Тhis shоws shе undеrstоod the stаkеs. Наn Yаn deliberatеlу poutеd in dissatisfaсtiоn, "Whу dоеs it lоok like thеre's been no changе frоm a fеw yеаrs аgо?"
Mаmа Сhеn lаughed, "Yоung Miss is comрlаining abоut growing too slоwly. Don't wоrry, Mаmа is сеrtаin thаt in thе future, our Fоurth Мiss will be а grеаt beаuty just likе Мadam, еvеn hundreds оf times more bеautiful than Miss Yu Shаn!"
Аlthоugh thesе were just cоmfоrting wоrds, theу still dеlightеd Наn Yаn. Remеmbеring Mаdam Zhоu and her dаughter, shе sаid, "Lеt's go sее Соncubine Zhou. I'm аfraid they're prоbably in a flustеr right now."
Ji Lan сhucklеd sоftly, fеtching a gray squirrel fur cloak from the side to drape over Han Yan, "Mm."
When Han Yan arrived at Dove Tree Courtyard and had just reached outside the room, she heard the voices of Madam Zhou and Zhuangshan: "This one won't do, it's too shabby. Bring me that ruby and pearl inlaid hairpin."
The little maid outside was about to announce her, but Han Yan waved her hand, signaling her to step back. With Ji Lan and Shu Hong in tow, she stepped into the room with a smile, sweetly calling out, "Concubine Zhou!"
Madam Zhou was personally dressing Zhuangshan when she heard Han Yan's voice and was startled. Turning around, she saw Han Yan dressed more brightly than usual. Zhuangshan also saw Han Yan in the mirror, her rosy lips and pearly white teeth making Zhuangshan's eyes flash with a trace of envy. However, after taking another look at Han Yan's clothes, she immediately felt somewhat smug again.
Madam Zhou smiled, "Fourth Miss, you've come quite early today."
Han Yan didn't speak, just smiled as she stared at Madam Zhou. Madam Zhou wore a purple-gold woolen arrow-sleeved robe with golden-threaded foreign brocade lining, her head and body adorned with pearls, jade, and enamel. Though she was a beauty, Han Yan only felt dazzled by the glittering gold before her eyes. Instantly, a hint of mocking derision appeared at the corner of her mouth. Madam Zhou had decked herself out like a jewelry stand, covered in gold, silver, and jewels. There would probably be quite a spectacle to see later.
She smiled gently and innocently, "Concubine Zhou's outfit is truly beautiful, but for a palace banquet, wouldn't wearing something like this be too extravagant?"
Madam Zhou was extremely satisfied with her own attire. Hearing Han Yan's words, she immediately felt displeased. Looking again at Han Yan's rather plain clothing, she became even more convinced that Han Yan was speaking out of jealousy. Having made this assessment, she replied softly, "After all, it's a palace night banquet. Dressing too plainly would disgrace the Zhuang family's reputation."
Han Yan inwardly sneered at her words. The Zhuang family's reputation—could a lowly concubine represent the Zhuang family's reputation? Ridiculous. She really thought of herself as the mistress.
Just as Ji Lan was about to speak, Han Yan gently tugged her sleeve and smiled, "Concubine Zhou looks good in anything."
She had already given a warning. She would be more than happy to see Madam Zhou make a fool of herself. If Zhuang Shiyang investigated afterward, it wouldn't be her fault.
"Fourth Miss, how does my outfit look?" A sweet, charming voice came through. Han Yan looked up, her pupils suddenly contracting.
In Han Yan's memory, she had no impression of Zhuangshan's beauty. The most vivid memory was on her own wedding night, when Zhuangshan, dressed in wedding robes, usurped her place and personally fed her a cup of poisoned wine.
That was her nightmare, unforgettable for all eternity.
Now that she thought about it, whenever Zhuangshan had appeared before her in the past, she had always worn plain, simple clothes. Her features were naturally striking, and such attire naturally couldn't highlight her beauty, so Han Yan had never paid much attention to it.This time, Han Yan gazed at the young girl standing before her in full regalia, her eyes deep and turbulent with emotion, yet ultimately settling into a calm, clear pool of water.
