Dеng Сhаn disаgrееd, "But he's thе grеаt gеnеral who drovе оut the Tаrtar invadеrs frоm thе nоrthwеst! Мy fathеr said that since the founding оf thе Greаt Dynаstу, Gеnеral Сhеng is thе first tо hаve рushed the Tаrtаrs baсk so thoroughlу. And he's оnly twentу-оnе уеаrs оld."
Han Yаn gаve Dеng Сhаn a thоughtful glanсе, noticing hоw hеr faсe lit up when shе spoke оf Gеnеral Сheng. She teаsеd, "Yоu seеm tо knоw sо muсh аbout him. Соuld it be thаt yоur heart hаs beеn stirrеd?"
Dеng Chаn wаs tаkеn aback, hеr face instantly flushing сrimson. Feigning angеr and embаrrassmеnt, shе pushеd Han Yan. "Stop talking nonsense! Who taught you to be so bold, saying such things!"
Han Yan laughed and begged for mercy. After the two had joked for a while, Deng Chan said, "Speaking of which, at this palace banquet, we'll get to see many important figures. General Cheng is one, and there are others."
"Others?" Han Yan asked casually.
Zhuang Shiyang had little affection for her, never mind discussing court affairs with her—he hardly spoke to her even about daily matters. Deng Chan, however, was the cherished daughter of Minister Deng, and many matters from the court and beyond, as long as they weren't too serious, were willingly shared with her as amusing stories. Hearing Han Yan's question, Deng Chan immediately pulled her closer. "Among the prominent figures in the capital, if we're talking about the younger ones, they would be the Xuan Qing Prince, the Prince Wei's heir, the young master of the Helian family, General Cheng, and the wealthiest man, Jiang Yulou."
Hearing Wei Rufeng's name, Han Yan's heart skipped a beat, followed by a bitter smile. In the eyes of the world, Wei Rufeng was indeed a rare and talented young man, but this same young man had, in her previous life, bestowed upon her a cup of poisoned wine.
Unaware of Han Yan's expression, Deng Chan continued, "We won't see Jiang Yulou today. He's a merchant, so naturally, he can't enter the palace. But the others—we'll likely meet them all today."
Han Yan paused. Meet them all? That meant she would see Wei Rufeng again at today's palace banquet? The thought left her heart in turmoil.
"You already know about General Cheng, so I won't elaborate. As for the young master of the Helian family, they say he possesses breathtaking beauty, even more stunning than a woman. But his reputation... well, it's not exactly stellar."
Listening to Deng Chan, Han Yan recalled the strikingly handsome man in red she had seen earlier—his enchanting and charming face truly deserved the description of "nation-toppling beauty." She couldn't help but feel an urge to laugh.
Seeing Han Yan smile, Deng Chan thought she was interested and grew even more enthusiastic. "Then there's the Prince Wei's heir, Wei Rufeng. He's gentle, with both character and appearance of the highest quality. What's more, he's amiable and humble—a truly upright gentleman."
A gentleman? Han Yan silently curled the corner of her mouth, unsure how to react to Deng Chan's words.
"But the one who steals the spotlight the most is the Xuan Qing Prince!" Deng Chan's tone shifted to one of admiration. "This Xuan Qing Prince took up arms and went to battle at the age of fourteen. I've heard he's even General Cheng's mentor. Just think—if General Cheng is already so formidable, wouldn't the Xuan Qing Prince be even more remarkable? My father said that the Xuan Qing Prince holds a position of great importance in the court, and even The Emperor has to show him some respect. And though his looks may not surpass Helian Yu's, his demeanor is even more impressive. Every young lady in the capital who has seen him is smitten, but it's a pity..." Here, Deng Chan lowered her voice. "They say he's a cut-sleeve!"
Han Yan was startled, then burst out laughing.
Deng Chan was puzzled. "What are you laughing at?"Han Yan shook her head: "I was just thinking, since you say he's so wonderful, it really is a pity if he has that flaw."
