Spoiler Alert: Changes in the Southern Border!
Having put down the teacup gently, Mu Yuyan took a deep breath, already having had a plan in her mind.
"Master Gu, I was a bit tired. Shall I return to the bedroom and wait for you?"
"Of course."
Gu Lan, realizing it was already late into the night, smiled and said, "Madam usually toiled tirelessly, so you should take advantage of your period to rest properly."
At these words, Mu Yuyan’s face blushed instantly, all the way down to her earlobes.
Liu Yexi, having understood nothing, was led out of the main hall by Mu Yuyan.
At that moment, a mechanical sound resonated in Gu Lan's mind.
[You have narrated a story in this world, gaining +1000 years of cultivation.]
[Obtained the Confucian-Daoist Secret Technique, 'Utterance Manifests Reality.']
[Obtained the Heaven Treasure, 'Primordial Sword.']
[Obtained 10 Soul-Returning Pill.]
[…]
Seeing these rewards, Gu Lan was momentarily stunned.
"Oh my gosh, the rewards this time... are quite generous!"
There was no need to dwell on the mastery of the Utterance Manifests Reality, and the Soul-Returning Pill and Primordial Sword were legendary items!
Although Gu Lan often told stories to Yuyan and Yexi, like the previous world's Journey to the West and Dream of the Red Chamber, the rewards from the Scholarly System were mostly ten years of cultivation or a couple of spiritual herbs.
These would be considered invaluable to ordinary cultivators, but in Gu Lan's case, it had been countless over the past three years, providing limited assistance.
"It seems I've discovered the gateway to a new world... Turns out, revealing the plot of this world's original novels results in even more lavish rewards... Hmm!"
Gu Lan's eyes lightened up, and he soon sensed his cultivation soaring.
[Current cultivation: 21,000 years, Confucian Sage Realm.]
"Sage Realm, seems decent..." Gu Lan looked at his slender and fair hands, surrounded by a clear light exuding immense power.
However, after a moment, he shook his head.
Although the realms in this world seemed to have a capped Sage Realm, the final chapters of this eunuch novel didn't specify the protagonist's realm!
"It's better to be cautious."
Avoiding unnecessary trouble and staying with Yuyan forever... Gu Lan had always remembered his life pursuits.
In the chamber.
"Your Majesty, the imperial edict is drafted."
Liu Yexi spoke with utmost respect.
In front of her lay the freshly written secret edict of the Female Emperor, detailing the "additional" tasks that the Imperial Announcements Bureau and officials from various regions needed to undertake regarding the Southern disaster relief.
"Very well."
Mu Yuyan glanced over it briefly, her bright eyes turning to Liu Yexi. "This time, Yexi, you will go to the Southern Border yourself. I cannot trust anyone else."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Having been by the Female Emperor's side since childhood, Liu Yexi naturally understood her cautious nature.
Moreover, this matter was of great importance, concerning the fate of the nation.
Mu Yuyan naturally must dispatch her confidante to ensure no mistakes occur.
"Regarding the influential figures involved, how should they be dealt with?" Liu Yexi asked.
Although she oversaw officials of all ranks and descriptions, in this case, Cai Yu possessed a noble title, so she needed to consult the Emperor.
"Once the guilt is confirmed, execute them on the spot!"
Mu Yuyan's face carried a frosty air, her killing intent resolute.
To cure a deep-rooted illness, strong medicine must be applied. Gu Lan's words linger in her mind; she understood the necessity.
"I understand!"
Indeed, Her Majesty has gave all her tenderness to the young master, and there’s nothing left for others. Now, these influential figures are about to have a hard time... Liu Yexi inwardly chuckled and left after receiving the imperial edict.
After a while, Mu Yuyan seemed to have eased a burden off her chest, and the killing intent around her dissipated.
Walking to the window, her gaze passed through the moderately-sized courtyard of the Gu residence and looked towards the dim light in the study. A smile gradually appeared on her lips.
"For the sake of establishing principles for heaven and earth, determining the destiny of the people, inheriting the wisdom of the sages, and bringing peace to the world for generations…”
"Master Gu, the old Director of Astrology figured out a way to rescue our nation... Could it be you?"
