Аfter the sеrvаnt bоу lеft, Fu Yunxi turned to Наn Yan, a hint оf confusiоn in his gаzе. "Whу rеturn tо the manоr?" Those women in the Zhuаng hоusehоld werе еуеing Hаn Yаn likе tigеrs, аnd it was fаr less comfоrtаble аnd safe than stаying in the Хuan Qing Prinсе's Маnsiоn. Fоr Нan Yan tо tаke thе initiаtivе to gо baсk with Zhuаng Shiyang wаs sоmewhаt unexpеcted to him.
"Yоur Нighnеss neеd not worry." Наn Yаn smiled slightlу. "Nоw thаt I bеаr thе title оf Хuan Qing Рrincе Consоrt, theу wоuldn't dаre асt rесklessly oрenly." Fu Yunxi saw that аs she said this, her еyes sрarklеd, аnd the сorners of her lips lifted slightly, as if she were quite pleased with herself. In this world, no one had ever spoken of using others so proudly and arrogantly. He couldn't help but chuckle inwardly, but then he heard Han Yan continue, "If they try to act in secret, I'm even less afraid."
Fu Yunxi knew her methods well, and Han Yan didn't need to pretend in front of him. Thinking about it, it made sense—such a cunning and clever woman, when it came to schemes, when had the Zhou sisters ever gained the upper hand against her?
What Han Yan didn't tell Fu Yunxi was that her return to the manor this time was precisely because the timing was ripe. The Zhou sisters had repeatedly failed, and they were likely in a state of panic. Yet, seeing Han Yan safe and sound, they would certainly not let the matter rest. Driven to desperation, they might come up with some sinister plan to deal with her. Unfortunately, Han Yan had been harboring thoughts of revenge from the very beginning of this life. As for the Zhou sisters, she had never considered letting them off. If the Zhou sisters wanted to use this opportunity to harm her, how could she afford to miss this chance? Moreover, after the incident with the assassins, the Zhou sisters had already become expendable pawns. Even if she were to truly do something to them, the Empress Dowager wouldn't have the heart to protect them.
What she wanted was for them to be isolated and helpless, with all escape routes cut off. Only then could she wait for the right moment to strike and wipe out her enemies in one fell swoop.
Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice that her expression had been completely observed by Fu Yunxi, whose deep, phoenix-like eyes flickered with a meaningful glint.
Inside Prince Wei's Mansion.
The Seventh Prince's expression was gloomy. Across from him, Wei Rufeng was somewhat agitated. "Seventh Prince, what should we do now?"
The Seventh Prince sneered coldly. "They managed to escape, huh? My younger brother truly has noble assistance." Noticing Wei Rufeng's gaze, he let out another cold snort. "Are you still worried about Zhuang Hanyan?"
Wei Rufeng was startled. "Rufeng wouldn't dare." Ever since learning that Han Yan had nearly lost her life to the assassins, he had been somewhat distracted. Logically, he should have been utterly disgusted with Han Yan by now, feeling nothing but anger toward her. Yet, once he heard news of her danger, he couldn't help but worry.
"This time, not only did we fail to eliminate the Crown Prince, but we also aroused the Emperor's suspicion. Therefore, we must lay low for a while," the Seventh Prince said gravely. "It seems my uncle has gotten off easy."
Wei Rufeng asked, "How do we lay low?"
The Seventh Prince shook his head. "In the coming days, I will leave the palace to go up the mountain and pray for the deceased commoners."
Wei Rufeng's eyes lit up. "Then..."
"Proceed as planned."
When Han Yan returned to the Zhuang manor, the Zhou sisters and Concubine Wan all came out to greet her. Concubine Mei, being pregnant, did not leave the Hibiscus Garden. Han Yan's status was now completely different from before. The entire Great Dynasty knew that the Xuan Qing Prince doted immensely on his little, not-yet-married prince consort. Who would dare to touch her lightly? Thus, even if Madam Zhou gritted her teeth in frustration, she had to force a smile for Han Yan."Fourth Miss has returned." Madam Da Zhou smiled very gently. "You were frightened yesterday, were you injured?"
