The river repair proceeded in an orderly fashion and was completed a month later.
The villagers, looking at the repaired riverbanks, cheered with joy. They could finally return home.
Filled with gratitude, they sought out Jun Yelan and Lan Yan, only to find that the two of them had disappeared.
Meanwhile, Lan Yan was by the riverbank, preparing for a bonfire party. She made a list of necessary items and handed it to Xia Lian. Lan Yan herself sat by the bonfire, resting her chin on her hands.
Jun Yelan pushed the wheelchair over, holding a stack of papers. He handed them to Lan Yan and said, "I have submitted all matters here to the Emperor, and new officials will arrive shortly."
"We can return too."
Lan Yan carefully reviewed the documents. They even detailed the wrongdoings of the officials from ten years ago, showcasing Jun Yelan's meticulous attention to detail. She nodded, "Your Highness, will things get better here in the future?"
When she first arrived, there were too many problems. After Jun Yelan's actions, everything had changed.
Jun Yelan smiled and nodded. "They will." He knew Lan Yan had invested a lot of effort here and was determined to make things right for her. He wanted Lan Yan to relax and be happy.
Lan Yan looked at Jun Yelan and murmured, "Your Highness, do you know why I care about this place?"
Jun Yelan paused slightly.
"Because the Your Highness here is different," Lan Yan continued. "The Your Highness in the Imperial City always seemed unhappy, suppressing something. But the current Your Highness has regained his former demeanor. This is what I heard from Qin Momo."
Her earlier words were intended to make Jun Yelan realize this point.
Jun Yelan thought of Lan Yan's reactions throughout their journey, her concern for Dingzhou and its people. It was because he saw Lan Yan's dedication that he became invested in this place.
It seemed they were both considering each other. Did this mean Lan Yan harbored feelings for him?
Overjoyed, he reached out to touch Lan Yan's face, his gaze fixed on her red lips.
Lan Yan blinked, looking at Jun Yelan before her.
However, at that moment, the villagers surged forward, led by the aunties and elder women who had worked alongside Lan Yan. They held wine and food, exclaiming joyfully, "Your Highness, Your Highness, this is our homemade wine, a gift for you."
"And our freshly roasted meat, too." Not wanting to disturb the couple, they set down the items and left.
On their way back, they discussed, "These two are a perfect match, both capable and talented. It's truly a blessing they are together."
"Indeed, we can only envy them."
The atmosphere between Lan Yan and Jun Yelan was interrupted, becoming somewhat delicate. She proactively poured two cups of fruit wine and said with a smile, "This is homemade by our fellow villagers. Let's try it."
She handed one cup to Jun Yelan.
Jun Yelan drank it in one gulp.
Lan Yan slowly sipped hers. The sweet taste prompted her to drink another cup. After a few cups, her cheeks flushed, and her head began to feel light.
She turned around, wrapping her arms around Jun Yelan's neck, and asked, "Jun Yelan, don't you like me? Why aren't my favorability points increasing anymore?"
Jun Yelan's pupils widened in shock. He didn't quite understand what "favorability points" meant. But seeing Lan Yan's dazed eyes, he immediately understood that she was speaking nonsensically.
As he was about to answer, his face was cupped.
Lan Yan pulled at Jun Yelan's face, even managing to pull off his mask.
Jun Yelan instinctively tried to turn his head, but his face was held, rendering him immobile. He looked into Lan Yan's eyes, illuminated by the firelight, and his heart began to pound.
How could he not like Lan Yan! He had admired her for a long time!
He clenched his fists, staring at Lan Yan's cheeks, preparing to speak, when Lan Yan suddenly leaned in.
Lan Yan cupped Jun Yelan's cheeks, lowered her head, and planted a light kiss on the scar on his right cheek.
Jun Yelan's body stiffened abruptly, and his fists clenched tighter. After Lan Yan moved away, he was still dazed. Although he knew Lan Yan was drunk, he couldn't bear to let her go.
He directly embraced Lan Yan's waist, cupped her chin, and kissed her lips, which he had longed for.
This taste had appeared in his dreams many times. It was softer than he had imagined, carrying the aroma of fruit wine.
Lan Yan's head swam even more. She felt like she was in an incredibly vivid dream. Since it was a dream, she could do whatever she pleased. She hugged Jun Yelan's back and even bit down on whatever was on his lips.
This action deepened the desire in Jun Yelan's eyes.
The surrounding people were celebrating, and no one noticed them. Only the crackling fire in front of them made noise.
In the end, Jun Yelan carried the sleeping Lan Yan back, pushing the wheelchair.
The system, observing the progress bar on the screen, exclaimed excitedly, "Host, the passing line has been reached." However, Lan Yan was asleep and didn't hear a thing.
The next morning, Jun Yelan sat on the bed, looking at the sleeping Lan Yan with doting eyes. He suddenly realized he didn't need to overthink things; it was only delaying his time with Lan Yan.
A knock sounded at the door. He reluctantly left, looking at Xia Lian standing at the entrance.
Xia Lian noticed the wound on Jun Yelan's lips and then glanced inside the room, instantly understanding everything. She quickly reported, "Your Highness, the new officials have arrived and wish to meet with you."
"And the previous officials are being prepared for escort back to the Imperial City; they are outside the residence."
Jun Yelan tapped his fingers on the armrest of the wheelchair and asked, "Are there any good places to visit nearby?"
Xia Lian paused and replied, "There is a matchmaking temple in Dingzhou. It's said that many lovers go there to seek blessings."
"Arrange for us to go there." Seeing Xia Lian still lingering, Jun Yelan added, "Let the new official come over. As for the previous ones, send them away." He had already obtained the evidence and no longer needed these people.
Xia Lian increasingly felt that Your Highness was different, and all of it was thanks to Your Highness Consort. She followed his instructions and went to handle the matters.
The new official entered and bowed respectfully, "Greetings, Your Highness. Your Highness, I have brought an imperial decree from the Emperor asking when you will return to the city. The Emperor has prepared rewards for you."
"I will return shortly. You need not concern yourself with such matters, sir." Jun Yelan's tone was extremely cold. If his father, the Emperor, truly cared about him, he wouldn't have sent him to Dingzhou.
This was an attempt to use his abilities to eliminate this cancerous growth.
The new official clearly sensed Jun Yelan's displeasure and didn't dare to say more. "Your Highness, this subordinate has heard about Your Highness's actions in Dingzhou. I will manage Dingzhou diligently and ensure no further incidents occur."
"That is what you are supposed to do."
Cold sweat beaded on the new official's forehead. Recalling his wife's instructions, he presented a box of exquisite pastries. "I heard that Your Highness Consort enjoys these. My wife prepared them."
Jun Yelan's expression softened slightly, and he instructed Xia Lian to accept them.
The new official breathed a sigh of relief. His wife was right. As long as he pleased the Consort and made her happy, the Your Highness's attitude wouldn't be a problem.
Now, everyone in the Imperial City knew that the Third Prince's weakness was the Consort.