“Lady Zhuang, I notice you write characters with your left hand quite skillfully, and your calligraphy is exceptional. Who was your teacher?” the Emperor suddenly inquired.
Han Yan replied calmly, “Your Majesty, this humble subject has not been formally taught. My great-grandfather once shared stories of his battlefield experiences with me, which moved me deeply. Later, my Fifth Brother, who aspired to become a hero on the battlefield, would occasionally discuss these matters with me. Inspired by these conversations, I often practiced writing pieces about frontier life for my enjoyment. I fear my poor display today has offended the eyes of the noble officials and ladies present.”
Though her demeanor was charmingly innocent, she spoke with clear logic and intelligence, coming across as both adorable and wise. The Emperor spoke in a deep voice, “General Zhuang was once a mighty warrior of our Great Song Dynasty. His battlefield prowess was remarkable. Now that your Fifth Brother shows interest in martial arts, he should be properly guided to serve our Great Song Empire in the future.”
Without a doubt, Zhuang Shi Yang’s expression must have been quite unsightly at this moment. He had always favored scholarly pursuits over martial ones, looking down on those who wielded weapons. Yet today’s praise came entirely from association with military glory. When the Emperor inquired about Han Yan’s background, Zhuang Shi Yang had expected her to credit his excellent parenting, but her response didn’t mention him once. How could he face his colleagues now? Where was his dignity?
Having achieved her goal of directing attention to Han Ming, Han Yan knew when to stop. She smiled and said, “This humble subject will not disappoint Your Majesty’s expectations.”
The Emperor noticed that, unlike other young ladies who trembled in his presence, she responded with composure. This either meant she was extremely calculating or purely innocent and unaware of fear. Given her current display, she appeared to be the latter – a pure-hearted and intelligent person. His gaze deepened – how did Zhuang Shi Yang raise such a clear-minded daughter?
“By imperial decree, Fourth Lady Zhuang of the Zhuang family has demonstrated exceptional intelligence and skill in her performance. She is hereby awarded ten silver ingots, two gold and silver necklaces, and one jade ruyi scepter.”
This generous reward made the other ladies present green with envy. Han Yan was truly fortunate today – first receiving the Empress Dowager’s favor, then catching the Empress’s special attention, and now earning the Emperor’s praise. This unremarkable Fourth Lady of the Zhuang family was truly bewildering.
Deng Chan and Han Ming were overjoyed, especially Han Ming, who swelled with pride. Meanwhile, Madam Zhou and Zhuang Yu Shan glared viciously at Han Yan, their fingernails digging into their palms as they struggled to maintain composed expressions.
Han Yan knelt in gratitude: “This humble subject thanks Your Majesty for the gifts.” Privately, however, she worried. While the Emperor’s rewards would prevent others from looking down on her in the short term, they would also bring trouble. Already, the envious gazes of the other young ladies seemed ready to consume her.
Li Jia Qi bit her lip, her heart turbulent as storm-tossed waves. By tomorrow, when news of this palace banquet spreads through the city, the title of the capital’s most talented young lady will likely change hands!
Han Yan returned to her seat under everyone’s scrutiny, with Deng Chan excitedly holding her hand and chattering. Among the male guests, interest in this suddenly prominent Fourth Lady Zhuang grew. “A virtuous lady attracts noble gentlemen” – this talented young girl had caught the attention of many young lords. Though she seemed a bit young, waiting a few years wouldn’t matter.
On the officials’ side, the Seventh Prince gave Han Yan a meaningful look as she returned to her seat. He tapped his wine cup, and a servant in a brown short robe immediately approached. With a slight smile, he quietly ordered, “Investigate Han Yan’s background immediately.”
After the brown-robed servant left, Mu Feng, who had been waiting outside the banquet hall, leaped down from the rafters and disappeared into the night following the servant.
Han Yan’s right hand was hurting more after all the excitement when a pretty maidservant in a blue-green robe approached her and bowed, saying, “Lady Zhuang, this is medicine from my master for your injured hand.”
Han Yan started: “Your master?”
The maidservant smiled and looked back. Following her gaze, Han Yan’s heart stopped, her mind momentarily blank with confusion. The one smiling at her was Crown Prince Wei Ru Feng, whom she had been deliberately avoiding all evening.
After her initial surprise, Han Yan quickly composed herself, lowered her head, and clenched her fists. Though unclear about Wei Ru Feng’s true intentions, she knew that accepting medicine from him, whether publicly or privately, was impossible in her current situation.
She raised her head and smiled at the maid: “Please thank the Young Lord for his concern, but I am fine now. The medicine is precious, and I dare not accept it. Please return it to him.”
The maid seemed surprised by Han Yan’s response, her eyes widening as she opened her mouth to speak further. But Han Yan had already picked up her tea and started drinking, clearly dismissing her. The maid stood awkwardly for a moment before reluctantly retreating.
After the maid left, Han Yan quietly sighed in relief, only to meet Deng Chan’s mischievous grin: “Come clean now!”
Han Yan asked, “About what?”
Deng Chan winked: “Why would Crown Prince Wei send you medicine? When did you two meet?”
Han Yan was also puzzled – in this life, today should have been her first time meeting Wei Ru Feng. What did he mean by suddenly sending medicine? She shook her head at Deng Chan and answered honestly, “I don’t know. Today was the first time I’ve seen him.”
Seeing that she wasn’t pretending, Deng Chan thought for a moment and then smiled again: “Could it be that he’s interested in you? Crown Prince Wei is known as a talented scholar in the capital. Perhaps after seeing your talents earlier, he became smitten. That’s why he sent medicine to show his concern.”
Han Yan replied seriously, “How can you say such things? Crown Prince Wei and I can only be strangers.” Privately, though, she grew worried. In her previous life, Zhuang Yu Shan had indeed mentioned that Wei Ru Feng appreciated talent and was himself highly accomplished, thus showing genuine appreciation for other talented individuals. That was why she had later deliberately spent time reading and writing in the manor, hoping to one day catch Wei Ru Feng’s eye. But now, his sudden gift of medicine – could it be because her calligraphy had sparked his appreciation of her talent?
Deng Chan rested her chin on her hand, looking at her strangely: “Come to think of it, Crown Prince Wei is of similar social standing to you, and his character and appearance are both excellent. Are you not interested? In another two years, you’ll be of marriageable age. It’s good to start preparing for marriage early.”
Deng Chan had always been bold in her speech, and Han Yan didn’t mind, but she sighed and said, “How can one be interested in someone they don’t even know? Judging based on a single meeting would be too hasty. Marriage and love are matters of fate, not something to be forced.”
Deng Chan was slightly taken aback, feeling that Han Yan’s expression while speaking these words was oddly unfamiliar. Her words seemed to carry the weight of someone who had weathered many storms. Combined with everything else that had happened tonight, this childhood friend suddenly seemed somewhat inscrutable to her.