Lan Xian's complexion was exceedingly grim. She did not wish Feng Ran to witness her living in such a state of abject humility.
She tugged at Grandpa Lan's sleeve, but he had no intention of letting go so easily. Instead, he declared loudly, "What's the matter? Feng Ran killed people back then. Yet, she could still ascend to the position of Regent Consort. If she could do it, why can't you?"
In essence, Grandpa Lan was simply resentful that Feng Ran had become the Regent Consort while his granddaughter had not.
He mused that if Lan Xian could become a secondary consort to the Regent, it would bring endless benefits to the Lan family.
However, observing Lan Xian's demeanor, he felt a surge of anger.
He thought that if he had to rely on Lan Xian, it would likely be an impossible task in this lifetime.
Ultimately, everything Grandpa Lan said was merely to establish a connection with Xuan Yuan Heng.
He wished to leverage Xuan Yuan Heng's power to elevate the Lan family.
Yet, it seemed Grandpa Lan's calculations had gone awry.
As for Lan Xian, Xuan Yuan Heng didn't even deign to spare her a glance.
"Lan Xian, whatever Feng Ran owes you, go and settle it with her yourself."
"Settle it, and if you truly become the Regent's secondary consort, then you won't have to marry to the borderlands."
"If Feng Ran truly remembers your kindness, I daresay she will surely agree."
The surrounding people could naturally not hear the hushed conversation between Grandpa Lan and Lan Xian, but Xuan Yuan Heng, in his heart, heard it all with absolute clarity.
He had intended to immediately take Feng Ran's hand and leave.
However, as his gaze fell upon Feng Ran, he noticed she stood rooted to the spot, her attention entirely fixed on Lan Xian.
For reasons unknown, Xuan Yuan Heng felt a pang of heartache.
He wondered if it would be too cruel for Feng Ran if he were to drag her away then.
He ultimately abandoned the thought of leaving.
Xuan Yuan Heng bent down and whispered into Feng Ran's ear, "Do you wish to speak with Lan Xian alone?"
Feng Ran nodded but dared not act rashly.
For her life was in Xuan Yuan Heng's hands, and she could not wander freely, much less provoke Xuan Yuan Heng.
"I will go over for you..."
Feng Ran shook her head, "No need, may I go myself?"
Xuan Yuan Heng hesitated for a moment, but then nodded.
Grandpa Lan was still speaking with Lan Xian. He nudged Lan Xian and threatened in her ear, "Remember what I just told you."
"I was originally worried there would be no opportunity, but now Feng Ran has delivered one to our doorstep. You must curry favor with her well."
"Remember, if you fail, you will be married to that place on the border."
"You must know what awaits you in that place, you've heard enough."
"Grandfather... Grandfather, but if I do this, it will only make things difficult for Feng Ran."
"So what if she finds it difficult? She owes you. If you were to..." As Grandpa Lan saw Feng Ran approach, he instantly concealed his scheming demeanor.
He looked at Feng Ran and said with utmost amiability, "Feng Ran, please don't take what this old man just said to heart."
"I was merely anxious about Lan Xian's marriage."
"You know, because of what happened back then, no one in this world dares to marry Lan Xian."
"I suppose that even though the borderlands are harsh and cold, it is still a place to rely on."
"I hope Lan Xian will not blame her grandfather for being incompetent and unable to secure a good husband for her."
Grandpa Lan sighed with a semblance of helplessness, his face etched with worry, "If there were any other way, I would certainly not make such a decision."
Grandpa Lan spoke with apparent emotion.
Feng Ran inwardly sneered. This Grandpa Lan had his schemes written all over his face; how could she not know?
If it were in the past, she might have believed Grandpa Lan's words, but now? After experiencing so much, how could she?
Indeed, the human heart was a truly disgusting thing.
"Grandpa Lan, there's no need to put on an act. I heard everything you just said, your plans, and the insults you hurled at Lan Xian." Feng Ran had initially not wanted to expose him directly, but she wanted to have a private word with Lan Xian. However, Grandpa Lan kept standing by, talking incessantly, and she couldn't find any opportunity to speak with Lan Xian.
She was truly anxious, which prompted her to speak out.
As expected, Feng Ran's directness left Grandpa Lan speechless.
Grandpa Lan's face turned extremely ugly. He had experienced so much, yet no one had dared to show him such blatant disrespect, to expose him so openly.
He glared at Feng Ran and said coldly, "Feng Ran, although you are the Regent Consort now, the Lan family was also implicated because of you back then. Now that you have regained the position of Regent Consort, do you not owe some compensation?"
"Feng Ran, you are not welcome here, please leave."
Feng Ran let out a cold scoff. Looking at Grandpa Lan, she realized he still hadn't understood that this was no longer a situation where he could simply tell her to leave.
Facing Grandpa Lan's condescending demeanor, Feng Ran knew that Lan Xian must have suffered much injustice over the years.
Her gaze fell upon Lan Xian's hands. What were once delicate jade-like hands now looked rough and calloused. Even her clothes, though of the latest style, were too large, utterly unfitting for Lan Xian.
"Grandpa Lan, are you sure you want to drive me away?"
"I hope, Grandpa Lan, that you will not regret this when the time comes," Feng Ran said icily. Looking at Grandpa Lan's pale face, she added coldly, "If I leave, the Regent will leave with me, and your grand plans will likely come to naught."
At these words, Grandpa Lan's complexion instantly turned from pale to flushed, then to a sickly green. He had always been respected; no one had ever dared to challenge his authority so brazenly.
Grandpa Lan furtively glanced around. Fortunately, everyone's attention was focused on Xuan Yuan Heng, and they had not noticed the events unfolding here. This was a small consolation, at least it wasn't completely humiliating.
Grandpa Lan, as if putting on a play, smiled at Feng Ran and said, "Since you are so concerned about Lan Xian, and you are like good sisters, why don't you persuade the Regent to take Lan Xian as a secondary consort? Then, you and Lan Xian can be together, looking out for each other. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"
Feng Ran watched as Grandpa Lan's smile grew wider, while he himself exuded an icy chill. "Grandpa Lan," he said coldly, "your schemes have now extended to me."
"Tell me, if the Regent were to find out, would your life still be yours?" Feng Ran said, her voice devoid of warmth.