After the Cold and Aloof Husband's Mask Falls - Chapter 21

Things went more smoothly than Gu Wanlan had imagined; Cui Jue agreed to join the Protector Duke’s household as a matrilocal groom without much hesitation.

In their conversation, Cui Jue made no mention of his family or parentage. Gu Wanlan feigned ignorance, treating him as a simple painter from Autumn Mountain. However, she felt a secret thrill: if that “Cui dog” (Cui Qiong) found out his own intimate brother had become her man, he would likely faint from rage.

After finalizing the marriage details, the sun had risen high. Remembering the family estate division scheduled at the Gu manor, Gu Wanlan prepared to depart. To her surprise, upon entering her carriage, she encountered Xiao Chen waiting inside.

Gu Wanlan grumbled internally. If she weren’t so mentally resilient, she would eventually be scared to death by the way this Master Xiao appeared and disappeared like a ghost.

After a moment of stiffness, she glanced at the oblivious driver outside and cleared her throat. “I have some private business to attend to and might return late. Go back and inform Gu Lehuan.”

“As you command, Eldest Miss.” The driver knew that the Eldest Miss now held the power in the manor. Though curious, he dared not show it; he dropped the reins and left.

Gu Wanlan naturally took the driver’s seat, picked up the reins, and laughed. “Master Xiao, since your visit today was so sudden, I shall be your carriage driver.”

Through the window, Xiao Chen’s gaze was dark as he looked back at the small courtyard planted with willows. Both times he came to find her, she had emerged from that yard. As far as he knew, the owner was a somewhat famous local painter. Nominally a painter, the man was actually intimately connected with the Cui family. And Gu Wanlan had only recently offended the Cuis.

Xiao Chen frowned, wanting to ask a few questions, but today’s matter was too important. He pushed his fluttering thoughts aside and spoke of business. “It is not I who seeks you; the Emperor has summoned you.”

“The Emperor?!” Gu Wanlan was startled, nearly dropping the reins.

This was Gu Wanlan’s second time entering the palace. Walking along the imperial paths, she kept her head low, following Xiao Chen and not daring to look around. Chaotic thoughts swirled in her mind; she had a bad premonition.

That unease reached its peak when she crossed paths with the Prince of Huai at the palace gates. Something has likely changed in Rouran.

Gu Wanlan and Xiao Chen stepped aside to salute. “Greetings, Your Highness.”

The Prince of Huai had been deep in thought with a grim expression. He hadn’t intended to acknowledge anyone, but seeing it was Xiao Chen, he paused and offered a polite smile. “Master Xiao, no need for such ceremony—”

His gaze swept to the side and landed on Gu Wanlan, who stood with her head bowed. The smile on the Prince’s face froze for an instant. “Oh? Is this not the Protector Duke’s eldest daughter? Why is Master Xiao bringing her into the palace…”

Xiao Chen had heard about the incident at the Recognition Banquet. He silently took a step forward, shielding Gu Wanlan’s body completely behind his own.

“Reporting to Your Highness: Lady Gu’s recognition was prompted by His Majesty’s decree. Today, His Majesty has summoned her out of concern. We cannot delay.”

The Prince of Huai laughed, waving his hand at them. “You act as if I might eat her. Go then, do not let me delay you.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

As they hurried away, the Prince narrowed his eyes. The recognition was promoted by the Emperor’s decree? I truly haven’t heard of this. It seems this girl is highly valued by the Emperor…

Seeing Gu Wanlan looking preoccupied and somber, Xiao Chen assumed she was intimidated by the Prince of Huai’s presence. He wanted to offer comfort, but after racking his brain, he couldn’t find the right words. Finally, ensuring no one was watching, he quietly pressed a jade pendant into her palm.

Gu Wanlan was stunned. “Why?” she whispered.

Xiao Chen looked straight ahead, walking with his chest out, and replied in a low breath, “If the one you had before is lost, you can use this one to come find me.”

Gu Wanlan couldn’t help but chuckle. So he thinks I’m worried about the Prince’s retribution?

Before she could explain, they reached the hall. She tucked the pendant into her sleeve and waited for the audience with Emperor Qingyuan.

Meanwhile, someone else was equally anxious: Cui Qiong. Upon receiving news, he didn’t even wait for a carriage, riding a fast horse directly to Cui Jue’s studio.

“The situation in Rouran has changed!” Cui Qiong panted as he entered, wiping sweat from his brow. “The previous surrender letter was shelved. To show sincerity, the new King of Rouran has offered to send a hostage prince to Great Xia! The Emperor has summoned the Prince of Huai to discuss it!”

