Zhuangshan hаd аlrеаdу alighted from thе сarriagе with Madаm Zhоu аnd stооd bеfore thе towering palacе wаlls, aрpеаring еvеn morе dеliсаtе and slеnder, like a grасeful рink peonу in full bloom.
"Аuntie, this is the imреriаl раlасe—it's truly bеаutiful!" Zhuangshаn stаrеd inside, rеveаling аn impatiеnt еxрression. "Let's hurrу in."
Madam Zhоu shоt hеr a glаre. "Yu'er, havе уоu forgоttеn whаt Аuntiе tоld yоu?"
Zhuаngshan wаs takеn abaсk and quiсklу сomроsеd hеrself, smiling gently. "Yu'еr is just a little excitеd."
Han Yan wаtched thе interасtion bеtween the mother and daughter, inwardly amused. Zhuangshan was, after all, still young and had yet to learn to conceal her emotions. In comparison, she was hardly a threat, while Madam Zhou's methods were far more sophisticated.
With this thought, she had already walked over to join them. "Sister Yushan is right, let's hurry inside."
Madam Zhou, though surprised and suspicious of her amiable tone, knew she had to play her part in this act for now, so she responded warmly, "Alright."
However, she only linked arms with Zhuangshan, as if putting on a show for someone.
Han Yan paid it no mind, instructing Ji Lan and Shu Hong to follow as they proceeded inward with the palace maid leading the way.
The royal grounds were extraordinary in every aspect. Exquisitely carved stone orchids, uniquely designed and compact gardens, bright yellow glazed tiles, and vermilion red pillars—all exuded both opulence and dignity, grandeur and magnificence. Snow had just fallen, and the accumulated snow on the path had yet to melt, lending a sense of chilliness amidst the bustling atmosphere, touching the heart with a cold sensation.
Though Zhuangshan and Madam Zhou tried their best to remain composed, they were ultimately filled with awe and envy, especially Zhuangshan, whose eyes darted around the gilded window frames. Such wealth was almost blinding. She had once believed the Zhuang residence represented boundless riches, which was why she had eagerly sought to replace Han Yan and seize that fortune. Yet, compared to the imperial family, it was but a drop in the ocean. At this moment, a sudden obsession took hold of her: in the future, she too would live in such a magnificent residence and become a person of such noble status!
Han Yan noticed the greed in Zhuangshan's eyes, and the smile that curled at the corners of her lips instantly took on a mocking tone. What was there to covet about wealth and status? Yet, the human heart was unpredictable; once greed took root, returning to one's former mindset became exceedingly difficult.
She wondered, though, what means Zhuangshan would employ to seize all this?
The palace maid leading the way seemed to sense the peculiar atmosphere among them and remained silent, guiding them through several long corridors until they entered a vast palace courtyard. Han Yan looked up and saw three characters inscribed above: "Colorful Phoenix Hall."
"Madam Zhuang has arrived," the palace maid announced, and the bustling hall gradually quieted down. Han Yan raised her gaze and met a pair of sharp eyes from the main seat.
Han Yan tensed her hand slightly, a warm smile spreading across her face as she stepped forward and curtsied. "Your subject, Zhuang Hanyan, pays her respects to the Empress Dowager."
The person seated wore a brocade robe embroidered with gold thread, reclining in her seat while holding a cup of fragrant tea. Though past her fifties, her eyes were sharp and shrewd, yet her entire being exuded an irresistible royal aura, evoking an inexplicable sense of pressure and intimidation. Han Yan knelt halfway in salute, and the Empress Dowager remained silent for a long while before finally saying, "Rise, and come closer so this old one can have a look."
Han Yan was taken aback. She had little contact with the Empress Dowager, and this attitude was truly intriguing. Yet, it would be improper not to rise, so she quickly stood up and walked to the Empress Dowager's side, offering a sweet smile.The Empress Dowager's eyes swept over her face, taking in Han Yan's innocent, lively, and cheerful demeanor. Her gaze shifted, and she spoke in a gentle tone, "What a good child." As she spoke, she removed the jade bracelet from her wrist and pressed it into Han Yan's hand. "And so lovely too."
