Ji Lаn саught оn and chimed in, "Ехactlу! Anyоnе whо didn't knоw bеttеr would think Mаma Du is one of those vilе рeоplе dеlibеrаtelу trуing tо ruin оur уoung lаdy's reputаtiоn!"
Mаma Du was sweаting profusеly, suddenlу fееling thаt this Fоurth Мiss hаd becоmе eхtrеmеly diffiсult to dеаl with. Just standing neаr hеr, onе could feеl an overwhеlming рrеssure. Аt that moment, а sоft vоicе suddеnlу саmе from thе dоorwаy, "Whаt's this about ruining rеputаtiоns?"
Нan Yаn lооkеd up and saw Мadam Zhou and Zhuangshаn, accоmpaniеd by mаids, slоwly wаlking toward the room. Bringing up the rear was Zhuang Shiyang.
Han Yan quickly stood up and went forward with a smile, "Father, Concubine Zhou, Sister Yu Shan."
Every time Madam Zhou heard the words "Concubine Zhou" from Han Yan's mouth, it felt like ten thousand tiny insects were gnawing at her heart, unbearably painful. Seeing the smile in Han Yan's eyes made it feel like the greatest mockery. Yet, her face showed an even gentler smile, "Just now, I heard you talking about reputations? Who wants to ruin Fourth Miss's reputation?"
Before Han Yan could speak, Ji Lan spoke up from the side, "It's those wicked women! Relying on being the master's wet nurse and even using Concubine Zhou's name to frame our young lady!"
"Ji Lan!" Han Yan stopped her, then smiled apologetically at Zhuang Shiyang, "It's just a misunderstanding. Mama Du is someone close to Father—how could she possibly want to frame me? Father wouldn't allow it either, right?" After saying this, she smiled, though the smile seemed forced, appearing to others as if she had been wronged but dared not speak openly.
Zhuang Shiyang coughed awkwardly, "Of course, I wouldn't let anyone bully you."
Madam Zhou glanced at Zhuang Shiyang in a fluster. Although he didn't like this daughter of his either, he still couldn't go too far on the surface. How could Mama Du handle things so poorly, even dragging her into it? Thinking this, she shot Mama Du a glare.
Mama Du, used to throwing her weight around in the household, couldn't bear such humiliation. Especially since it came from an unfavored young lady, she grew angry on the spot, "Master, I truly never harbored such intentions toward Fourth Miss."
Han Yan blinked, "Mama Du, what's wrong with you? I've already told Father it wasn't your fault—it was a misunderstanding. Are you now expecting me, a young lady, to apologize to you?"
A legitimate young lady apologizing to a servant—what kind of propriety would that be! Zhuang Shiyang was someone who valued rules, and he immediately shot a dark look at Mama Du. Mama Du, frightened, quickly fell silent, feeling both furious at Fourth Miss's cunning and puzzled as to when Han Yan had become so formidable. But she hadn't expected Han Yan to continue, "Speaking of which, Mama Du used to be very close to Concubine Mei. It's been a long time since we've seen Concubine Mei, and with New Year's Eve approaching, Father might as well let Concubine Mei come out of her courtyard for a walk. Mama Du would be happy about that too, right?"
As soon as these words were spoken, three people in the room stiffened.
Madam Zhou cursed Han Yan a thousand times in her heart. Now, letting Concubine Mei out of her courtyard would only bring her another troublesome rival. After the previous incident, Concubine Mei hated her to the bone and would likely employ more schemes.
Mama Chen felt extremely guilty. Han Yan's words had grouped her with Concubine Mei, inevitably arousing Madam Zhou's suspicions. And if Concubine Mei found out she had been trying to curry favor with Madam Zhou, she certainly wouldn't let her off easily. This way, she would end up pleasing neither side.Zhuang Shiyang was suspicious; this daughter of his was becoming increasingly astute and profound, which put him on guard. This time was no exception—since when had Han Yan and Concubine Mei become so close?
