There was a gate positioned in front of him, and just beyond it stood the court.


    In the vicinity of the gate, people would always maintain an air of tranquility, regardless of how they behaved in the capital. Those who dared to cause amotion would quickly face the consequences, as the imperial army was swift to respond.


    However, the man standing before the gate seemed to be defying this norm by making a significant amount of noise.


    Curiosity piqued, Gu Chaoyan turned her gaze toward Sword One and motioned for her to investigate discreetly without revealing her true identity.


    Sword One descended from the wagon and carefully surveyed the area.


    Before long, the mor subsided, and Sword One returned, rying the information, "Elder Miss, a Young Master from Duke Changning''s Mansion is causing a disturbance here. He insists on seeing you."


    A Young Master from Duke Changning''s Mansion? Lu Jiming?


    It had been quite some time since Gu Chaoyanst encountered this man. What brought him here, disrupting the peace once again?


    What could he possibly want from her?


    Determined to find out, Gu Chaoyan stepped down from the wagon.


    Immediately, her eyes fell upon Lu Jiming, engaged in a heated argument with the imperial army. If not for her presence in the wagon, the soldiers would have likely apprehended him by now. Clearly, he had no grasp of his own position.


    Duke Changning''s Mansion had always been haughty, but they had held a healthy fear of the King. Now that Duke Changning had lost his status, his family seemed to have be even more unruly.


    "Do you really want to see me?" Gu Chaoyan inquired, casting a downward nce at Lu Jiming.


    "Yes!" Lu Jiming ceased his pestering of the imperial army and approached Gu Chaoyan.


    Sword One and Lingyun intercepted him. "Pay your respects to the Queen, now!"


    Reluctantly, Lu Jimingplied.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>


    Afterwards…


    In a mysterious tone, Lu Jiming expressed his desire to speak with Gu Chaoyan privately.


    Gu Chaoyan didn''t entertain the idea but responded straightforwardly, "Say what you have to say now."


    Lu Jiming pondered for a moment and acknowledged that he should respect her. Moreover, he realized that those in her presence held the authority to act upon her orders before taking any action against him.


    Thus, he spoke candidly, "Our engagement was terminated, and Duke Changning''s Mansion has endured significant hardships following your marriage to Lord Huai. My father has lost his standing, and I am no longer addressed as a young master. It has been destructive for us. We are akin to despised rats, unwanted wherever we go."


    "…."


    "The Queen," Lu Jiming continued, "I was once engaged to you, and I was the one you favored. You cannot simply allow me to live such a wretched existence, can you?"


    "…"


    "I have no further requests, except for this, Queen. Could you please grant us some favorable circumstances so that we can lead a decent life? Your history is not entirely tarnished, is it?" Lu Jiming pleaded, taking a significant risk by speaking up despite his wretched present existence. He desperately wished to remain in the capital and regain the life he once had.


    Gu Chaoyan used to harbor affection for him, after all!


    She shouldn''t have been so heartless as to corner him. As the Queen, she should disy kindness andpassion.


    "And who do you think you are?" Gu Chaoyan narrowed her eyes, her voiceced with sternness. "Do you understand the gravity of the crimes you havemitted by spreading rumors about the Queen and trespassing into the court?"


    Gu Chaoyan dered, instructing the imperial army to apprehend him.


    "Inflict severe punishment upon him! Duke Changning has failed to instill proper values in his son, and he can no longer retain his title. I shall report this to the King immediately."