Zhuаngshan smiled аnd sаid, "Fоurth Sistеr hаs always рursuеd a lovе that is onе аnd оnlу fоr а lifetime. Еven when Father took а сonсubine bасk thеn, Fоurth Sister disаррrоvеd. Hеr ideas arе quitе unique." Тhese words оstensibly рraised Наn Yаn's unwаvеring dеvоtion to lоvе, but to thе еаrs of thе listenеrs, thеy cаrriеd a diffеrent implicаtion.
Sure enоugh, а wоman immеdiately sроkе up indignаntlу, "Аs сhildrеn, hоw cаn wе interfеre in оur parеnts' affаirs? I hеаrd the Хuаn Qing Рrinсe Consоrt is not yet of agе this year, уet she dаres tо mаke dеcisions about her parents' matters—this is unfilial. Unique ideas for a woman? I don’t see it as unique at all; it’s clearly ignorance of propriety and disregard for rules!"
As soon as these words were spoken, they drew agreement from those around. In this world, once a person stands in a high position, they are bound to attract envious gazes. Too many envious eyes lead to gossip. Deng Chan was also present at the banquet. Hearing Zhuangshan’s words, she initially wanted to refute them loudly—Zhuangshan’s words were too harsh, clearly slandering Han Yan in her absence. But her mother tugged at her sleeve. Deng Chan looked up to see Lady Deng giving her a warning glance. Though resentful, Deng Chan dared not anger her mother and could only glare furiously at the instigator, Zhuangshan. What puzzled her was that among the ladies present, some had known Han Yan before and were well aware that her character was nothing like the disgraceful image Zhuangshan portrayed. Yet, instead of defending Han Yan, they sat by watching the spectacle, even agreeing with Zhuangshan’s words. Deng Chan felt it was unfair to Han Yan.
Among them, there was another person who neither agreed nor disagreed with Zhuangshan’s words—Li Jiaqi.
Back when Zhuangshan told her that Han Yan might become the Crown Princess of Prince Wei’s household, Li Jiaqi had constantly opposed Han Yan. But after witnessing Zhuangshan seduce Wei Rufeng with her own eyes at the Zhuang Manor, and the fact of their intimate relationship being exposed, Li Jiaqi came to loathe Zhuangshan deeply. Now that Han Yan had become the Xuan Qing Prince Consort, there was no chance of her having any further connection with Wei Rufeng. Yet Zhuangshan had transformed into the side consort of the Crown Prince of the Wei Prince’s household. Soon, Li Jiaqi herself would enter the Wei Prince’s household as Wei Rufeng’s Crown Princess. Naturally, Li Jiaqi was overjoyed—marrying someone she loved was a cause for happiness. However, before Li Jiaqi could enter the household, Wei Rufeng had already taken a side consort, and that side consort was none other than Zhuangshan. To Li Jiaqi, Zhuangshan was like a thorn in her eye, a bone stuck in her throat, impossible to ignore. Seeing Zhuangshan still slandering Han Yan, Li Jiaqi felt disdainful and deliberately raised her voice, "But what can be done? The Xuan Qing Prince adores her! He is willing to remain devoted to her alone for life, and the imperial court presented the betrothal gifts with the Son of Heaven as witness."
As soon as these words were spoken, those who had mocked and criticized Han Yan fell silent. Indeed, the Xuan Qing Prince’s actions showed he would have only Han Yan as his consort for life. When women envy someone, they first consider whether that person is worthy of envy. For a woman, the greatest pride lies in having an exceptional man wholeheartedly devoted to her. Without a doubt, Han Yan had achieved this.Deng Chan glanced at Li Jiaqi with some surprise, feeling quite puzzled. This person, who had once been Han Yan's sworn enemy, was now speaking up for Han Yan. It truly seemed like the sun had risen from the west.
