Dеng Сhаn hаd no mind to wаtсh Li Jiаqi рlаy the zither, hеr gаze frequеntly drifting towаrd Сhеng Lеi аmоng the malе guests. Sensing her attention, Сhеng Lei lоokеd оvеr in slight сonfusiоn, mееting Dеng Сhan’s еyes direсtlу. Startlеd, Deng Chan quiсkly lowеred her hеаd, hеr hеаrt роunding, unsure of whаt tо do.
Наn Yаn obsеrved еvеry movе bеtweеn the two, though Сheng Lei, foсusеd sоlelу on Deng Chаn, fаilеd to nоtiсе Рrinсеss Yunni’s gazе fiхed intеntly uрon him from аnothеr соrner.
Тhis Gеnеrаl Cheng truly рossessed such chаrm that two noblе ladies hаd takеn а liking to him. Нan Yan pondered inwardly: since ancient times, beauties have admired heroes. Cheng Lei, having been appointed a general at a young age, carried a more rugged and masculine air compared to those pampered sons of noble families who indulged in luxury all day. Deng Chan and Princess Yunni certainly had good taste. Han Yan thought to herself, previously believing Deng Chan and Cheng Lei were well-matched in status, but now with Princess Yunni in the picture, if the princess truly set her heart on Cheng Lei and requested The Emperor to bestow a marriage decree, Deng Chan would have no chance at all.
Yet seeing her friend in the throes of first love, Han Yan didn’t know how to dissuade her. Better a sharp pain than a lingering one—if not resolved early, it would only bring more sorrow in the future.
After a moment of foolish distraction, Han Yan snapped back to reality. What was wrong with her? Why was she playing matchmaker for Deng Chan and worrying so much about her lifelong happiness? The matter hadn’t even begun to take shape, yet she was already getting worked up over it.
Just then, Li Jiaqi’s performance reached its conclusion. Her fingertips danced across the strings, plucking and strumming with grace, the melody like pearls falling onto a jade plate—delicate and clear. Finally, with a gentle flick, a rounded final note fell, and everything came to an abrupt, perfect end.
The hall fell silent for a moment before Seventh Prince suddenly clapped and laughed heartily. “Truly worthy of being called the capital’s foremost talented lady! Such exquisite music—hearing of it a hundred times cannot compare to witnessing it once!”
Once the prince spoke, the other ministers quickly followed suit, and praises rose one after another. The Emperor also wore a satisfied smile.
Han Yan, however, frowned slightly. Seventh Prince’s repeated praise for Li Jiaqi was no coincidence; Prime Minister Li likely belonged to Seventh Prince’s faction. This was not good—her enemies were now united, making them harder to deal with in the future. As for her allies… well, she had just threatened one of them in the imperial garden.
“Indeed, a mind as intricate as fine jade! Minister Li, you have raised a fine daughter! We shall bestow upon you a string of agarwood prayer beads and four bolts of silk from the Palace of Eternal Spring.”
Li Jiaqi bowed gracefully. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for the reward.”
At this moment, she had stolen the spotlight and proven her reputation as the capital’s talented lady before all present. Starting tomorrow, tales of her triumph at the palace banquet would spread throughout the capital. Thinking of this, she couldn’t help but feel even more pleased with herself.
Han Yan watched Li Jiaqi in the hall, then glanced over and caught Zhuangshan staring at her. Han Yan felt there was a hint of schadenfreude in Zhuangshan’s gaze, and almost instinctively, she understood that some new trap likely awaited her.
“Your Majesty, this humble subject has an impertinent request.” Li Jiaqi suddenly spoke up in the hall, startling everyone into silence.
The Emperor waved a hand magnanimously. “Speak freely.”Han Yan felt a flicker of foreboding in her heart. Before she could ponder further, Li Jiaqi’s gentle voice indeed rang out: “I have heard that Lord Zhuang’s Fourth Miss is both beautiful and talented, especially skilled at playing the qin. Today is a rare opportunity to meet her, and I would like to request Fourth Miss Zhuang to play a piece. I shall listen with utmost attention.”
