Reborn to Become A Queen: The Real Heiress's Comeback
Chapter 536: The Empress Arrives!

Chapter 536: Chapter 536: The Empress Arrives!

The common folk watched as Lady Guoyue raised the Death Exemption Token high, murmuring amongst themselves.

"I’ve heard of the Xu Family’s arrogance, all because Lady Guoyue is Xu Chun’s godmother. I didn’t expect it to be true!"

Someone tutted and shook their head, "Looks like today’s matter can’t be handled officially!"

"Xu Chun is really lucky, it seems. To have a godmother that protects him like this!"

"But what exactly is Lady Guoyue’s relationship with the late emperor? How could she have a Death Exemption Token bestowed by him?"

"Who knows? With the Death Exemption Token, it seems Xu Chun will just get away with anything!"

A smug smile appeared on Xu Chun’s face, and Mrs. Xu wiped her tears, looking at the Death Exemption Token with pride.

Mr. Xu also heaved a big sigh of relief.

Prefect Zhao looked embarrassed. How could Lady Guoyue have a Death Exemption Token personally bestowed by the late emperor?

Two lanterns illuminated the token, and he squinted to take a closer look.

A large character ’免’ (exempt) and exquisite dragon patterns on it, the Death Exemption Token was authentic!

Li Sui’s gaze darkened. Even though he was now an official, could he really not get justice for his parents?

Mr. Li sighed, ready to accept his misfortune.

Mrs. Li tugged on Li Sui’s sleeve, whispering, "Son, maybe we should just let it go? At least now the truth is out, and we haven’t really lost anything."

They were ordinary folk, accustomed to swallowing grievances in the face of power, grateful to survive without serious harm in the end as a stroke of luck amidst misfortune.

Li Sui was unwilling, and Prefect Zhao said in a voice that only the two could hear, "Mr. Li, Lady Guoyue has the Death Exemption Token. As a lesser official, my words hold little weight. Perhaps let this matter rest for now. I will report it."

Li Sui understood that with the token present, he could only swallow his grievances. It was a family matter, and he did not want to trouble Zhan Lan with personal concerns.

"Very well, I leave it to you, Lord Zhao."

Hearing Li Sui’s concession, Prefect Zhao spoke loudly to the common people, "It’s quite cold out, everyone should disperse!"

Lady Guoyue cast a contemptuous glance at Li Sui, then at his parents.

She thought to herself: Li Sui is nothing more than this, a mere youth who can only obediently comply when faced with the late emperor’s Death Exemption Token!

Lady Guoyue lowered the Death Exemption Token in her hand, preparing to leave with Xu Chun.

Mrs. Xu’s face could not hide her joy, arrogantly speaking with a kerchief in hand, "Son, let’s go home. With your godmother’s Death Exemption Token, let’s see who dares to bully you again!"

Mr. Xu was also extraordinarily delighted, their smug demeanor was heartwarming to behold.

Xu Chun no longer needed to be punished or sent to the border. He beamed as he clung to Lady Guoyue’s arm, speaking softly with a smile, "Godmother, your ability is indeed great; look, some people’s faces have turned green with anger!"

Lady Guoyue patted his hand, smiling at the corners of her lips, "Naturally!"

The two were ready to leave, sharing a smile, when suddenly, organized footsteps could be heard from the distance.

The sound grew closer and clearer; it was already dark, and although people couldn’t see who was arriving, they were certain the steps were the march of the Imperial Army within Ding’an City.

Lady Guoyue grasped Xu Chun’s sleeve, looking toward the direction of the sound.

She lifted her chin haughtily, maintaining a calm demeanor.

The common people, who had been about to leave in disappointment, returned upon hearing the commotion.

The Imperial Army divided into two rows, with several lanterns embroidered with phoenixes carried by young eunuchs. In the middle was a phoenix carriage, exuding majesty and nobility, gold tassels shimmering with every move.

A young eunuch shouted, "Her Majesty the Queen has arrived!"

This proclamation stirred a tumultuous wave of emotions in everyone!

"The Queen is here!"

"Did I hear correctly, Her Majesty the Queen has arrived?"

The common people were in disbelief, and Li Sui had mixed feelings. The sky was already dark, shouldn’t Her Majesty be in the palace?

He did not want to disturb Zhan Lan with his family’s affairs.

Mr. Li and Mrs. Li were shocked at heart. The queen, was she the one who had once bought jade pots at their store?

They were filled with excitement and exhilaration, feeling warm despite the cold.

Xu Chun was startled, the Queen? Wasn’t Her Majesty also Great General Zhan Lan!

Why would Her Majesty come here?

Mr. Xu and Mrs. Xu felt a bit afraid, but after exchanging glances, they thought even with the Queen present, Lady Guoyue had the Death Exemption Token, what could Her Majesty do to them?

Lord Zhao knelt on the ground, his gaze flashing with shock and confusion.

Before him was the Queen! Why would she come to this not-so-busy street in Ding’an City?

Could it really be because of Li Sui?

In an instant, the common folk all knelt, shouting, "Long live Her Majesty the Queen! Long live a thousand years!"

Only Lady Guoyue remained composed, watching as a woman more beautiful and remarkable than herself, illuminated by palace lanterns, was helped down from the phoenix carriage by her personal maidservant.

Lady Guoyue clutched the Death Exemption Token tightly. This was Zhan Lan, even more beautiful than the legends said!

It was a face that made women envy at sight!

Zhan Lan instantly spotted Lady Guoyue, the woman opposite her was no easy character!

Her grandfather was to be buried the next day, and she needed to return to the General Mansion first.

She hadn’t expected to hear about Li Sui’s family situation midway, prompting her swift intervention.

"Rise, all of you!" Zhan Lan raised her hand.

The common folk stood up from the ground, most having never seen Zhan Lan, not daring to look directly at her visage, only sneaking a peek before hurriedly bowing their heads.

That single glance left the common folk in awe, for Her Majesty’s appearance and demeanor were unparalleled in the world!

The self-confidently beautiful Lady Guoyue was instantly outshone by Her Majesty the Queen!

The difference was like heaven and earth, a phoenix compared to a barnyard fowl!

Lady Guoyue felt uncomfortable, never having seen such enraptured expressions from the common folk directed at herself.

She bit her lip gently, raising her eyes to stare directly at Zhan Lan, unexpectedly catching Zhan Lan’s sweeping gaze, "Who might this be, who does not kneel upon seeing me?"

Lady Guoyue smiled faintly, reluctantly curtsying, "Lady Guoyue greets Her Majesty the Queen."

Zhan Lan’s eyes darkened, beckoning Commander Yang Wu of the Imperial Army beside her.

Yang Wu immediately stepped forward, positioning himself behind Lady Guoyue, kicking the crook of her knee.

Lady Guoyue screamed, the immense pain making her feel as if her leg had broken!

Her face was drained of color, incredulous that Zhan Lan would have someone do this!

Zhan Lan was only on her first day as Queen!

Since ancient times, a Queen was the Mother of the Country, expected to be virtuous and benevolent, considerate to the people.

Yet Zhan Lan disregarded her own reputation, allowing such rough actions against her!

She gritted her back teeth, looking at Zhan Lan.

Zhan Lan bestowed her a single glance with disdain, her authoritative voice rolling down, "Since you do not understand the rules, I shall teach you properly!"

With just a fleeting glance, Lady Guoyue felt a chill run through her whole body!

Zhan Lan’s presence was overwhelming; she hardly seemed like someone new to queenship! Just one look and Lady Guoyue felt as if a sword dangled above her head, ready to fall and cut her down at any moment!