In this еxchаngе, Маdаm Zhou’s exрrеssion turned еxtremеlу unрlеаsаnt, just as Zhuangshаn entered, leaning affесtionаtelу оn Zhuаng Shiуang’s аrm.
Наn Yаn оfferеd them a faint smilе. "Fаther, Sistеr Yu Shan."
The mоment Zhuang Shiуang saw hеr, аngеr surgеd within him. Тhе inсident that mоrning hаd humiliatеd him bеfоre thе cоurt оfficials. Тhоugh evеryone сame to оffеr сongrаtulations, theу аll knеw he dislikеd this dаughtеr. Yеt, shе hаd somеhоw manаged tо marry thе Xuаn Qing Рrinсe, whоsе роwer and influenсe were immense. Wоuldn’t he have tо bow to Нan Yаn in thе future? Тhe thought only fueled his resentment.
Zhuangshan gritted her teeth in silent fury. She had thought that with the matter of the heir, she could finally hold her head high. Zhuang Hanyan was supposed to become a jealous, unwanted woman. But now, news had spread that the Xuan Qing Prince intended to marry her as his princess consort. Not to mention how prestigious and luxurious the Xuan Qing Prince’s Mansion was within the Great Dynasty, the Xuan Qing Prince himself was the dream of countless young ladies in their chambers. Yet Zhuang Hanyan—a woman with no talent, no beauty, and no favor—how could she be so fortunate!
With a forced smile, Zhuangshan said, "Having heard about the Prince and Fourth Sister’s matter, I came here to offer my congratulations." She looked at Han Yan. "But now that you are to become the Princess Consort, Fourth Sister, it would be best not to show yourself in public like this. If you were to disgrace the Prince’s reputation, I fear rumors might spread about the Zhuang family’s shortcomings."
Upon hearing this, Zhuang Shiyang immediately snapped angrily, "As a young lady, instead of staying in the mansion, what are you doing running around outside? Hmph! Don’t think that just because you’ve climbed to a higher branch, you can act lawlessly!"
Such harsh words—who else would speak to their own flesh and blood like this? Han Yan lowered her head, a mocking smile curling at the corner of her lips. Perhaps it was because the blood flowing in her veins wasn’t truly his?
She replied, "Father may not be aware, but the Xuan Qing Prince’s proposal is an honor for the Zhuang family. Unfortunately, since my mother passed away, I haven’t had a single piece of jewelry worthy of wearing." Her attire was exceedingly plain, a stark contrast to Zhuangshan’s opulent and vibrant appearance. Seeing Zhuang Shiyang’s expression grow somewhat awkward, she added, "So I went out to purchase some clothing and jewelry for myself, lest the Xuan Qing Prince take offense later. That would truly bring disgrace upon the Zhuang family."
If word spread that an unwed princess consort dressed so shabbily, the Xuan Qing Prince’s anger could indeed bring harm to the Zhuang family. Clearing his throat, Zhuang Shiyang said, "In that case, go ahead and buy some jewelry."
Zhuangshan, however, spoke with a hint of bitterness. "Why would Fourth Sister say such a thing? Once you become the Princess Consort, you’ll have endless silks and satins at your disposal. Why would you need to buy your own?"
Han Yan smiled faintly in return. "You’re right. I suppose Miss Li is about to marry into Prince Wei’s household, and the heir must be very fond of her. Once the heir’s consort enters the household, she will surely be treated with great affection. In that case, Sister Yu Shan might be overlooked, so it would be wise for Sister Yu Shan to prepare carefully for herself. Shu Hong." She turned and instructed, "Take all the jewelry I just bought and give it to Sister Yu Shan. She will have use for it."
Ji Lan stifled a laugh inwardly. No wonder Han Yan had bought such a large pile of gaudy and cheap jewelry on their way back to the mansion. She had wondered why her lady’s taste had suddenly become so poor. Now it seemed she had anticipated the Second Young Miss’s provocation all along.Zhuangshan was so enraged by Han Yan's words that she nearly spat blood. Han Yan's remarks, both overtly and covertly, implied that Zhuangshan was merely a concubine, overshadowed by the legitimate wife of the heir. Naturally, she dared not oppose the heir's wife—not only was the heir's wife of higher status, but as the daughter of the Right Chancellor, she was someone a mere illegitimate daughter of a fifth-rank official could not afford to provoke. Filled with frustration, Zhuangshan glared at Han Yan's composed demeanor, nearly grinding her teeth in fury as she spat out, "Then I thank you, Fourth Sister."
Han Yan smiled without a word.
Madam Zhou sensed the tension between the two sisters and was infuriated by Han Yan's arrogance, yet she dared not speak recklessly. Han Yan's status was now far more elevated, and she was no longer someone Madam Zhou could easily challenge. However, Madam Da Zhou's eyes flickered as she attempted to smooth things over with a smile. "Sisters should always support one another. In the future, when Yan'er enters the Xuan Qing Prince's Mansion and Yu'er enters Prince Wei's mansion, you must visit each other often."
Zhuangshan snorted disdainfully, but Han Yan nodded and said, "Rest assured, I will take good 'care' of Sister Yushan."
After exchanging pleasantries with Madam Zhou and the others, Han Yan returned to the Clear Autumn Courtyard. Sitting on the couch, she felt her entire body aching with exhaustion—the day's turmoil had drained much of her energy. Frowning, she pressed a hand to her forehead.
Ji Lan brought her tea and hesitated for a moment before finally asking, "Miss, about that Abi today..."
Han Yan paused her movements and asked, "What about her?"
Ji Lan glanced at Shu Hong and spoke cautiously, "Does Miss not trust her?"
Han Yan countered, "Do you think I should?"
Ji Lan hesitated, but seeing Han Yan's encouraging gaze, she understood her mistress wanted her to continue. "This servant feels that Abi didn't seem to be lying. But Miss's final remark implied she hadn't spoken the truth today, and this servant doesn't understand."
Han Yan smiled and turned to Shu Hong, who had remained silent. "Shu Hong, didn't you notice anything amiss either?"
Shu Hong nodded, then shook her head, before finally looking at Han Yan and uttering two words: "The master..."
"Exactly," Han Yan praised with a nod. "That's where the problem lies."
"Miss..." Ji Lan still didn't understand and looked at Han Yan in confusion.
"Abi shifted all the blame onto the master," Han Yan explained. "But she forgot that the master was only a minor official back then. How could he have had the authority to deal with a group of people like that? Even if they were servants in the mansion, unless they were bound by life contracts, killing or arbitrarily dismissing people would have drawn investigation from the authorities."
Ji Lan was stunned at first, then suddenly understood. No wonder—Abi had repeatedly claimed that everything was done by the master, but now, hearing Han Yan's explanation, it did seem suspicious.
"She didn't mention anyone else at all, which is strange. The matter of the Donghou Prince couldn't possibly have been concealed by just one or two people. Even if it was kept secret, in Abi's account, there were no other related individuals. It was as if it were solely between Mother and the master—that's highly unusual."
Han Yan tightened her grip on the teacup. "And her biggest flaw was herself."
Now it was Shu Hong's turn to be puzzled. She looked at Han Yan and asked, "What does Miss mean by that?""She possesses such a masterful embroidery skill," Han Yan said with a smile. "I once saw her embroidery work in that basket. Though she tried to conceal it, it was still exquisitely crafted. With that level of craftsmanship, she could easily work as an embroiderer in any wealthy household, and she wouldn’t have to live in such destitution as she does now."
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