Mu Yuyan mumbled softly with inner hope ignited.
The moonlight spilled on her unparalleled beauty, creating an extremely picturesque scene.
……
The next day, Liu Yexi, using the excuse of returning to her family, saddled a chestnut horse and left Langzhou City.
That night, a group of envoys from the Imperial Announcements Bureau, dressed in flying fish robes, flew out of the capital city. Led by a green-clad female official, they headed straight for the Southern Border!
In the following days, Langzhou City remained calm and peaceful. Gu Lan focused on reading to enhance his cultivation, while Mu Yuyan assisted him with ink studies, managed household chores, and occasionally checked the accounts at the teahouse. Their days passed smoothly and well-organized.
On the fifth day, the Southern Border!
The Imperial Announcements Bureau envoys arrived at the relay station, acting on the Female Emperor's orders without causing any commotion. In a room, a group of envoys in flying fish robes gathered around a green-clad young woman.
"Tomorrow is the distribution of relief grain by the court. According to the resources, Marquis Anguo has invited the prefect county magistrate and county magistrate for a drink tonight. It seems there's a plan..."
"Tonight, infiltrate Marquis Anguo's Residence. Just stick to the plan as discussed, my colleagues."
Liu Yexi's voice was clear as she gave simple instructions and licked her lips. As a spy, the closer she got to taking action, the more an inexplicable excitement overcame her.
"We shall obey Lady Liu's command!"
The envoys were obedient to this influential figure by the Female Emperor's side. There was no need for an imperial decree; they immediately dispersed to carry out their respective tasks.
The night at the Marquis Anguo's Residence!
There was a flowing banquet and elegant songstresses. Three corpulent men sat at the table, with one in luxurious clothing being none other than Marquis Anguo, Cai Yu!
After three rounds of wine, he raised his cup to the two officials beside him.
"Two magistrates, tomorrow the court's grain will arrive. You should know what to do, right?"
"Haha, Marquis is too polite. We understand the rules!"
The magistrates responded with cheerful laughter.
"Allocate two-tenths to the commoners, keep three-tenths for us to sell at high prices, and reserve the remaining five-tenths for Marquis!"
"You officials are quite adept at this!"
Cai Yu laughed heartily. After drinking for a while, the three corrupt officials became thoroughly intoxicated.
In a daze, they saw a green-clad young girl weaving through the dancing girls, walking towards them.
"Who... who are you?"
Cai Yu slouched in his seat, his speech slurred. But when he saw Liu Yexi's appearance, he squinted, seeming to vaguely recognize this woman. However, he couldn't recall where he had seen her before.
"You officials are enjoying a good feast here with bear paws and venison. Do you know the people in the Southern Border can't even find bark and roots to eat?"
Liu Yexi surveyed the messy table, questioning in a low voice.
However, under the intoxication, these three pigs couldn't discern her cold tone!
"What do we care about what the commoners eat? Who is this little girl? Haha, she looks quite similar to the one I slept with a few days ago... Hahaha..."
Pointing to Liu Yexi, the two magistrates laughed recklessly.
Cai was originally laughing along with them.
But suddenly, their laughter ceased!
Turning his head woodenly, Cai Gui saw two lines of blood clearly appearing on the necks of those two fat pigs!
Their eyes were bulging out and blood was flowing!
The two court officials were killed on the spot!
In an instant, Cai Yu sobered up!
Looking ahead, he saw Liu Yexi holding a sword, radiating a chilling light. The dancing girls had dispersed, and rows of Imperial Announcements Bureau officials, wearing imperial guardian’s robes, entered with awe-inspiring momentum!
"This is... the Imperial Announcements Bureau!"
Cai Yu's pig-like eyes widened. At this moment, he suddenly remembered who Liu Yexi was! When he held the title of hereditary marquis, she had come to the capital for a review!
Cai Yu's face turned pale, and he crawled out from behind his seat to kneel in front of Liu Yexi.
"Underling pays respects to Lady Liu! I... deserve to die a thousand times!”
“Lady Liu, please spare my life!"