Chapter 317: 317: Look up at me!

Words : 1429 Updated : Oct 9th, 2025

Chapter 317: Chapter 317: Look up at me! Qiuyue looked at Zhan Xuerou and replied, “She said she needed to go out to take care of some things.” Zhan Xuerou sneered coldly, “Qiuyue, now you are the only one left by my side. Some people eventually think I have lost my influence...” Zhan Xuerou mused: Lately, Meng Ling has been leaving the Zhan Family’s backyard frequently, either to have secret rendezvous with men or to ingratiate herself at the Prince Wei Mansion. Qiuyue said with a smile, “My lady, don’t overthink it, get some rest!” Zhan Xuerou urgently asked, “The mansion has been so noisy today, what happened?” Qiuyue casually said, “My lady, I heard that Miss Zhan Lan has returned, so it’s been particularly lively.” In order not to arouse Zhan Xuerou’s suspicion, Qiuyue always referred to Zhan Lan in this way. Zhan Xuerou’s expression turned cold. After moving to the backyard, besides Zhan Beicang who visited her twice, and Qin Shuang who visited once, there were also some servants who secretly mocked her; ostensibly visiting, but actually coming to disgust her. She endured it because Si Jun said that she could not fall out with the Zhan Family. Qiuyue continued, “I heard that the master and mistress have prepared a lot of dowry to ensure that Miss Zhan Lan has a splendid wedding.” Zhan Xuerou clenched her teeth and said coldly, “It’s good that she’s getting married.” A married daughter is like water splashed out, Zhan Lan can no longer hog the love from Zhan Beicang and Qin Shuang every day! Once her injuries heal, by constantly paying respects to her parents, she did not believe they would forget the past affections. Qiuyue didn’t respond but silently walked out of the room and closed the door. Qiuyue found Zhan Lan in a secluded spot and told her, “My lady, I have tampered with her daily meals and medicinal diet, making it as unpleasant and troubling for her as possible, please rest assured.” “You have suffered.” Zhan Lan handed Qiuyue a silver note of a thousand taels. Qiuyue pushed the silver note away and said, “My lady, you saved my life; I cannot accept your money.” After she spoke, she quickly left. Zhan Lan put away the silver note, a thousand taels was enough for Qiuyue to live comfortably for a lifetime, she had deliberately tested Qiuyue to see if she could be bought by money, now there was no need to worry. Qiuyue was a smart person who knew how to assess the situation and harbored deep hatred for Zhan Xuerou, thereby using her position to seek revenge on Zhan Xuerou bit by bit. This was something Zhan Lan was pleased to see. Zhan Xuerou should taste the bitterness she once endured. Zhan Lan left the backyard, and her grandfather, Zhan Xinzhang, sent someone to call her over. Zhan Lan was led by the servant to the ancestral hall, unsure what her grandfather wanted her to do here. Upon seeing her enter, Zhan Xinzhang dismissed the servants and said, “Lan’er, grandfather has some words for you.” Zhan Lan smiled at Zhan Xinzhang, who raised his hand, “Offer incense to our ancestors!” Zhan Lan obediently did as instructed. After inserting three sticks of incense into the incense burner, Zhan Xinzhang looked at Zhan Lan seriously and said, “Kneel down!” Zhan Lan obediently knelt down, Zhan Xinzhang spoke coldly, “Girl, you have now become the Prince Zhenbei, grandfather wants to know if you have other intentions?” Frightened by her grandfather’s stern expression, Zhan Lan lowered her eyes and said, “Grandfather, please enlighten me?” Zhan Xinzhang spoke softly, “Grandfather has seen too much, girl, you now have ambition, but remember, your grandfather will never support it!” Zhan Lan dared not meet Zhan Xinzhang’s eyes, she harbored deep hatred for the Si Family dynasty, wishing to overthrow them and take their place. However, she forgot she had a grandfather who was upright and utterly loyal. Zhan Xinzhang looked at her and said with an oppressive tone, “Look up at me!” Zhan Lan met her