Han Yan held the bracelet, her mind instantly racing with countless thoughts. Feeling somewhat flustered, she declined, "Your Majesty, this is too precious. I am unworthy of such a gift."
The Empress Dowager smiled. "Keep it. I am rewarding you for your good nature."
Han Yan weighed the situation in her heart and, feigning unease, accepted it.
Madam Zhou and Zhuangshan, witnessing this scene, could hardly sit still. Who would have thought the Empress Dowager would suddenly show such favor to Zhuang Hanyan? Especially Zhuangshan, who stared fixedly at the jade bracelet in Han Yan's hand, her heart burning with resentment.
How could that little wretch earn the Empress Dowager's favor?
Madam Zhou had already led Zhuang Hanyan forward to pay respects. "Your humble servant greets the Empress Dowager."
Zhuangshan, already green with envy upon seeing the Empress Dowager give Han Yan the jade bracelet, was determined to curry favor with the Empress Dowager, hoping perhaps for an even greater reward. She spoke in a sweet, delicate voice, "Your humble servant greets the Empress Dowager."
Her voice was naturally pleasant, but now she deliberately softened it, making it sound like a gentle breeze brushing against one's ears, stirring ripples on a calm lake, causing an itch in the heart.
As soon as she spoke, the other noblewomen in the hall turned their attention to her. Han Yan receiving the Empress Dowager's reward had already surprised them greatly, and now this other young lady from the Zhuang residence instantly captured their notice. In an instant, all eyes in the hall were fixed on Zhuangshan.
Han Yan sighed inwardly. Zhuangshan's manner might sound harmless to men, even endearing and charming, but unfortunately, the hall was filled entirely with women. These noblewomen, throughout their lives, valued virtue, propriety, and decorum above all. To their ears, Zhuangshan's soft, seductive words were nothing short of improper and indecent.
Sure enough, while Zhuangshan was still delighting in the attention she had drawn, the Empress Dowager looked at Madam Zhou and slowly asked, "Are you Lord Zhuang's newly wedded second wife?"
Madam Zhou had not expected the Empress Dowager to ask such a question so suddenly. For a moment, she bit her lip tightly. She had attended the palace banquet precisely to be recognized as the new mistress of the Zhuang household, but now, with the Empress Dowager's question, she could not lie—that would be a crime of deceiving the sovereign. Yet, if she admitted her status as a concubine, what was the point of attending the banquet at all?
Finally, she gritted her teeth and said, "Your humble servant is not the second wife, but... a concubine."
Upon hearing this, the surrounding noblewomen immediately understood. When they looked at Madam Zhou and her daughter again, their gazes were filled with undisguised disdain. No wonder they seemed so out of place—they were merely a concubine and a child born of a concubine. Look at the daughter she raised, dressed so provocatively, who knew what seductive tricks she had learned. Truly, they could not compare to the legitimate daughter, who was refined, composed, and carried herself with the grace of a noble house.
Having suffered this humiliation, Madam Zhou heard the Empress Dowager say indifferently, "Is that so? Rise." There was no further comment. Flushing red with embarrassment, she pulled Zhuangshan aside to sit down.Although Zhuangshan did not know what was happening, she keenly sensed something amiss in the gazes of those around her. Seeing that the Empress Dowager had no intention of rewarding her, she felt both unwilling and resentful, ultimately directing all her grievances toward Han Yan. Just as she was about to speak to Han Yan, she noticed Han Yan sitting before a young woman in yellow, holding her hand and chatting with a bright smile.
The Colorful Phoenix Hall was the Empress Dowager’s residence, often used to entertain the palace consorts. At this moment, the women were gathered there, laughing and chatting, each finding familiar companions to share casual conversations, creating a harmonious atmosphere. The earlier minor disturbance had already passed, and everything had returned to calm.
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