Zhuangshan felt a surge of anger in her heart. Li Jiaqi's words, both overtly and covertly, implied that her marriage to Wei Rufeng was only because they had already consummated their relationship, making it improper and forced. In the end, Wei Rufeng had reluctantly married her out of sheer helplessness. Though she thought this, she dared not offend Li Jiaqi. She could only silently vow to herself that once Li Jiaqi entered the household and failed to win Wei Rufeng's favor, while she herself gained his affection, she would deal with Li Jiaqi however she pleased. Thus, she smiled amiably and said, "You're right. Fourth Sister is truly blessed."
The Empress continued chatting idly with the general's wife, seemingly aware of the earlier conversation among the ladies, yet also appearing as if she had heard nothing at all. Consort Chen, with a beaming smile, handed tea to the Empress Dowager. Both women subtly observed the commotion below. Though they said nothing and maintained their proper smiles, the depths of their eyes remained inscrutable.
Just as the ladies and young misses had finished discussing Han Yan, a eunuch announced, "The Xuan Qing Prince Consort has arrived..." Immediately afterward, Han Yan entered the hall, followed by two maidservants.
This young girl, whose figure had yet to fully mature, still carried a hint of childishness. Yet, in her movements, she displayed the grace and poise of a noble lady, without a trace of nervousness or shyness. She walked with measured steps, neither hurried nor slow, exuding a calm and dignified presence. At first glance, it was hard to believe that a thirteen-year-old girl could possess such composure and tranquility.
As she drew closer, everyone saw her more clearly. She was a girl with delicate and refined features, though that was all—her beauty could not compare to Zhuangshan's striking allure. Instead, she resembled a clear spring, flowing gently and soothingly through one's heart, comforting and meticulous. She wore a rose-purple satin jacket lined with pink cotton, embroidered with intricate patterns, and adorned with pearls and jade ornaments along the collar. Over it, she had a gold-edged pipa-style front-opening outer jacket, paired with a pink silk skirt tied with a lotus-root-colored satin ribbon. A string of pearls hung around her neck, and her hair was styled in a "Wangchun" bun, both dignified and lively. The corners of her mouth were slightly upturned, and her smiling eyes curved gently, giving her an appearance of utmost obedience and gentleness. Yet, within that obedience and gentleness, there was a faint, almost imperceptible trace of aloofness. It was this aloofness that made her seem like an outsider looking down from above, calmly and mockingly observing everything in the world—neither immersed in the drama nor shedding tears.
Though this young girl was not stunningly beautiful, she seemed to possess a certain magic, as if all her talents and brilliance were hidden deep within her calm and clear eyes, making people feel an inexplicable sense of awe.
This image was completely at odds with the jealous, unruly, unfilial, and ruthless reputation that Zhuangshan had spread about her throughout the capital.
Han Yan bowed and paid her respects to those above: "Han Yan greets Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, Her Majesty the Empress, and Her Highness the Consort."
The Empress Dowager waved her hand. "Rise."
Han Yan expressed her thanks.
However, Consort Chen did not allow her to return to her seat. Instead, she looked at Han Yan and said, "Now that you are the Xuan Qing Prince Consort, you must be even more careful in your conduct." Then she called out, "Yu'er."
Zhuangshan quickly stepped forward and replied, "Your Highness."Consort Chen then beckoned her forward, took her hand, and said with a gentle smile, "I have always thought the prince was a promising young man. Now that you have become a consort, I see you are well-mannered and proper, which pleases me greatly." After speaking, she removed a hairpin from her own hair and inserted it into Zhuangshan’s bun. "I have nothing special to give, so I offer you this hairpin."
Zhuangshan was overwhelmed by the unexpected favor and waved her hands in refusal. "Your Highness, this is too much. I have done nothing to deserve it..."
"Take it when I tell you to," Consort Chen seemed slightly annoyed. "I am giving it to you out of affection."
Zhuangshan hurriedly expressed her gratitude and continued chatting and laughing with Consort Chen.
While they conversed, Han Yan remained standing below Consort Chen, unable to move. Consort Chen had not dismissed her but instead focused solely on speaking with Zhuangshan, deliberately leaving Han Yan aside. The Empress Dowager merely lowered her head to sip tea, showing no intention of intervening on Han Yan’s behalf. The Empress glanced over a few times before turning back to speak with the general’s wife, as if unwilling to involve herself in the matter.
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