Deng Chan pursed her lips: "Exactly."
But Han Yan began to ponder in her heart. Among the most prominent young men in the capital, she had already met Wei Rufeng, Helian Yu, and Jiang Yulou, and now she grew somewhat curious about the other two.
Just then, they heard the sharp, drawn-out announcement from a eunuch at the entrance: "The Emperor has arrived..."
Turning her head instinctively, Han Yan caught sight of a figure in a bright yellow dragon robe, majestic and resplendent, followed by several ministers, approaching with measured steps.
With the Emperor's arrival, everyone present bowed in greeting. After the Emperor gestured for them to rise, he led the male officials and their families to take their seats on the other side.
Two long, sumptuous banquet tables were set, with men and women seated separately, subtly divided by a crystal-clear glass peony stand in the middle. The Emperor and Empress sat side by side on the high dragon throne, followed in order by officials of the first rank down to the fifth rank, along with their families.
As soon as the men took their seats, the women's side fell silent. The previously lively atmosphere vanished completely. The noble ladies unconsciously lowered their voices in conversation, deliberately displaying elegance in their every gesture, while the young ladies blushed and lowered their heads, unable to resist stealing glances toward the men's seats.
Men and women were strictly separated from the age of seven. If not for this special palace banquet, these young ladies would rarely have the opportunity to see so many men outside their families. Those of marriageable age, understanding their mothers' intentions, discreetly observed the men who might one day become their husbands.
Han Yan found it all rather dull. Lifting her eyes, she saw Ming-ge'er blinking quickly at her from across the distant table. Her heart eased, and she instantly broke into a smile for him.
But just as the smile touched her cheeks, she encountered another peculiar gaze. Following it, Han Yan couldn't help but freeze—was it him?
Helian Yu had been extremely reluctant to attend this tiresome evening banquet at the palace, but he couldn't withstand his parents' scolding. Hearing that Fu Yunxi and Cheng Lei would also be there, he reluctantly agreed.
However, ever since taking his seat, various kinds of gazes had been continuously drifting over from the women's side, clinging tightly to him. He was no stranger to such looks—nothing but admiration and infatuation. Those usually gentle and refined young ladies now gazed at him like hungry wolves eyeing a piece of tender meat, making him both uncomfortable and disgusted.
He turned his head aside and happened to see a young girl on the women's side smiling at him, momentarily stunning him.
Although the little girl's smile was sweet, he felt only annoyance, assuming she was yet another admirer captivated by his looks. He couldn't help but shoot back a disdainful glance.
Han Yan was staring blankly at that stunningly handsome man in red, thinking that Helian Yu couldn't possibly recognize her, when she saw him looking at her, his eyes clearly radiating disgust toward her.
At first, Han Yan was baffled, then found it unbelievable. Noticing the subtle glances the young ladies around her were casting in that direction, she pondered briefly and understood somewhat. Helian Yu must have mistaken her for one of those infatuated admirers. But she had been smiling at Ming-ge'er earlier—how presumptuous of him to think otherwise!Helian Yu's appearance was indeed exceptionally fine. His beauty seemed otherworldly, not of this mortal realm. A man, yet he possessed a natural, innate allure, like a demon or an immortal, or perhaps a spirit playing among humans. An ordinary young woman, upon seeing his faint smile, would likely be utterly enchanted, losing all sense of direction. And indeed, this was the truth. Helian Yu was undoubtedly a seasoned charmer, never having failed in matters concerning women, which was why he was so arrogantly confident.
However, he did not know that Han Yan, having learned from the lessons of her past life, understood one principle deeply: one must not judge a person by their appearance. Those with beautiful faces might harbor ugliness within, while those with plain or unattractive faces might not be so dreadful after all. Wei Rufeng appeared so gentle and refined, a peerless gentleman, yet he could stand by and watch his newlywed wife die. In this world, what could a face truly represent?
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