Reborn to Become A Queen: The Real Heiress's Comeback-Chapter 398: Undercurrents Surge

Zhan Beicang reminisced and said, "Your uncle wrote to me when he had a son back then. In the letter, he mentioned Xiao Chen’s birthday was on the first day of the tenth month, which coincidentally happens to be the same day as Rui’er’s. That’s why I remember it so clearly."

Zhan Lan felt she wasn’t a good elder sister, as she had forgotten both her younger sister’s and a good friend’s birthdays.

"Where’s Rui’er?" Zhan Lan asked.

Zhan Beicang chuckled and replied, "She can’t sit still. Your mother took her and Heng’er out to play."

"Oh." Zhan Lan was about to drink when Xiao Chen deftly poured her a cup of wine.

Zhan Beicang furrowed his brows and said, "Lan’er, pour Xiao Chen a cup of wine. Today is his birthday. You’re no longer his Main General, act appropriately!"

It was only then that Zhan Lan realized she had become accustomed to being cared for by Xiao Chen. Even in small matters like pouring wine, her father had noticed their relationship had some subtle imbalance.

Just as Zhan Lan was about to pour Xiao Chen a drink, Mu Yan suddenly stood up and said, "Allow me to pour Mr. Xiao a cup of wine."

With that, under the astonished gazes of the three, Mu Yan walked over to Xiao Chen’s side.

Xiao Chen immediately stood up, holding his cup with both hands, as Mu Yan poured wine and said, "Thank you, Mr. Xiao, for sending over the peach blossom brew last night. Both myself and Lan’er enjoyed it greatly."

Xiao Chen met Mu Yan’s complex gaze and responded with a faint smile, "I’m glad that the Prince and Princess liked it."

The two raised their cups and downed the drinks together.

Zhan Beicang was about to comment, "Why are you all standing?" when Mu Yan suddenly moved beside him and said, "Your son-in-law toasts his father-in-law."

He poured a cup for Zhan Beicang, then another for himself, offering a toast to Zhan Beicang.

Zhan Beicang smiled slightly, feeling that his son-in-law had indeed given him proper respect.

Mu Yan’s tone was softer than usual as he said, "Thank you, Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, for raising such a wonderful girl like Lan’er."

Zhan Beicang felt a bit awkward but raised his cup and drank it in one gulp.

Mu Yan returned to his seat. Zhan Lan whispered to him, "You’re acting odd today."

Mu Yan quietly held her hand but said nothing, merely smiling.

He truly was grateful to Zhan Beicang and Qin Shuang for bringing Zhan Lan into the world. He was equally grateful for Xiao Chen’s dedicated protection of Zhan Lan during the times when he wasn’t present.

Xiao Chen absentmindedly ate his food, feeling that Mu Yan was rather unusual today.

Based on Mu Yan’s temperament, the moment he poured him wine, he would usually whisper warnings like: "Do not make any moves on Lan’er!"

Or say something threatening.

Yet today, he was uncharacteristically calm.

The four finished the meal in a harmonious atmosphere.

As night fell, Zhan Rui dashed into the room, yelling, "Sister, Brother-in-law, you’re here!" She was wearing a new outfit.

Zhan Heng ran in right after, with Qin Shuang trailing behind, exclaiming, "Slow down! Oh dear, can you both take it slower?"

Zhan Rui and Zhan Heng clung to Zhan Lan’s side. Though they liked Mu Yan, they still felt a bit intimidated and wouldn’t throw themselves at him.

Zhan Beicang eyed the two rambunctious children and scolded, "We have guests. You’re not young anymore, yet you have no manners. Is this what your teacher taught you—to shout and holler?"

Zhan Rui and Zhan Heng drooped their heads, stealing glances at Xiao Chen.

Xiao Chen smiled and said, "It’s alright. They’re both very endearing."

Zhan Rui, noticing Xiao Chen’s handsome appearance, excitedly asked, "Father, who’s this elder brother?"

Zhan Beicang introduced, "This is your elder brother Xiao Chen. From now on, he’ll be your elder brother, understood?"

"Yes!" Zhan Heng said seriously, like a little man, "Greetings, Brother Xiao Chen!"