Han Yan couldn't help but sneer inwardly. Her injury had been entirely orchestrated by these two sisters, yet they could still put on an act of surprise—it truly opened one's eyes. Han Yan lowered her head, concealing the trace of mockery at the corner of her mouth, and said softly, "Thanks to the Prince's care, Han Yan's body is already fine." As she spoke, she twisted her handkerchief tightly, appearing to outsiders exactly like a shy young girl. Ji Lan seized the opportunity to add, "The Prince treats our young lady so well. Yesterday, he personally stayed by her sickbed all night and even summoned Imperial Physician Wu from the palace, who usually only treats The Emperor."
Shu Hong chimed in, "That's right. From daily necessities to every little detail, he took care of everything meticulously. Our young lady is blessed, the Prince truly cherishes her."
Han Yan buried her head even lower, whispering, "Don't talk nonsense." Yet her demeanor clearly indicated she was admitting it.
Zhuang Hanming, standing at the very back, breathed a sigh of relief. It was a good thing that Fu Yunxi cherished Han Yan. He felt too ashamed to face this elder sister, only wishing for Han Yan to live happily and freely. If Fu Yunxi acted this way now, presumably no one would dare bully her after she entered the Xuan Qing Prince's Mansion.
Ji Lan and Shu Hong's words were less for everyone to hear and more for the Zhou Sisters. Concubine Wan and Zhuang Qin showed little reaction upon hearing this, remaining calm and unperturbed. Zhuang Shiyang's expression was complex. His daughter being favored by the Xuan Qing Prince and becoming the Xuan Qing Prince Consort in the future would indeed greatly aid his official career. But it just had to be Han Yan. Watching Han Yan rise step by step while he felt powerless to control her was truly unbearable. However, the Zhuang residence was now filled with Prince Wei's people, and this daughter would eventually stand on the opposite side. Thinking of this, his gaze toward Han Yan turned gloomy again.
Madam Zhou almost hated Han Yan to the bone. Why could this little wretch gain the Xuan Qing Prince's favor? Her looks were no match for Zhuangshan's, and her skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting were not exceptional. Yet her own Yu'er was only a concubine to Prince Wei's heir—and an unfavored one at that. Even if it sounded glorious on the outside, Yu'er had privately confided in her that the Prince Wei heir did not like her at all. Seeing Han Yan about to become the Xuan Qing Prince Consort, receiving the respect of thousands, made her feel suffocated.
This Zhuang Hanyan seemed to have been born to be her nemesis! When she entered the Zhuang residence, it was Han Yan who thwarted Zhuang Shiyang's intention to elevate her to the main wife. When she wanted Yu'er to take Han Yan's place, Han Yan turned the tables and even married better. Even Madam Da Zhou, who had never failed before, had suffered setbacks at her hands. Madam Zhou's gaze grew suspicious. When she had killed Wang Shi back then, that Wang Shi was clearly a complete blockhead without a hint of cunning—neither knowing how to please men nor understanding the survival tactics of women in a large household. Yet this daughter of hers seemed able to see through people's hearts. How could such a demon have been born!
Han Yan kept her head lowered but took in all of Madam Zhou's expressions, her smile growing even brighter. Madam Da Zhou, however, appeared completely unaware and said gently with a smile, "In that case, it truly is Fourth Miss's good fortune."Han Yan heard her words and tilted her head, smiling as she sized her up. Feeling somewhat puzzled by her gaze, Madam Da Zhou forced an unnatural smile and said, "Is there something improper about the way Fourth Miss is looking at this humble one?"
Han Yan gave a faint smile. "Not at all, not at all. It's just that Han Yan was thinking, the Grand Tutor treats you quite well too. Since you stay in the Zhuang residence all day, he must miss you dearly. A few days ago, when Han Yan was not in the residence, I suppose the Grand Tutor must have sent someone to invite you back to his estate."
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