My Wife Turns Out to be an Empress of the Dynasty

Chapter 17 Imperial Support; Royal Decree

Gu Lan raised an eyebrow as he looked over, noticing a slightly stooped old man with a few official attendants entering the grain store. When the old man sensed Gu Lan's gaze, the wrinkles on his face formed a smile, and he approached with hurried steps.

"Lord Dou?" Gu Lan smiled faintly. "Why are you here instead of at the yamen?"

Langzhou City was large, with the yamen located in the west and Gu Residence in the east. Casual strolls from one place to another were practically impossible.

Dou Fu cupped his hands and truthfully replied, "Master Gu's Grain Store is opening, how can I, as an official, not come and support? I heard the news and came over immediately."

In fact, Dou Fu had assigned a small yamen officer to watch over the east of the city since the day Gu Lan registered.

Though they couldn't enter the Gu family home, gathering information about Gu's Grain Store was still feasible. After explaining this, Dou Fu turned to the annoying women nearby and coldly said, "Do you ladies recognize me?"

"You are Lord Dou..."

Realizing that the old man in front of them was Langzhou's Prefect, the women fell silent instantly. They had never expected that the owner of a small grain store would know the prefectural governor, causing him to enthusiastically come and show support.

"As long as you recognize me," Dou Fu continued sternly, "you are disturbing Master Gu and obstructing the business of the grain store by blocking the entrance. This is a crime of disturbing public order. I will..."

Dou Fu's scolding continued, spitting out saliva.

"Never mind, Lord Dou." Gu Lan glanced at the scolding for a while, fearing that this old man might drag these women back to yamen for his sake later. Despite the women's unruly behavior, their offenses did not warrant such severe consequences.

"Since you ladies are not buying grain, please leave."

With these words, the women became unsure of what to do, looking timidly at Dou Fu.

Dou Fu glared, "What are you waiting for? Master Gu has said that you can leave. Why aren't you going?"

"Thank you, Lord, for your mercy. Thank you, Master Gu, for your forgiveness!"

The women finally understood the situation. Although they felt uneasy, they nodded repeatedly and hurriedly left. They feared that saying anything more would lead to accusations at the yamen.

After today, news of the connection between Gu's Grain Store and the yamen would surely spread in the city. There would be fewer troublemakers, and with the official support from Langzhou Prefect, more people would buy grain.

Gu Lan felt relieved, observing the flattering old man. He found the sight more pleasing now.

With the matter resolved, Dou Fu turned around and, after a moment of contemplation, began to state his purpose, "Master Gu, the reason I came today is also for these grains..."

"Alright." Gu Lan nodded in agreement, smiling brightly.

...

In the twilight, the three of them rode in a carriage back to the residence.

Although Old Yang and Liu Yexi had been busy all day and were tired, they were quite happy as they tallied the accounts.

The profits were not substantial, only equivalent to a month's revenue from the teahouse. However, knowing that these grains would save many suffering lives made the exhaustion worthwhile.

After getting off the carriage, Liu Yexi glanced at the lights in the residence and, noticing Gu Lan doing the same, teased, "Old Yang and I will go cook. Master has been out all day; I'm sure he's eager to see Madam!"

In the absence of the female Emperor, Liu Yexi didn't need to adhere to the formalities of court etiquette, and her youthful nature became much more lively.

Old Yang vigorously nodded in agreement.

Gu Lan laughed freely and admitted, "You both truly understand me. As the ancients said, 'When there is a beauty, one cannot forget her. A day without seeing her feels like madness... Longing for Madam is simply a common human sentiment.'"

Gu Lan walked briskly towards the study.

Outside the window, the shadow of the beauty was cast through the candlelight, graceful and enchanting.

Wow. Our young master is really capable of saying such sentimental words. No wonder he and Madam are inseparable every day...

Behind him, Liu Yexi and Old Yang stood still, looking up and shivering with goosebumps.

...

Gu Lan entered the study.

Mu Yuyan was holding a book, completely absorbed.

Her jade-like arm supported her fragrant cheek, and her phoenix eyes flickered like stars. Occasionally, her slender jade fingers turned a page, creating a serene and beautiful scene.

Approaching quietly, Gu Lan discovered that she wasn't reading her usual romantic novels but his recently written agricultural classic, Important Methods to Condition the People's Living.

"My lady, are you interested in this kind of books?"