Sure enough, Zhuang Shi Yang glared at her disapprovingly: “Who said you could get up? You have no right to speak here!”
Zhuang Yu Shan hadn’t expected Zhuang Shi Yang’s sudden change in attitude, and tears welled up in her eyes. Madam Zhou quickly stepped forward to mediate: “Yu Shan just feels sorry for Yan’er. This child is simply kind-hearted.”
Trying to draw attention to herself? The stepmother’s intentions were so obvious—how had she not seen through this before?
Zhuang Shi Yang’s gaze fell on Han Yan as he coldly asked: “What complaints do you have against Yu-Shan that made you speak such thoughtless words?”
Han Yan placed her hands behind her back, pinching her palm hard enough to bring tears to her eyes: “Father, she wears scented powder.”
Zhuang Shi Yang was taken aback. Madam Zhou and Zhuang Yu Shan exchanged glances, confused about what was wrong with the scented powder.
Han Yan answered with sniffles: “Father, have you forgotten? I’m allergic to scented powder. Just smelling it makes me feel unwell. Sister’s powder fragrance is so strong I could smell it from far away. I don’t like it.”
Zhuang Shi Yang immediately became embarrassed and said: “Of course, Father knows about your allergy to scented powder.”
Knows? Han Yan gave him a mocking look. She had merely made up an excuse—if Zhuang Shi Yang truly knew about it, that would be truly strange.
“However,” Zhuang Shi Yang cleared his throat, “even so, you shouldn’t treat your sister that way. Get up, stop kneeling.”
Han Yan quickly stood up, took a few steps, and took Zhuang Yu Shan’s hand again, smiling at her sincerely: “I was wrong earlier. Please don’t hold it against me, Sister.”
Zhuang Yu Shan was puzzled by her sudden warmth and instinctively tried to pull her hand away. Han Yan let go immediately, her face falling: “Sister, why did you push my hand away? Have you not forgiven me?”
Zhuang Shi Yang glared at Zhuang Yu Shan disapprovingly. She shuddered and quickly grabbed Han Yan’s hand: “How could that be? I like you very much, Sister.”
Han Yan smiled happily: “Sister is so kind. Since Sister treats me so well, I want to give Sister a box of fragrant balm. It’s more fragrant than Sister’s powder when applied, and I notice that when Ji Lan and Shu Hong use it while serving me, I don’t get allergic reactions.”
Madam Zhou had been satisfied listening to Han Yan and Zhuang Yu Shan’s conversation, but upon hearing the last sentence, her expression darkened. Ji Lan and Shu Hong were mere maids—giving Zhuang Yu Shan something meant for servants, claiming it was better than her powder. Was she suggesting Zhuang Yu Shan wasn’t even equal to a household maid? Her anger grew as she glared darkly at Han Yan.
Zhuang Yu Shan also caught Han Yan’s meaning but couldn’t object with Zhuang Shi Yang present. She had thought Han Yan was deliberately insulting her, but Han Yan’s smile seemed genuine as if she didn’t understand the implications.
Was this person truly foolish or cleverly cunning?
Regardless of whether she was foolish or clever, today’s events had exceeded her expectations. Madam Zhou frowned—things weren’t going according to her planned strategy, and she feared more unexpected developments if this continued.
So she stood and addressed Zhuang Shi Yang: “My Lord, it’s getting late. Might I arrange my belongings and help Yu Shan get settled?”
Zhuang Yu Shan couldn’t wait to leave, frustrated at gaining no advantage with this sister. She rubbed her eyes coquettishly: “Mother, I’m so tired.”
Han Yan was also tired of their sparring, and having achieved her desired effect today, saw no point in staying longer.
Zhuang Shi Yang readily agreed: “Very well, I’ll accompany you.”
Such thoughtfulness—Han Yan was almost moved. She watched as Madam Zhou rose from what had been her mother’s position, smoothing the pleats in her dress.
Truthfully, Madam Zhou was indeed a captivating beauty. Even past thirty, she possessed the full charm of a mature woman. Beneath her willow brows were upturned, almond eyes that held alluring grace in every glance. Her full lips carried an unconsciously bewitching smile. In contrast, Han Yan’s mother had cared little for appearance, yet had been far more pleasant to look at.
Today, Madam Zhou wore a peach-colored brocade dress with an indigo silk embroidered sash around her waist, emphasizing its slender grace. Over it, she wore a light gauze jacket of the same color, accessorized with an elaborate ruby headdress from Ruyi Tower—an overwhelming display of wealth.
However, it was somewhat vulgar.
Zhuang Shi Yang turned to the contemplative Han Yan: “I’ll show your Aunt Zhou to her quarters. You should return to yours as well.”
Looking at Zhuang Shi Yang’s sapphire-colored embroidered robe alongside Madam Zhou and Zhuang Yu Shan’s peach and pink attire, the vibrant combination made Han Yan’s gaze unconsciously turn cold.
“Father…” Han Yan called after him.
Zhuang Shi Yang turned back. Han Yan hesitated before speaking: “There’s one more thing…” She deliberately swallowed the rest of her words.
Zhuang Shi Yang’s mood had improved somewhat, so he spoke kindly: “Yan’er, just say what’s on your mind.”
“I heard from the Imperial College instructors that according to clan law, bright-colored clothing isn’t allowed within three months of mourning. The current Emperor particularly values filial piety. Last year, when an official’s ancestor passed away, he allowed his concubine to wear red velvet flowers. A censor reported it, and he was stripped of his position—his entire family was exiled to the Northwest. How pitiful.” Han Yan’s voice was clear, her gaze pure as water. “Hmm, Aunt Zhou’s outfit today is quite bright. With Mother having just passed and still in the mourning period if the Emperor learns that Aunt Zhou wore such clothes while staying at our home, Father and I might end up in the Northwest.” Han Yan deliberately emphasized the words “staying at,” noting with satisfaction how Madam Zhou’s face alternated between pale and flushed. “Doesn’t Aunt Zhou know about clan law? Even I know about it,” Han Yan said with a sweet smile.
Zhuang Shi Yang looked at Zhuang Yu Shan, then at Madam Zhou, saying coldly: “Yan’er makes a valid point. Why dress so brightly!”
Madam Zhou froze, looking at her daughter, then at herself. She had deliberately dressed up to enter the Zhuang household. She hadn’t expected Han Yan’s words to provoke Zhuang Shi Yang’s displeasure—what she’d done to please him had backfired.
Her gaze fixed on Zhuang Han Yan. That worthless girl—today’s plans were ruined because of her. Zhuang Shi Yang’s daughter wasn’t as simple as she appeared. Others might be fooled, but she could see that Zhuang Han Yan was targeting them, mother and daughter!
Han Yan understood clearly that Zhuang Shi Yang valued his career highly. While he might ignore other matters, anything that could affect his official position was extremely sensitive. Yet, the fact that he would risk bringing Madam Zhou and her daughter into the household showed Madam Zhou’s importance to him.
However, Han Yan laughed coldly to herself. Importance didn’t equal necessity—this was a lesson Madam Zhou would eventually learn.
Zhuang Yu Shan glared hatefully at Han Yan. What was there to be smug about? Father didn’t even like her. Someday, the position of the household’s young lady would belong to Zhuang Yu-Shan!