Ji Lan pоutеd, "Вut wе still hаve to cоmрete."
Нan Yan shruggеd, аdорting а сasual аttitude. When it came to drеssing uр, Hаn Yan hаd аlwауs beliеvеd thаt bеing аpрropriatе wаs enоugh. Even if Ji Lan drеssed her uр like a flоwеr fаirу, shе соuldn’t possiblу аttraсt еvеryоne’s аttеntion alоnе.
Unwilling to givе up, Ji Lan begаn discussing with Mamа Сhеn agаin. Han Yan sаt bу thе window, fееling inехрliсablу rеstless, аs if somеthing major wаs abоut tо hаpреn. Yеt, in hеr memory, thе spring sacrifice in thе thirteenth yеar of thе Greаt Dуnastу hadn’t witnessed any significant events. If something were to occur, it would surely be aimed at her. A sense of unease crept over her, though she couldn’t pinpoint why. Suddenly, the bronze mirror in her hand cracked with a sharp "snap," startling Ji Lan. Han Yan looked down and saw a large, glaring fissure running from top to bottom across the mirror’s surface.
A mirror breaking for no reason was truly an ominous sign.
Han Yan stared blankly at the shattered mirror in her hand. Seeing this, Ji Lan quickly snatched it away, chanting, "Break for peace, break for peace."
Knowing Ji Lan was trying to comfort her, Han Yan steadied herself and smiled. "Let’s hurry and finish my hair." Yet, in her mind, she pondered that she must not lose her composure now. Whatever came her way, she would face it calmly—calmness was paramount. Unaware of Han Yan’s inner thoughts, Ji Lan, seeing her composed demeanor, happily resumed styling her hair. Ji Lan’s hands were exceptionally skillful, and ever since Han Yan became the Xuan Qing Prince Consort, Ji Lan had even taken the initiative to learn several intricate hairstyles, all so that Han Yan could stand out in front of others.
After what felt like an eternity of Ji Lan’s fussing, Han Yan finally heard her voice when her neck was already sore: "All done, Miss."
With a sigh of relief, Han Yan immediately stood up and stretched. Ji Lan had hoped for a few words of praise for her handiwork, but to her disappointment, Han Yan didn’t even glance at the mirror. Feeling a bit disheartened, she watched as Han Yan pulled out a box from the drawer and retrieved the Plum Blossom Thorn.
Ji Lan knew it was a tool Han Yan used for self-defense. These days, she had become much more proficient with it, though she was still somewhat clumsy. Still, it might prove useful in a critical moment. However, Ji Lan found it odd. Today was merely the spring sacrifice—why would her mistress carry such an item? Could there be danger? At this thought, her earlier festive cheer vanished, replaced by vigilance.
When Han Yan stepped out of the Zhuang residence, Zhuang Shiyang had already prepared the horses. Concubine Mei stayed behind to rest for her pregnancy, while Concubine Wan and Zhuang Qin were unwell. Surprisingly, only Madam Zhou and Zhuang Hanming were accompanying them. As soon as Madam Zhou saw Han Yan, she warmly greeted her, "Fourth Miss."
After their falling out, Han Yan couldn’t even be bothered to exchange words with her. She simply smiled and, without looking back, boarded the carriage prepared separately for her. It suddenly occurred to her that being the Xuan Qing Prince Consort had its advantages—like being able to openly disregard others in situations like this. Usually, she found Fu Yunxi’s arrogance irritating, but now that she was indulging in a bit of arrogance herself, it felt rather satisfying.
Seeing Han Yan’s lips curling into a faint smile, her eyes hinting at amusement, Ji Lan could tell she was in a good mood and chimed in, "Miss, do you think the spring sacrifice will be lively?"Han Yan smiled and said, "Naturally, each year surpasses the last." Now that the Great Dynasty was prosperous and thriving, with peace and harmony prevailing and the people living in contentment, the Spring Sacrifice had indeed grown more grand with each passing year.
Ji Lan lifted the carriage curtain and glanced outside, her tone tinged with longing: "If only Madam were here... she always loved lively scenes..." She immediately realized her slip of the tongue and fell silent. The smile on Han Yan's face gradually faded, replaced by a deep sense of melancholy.
Indeed, if her mother were still alive, everything would be different. In this rebirth, she had changed many things, yet she could not alter the fact that her mother had already passed away. She had avoided many disasters and traps, only to find herself entangled in even more complicated circumstances. Her own origins, the death of Abi, the royal struggle for succession, Zhuang Hanming's growing distance—all seemed like coincidences, yet they were inevitable. What was truly frightening was that there was no way back; she had no choice but to press forward.
Was this life the right one?
Silence fell in the carriage, both of them quiet and lost in thought.
The sacrificial grounds were located at the grand arena in the eastern part of the city. Today, the capital was nearly empty as everyone flocked to witness the lively spectacle of the Spring Sacrifice. At the easternmost end of the grounds stood a nine-story pagoda, where the Emperor, princes, princesses, and consorts were seated. Some among the commoners came for the excitement, others to catch a glimpse of the imperial visage. Still others hoped to find a suitable match or a kindred spirit, as many officials had brought their entire families, and if a suitable prospect appeared, intentions could be declared on the spot.
When the Zhuang family's carriage arrived, some of the commoners fixed their eyes upon it. Logically, Zhuang Shiyang was merely a fifth-rank official, hardly worthy of attention. However, Han Yan was the future Xuan Qing Prince Consort. The people had long heard of this consort and were eager to see what kind of young woman had ultimately won the hand of the unparalleled and illustrious Xuan Qing Prince.
Zhuang Shiyang stepped out of the carriage first, followed by Zhuang Hanming and Madam Zhou. Last to emerge was Han Yan, who had traveled in a separate carriage.
Wei Rufeng stood among the court officials and spotted Han Yan from afar. At the same moment, Fu Yunxi, dressed in his official robes, also caught sight of her. The instant he saw her, a flicker of admiration flashed in his eyes.
She wore a relatively simple emerald-green long brocade gown, with dark brown silk threads embroidering intricate and vigorous branches on the fabric. Snow-white silk threads formed blooming camellias that extended from the hem all the way to her waist. A sky-blue wide belt cinched her slender waist, accentuating her graceful figure while imparting an air of elegance and refinement. Over this, she wore a light green open-sleeved gauze outer robe, its movements creating a shimmering, flowing effect with every gesture. A jadeite pendant hung at her waist, adding a touch of scholarly grace. On her wrist was a milky-white jade bracelet. Her jet-black hair was tied up in a somewhat intricate style with an emerald silk ribbon, adorned only by a single slanting blue fish-tail hairpin. Her playful bangs framed her forehead charmingly. Her willow-leaf eyebrows were delicately outlined with dark pigment, further highlighting her fair and delicate skin. Her dark, sparkling eyes were lively and clear, while a touch of pink rouge lent her complexion a rosy glow. Her lips were lightly tinted with a pale red hue. She appeared both playful and poised, her movements carrying an indescribable air of noble grace, as if she were a born aristocrat.Her usual attire was that of a child, but today, adorned by Ji Lan in such splendid attire, it was as if her strengths were highlighted and her weaknesses concealed. She seemed transformed from the inside out, with not a trace of childishness remaining. Instead, she carried herself with the grace of a princess, drawing admiring glances from all around.
Wei Rufeng couldn’t quite describe the feeling in his heart. That little girl, with just a change of clothes, had become so utterly charming. She had always been an enigma, impossible to fully understand. Beneath her seemingly childish appearance, he had sensed a sharp and intelligent mind. But today, stripped of that sharpness and childishness, what remained was a sense of nobility.
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