dragon throne, ruling the world...
The notion Gu Lan had once considered impractical was now grounded by Miaoyan’s gaze.
She believed in Rong Miaoyan, that she was a Princess who would persist tirelessly for the people of Yan Country.
Miaoyan paused, then continued, "Pingnan Marquis Mansion and Prince Xiang are innocent, they are the pillars of Dayan. Even if the day comes when they choose to endanger Dayan, becoming rebels... all I ask is to remain true to my heart."
Gu Lan and Miaoyan exchanged glances, as though understanding each other’s inner thoughts.
A cloud shrouded the moonlight, leaving only the warm lights in the room. Miaoyan snapped back to reality, her previous fervor doused like cold water, dissipating her lofty ambition. She stammered:
"Gu Lan, are you tricking me, or do you think I’m joking? Just consider it as a joke, I..."
"No," Gu Lan earnestly met Miaoyan’s watery eyes, "I believe what you’re saying is from your heart, and I also trust that you can achieve anything."
The last bit of anger in Rong Miaoyan’s heart towards Gu Lan for deceiving her dissipated with her words.
Girls will be girls after all,
She has always been a pillar and a guiding light in her heart, someone who could firmly uphold her beliefs.
Indeed, there are no perfect men in this world!
"It’s just, Miaoyan, perhaps Rong Jing will die." Gu Lan said softly.
Rong Miaoyan closed her eyes, willfully throwing herself into Gu Lan’s arms.
"Your strife, I won’t get involved, even if you want him to abdicate, that is deserved... he no longer fits to be Dayan’s Emperor, it’s no harm to replace him, but if you plan to kill him or if he intends to harm you, I will stop it, maybe I might secretly save him, Gu Lan, don’t blame me then.
He is the Emperor I despise, but he is also my father."
The girl wore a playful smile on her face. Although the words were tangled, her tone was resigned yet liberated.
Balancing the conflicting relationship between a vile father and a beloved friend, Rong Miaoyan was striving to learn it all.
"Alright."
Gu Lan stiffly uttered an "Hmm", looking at the Princess clinging to her like an octopus, her expression full of helplessness.
It was always her taking advantage of others, never expecting that someday Rong Miaoyan would cling to her relentlessly.
No wonder she saw so much potential in her for building a harem.
Gu Lan coughed awkwardly, her peripheral vision catching a little eunuch Cheng Yu, who looked dumbfounded and speechless, and in her heart, she lit a candle for Qin Zhenghu, wherever he may be.
At least, she and Miaoyan had spoken everything out, and it was indeed true that Miaoyan harbored intense hatred and sorrow for Rong Jing.
Gu Lan lowered her eyes and said, "At this time, the patrolling imperial guards will arrive."
Cheng Yu quickly closed the door and explained:
"Tonight, from the Inner Supervision, there’s only this servant here, and outside, the four guards have been well managed by this servant, as for the patrol, they won’t enter the courtyard and have no knowledge of the situation inside the house..."
"Alright then." Gu Lan’s gaze sharpened.
Everything was as she expected. Miaoyan’s visit tonight really was utterly... smooth.
Rong Miaoyan felt a stirring in her heart, as if she realized Gu Lan seemed to want to say something to her alone, so she said, "Cheng Yu, you go out, to a place where you can’t hear us speak."