Han Yan’s heart sank. She looked up and saw Li Jiaqi, separated by the banquet guests, casting a provocative smile at her from afar.
As soon as Li Jiaqi finished speaking, the hall fell silent for a moment. Then, all eyes turned toward the women’s seating area, eager to catch a glimpse of the young lady praised even by the capital’s renowned talent.
Han Yan had been taught since childhood to observe etiquette and never overstep her bounds. Apart from necessary gatherings with other ladies, she rarely had opportunities to go out. Thus, in the minds of most, there was little understanding of this Fourth Miss of the Zhuang residence.
Zhuangshan watched Han Yan with smug satisfaction. With her hands scalded, Han Yan naturally could not touch the qin. If she refused now, she would be defying the Emperor’s face, and His Majesty would likely feel displeased to some degree. Meanwhile, Zhuangshan could seize the opportunity to step forward, showcasing her own talents under the pretense of salvaging the Zhuang family’s reputation, earning the admiration of all present!
Han Yan calmly took in Zhuangshan’s expression. From a distance, she noticed the Empress Dowager also watching her intently, her expression inscrutable, as if her true intentions were difficult to fathom.
The Emperor raised his voice and asked, “Who is the Fourth Miss of the Zhuang residence?”
Only then did Han Yan rise. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, she walked unhurriedly to the imperial seat and bowed deeply. “Your subject, Zhuang Hanyan, pays respects to Your Majesty.”
Though petite in stature, her movements were flawless. She appeared to be around eleven or twelve years old, yet her demeanor rivaled that of young women trained in palace etiquette for marriage.
Seeing her composure, the Emperor’s eyes held a hint of appreciation. The Empress, having recognized Han Yan, spoke with a smile, “I wondered which family’s daughter possessed such grace and intelligence. So it is the Fourth Miss of the Zhuang residence.”
The Emperor rarely heard the Empress praise anyone and said, “Miss Li just now spoke highly of your qin skills. Play a piece for Us, and let Us and everyone here judge who excels between you and Miss Li.”
Such was the Emperor—issuing commands as if she were a mere courtesan. Han Yan frowned almost imperceptibly, then suddenly lifted her head and smiled openly at the Emperor. “Your subject cannot comply with Your Majesty’s request.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the hall collectively drew a sharp breath, followed by a deathly silence so profound that even the drop of a needle could be heard.
Li Jiaqi, seated nearby, nearly burst into gleeful laughter upon hearing Han Yan’s words. However, in front of everyone, she restrained herself perfectly, her expression remaining proud and unruffled.
Unnoticed below, Zhuangshan curled her lips into a smug smile and exchanged a meaningful glance with Madam Zhou. She thought Han Yan was finished this time—offending the Emperor would surely bring her no good, even from the Zhuang family. She settled back to enjoy the spectacle.
Deng Chan anxiously twisted the handkerchief in her hands, nearly unable to resist standing up to explain that Han Yan’s hands were scalded. But a pair of gentle hands pressed down on her shoulders. Turning, she saw it was Han Yan’s maid, Shu Hong. Though both she and Ji Lan wore worried expressions, they remained composed, standing calmly below the seating area.Zhang Wei was inwardly delighted. This wretched woman had just slapped him moments ago, and now she was being punished by The Emperor—served her right! From the relatives' seats in the palace, the Little Crown Prince watched Han Yan with a mix of disdain and curiosity. How dare she refuse his father? Was she simply ignorant of her own insignificance, or did she have ulterior motives?
Zhuang Shiyang’s face turned ashen. Under the table, his hands clenched into tight fists as he glared venomously at Han Yan’s figure in the hall. This daughter had never pleased him, and now, by angering The Emperor, she would bring trouble upon the Zhuang household. He should have disposed of both her and Wang Shi when she was born, sparing them all this trouble today!
Zhuang Hanming, however, pressed his lips tightly together, his entire body tense and his back rigid, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on his sister. Though he did not know what had happened, he was certain his sister would not have refused The Emperor without good reason. If The Emperor sought to punish her, he would take Han Yan’s place without hesitation.
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