Upon hearing Zhu Yan’s words, Shen Du realized the gravity of the situation. His expression darkened as he quickly ordered, “Jinglin, go to the palace immediately and report this matter to Official Zhang Baohuan.”
“Yes, sir,” Jinglin responded, promptly taking his leave.
Only then did Zhu Yan feel relieved. In her impulsive moment earlier, she hadn’t considered all the implications. Zhang Baohuan was close to the Empress, and even if Princess Yong’an was unwilling, she couldn’t disregard the Empress’s authority.
“Let go of me! Release me at once!” Han Shiyuan struggled continuously on the road, but Princess Yong’an’s men were following orders and dared not slack in their duty. The more Han Shiyuan resisted, the tighter their grip became.
Just as the group was approaching the residence of the Prince of Ying, a sudden announcement halted their steps.
“Official Zhang has arrived.”
Everyone turned to look, seeing Zhang Baohuan hurrying over with his entourage, his face dark with anger. Accompanying him were Shen Du and Zhu Yan.
Princess Yong’an immediately fixed her gaze on Zhu Yan. She had noticed a familiar figure on the street earlier but hadn’t gotten a clear look before they left. Now she realized it wasn’t her eyes playing tricks on her—Zhu Yan had gone to inform others.
“Your Highness, Prince of Ying,” Zhang Baohuan bowed a cold smile on his face. “May I inquire what offense Young Master Han has committed to warrant such treatment from Your Highness? Even if he is unwilling, does Your Highness intend to forcibly take him back to your residence?”
“It’s a private matter. Why has it alarmed Official Zhang to come personally to retrieve him?” Princess Yong’an retorted. “I wonder, what is Official Zhang’s relationship with this Han fellow?”
Zhang Baohuan pressed his lips together, his expression turning stern. “Your Highness speaks too strongly. This official was ordered by Her Majesty to extend greetings to the Grand Councilor and his wife. I happened to hear about this incident from the Grand Councilor’s wife. Her Majesty favors Your Highness, and my actions are out of concern for Your Highness. I implore Your Highness to reconsider.”
Han Shiyuan continued to struggle. Princess Yong’an narrowed her eyes, well aware of Zhang Baohuan’s status and the implications. If she didn’t release Han Shiyuan, Zhang Baohuan would report this to the Empress.
“You have erred today, and I merely intended to bring you back for some discipline. Since Official Zhang has interceded on your behalf, I shall let you off this once.” With a wave of her hand, her servants released Han Shiyuan.
Zhu Yan quickly rushed forward to pull Han Shiyuan back, asking with concern, “Brother-in-law, are you alright?”
Han Shiyuan shook his head and hastily bowed to the couple. “Many thanks to the Grand Councilor and his wife for coming to my rescue.”
“There’s no need for such formalities among family,” Zhu Yan replied, then turned to give Shen Du a grateful look.
However, Shen Du’s expression was far from pleased, as if Zhu Yan had once again stirred up trouble.
Zhu Yan paid no heed to this. Princess Yong’an, her plans thwarted and harboring resentment, had to release Han Shiyuan out of respect for Zhang Baohuan’s presence. But the thought of Zhu Yan’s interference filled her with indignation.
She approached Zhu Yan, glaring at her with a menacing look, and warned, “Don’t think that just because you saved him today, I’ll give up. Anyone the Princess desires will eventually be mine. And let me tell you this: the only reason I’ve tolerated you until now is out of respect for Minister Zhang. Don’t overestimate your abilities. We’ll see how things unfold!”
Princess Yong’an’s words left Zhu Yan speechless. Even though she knew she wasn’t Zhang Xingwei’s pawn, others wouldn’t believe her. Not just others—even Shen Du probably wouldn’t trust her.
Feeling dejected, Zhu Yan remained silent as they all returned to their respective residences after resolving the situation. On the way back, she was visibly upset, Princess Yong’an’s words echoing in her mind.
“What’s wrong?” Shen Du noticed her unusual demeanor and asked, “You saved someone, yet you don’t seem happy about it?”
Zhu Yan knew Shen Du was teasing her, but her heart was too heavy to engage in their usual banter.
“It’s nothing,” she replied coldly, quickening her pace to leave.
Perhaps maintaining some distance from Shen Du at this moment would be beneficial for both of them.
Seeing Zhu Yan’s sudden change in attitude, Shen Du was perplexed. What goes on in a woman’s mind? Can’t she just speak normally?
Upon returning to the Shen residence, Zhu Yan barely sat down before standing up again and heading out. After such a major incident today, she wondered if her family at the Zhu residence might be worried.
Unable to set her mind at ease, Zhu Yan decided to go back and check on them.
Just as she was leaving the Shen residence, she encountered Shen Du, who had returned with her.
“Didn’t you just get back? Where are you going now?” Shen Du’s voice was cold as if addressing a stranger.
“Going home,” Zhu Yan replied curtly, maintaining her distance as she hurried away.
Shen Du was confused and increasingly irritated. Had he been too lenient with her lately that she now spoke so carelessly?
Isn’t this her home? Which home is she going to?
Zhu Yan returned to the Zhu residence and went straight to find her third sister. The two sisters engaged in warm, casual conversation.
Seeing her third sister’s cheerful expression, Zhu Yan knew that news of today’s events hadn’t reached the household. Han Shiyuan was indeed capable of handling matters discreetly, bearing the burden himself without worrying those around him.
Thinking of this, Zhu Yan praised her third sister, “Third Sister, you have such good taste. Look at Brother-in-law—he’s of good character, learned, and in terms of looks, he’s easily one of the most handsome men in Chang’an.”
Zhu Caiwei covered her mouth and laughed, “Listen to you! Isn’t the Grand Councilor handsome? He holds a high position and has a great reputation. You’re the one who doesn’t know how fortunate you are.”
Zhu Yan shook her head dismissively, “Don’t mention him. He always has a cold expression on his face. He’s already not good-looking, to begin with, and with that constant frown, he looks even worse.”
Their conversation was overheard by Shen Du, who was standing at the door.
Ugly?
This woman was calling him ugly?
He had originally intended to go in and bring her home, but now his heart felt like it had been stirred with all sorts of conflicting emotions.
Unsure of how to react, he turned and hastily left.
Back at the Shen residence, Shen Du stood before a bronze mirror, perplexed.
Sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, a straight nose, and thin lips… How could this be considered anything but pleasing to the eye?
While he might not be devastatingly handsome, he certainly didn’t belong in the “ugly” category.
Unable to comprehend…
“Jinglin,” he called out coldly.
Jinglin appeared at the door. “Grand Councilor.”
Shen Du pursed his lips, as if pondering for a long while, before asking, “Am I… ugly?”
“…” Jinglin was stunned, completely caught off guard by Shen Du’s question.
Seeing Jinglin’s bewildered silence, Shen Du impatiently waved him away.
Sitting before the bronze mirror, he suddenly recalled the scene of Zhang Baohuan intervening to save Han Shiyuan. At that time, Zhu Yan’s gaze had never left Zhang Baohuan.
Could it be…
Was he, the esteemed Grand Councilor, inferior to Zhang Baohuan?
Or was there something wrong with that woman’s eyesight?
It must be her eyesight that’s the problem. No, it’s her mind—she’s a shallow woman who only cares about appearances.
Shen Du reassured himself. How could a man as handsome and refined as himself possibly be associated with the word “ugly”? It was simply preposterous.
“A woman with no discerning eye,” he muttered.
Meanwhile, at the Zhu residence, Zhu Yan sneezed. She looked up at the sky—it was a beautiful day without a cloud in sight.