“A hostage? Do we know who?” Inside the palace, Gu Wanlan asked the same question as Cui Jue.

Emperor Qingyuan tossed aside a scroll and walked out from behind his desk. “This is the primary reason I summoned you today. You grew up on the Rouran plains; have you ever heard of a man named Suobude?”

Gu Wanlan thought for a long time before replying, “Suobude is the ninth son of the former Rouran King. It is said his mother was a Great Xia slave. He was never favored and was not raised by the King’s side. Few have seen him; I never encountered him back then.”

The Emperor sighed. “Correct. But he is the hostage the new King is sending.”

Gu Wanlan’s mind cleared instantly. “The new King took the throne from his brother through dishonorable means. Many of the former King’s sons were killed. He wants to use Great Xia’s hands to eliminate a nephew who might threaten him!”

The Emperor nodded. “His motive is obvious to everyone.” He looked deeply at Gu Wanlan. “What is General Ji’s view on this?”

Gu Wanlan lowered her head. “I…”

The Emperor was clearly intrigued. Sending a hostage was a chance to destabilize Rouran from within without losing a single soldier. However, he feared killing a tiger only to raise a wolf. He was undecided.

Gu Wanlan knew the Emperor didn’t truly need her tactical advice; her special status was what was useful. This was her chance—a chance to reclaim her identity as “Ji Lin” sooner. She knelt solemnly. “Whatever His Majesty thinks is what I think. I shall follow your every command.”

“Hahaha! Longfeng truly raised a brilliant daughter! Wonderful!” The Emperor laughed heartily, his frustration from arguing with the Prince of Huai vanishing.

“Gu Wanlan, among the skilled martial artists in the capital, you are the most familiar with Rouran. As the daughter of the Protector Duke, no one will suspect you. Therefore, the task of monitoring the hostage falls to you.”

“The hostage arrives in half a month. I hereby appoint you, Gu Wanlan, as the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, with the title ‘Flying Kite’. You are granted a golden mask and full authority to monitor the hostage in secret and report directly to me!”

Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard? This made her the Emperor’s top confidant! Gu Wanlan was dazed by this massive “meat pie” falling from the sky.

Xiao Chen reacted first, pulling her sleeve. “Commander, give thanks quickly.”

Gu Wanlan snapped back to reality and performed a formal salute. “I, Flying Kite, shall not fail Your Majesty’s trust!”

Cui Qiong didn’t understand why Cui Jue’s face had turned so pale upon hearing the hostage’s identity. Nevertheless, he waited with Cui Jue at the palace gates, assuming his brother was waiting for an important figure.

Instead, they saw Gu Wanlan emerging with Xiao Chen.

Cui Qiong was about to go forward to mock her, but Cui Jue—who had been sitting in the carriage like an ice sculpture—moved faster.

“Lady Gu!”

Xiao Chen had been about to invite Gu Wanlan to dinner to celebrate her promotion, but Cui Jue’s voice cut him off. Xiao Chen looked past him and saw Cui Qiong. A flash of irritation crossed his heart. He leaned down and whispered in Gu Wanlan’s ear.

“Lady Gu, Cui Jue is deeply involved with the Cui family. He is not as simple as he appears.”

“Actually, I…” Gu Wanlan began, but her wrist was suddenly grabbed.

“Wanlan!” It was Cui Jue.

Xiao Chen’s expression changed. His thumb flicked the hilt of his sword with a clack. “Let go of her! Do not be rude before the palace gates!”

Under the sunlight, Cui Jue narrowed his eyes, sizing Xiao Chen up. He knew this man. It was always him, hiding in her carriage, taking her away. Powerful, fit, sturdy—exactly the type Gu Wanlan might like.

Cui Jue slowly let go of her hand. “Master Xiao, I have no intention of causing a scene…”

Xiao Chen knew he should probably leave since Cui Jue clearly had business with her. But a surge of stubbornness prevented him from backing down before this man. “Lady Gu, the Guard—”

“I simply wished to discuss the wedding date with Wanlan again,” Cui Jue said softly.

The words dropped like a thunderclap.

The… the wedding date? How could this be? She had only been back for a few weeks!

Xiao Chen felt as if his head had been struck; his ears rang. He stared at Gu Wanlan, who was also stunned.

But someone else was faster. “Wedding date?! You’re actually going to marry this village girl, Gu Wanlan?!”

It was Cui Qiong, standing there as if the sky had fallen.