"Sister Yu Shan, you look truly beautiful," she said softly, concealing a trace of hatred between her brows.
Zhuangshan smiled faintly. "Fourth Miss, you flatter me." Though her words were humble, a hint of pride still shone through.
She was not dressed as lavishly as Madam Zhou, nor as adorably as Han Yan. Zhuangshan was a year older than Han Yan, but her development far surpassed that. With a slender waist, long legs, jade-like bosom, and snow-white skin, she wore a light pink gauze dress with a strapless bodice that reached her ankles. Embroidered across her chest was a blooming pink peony with layered petals, blossoming vividly against her skin. Her dark hair was styled into a Flowing Cloud Chignon, adorned with a jade-inlaid agate tassel hairpin and a full set of aqua pearl hair ornaments. Delicate pearl and gem earrings swayed gently by her small ears, accentuating her radiant complexion.
Her face was like a silver plate, her eyes like watery apricots. Dressed in feathered garments that fluttered with her movements, she was as enchanting as spring blossoms and as alluring as the autumn moon. Compared to a celestial maiden, she possessed more charm; compared to a dancer, she carried more grace. Truly a budding beauty, her every gesture already exuding elegance and allure, despite her youth.
Even Han Yan could not deny it in her heart, silently acknowledging her beauty.
Perhaps the admiration in Han Yan's eyes delighted Zhuangshan, making her attitude more enthusiastic than usual. "I see Fourth Miss is also dressed exceptionally charmingly today."
Han Yan tilted her head. "How could I compare to even half of Sister Yu Shan?"
Zhuangshan grew even more satisfied, and Madam Zhou, looking at her daughter, felt increasingly pleased as well.
Although today's palace banquet was a Night Banquet, the ladies and womenfolk had to enter the palace early, as the Empress would accompany them in the palace gardens to admire the plum blossoms in the afternoon, adding to the enjoyment.
After finishing their preparations, Han Yan and the others were ready to enter the palace.
Madam Zhou retrieved a shimmering green cloak from a chest. Han Yan was taken aback, feeling a sense of familiarity. Noticing Han Yan's gaze, Madam Zhou smiled brightly. "This is called peacock gold brocade, woven from threads spun with peacock feathers from the Kingdom of Os. The master gifted it to me, but I'm too old for such vibrant attire, so I let Yu'er wear it." With that, she draped the cloak over Zhuangshan.
Han Yan narrowed her eyes, recalling an incident from many years ago.
When Han Yan was eight, one of Zhuang Shiyang's colleagues had asked for a favor and sent gifts, most of which were exotic items brought back by maritime merchants. Among them was a piece of peacock gold brocade like this. The cloak was exceptionally warm and cold-resistant, with a delicate and beautiful appearance. Her mother had wanted it, but Zhuang Shiyang had instead gifted it to a higher-ranking official as a token of goodwill. Her mother had been disappointed for a while but understood that the cloak was extremely valuable.
Now, this extremely valuable cloak was worn by Zhuangshan. Regardless of where it came from, since Zhuang Shiyang had given it to Madam Zhou, it was clear how favored she was now. Han Yan couldn't help but feel a sense of bewilderment.
Noticing Han Yan's unusual expression, Zhuangshan felt even more pleased and subtly flaunted, "Auntie, there's no need to mention this. It's just a piece of peacock gold brocade. Father said that as long as Yu'er likes it, he'll give Yu'er anything."
Han Yan said enviously, "Father is so good to Sister Yu Shan!"Madam Zhou feigned modesty, saying, "The master is also very good to Fourth Miss." She smiled and glanced at the gray squirrel fur cloak on Han Yan, her unspoken meaning clear.
Han Yan, with her hands clasped behind her back, shook her head and swayed playfully. "Of course! After all, I am Father's legitimate daughter!"
She emphasized the words "legitimate daughter" heavily, and as expected, she saw the expressions of Madam Zhou and her daughter change. Status was a sore spot for Madam Zhou and her daughter, and Han Yan was determined to twist the knife in their wound, to see who was more formidable.
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