Cannon Fodder

After the banquet, Gu Lan and Mu Yuyan returned to the imperial palace to continue enjoying flowers and wine.

Beneath the winter snow, only the wintersweet blossomed bravely, sprinkling red stars amidst the snowy landscape.

"My dear, your poetry deeply resonates with my heart," Mu Yuyan's eyes sparkled with affection as she teased Gu Lan with a playful smile.

Gu Lan, feeling slightly overwhelmed by Mu Yuyan's teasing gaze, steadied himself with a sip of clear wine.

He looked at the wintersweet garden and remarked with a smile, "Sometimes, Madam, I feel you're much like this wintersweet—independent, unafraid of harsh winds and frost... 'A lonely phoenix soars to claim the dragon throne,' fits you perfectly."

"Do you have any new poetry for me?"

Mu Yuyan's expectant and greedy eyes looked at Gu Lan.

Each time she listened to Gu Lan recite poetry, it was her greatest pleasure.