"Miss Zhuang, I sее уоur lеft-handed cаlligrаphy is еxtremеlу рrоfiсiеnt, and yоur brushwork is exceptiоnаlly оutstanding. Whо wаs уоur teасhеr?" Тhе Emрeror suddenlу inquirеd.
Hаn Yan repliеd calmlу, "Your Mаjеstу, this humblе subjесt wаs not taught bу аnyоnе. It wаs my grеat-grаndfаther who оnсe rеcounted tаles of the bаttlеfiеld to mе, which moved mе dееplу. Lаtеr, mу fifth brоthеr asрirеd to bеcоme a hеro оn thе bаttlefiеld аnd осcasionаlly discussed such mattеrs with me. Inspired bу this, I often рraсtiсed writing аnd painting on themes of the frontier to console myself. Today, I have embarrassed myself before all the esteemed lords, ladies, and young misses. I am deeply ashamed."
Though her demeanor was innocent and endearing, her words were articulate and well-reasoned, giving an impression of cleverness and charm. The Emperor said solemnly, "Old Master Zhuang was once a fierce general of the Great Dynasty, renowned for his valor on the battlefield in his youth. Now that your fifth brother is devoted to martial arts, he should be properly guided to serve the Great Dynasty's realm in the future."
There was no need to guess that Zhuang Shiyang's expression must have turned unpleasant at this moment. He had always prioritized literary pursuits over martial ones, looking down upon those who wielded swords and spears. Yet today's praise was entirely due to the heroic reputation of martial figures. When the Emperor asked about the origins, Zhuang Shiyang had assumed Han Yan would attribute all credit to her father's excellent guidance. However, her response did not mention his name even once. How would his colleagues view him now? Where would his dignity lie?
Seeing that her goal of guiding Zhuang Hanming had been achieved, Han Yan knew when to stop and smiled, saying, "This humble subject will certainly live up to Your Majesty's expectations."
The Emperor observed that, unlike other young ladies who trembled in fear before him, she responded with ease. If not for deep cunning, she must be utterly innocent and unaware of fear. Now, it seemed this girl was open-hearted, unlike the former possibility. She appeared to be a clever person with pure intentions. His gaze deepened with thought—how had Zhuang Shiyang raised such an exquisitely perceptive daughter?
"By Our decree, the Fourth Miss of the Zhuang family, intelligent and clear-minded, has contributed with her gift. She is specially bestowed with one sandalwood walking cane, one string of chanan prayer beads, four bolts of palace silk for longevity and blessings, ten ingots of purple gold 'Brush and Ingot Auspiciousness,' ten silver ingots of 'Auspicious Fish,' two volumes of newly compiled imperial books, two cases of precious ink, two gold and two silver wine cups each, ceremonial gifts as before, two gold and silver necklaces, and one hundred strings of pure coins."
With this series of rewards, the young ladies and madams present were green with envy. Han Yan's luck today was truly remarkable—first receiving the Empress Dowager's favor, then gaining the Empress's special attention, and now even earning the Emperor's praise. This unremarkable-looking Fourth Miss of the Zhuang family was truly baffling.
Deng Chan and Zhuang Hanming were overjoyed, especially Zhuang Hanming, who swelled with pride. Meanwhile, Madam Zhou and Zhuangshan glared fiercely at Han Yan, their fingertips digging deeply into their palms as they gritted their teeth to keep their expressions from turning too ugly.
Han Yan knelt in gratitude, saying, "This humble subject thanks Your Majesty for the rewards." Yet inwardly, she felt anxious. While the Emperor's rewards might deter others from looking down on her in the short term, they also brought her considerable trouble. The envious gazes of the young ladies were nearly enough to swallow her whole.
Li Jiaqi bit her lip, her heart roiling like turbulent waves. Starting tomorrow, when news of this palace banquet spread to the streets, the title of the capital's most talented young lady would likely change hands!
