Reborn to Become A Queen: The Real Heiress's Comeback-Chapter 429: Luring the Snake out of Its Hole

Mu Yan looked at Zhan Lan’s expression and understood—every step was within her plan.

Lan’er sometimes acted swiftly, taking bold risks, and sometimes she meticulously set traps, advancing step by step with caution.

Lan’er had once told him how Zhan Xuerou sent people to assassinate her years ago, and ultimately found someone to take the blame.

His Lan’er was definitely not someone who let grudges go unanswered, but all of her plans were aimed at fully exposing Zhan Xuerou’s true face to everyone.

Otherwise, even if she killed her enemy, it would only create enmity within their family.

Zhan Lan had anticipated that Zhan Xuerou would surely be kidnapped—but the perpetrator would either be Si Jun or another person!

After all, back then Zhan Lan had gone through grueling efforts to search for the midwife, only for her to be killed later—this made Zhan Lan realize that Li had accomplices.

The person who helped Li conceal evidence and protect Zhan Xuerou’s identity had yet to reveal themselves.

Zhan Lan grew suspicious, so she deliberately had Dugu Yan spread news that Si Jun was hunting Zhan Xuerou.

With Zhan Xuerou’s life at stake, her hidden supporter would certainly emerge, and Zhan Lan’s true intent was to lure the snake out of its hole.

Inside the cabin, Zhan Lan looked at Mu Yan. "Tomorrow night, the Empress will host a palace banquet. I fear her motives won’t be simple."

During the Double Ninth Festival, there is a custom of drinking and feasting to pray for longevity, and the Empress is hosting the banquet to pray for the Emperor’s long life.

"Lan’er is right. She must want to see the imperial edict left by Emperor Xuanwu. Once she confirms that the successor listed in the edict is her son, Emperor Xuanwu may not survive until dawn."

"The Empress isn’t the only one harboring these thoughts," Zhan Lan remarked as she gazed at the lake’s surface, seemingly calm but teeming with hidden currents.

"Si Jun won’t miss this opportunity." Mu Yan’s fingers brushed lightly against the table. "Lan’er, you shouldn’t attend the banquet tomorrow night."

Zhan Lan smirked. "I understand you’re worried about my safety."

Her hand caressed Mu Yan’s cheek. "But, Mu Yan, I feel the same way about you—I can’t let go of my concern for you either."

Her eyes softened as she gazed at Mu Yan.

Mu Yan’s hand covered hers, and the mutual care between them stirred a trace of sweetness in his heart.

"Very well. Tomorrow, stay by my side. Don’t leave my sight," he ordered domineeringly.

Zhan Lan playfully tapped his nose. "You—do you take me for someone so weak?"

Mu Yan smiled and, with his defined fingers, pulled her into his arms to enjoy the riverside scenery together.

Night fell. Zhan Lan rested lightly in Mu Yan’s embrace while he watched her wake. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓

He lowered a small boat, and together they rowed across the lake, arriving at the junction of Wangjiang Lake and the Grand Canal.

Soon, a few merchant ships passed by on the lake. Mu Yan stood on the shore and lit the lotus lantern in his hand.

As the lotus lantern illuminated, the lanterns on several merchant ships quickly went out, followed by the sounds of fighting onboard.

Before long, the lake returned to calm, and the ships’ lanterns reignited.

"Lan’er, the ships carry weapons, gunpowder, and other military supplies prepared by the Minister of War for Si Jun in secret," Mu Yan said.

Zhan Lan frowned. She had long suspected Si Jun’s palace coup, but Mu Yan’s intelligence seemed to surpass hers.

The cold river breeze stirred the hem of Mu Yan’s robe. "Si Jun’s scheme will likely unfold tomorrow night."

"Will intercepting the military supplies now alert the snake?" Zhan Lan asked with a trace of worry.

Mu Yan’s lips curved. "Lan’er, you need to trust your husband."

Zhan Lan didn’t ask further; Mu Yan’s strategies were never so simple. He undoubtedly had another plan waiting in the wings.

She began to anticipate tomorrow’s palace banquet!

...

On Double Ninth, Ding’an City was adorned with blooming chrysanthemums everywhere.

Zhan Lan smiled brightly at a red chrysanthemum on her windowsill. Picking it up, she placed it next to her cherished orchid.

Xue Lingling, unfamiliar with the Double Ninth Festival, came running over from Vermilion Bird’s courtyard. Seeing the entire yard covered with blossoming chrysanthemums, she excitedly knocked on Zhan Lan’s door.

"Come in."

Xue Lingling saw Zhan Lan holding scissors, trimming the leaves of a cornelian tree. Curious, she asked, "Princess, what day is today? Why is it so lively? And what’s that on your head?"

Zhan Lan smiled, cutting off a section of the green cornelian leaves adorned with small red fruits.

She tucked it into Xue Lingling’s hair. "This is cornelian. Today is the Double Ninth Festival—people either wear cornelian sachets or adorn themselves with cornelian leaves."

"Why wear cornelian?" Xue Lingling’s curiosity was boundless.

Zhan Lan patiently explained, "According to legend, during the Eastern Han dynasty, there was a man named Huan Jing in Runan County. His village was struck by a plague, and his parents died. Seeking a cure, Huan Jing traveled to Southeast Mountain to apprentice under a master. The sage Fei Changfang gifted him a Demon-suppressing Azure Dragon Sword. Huan Jing trained tirelessly, day and night.

One day, Fei Changfang warned him, ’On the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, the plague demon will return. You must go home to protect your people.’ He then gave Huan Jing a pouch of cornelian leaves and a bottle of chrysanthemum wine, advising his villagers to ascend a hill to ward off calamity.

On the appointed day, Huan Jing led his family and villagers up a nearby mountain.

The cornelian leaves distributed among them repelled the demon. Chrysanthemum wine, taken by all, protected them from illness. He fought fiercely, eventually slaying the demon. Since then, the people along the banks of the Ru River have marked the ninth day of the ninth month as the Double Ninth Festival, celebrating with mountain climbing and storytelling traditions that continue to this day."

Xue Lingling listened intently. "So that’s why—it’s just like how our Poisonous Insect Clan conducts its sacrificial rituals, dancing exorcism rites while wearing vibrant flower crowns!"

Zhan Lan smiled and nodded. "Ling’er, tonight the Prince and I will attend the palace banquet, but I’ll have the kitchen prepare a sumptuous feast for you to share with Liu Xi and Xiao Tao."

Today on Double Ninth, Bai Chen would return to Prince Zhen Nan’s manor, leaving only the Hidden Guard, Liu Xi, and Xiao Tao besides those on duty.

"Got it. Thank you, Princess. Tonight’s palace banquet sounds like it’ll be thrilling!" Xue Lingling’s eyes sparkled.

Zhan Lan’s gaze turned profound. "It will indeed be thrilling—with mountaintop ascents and Double Ninth Cakes to enjoy..."

Xue Lingling caught the key point. "Are Double Ninth Cakes tasty?"

Zhan Lan chuckled. "Double Ninth Cakes are also called flower cakes. Each layer is filled with dried apples, peaches, apricots, and dates—they’re quite delicious."

Xue Lingling licked her lips. "They sound delicious already!"

Zhan Lan patted her on the shoulder. "Then stay in the manor tonight and don’t wander around. I’ll have the chef make extra Double Ninth Cakes for you."

Xue Lingling beamed. "Thank you, Princess—you’re the best!"

Zhan Lan chuckled softly as Xue Lingling happily dashed off.

Her smile gradually faded as she thought to herself that tonight would be no ordinary night.