grandfather’s gaze, trembling all over. When her grandfather’s eyes sized her up, it was like a king beast looking at a small beast that had just grown fanglike teeth, waving its claws at the king beast. Zhan Xinzhang clearly stated his position, “Anyone can sit on that throne, but Zhan Family cannot!” Zhan Xinzhang pointed at the ancestral tablets and said, “Do you see? Our ancestors are watching you, scrutinizing your every move. If you bring disgrace upon the loyalty and honor of our family that has lasted for centuries, I, your grandfather, will personally take your life!” Zhan Lan was frightened by Zhan Xinzhang’s words; she was still too young, and her ambition had been seen through by her grandfather. Zhan Xinzhang continued, “It’s either you kill me, your grandfather, or I kill you, otherwise I cannot face our deceased relatives!” Zhan Lan nodded and sobbed, “Grandfather, I have no such thoughts.” Nobody knew her hatred, her rebellious heart, except for Xiao Chen! Mu Yan might have also seen her ambition, so he was willing to help her. Mu Yan never cared about the opinions of the world, but her grandfather did! After hearing Zhan Lan’s words, Zhan Xinzhang nodded, his voice stern, “Girl, swear an oath before our ancestors!” Pushed by Zhan Xinzhang, she raised three fingers and said, “I, Zhan Lan, swear that I will never covet the throne of Nanjin. If I break this oath, I shall meet a bad end!” After hearing her oath, Zhan Xinzhang helped her up, his eyes reddening, “Lan’er, I am relieved to hear you say this.” Zhan Lan lowered her gaze and remained silent. She might truly have been blinded by revenge to think of overthrowing the Si Family’s reign and taking their place. Zhan Xinzhang looked at Zhan Lan and said, “Any Si Family member can become the future emperor. If you wish, with your abilities, you can definitely assist a wise ruler to rise.” Zhan Lan nodded; she understood what her grandfather meant. Even Mu Yan could be that person. But she belongs to the Zhan Family, she cannot! Zhan Lan bid farewell to her grandfather and went to the house of Mu Yan. Mu Yan was surprised to see Zhan Lan; he smiled as he poured tea for her, curiously asking, “Not used to staying home?” Zhan Lan told Mu Yan everything that had happened today. Mu Yan watched her quietly, “Lan’er, ever since the day we went to Xiaohe Village and those estates, my thoughts have changed as well. Regardless of who becomes the emperor, as long as the people can live without worries, that is a good emperor. Since grandfather is forcing with death, let’s stop this matter for now.” Right now he just wanted to be together with Zhan Lan, enjoying life. “If you wish, I can help you,” Zhan Lan sincerely said. “Let’s talk about it when the time comes, I’m planning to travel all over Nanjin with you after we get married, to relax a little,” Mu Yan said with a smile. He always felt that Zhan Lan had not let go of the burden she carried, always moving forward under heavy weight. Zhan Lan looked at Mu Yan in surprise, “To travel?” Mu Yan smiled lightly, “This trip, we’ll have fun and also see what exactly is going on in Nanjin, let them fight it out. We’ll stay away from the strife and enjoy the scenery.” Zhan Lan nodded, “What about Emperor Xuanwu?” Mu Yan replied, “He’s already paralyzed, and the person you sent, Lady Yin Yi, is taking care of him.” Zhan Lan now understood. “Okay, let’s go and see the landscapes of Nanjin!” Her heart was filled with thoughts of revenge and she hadn’t relaxed in a long time. Maybe traveling with Mu Yan to see the landscapes and people of Nanjin might be a good thing. Mu Yan looked into Zhan Lan’s eyes, remembering the words she had said to Dugu Yan that day. He controlled his urge to hug her, took something out from his bosom, and with a smile said, “Today is Qiqiao Festival, this is for you.” Zhan Lan watched as Mu Yan slowly opened a brocade box, inside which lay a Luminous Pearl quietly.

Chapter 317: 317: Look up at me!

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