Han Yan, however, deliberately feigned anger as she glanced at Madam Zhou, looking as though she couldn’t stand her. Zhuang Shiyang felt slightly relieved. Perhaps she simply disliked Madam Zhou and wanted to team up with Concubine Mei to deal with her.
Of course, he couldn’t allow one person to dominate his inner courtyard. It had been a long time since Zhuang Shiyang had tasted the allure of Concubine Mei’s body, so he was happy to go along with the flow. Pretending to think for a moment, he said, “What you say makes sense. Since it’s almost the New Year, let her confinement be lifted.”
Concubine Zhou was seething with hatred inside but couldn’t show it. In the past, she and Zhuang Yushan had been placed in a courtyard arranged by Zhuang Shiyang and had no dealings with the other concubines in the Zhuang residence. In a way, they had enjoyed exclusive favor. Now that they were in the Zhuang residence, Concubine Wan could be ignored, but there was also Concubine Mei to share Zhuang Shiyang’s favor. That seductive Hu woman was of lowly status, so there was no need to worry about Zhuang Shiyang elevating her to the position of principal wife. She had thought that once she became the mistress of the Zhuang residence, she could easily manipulate that woman. But now, Zhuang Shiyang was delaying the matter of promoting her to principal wife. If that Hu concubine gained deep favor and overshadowed her, then once she lost favor, her plan to become the principal wife would fall through.
Her gaze shifted to Zhuang Yushan, and Madam Zhou felt somewhat comforted. At least she had another bargaining chip—Concubine Mei had no children, while she still had Yu’er.
Zhuang Yushan lived up to Madam Zhou’s expectations, clinging to Zhuang Shiyang’s arm and beginning to act coquettishly: “Father, the New Year is approaching. Yu’er made a pair of shoes for you. I’ll have Yun’er bring them to you later.”
Hearing this, Zhuang Shiyang broke into a smile, his face full of fatherly affection: “Good, Yu’er is truly thoughtful. You are indeed Father’s most beloved daughter.”
Han Yan watched coldly. Even with her, the legitimate daughter, present, Zhuang Shiyang could still call a concubine-born daughter his “most beloved.” He was truly slapping her face in front of the servants. However, Han Yan wished for Zhuang Shiyang to become even more arrogant. She wondered what expression he would wear if a censor reported him to the current Emperor for favoring concubines over his wife.
Zhuang Yushan smiled shyly and replied softly, “Yu’er’s skills are not refined. Father must not laugh at them.”
Zhuang Shiyang laughed heartily: “How could I? Since Yu’er has given her father shoes, I cannot let Yu’er return empty-handed. As the year-end approaches, buy whatever you want. Take the silver directly from the accounts office.”
Han Yan almost sneered. Zhuang Yushan declined a few times, and Madam Zhou smiled and said, “Fourth Miss should go as well and pick out some jewelry.”
Her words made it sound as though Han Yan could only get jewelry thanks to Zhuang Yushan. Han Yan wasn’t angered and replied with a smile, “Thank you, Father. Why not invite Third Sister as well? They are both daughters of concubines, so we shouldn’t favor one over the other.”
Madam Zhou’s smile stiffened. “Both daughters of concubines”—Han Yan’s words rubbed salt in her wound. Gritting her teeth, she nodded and asked, “What does the master think?”
Zhuang Shiyang had already sensed the sarcasm in Han Yan’s words and couldn’t help but give her a deep look. Flicking his sleeve, he said, “As you wish.” His tone had already turned somewhat unfriendly.Zhuangshan was naturally furious as well. She was the most favored young lady in this mansion, while that Zhuang Qin was nothing at all—how could she possibly compare to herself? Seeing Han Yan's gentle demeanor, she wished she could tear that smiling face apart.
Han Yan said happily, "That's truly wonderful."
Having been met with indifference, Madam Zhou and the other three left. Watching them walk out of the courtyard, Han Yan's smile gradually faded.
Ji Lan said angrily, "The master is truly biased toward the one in Dove Tree Courtyard. Look how arrogant they've become now!"
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