My Wife Turns Out to be an Empress of the Dynasty

After a moment of consideration, Gu Lan felt that he couldn\'t easily decline. Among the four great joyous events, meeting old acquaintances in a foreign land was one, and moreover, many people had waited for him for a long time. It would be difficult to refuse such heartfelt hospitality.

"Sure... Brother Wei, please wait. I\'ll inform my family and be right back," Gu Lan explained to Old Yang and Lin Tan\'er at the inn, changed into a more low-key dark robe, and then went out with Wei Zhi.

Although it was a game in the mortal world, Gu Lan adhered to the principle of not pretending if not necessary. After all, he was already in the Emperor Realm, and pretending among ordinary mortals brought no pleasure.

However, even so, Gu Lan\'s extraordinary beauty attracted attention under the bright lights of the night market. Many young ladies in pairs or threesomes stopped in front of jewelry shops and flower stalls, using small fans to cover their faces as they giggled while observing the handsome scholar who came for the imperial examination.

Seeing this scene, Wei Zhi chuckled, "Brother Gu, your elegance is exceptional, and you are quite popular in the capital."

"Haha... After experiencing this many times, I\'ve gotten used to it," Gu Lan dryly laughed, changing the subject, "Brother Wei, where are we going for the banquet?"

"The most famous restaurant in the capital is Chunyue Tower... but we can\'t afford it. Let\'s go to Dulcet Pavilion instead!" Wei Zhi suggested.

"Dulcet Pavilion? Why does it sound a bit unconventional?" Gu Lan asked in confusion, "Shouldn\'t establishments like Dulcet Pavilion be more expensive than ordinary restaurants?"

"Haha, Brother Gu, you may not know. If Dulcet Pavilion is just for dining and hosting banquets, it\'s actually much cheaper than Chunyue Tower. Moreover, Langzhou scholars have worked hard all the way here. It\'s only fitting for us to relax a bit with some flower wine on the first night!" Wei Zhi sincerely explained, "Brother Gu, are you married?"

"I am already married."

"Oh! My oversight then..." Wei Zhi leaned over and whispered, "Your honored lady doesn\'t know we\'re going to Dulcet Pavilion, right?"

"I\'m not sure..."

"Haha, no problem then! Let me tell you a secret. Actually... my wife doesn\'t know either!" Wei Zhi patted him on the shoulder, looking proud.

Gu Lan: "..."

...

The two arrived at Dulcet Pavilion. Led by a maidservant, they reached a table that had already been reserved.

It was Gu Lan\'s first time exploring a brothel in this otherworldly realm, and he was quite curious. Although he maintained a dignified and upright appearance, his divine sense couldn\'t help but survey the pavilion.

Dulcet Pavilion, the main building consisting of three floors, not counting the pleasure boats outside, had countless rooms. Among them was not only the top beauty of the capital but also the leading musical venue.

Perhaps because of this "top" status, the scenes inside weren\'t as deplorable as described in novels or TV dramas in his past life—no scenes of middle-aged men with mustaches embracing young girls were seen everywhere...

As it was still daytime, drinking flower wine, enjoying dances, and listening to music were the main activities. Waterside pavilions, song and dance in full swing—under the extravagant decoration, rows of graceful dancers gracefully swayed in the mist. In an era without electronic games, this could indeed be considered a paradise on earth!

Wei Zhi led Gu Lan to their table.

"Brothers, this is our Langzhou top-one scholar, Mr. Gu. Let\'s all give him a toast," Wei Zhi, the apparent elder brother, spoke, and everyone in attendance followed suit.

Toasts were offered to Gu Lan.

"Brother Gu, your reputation precedes you, and you truly are a talented individual!"

"Brother Gu, how about we have a friendly exchange of literary works someday?"

"..."

Some genuinely admired, while others were ambiguous in their words. Nevertheless, none of it would affect Gu Lan in any way. He nodded in acknowledgment, calmly taking his seat.

It seemed that he had seamlessly integrated into this lively mortal world feast.

...

And at this moment!

On the third floor of the fragrance pavilion, Xiao Fei\'er adorned herself with exquisite makeup.

Through the window lattice, she looked down and immediately saw the arrival of Master Gu Lan, as reported by the maid. From her elevated vantage point, she could only see his high nose bridge and faintly shimmering starry eyes.

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Despite her extensive experience in reading people, she could still discern that this appearance and demeanor truly belonged to an unparalleled handsome man!

"You even know how to write those addictive storybooks. No wonder you could captivate the female Emperor..." Xiao Fei\'er thought of the night before when she had almost stayed up all night reading Dream of the Red Chamber. An appreciative expression involuntarily crossed her face.

"However, coming here to drink flower wine so leisurely, is that worthy of the female Emperor?" she mused. "Humph! Even if Xiji instructed me to protect you, it doesn\'t mean I can\'t tease you."Nôv(el)B\\\\jnn

With these thoughts in mind, Xiao Fei\'er clenched her delicate fists and wore a proud and charming expression on her petite face.

Although Gu Lan possessed exceptional talent and looks, an old saying rang true: "Among the upright, many are dog killers; among the learned, many are fickle."

The female Emperor was the one in authority, while she observed from the sidelines. As a maidservant, she had the duty to evaluate for the female Emperor!

...

Meanwhile,

Outside Dulcet Pavilion, several young gentlemen dressed in brocade robes were about to enter and coincidentally encountered each other. One of them had a few bruises on his face.

"Hey! Brother Wu, long time no see. Why do you look so beaten up?" one of them asked.

"Oh, don\'t mention it. The old man at home really gave me a beating, specifically targeting my face!"

Wu Yuan, the son of the current General Wu Fan, complained indignantly. Due to his frequent visits to brothels, Wu Fan, frustrated by his son\'s lack of discipline, often resorted to corporal punishment.

However, Wu Yuan never showed any repentance. He remained the notorious useless junior general known to everyone in the capital.

"Brother Wu, coming in such a hurry, could it be that you heard about Miss Fei\'er\'s hospitality tonight?" another asked.

"That\'s right! A few days ago, this young master was about to become Miss Fei\'er\'s guest of honor.

Unfortunately, the old man called me back and put me in confinement." Wu Yuan arrogantly laughed. "Tonight, I\'m here to take the lead in winning Miss Fei\'er\'s favor!"

The other young men smiled along, but hidden resentment flickered in their eyes. In truth, they had also come to Dulcet Pavilion tonight for the rare opportunity to be hosted by Xiao Fei\'er.

However, in terms of financial strength and persistent pursuit, none of them could compare to Wu Yuan, the foolish son of a local landlord. With Wu Yuan\'s arrival, their chances became even slimmer.

Of course, they would never believe Wu Yuan\'s boasts about becoming a guest of honor.

Xiao Fei\'er, the renowned beauty of the capital and the appointed court musician, was adored by every man in the court. How could she possibly submit to such a wastrel?

At most, they could have a drink and exchange a few inconsequential words through a veil. Wu Yuan had been boasting about it for a year!

...

"Let\'s go. Tonight, I\'m in a good mood. I\'ll treat you guys!" Wu Yuan, with shallow cunning, could vaguely perceive their jealousy. He proudly strode inside.

The other young gentlemen could only reluctantly follow suit.

However, when Wu Yuan entered and saw that Gu Lan\'s table was already filled with people, his expression suddenly changed.

"Madam, what\'s going on at your Dulcet Pavilion? How could someone be sitting at the seat I reserved for me?!" he questioned angrily.