Zhan Rui also beamed and said, "Greetings, Brother Xiao Chen!"

Seeing Zhan Lan and Mu Yan had arrived as well, Qin Shuang cheerfully remarked, "Dear, I’ll take the children downstairs first so you all can dine."

Zhan Lan followed after Qin Shuang, saying, "Mother, wait for me."

Qin Shuang paused and turned back as Zhan Lan grabbed her hand and led her to a secluded spot, whispering, "Mother, these days are critical. Please be extra cautious when taking Heng’er and Rui’er out. Don’t venture too far. I will arrange Hidden Guards for your protection."

Qin Shuang understood the implication of Zhan Lan’s words. The struggle for the throne was growing intense, and the Zhan Family was at the heart of it.

The Crown Prince, King Wei, Prince Xian, and Prince Qi all wanted to win over the Zhan Family. She was well aware of their intentions.

Until the new emperor ascended the throne, no one in the General Mansion dared to let their guard down.

Qin Shuang patted Zhan Lan’s hand and said, "Lan’er, you must also be cautious. I don’t go out much—I’ll stay in the mansion with the children."

"Alright." Zhan Lan nodded.

Zhan Lan left the room. Zhan Beicang said, "I have a fine jar of wine. Wait for me to fetch it!"

In the main hall, only Mu Yan and Xiao Chen remained.

Xiao Chen looked at Mu Yan and said, "Prince, don’t misunderstand. I only sent a few jars of wine because Lan’er enjoys drinking."

Mu Yan smiled, but his eyes remained cold. "Mr. Xiao and Lan’er are comrades on the battlefield. Why would I mind..."

Just as Xiao Chen thought Mu Yan had changed, Mu Yan continued, "However, Mr. Xiao, have you been less busy lately? Have you captured the Flower Demon yet?"

Xiao Chen was momentarily at a loss for words, then replied, "The Prince has given me a month. I’ll ensure that I catch it!"

Mu Yan nodded approvingly, "Mr. Xiao is indeed a pillar of the nation. I trust you’ll handle the case competently."

Xiao Chen exhaled lightly, only to see Mu Yan’s gaze grow colder by the second as he added, "You’d better conceal your feelings for Lan’er completely. Not a shred must slip. Otherwise, I’ll personally help you seal them."

Xiao Chen was shaken by the icy aura emanating from Mu Yan. This was the real Mu Yan.

Deeply calculating, overwhelmingly possessive, and exceedingly cunning.

Xiao Chen let out a cold laugh, and the trace of respect in his eyes vanished instantly. "I haven’t said anything, and I never will."

Mu Yan’s dark eyes, as black as ink, stared emotionlessly at Xiao Chen. "Remember your words."

Xiao Chen met his gaze, and his eyes grew sharp. His voice firm and powerful, he said, "If the Prince were ever unkind to Lan’er, I would seize her for myself without hesitation!"

Mu Yan replied coldly, "That won’t be necessary for you to worry about!"

Mu Yan had overheard Zhan Beicang mentioning about the childhood engagement between Zhan Lan and Xiao Chen earlier, and it had ignited a firestorm of irritation within him.

Unable to hold back, he had come to warn Xiao Chen to keep his feelings in check.

The two were locked in a silent confrontation, the atmosphere thick with tension, as if a fight could break out at any moment.

Suddenly, they both heard Zhan Lan’s voice, "Hmm? Why is it so quiet?"

She entered the room, to find both Mu Yan and Xiao Chen looking at her with composed expressions, entirely concealing the turbulent undercurrents that had just played out.

Seeing Zhan Beicang’s empty seat, Zhan Lan asked, "Why are you two alone? Where’s my father?"

"Uncle went to fetch the wine," Xiao Chen replied.

"Oh." Zhan Lan sat down, and Mu Yan turned to her and said, "Lan’er, let’s head home. I’m feeling a little dizzy."

She touched Mu Yan’s forehead with the back of her hand, then touched her own, asking, "What’s wrong with you?"

Mu Yan grasped her hand and said, "Mengmeng, I stayed up late last night. I’m tired..."