Three gunshots drowned out all the screams, and people, terrified, huddled with their heads down in place, having even forgotten to flee in the wake of overwhelming panic.
A few bold media workers, crouching on the ground, continued to film the scenes around them.
In the camera’s frame appeared the tall woman, standing straight-backed, calm and noble, while everyone around her was either squatting, lying prone, or bending over.
"This country, this Royal Palace... does not permit anyone to slander at will," Leng Xiaoye surveyed the people slowly rising around her. "I will get to the bottom of this matter, and regardless of the truth, I will give everyone an explanation. Until then, I do not permit anyone to speculate and demean the Royal Family’s dignity. The Teresa Family appreciates every citizen concerned about us and will not give any opportunity to those seeking to cause trouble. David!"
The security captain immediately ran to her side.
"Evacuate the crowd, if anyone is injured, bring them to the Royal Palace’s medical room, and if anyone causes a disturbance, arrest them immediately and transfer them to the police," she commanded.
"Yes!" the security captain replied solemnly, "Everyone, move out."
At that moment, a large number of security personnel had already rushed over from all directions of the Royal Palace, and upon hearing the order, they sprang into action, trained and swift, beginning to disperse the media and the crowd.
With Leng Xiaoye’s orders given priority, no one dared to challenge the authority of force anymore. As for the King and Queen, the citizens had always adored and supported them; this time, they still chose to trust them, dispersing and waiting for the Royal Palace’s statement.
The media were unwilling to go too far, only retreating to a safe distance.
Some then turned away from the Royal Palace, seeking out Gan Yuan for follow-up coverage.
The commotion in front of the Royal Palace quickly subsided, and within moments, even the water bottles and banners dropped on the ground had been cleaned up, just as the host of A Country’s largest television station had said.
"To quell the disturbance, the Royal Family took less than ten minutes. In the face of a crisis, the Royal Palace remained as imposing and steady as a mountain, without a hint of disarray," they stated.
A pharmacy three streets away from the Royal Palace.
When the glass door was pushed open, the employees who were watching the live broadcast on the website immediately looked up, smiling as they began to speak.
"Hello, may I...?" As soon as they saw the person coming in, their smiles immediately disappeared. "You... you are...?"
Gan Yuan picked up items like medical cotton from the shelves and placed them on the counter, reaching into her bag for her wallet.
"Not selling!" The employee quickly gathered the medical cotton from the table into her arms, "Get out!"
"Our products will not be sold to someone like you, you impostor!" the employee said with a face full of excitement. As a loyal supporter of the **** of the future, although she had not participated in the rally in front of the Royal Palace, she had seen everything through the live webcast. Seeing her revered **** pushed to the ground by Gan Yuan nearly brought her to tears, and now she was in a state of righteous indignation. Seeing Gan Yuan coming to her pharmacy to shop, she could no longer control her emotions.
"I will not allow you to treat our Duke that way. I..." The employee looked around and grabbed a pack of medical cotton, wanting to throw it at her, but the sight of Gan Yuan’s face scared her into holding back. "You... you better leave, or... or else I’ll call the police!"
Gan Yuan naturally felt displeased at being refused service, and her initial frown deepened into an urge to lash out. But when she heard the employee’s upset over Huangfu Jue, the anger in her heart dissipated instead.