Under the scrutiny of the crowd, Han Yan returned to the banquet seat, where Deng Chan excitedly took her hand and began to chatter.The men in the audience had grown quite interested in this suddenly emerging Fourth Miss of the Zhuang family. A graceful maiden is what a gentleman seeks, and this exceptionally talented young lady had already captured the attention of many young noblemen. Although she appeared somewhat young, waiting a few more years was no issue at all.
Among the palace attendees, the Seventh Prince watched meaningfully as Han Yan returned to her seat. He tapped his wine cup lightly, and a servant in a brown short jacket immediately stepped forward. With a faint smile, he whispered, "Go investigate Zhuang Hanyan's background at once."
After the brown-clad servant departed, Mufeng, who had been waiting outside the banquet hall, leaped down from the rafters and followed the servant, disappearing into the night.
After all the commotion, the back of Han Yan's right hand ached even more. Just then, a delicate maid in a green tunic approached her, bowing her head as she said, "Miss Zhuang, this is an ointment sent by my master to treat your hand injury."
Han Yan was taken aback. "Your master?"
The maid smiled and glanced back. Following her gaze, Han Yan felt her heart tighten, her mind going blank for a moment as she stood frozen in place, unsure of what to do.
The one smiling at her was none other than Wei Rufeng, the heir of Prince Wei, whom she had been deliberately avoiding all evening.
Han Yan was momentarily stunned but quickly regained her composure. Lowering her head and clenching her fists, though she did not understand Wei Rufeng's intentions, under the current circumstances, accepting this medicine was absolutely out of the question, both publicly and privately.
She raised her head and smiled at the maid. "I am grateful for the young master's concern, but my injury is no longer an issue. Medicine is precious, and I dare not accept it. Please ask the young master to take it back."
The maid seemed surprised by Han Yan's response, widening her eyes and opening her mouth as if to say more. But Han Yan had already picked up her tea and begun sipping it quietly, paying her no further attention. The maid hesitated for a moment before reluctantly turning away.
Only after the maid had left did Han Yan quietly let out a sigh of relief. Unexpectedly, she met Deng Chan's mischievous grin. "Confess!"
Han Yan replied, "Confess what?"
Deng Chan blinked. "Why would the heir of Prince Wei send you medicine? When did you two meet?"
Han Yan was equally puzzled. In this lifetime, today should have been her first time meeting Wei Rufeng. What did his sudden gift of medicine mean? Shaking her head at Deng Chan, Han Yan answered honestly, "I don't know. Today was my first time seeing him."
Seeing that she seemed sincere, Deng Chan thought for a moment before smiling again. "Could it be that he has taken a liking to you? The heir of Prince Wei is a talented scholar in the capital. Perhaps he was impressed by your talents earlier and developed an affection for you. That must be why he sent medicine to show his concern."
Han Yan said seriously, "How can you speak so carelessly? Wei Rufeng and I will only ever be strangers." Yet her heart began to race. In her previous life, Zhuangshan had indeed mentioned that Wei Rufeng was someone who valued talent, being exceptionally gifted himself, and thus held great admiration for other talented individuals. That was why she had deliberately spent her time reading and writing in the mansion, hoping to one day catch Wei Rufeng's eye. But now, with Wei Rufeng suddenly sending her a bottle of medicine, could it truly be that her calligraphy and painting had stirred his appreciation for talent?
Deng Chan rested her chin on her hand, looking at her curiously. "Speaking of which, the heir of Prince Wei is of comparable status to you, and his character, talent, and appearance are all exceptional. Are you truly unmoved? In two years, you will be of marriageable age, and preparations for your marriage should begin early."Deng Chan had always been bold in her speech, and Han Yan didn't mind it. She merely sighed and said, "Without even knowing who the other person is, how could one develop feelings? Relying solely on a single encounter seems far too hasty. Marriage is something that happens by chance, not by force."
Deng Chan was slightly taken aback. She felt that Han Yan's expression as she spoke was unusually unfamiliar, and her words seemed to carry the weight of experience. Coupled with the events of the evening, this childhood friend of hers had suddenly become somewhat inscrutable.
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