Unаblе to sort out hеr thоughts, Han Yаn bid farewеll tо thе оthеrs аnd returned tо Clear Autumn Court.
Маma Сhen hаd just соmе baсk frоm Нibisсus Gаrden, hаving delivered sоmе childrеn's toys to Сoncubinе Mei аt Наn Yаn's rеquеst. Нearing thаt Мadаm Zhоu hаd sent mаny fооd items and tоniсs to Сoncubine Мei, Mamа Сhеn remаrked, "She truly dаrеs, but Сonсubinе Меi рrоbablу wоn't use hеr things."
Hаn Yan cаsuallу рiсked uр аn еmbrоidery hoоp to examinе: "Illness enters thrоugh the mouth, trоuble соmes оut of the mouth. Since she's sending food, her true purpose must not lie in the food itself."
"Then... could she frame the young lady?" Mama Chen was quite worried.
Han Yan smiled: "What's there to fear? After all, Concubine Mei isn't truly with child, so we can just sit back and watch the tigers fight. I'm rather curious to see what Madam Zhou's next move will be; she should be calling for reinforcements soon."
As promised, Prince Wei stayed for a meal at the Zhuang residence. The dishes were extremely lavish and exquisite, earning Prince Wei's constant praise. Zhuang Shiyang looked with satisfaction at Madam Zhou, who was serving him food: "You've worked hard, sit down and join us for the meal."
Madam Zhou sat down beside Zhuang Shiyang, lowering her head as she said, "It is this humble wife's honor to prepare dishes for His Highness Prince Wei. Since Your Highness saved Yu'er, you are the savior of both this humble wife and Yu'er. A mere meal is nothing in comparison."
Prince Wei laughed heartily: "That was entirely Rufeng's merit."
Seizing the opportunity, Madam Zhou tugged at Zhuangshan beside her: "Aren't you going to thank the Wei heir?"
Zhuangshan was dressed today in a plain white silk skirt, with only red thread embroidered roses at the hem. Her usual striking beauty had faded; her face was pale, and her hair was loosely tied in a bun, making her face appear as small as a palm, so fragile that one couldn't help but feel pity at a glance. Perhaps the ordeal of being abducted by bandits had caused her much suffering, for Zhuangshan's voice had become faint and weak: "Yu'er thanks the heir for his life-saving grace." After speaking, her glistening, tearful eyes turned toward Wei Rufeng.
Wei Rufeng met Zhuangshan's gaze, a gentle smile curling at his lips: "It was a mere trifle, Second Young Lady need not take it to heart." His gaze unconsciously fell upon Han Yan.
Han Yan was savoring the dishes on her plate with great relish. Joking aside, she had no interest in watching Zhuangshan and Wei Rufeng perform a hero-and-beauty drama before her eyes, nor in observing Zhuang Shiyang and Prince Wei's cheerful toasts. Zhuang Qin and Concubine Wan were absent from the table due to discomfort, while Concubine Mei, recuperating, had special tonics prepared by the small kitchen and remained in Hibiscus Garden. Truly, there wasn't a single person at this table she found agreeable.
Zhuangshan noticed Wei Rufeng's gaze resting on Han Yan, a flash of jealousy and hatred flickering in her eyes. She hadn't forgotten that her abduction by bandits was entirely thanks to Zhuang Hanyan. Although those men hadn't done anything to her, the fact that she had been abducted by bandits was known throughout the capital and beyond—her reputation was ruined. Now that she had reached marriageable age, her wish to marry into a noble family was no longer possible! Her mother had told her to endure for now; she would make Zhuang Hanyan experience ten times what she had gone through, making Zhuang Hanyan's life worse than death.Wei Rufeng's gaze towards Han Yan filled Zhuangshan with intense jealousy. It was Wei Rufeng who had rescued her from the bandits. This gentle and refined man had instantly won her favor, and later, upon learning he was the heir of Prince Wei, she secretly gave him her heart. Confident in her own beauty, she believed all men were prone to straying. She had thought she might win Wei Rufeng's admiration, but to her dismay, he only had eyes for that Zhuang Hanyan. How could she not hate her!
Zhuang Hanyan had taken her rightful place as the legitimate daughter, caused her to be kidnapped by bandits, and now was trying to steal the man she loved. Zhuangshan swore that one day she would make Zhuang Hanyan lose everything and beg on her knees!
After lunch, Zhuang Shiyang and Prince Wei remained in the study to discuss matters, while Zhuangshan was tasked with showing Wei Rufeng around the estate. Han Yan felt somewhat drowsy and intended to take a short nap. Just as she reached the corridor, a voice called from behind, "Fourth Miss Zhuang."
Hearing this voice, Han Yan paused, then turned around with a hint of resignation, offering a slight curtsy to the newcomer. "Young Master Wei."
"You seem quite disappointed that Second Miss was rescued?" Wei Rufeng carefully observed every expression on Han Yan's face, but to his disappointment, she showed no sign of anger, only a slight curve at the corner of her lips.
"What disappoints Han Yan is that Young Master Wei waited until the next day to rescue Second Miss."
Wei Rufeng noticed the faint trace of mockery in her upturned lips, and his voice grew low. "Do you think your actions were flawless?"
Han Yan replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Han Yan would not dare to overestimate herself."
Seeing that dealing with Han Yan was like handling a smooth stone with no edges, his usually gentle expression grew agitated. "Do you despise me?"
Han Yan gave him a puzzled look, truly unable to understand what this heir of Prince Wei was thinking. Having lived a second life, she saw many things with clarity. Her attachments to the past had gradually faded, especially after yesterday's turnaround. Wei Rufeng was no longer the flawless gentleman she had once imagined. The closer she got, the clearer she saw—he was not as good as she had thought. In fact, some of his actions were even contemptible.
"I do not know why Young Master would say such a thing. Han Yan has only met you a few times, so how could there be any talk of liking or disliking? Young Master need not dwell on this matter. From now on, Han Yan and Young Master will merely be acquaintances who nod in passing."
Han Yan believed her words were clear enough and left ample room. In truth, she and Wei Rufeng, like the Seventh Prince and the Crown Prince, would inevitably stand on opposing sides in the future. By then, they would likely become enemies, with no friendship left to speak of.
Upon hearing this, Wei Rufeng's expression changed. He stared at Han Yan for a long time before speaking coldly, "You may be mistaken. Merely nodding acquaintances? Fourth Miss, you will one day be my consort."
For a moment, Han Yan nearly retorted loudly, but she steadied herself and slowly replied, "Young Master truly enjoys jesting. Please think twice before saying such things in the future, lest you tarnish Han Yan's reputation."
Her words were righteous and firm. Wei Rufeng took in her unwillingness to have any connection with him, finding it even more grating. He sneered, "After witnessing today's events, Fourth Miss still does not understand? My father intends to arrange our marriage, to be formalized once you come of age. Lord Zhuang has already agreed to this matter."Han Yan clenched her fists tightly, her heart filled with deep resentment toward Zhuang Shiyang's shamelessness—he was willing to sell out his own daughter just to climb the ranks of the Wei family. As for the man before her, Wei Rufeng... memories of the tragic scene from her wedding night in her past life surfaced in her mind. Her eyes turned cold—no matter what, she would never marry this man again!
"Why does the heir wish to marry me?" Han Yan suddenly asked softly.
Wei Rufeng, upon hearing this, turned his head away somewhat uncomfortably. "Our families are well-matched in status. Marrying you is only natural."
"There are many young ladies from noble families in the capital. I am not the only one who is well-matched, am I?" She pursed her lips and smiled faintly. "Thank you for your favor, but in my heart, there truly is no place for you."
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