Ji Lan caught her meaning and chimed in, “Indeed! Others might think Du Mama is some kind of villain trying to ruin our Young Miss’s reputation!”
Du Mama broke into a cold sweat, suddenly feeling this Fourth Young Miss had become extremely difficult to deal with. Standing near her, one could feel an overwhelming pressure. Just then, a gentle voice came from the doorway: “What’s this about ruining reputations?”
Han Yan looked up to see Madam Zhou and Zhuang Yu Shan approaching with their maids. Following behind them was Zhuang Shi Yang.
Han Yan quickly stood up and greeted them with a smile: “Father, Aunt Zhou, Sister Yu-Shan.”
Every time Madam Zhou heard the words “Aunt Zhou” from Han Yan’s lips, it felt like thousands of insects gnawing at her heart—unbearably uncomfortable. Seeing the smile in Han Yan’s eyes made it feel even more satirical. Nevertheless, she smiled even more gently: “I just heard you talking about reputation. Who’s trying to ruin Fourth Young Miss’s reputation?”
Before Han Yan could respond, Ji Lan interjected, “It’s that scheming woman! She’s using her position as Master’s wet nurse and Madam Zhou’s name to frame our Young Miss!”
“Ji Lan!” Han Yan stopped her, offering an apologetic smile to Zhuang Shi Yang. “It’s just a misunderstanding. How could Du Mama, Father’s trusted servant, want to frame me? Father wouldn’t allow it, right?” Her forced smile made her appear to others as someone who had suffered an injustice but dared not speak of it.
Zhuang Shi Yang coughed awkwardly. “Of course, I won’t let anyone bully you.”
Madam Zhou glanced anxiously at Zhuang Shi Yang. Though he disliked this daughter, appearances had to be maintained. What was Du Mama thinking, dragging her into this? She shot Du Mama a glare.
Du Mama, accustomed to throwing her weight around the manor, couldn’t stomach such humiliation, especially from a disfavored young miss. She angrily burst out, “Master, I truly had no such intentions toward Fourth Young Miss.”
Han Yan blinked. “Du Mama, what’s wrong? I already told Father it wasn’t your fault, that it was a misunderstanding. Are you now expecting this Young Miss to apologize to you?”
A legitimate young miss apologizing to a servant—how preposterous! Zhuang Shi Yang, being a stickler for propriety, immediately cast a dark look at Du Mama. She quickly fell silent, simultaneously furious at Fourth Young Miss’s manipulation and bewildered by Han Yan’s newfound cunning. But Han Yan continued, “Come to think of it, Du Mama used to be very close with Concubine Mei. We haven’t seen Concubine Mei for so long, and with New Year’s Eve approaching, Father might consider letting her out of confinement. That would make Du Mama happy too, wouldn’t it?”
These words caused three people to stiffen simultaneously.
Madam Zhou mentally cursed Han Yan a thousand times. Letting Concubine Mei out would create another troublesome opponent, especially since Concubine Mei harbored deep hatred toward her after the previous incident.
Du Mama felt extremely uneasy. Han Yan’s words associated her with Concubine Mei, which could make Madam Zhou suspicious. If Concubine Mei learned of her courting favor with Madam Zhou, she wouldn’t let her off easily. She was now caught between two sides.
Zhuang Shi Yang grew suspicious. His daughter was becoming increasingly shrewd and profound, putting him on guard. This time was no exception—since when had Han Yan become so close with Concubine Mei?
Han Yan pretended to glare at Madam Zhou, showing apparent disapproval. Zhuang Shi Yang relaxed slightly, thinking she probably disliked Madam Zhou and wanted to ally with Concubine Mei against her.
Believing his inner court shouldn’t be dominated by one person, and having missed Concubine Mei’s seductive charms, Zhuang Shi Yang was happy to go along with it. After feigning consideration, he said, “You make a good point. Since the New Year is approaching, her confinement shall be lifted.”
Madam Zhou was seething inside but couldn’t show it. Previously, she and Zhuang Yu Shan had lived in quarters arranged by Zhuang Shi Yang, never interacting with the manor’s concubines, enjoying exclusive favors. Now in the Zhuang manor, while she could ignore the Late Concubine, Concubine Mei presented competition for attention. Though the alluring Hu woman’s low status meant she needn’t worry about her becoming the official wife, she had planned to control her once she became the manor’s mistress. But with Zhuang Shi Yang delaying her elevation and Concubine Mei deeply favored, losing favor now could derail her plans to become the primary wife.
Looking at Zhuang Yu Shan, Madam Zhou found comfort. She still had another card to play—at least Concubine Mei was childless, while she had Yu’er.
Zhuang Yu Shan didn’t disappoint Madam Zhou’s expectations. She clung to Zhuang Shi Yang’s arm and began to act coy: “Father, with the New Year coming, Yu’er made you a pair of shoes. I’ll have Yun bring them to you later.”
Zhuang Shi Yang beamed with fatherly affection: “Wonderful. Yu’er is truly thoughtful, worthy of being Father’s most beloved daughter.”
Han Yan watched coldly. With her, a legitimate daughter present, Zhuang Shi Yang could still call a concubine’s daughter his “most beloved,” truly slapping her face in front of the servants. But Han Yan hoped for Zhuang Shi Yang to become more arrogant. She wondered what expression he’d wear when an Imperial Censor reported to the Emperor about his favoring concubines over his wife.
Zhuang Yu Shan smiled shyly, responding softly, “Yu’er’s skills are lacking, Father mustn’t laugh.”
Zhuang Shi Yang laughed heartily. “How could I? Yu’er gave Father shoes, Father can’t let Yu’er leave empty-handed. With the New Year approaching, buy whatever you want—get the money directly from the accounting office.”
Han Yan almost sneered. After Zhuang Yu Shan’s token protests, Madam Zhou smiled, “Fourth Young Miss should go too, pick some jewelry.”
The words implied Han Yan could only get jewelry thanks to Zhuang Yu Shan’s fortune. Han Yan remained unruffled, smiling brightly: “Thank you, Father. Why not invite Third Sister too? They’re both concubines’ daughters, we shouldn’t show favoritism.”
Madam Zhou’s smile froze. “Both concubines’ daughters”—Han Yan was rubbing salt in her wounds. Gritting her teeth, she nodded: “What do you think, Master?”
Zhuang Shi Yang caught Han Yan’s sarcasm and gave her a deep look before waving his sleeve: “As you wish.” His tone had turned unfriendly.
Zhuang Yu Shan was naturally furious. As the manor’s most favored young miss, how could Zhuang Qin, who was nothing, compare to her? Seeing Han Yan’s mild manner, she wanted to tear that smiling face apart.
Han Yan exclaimed happily: “That’s wonderful!”
After their awkward departure, Han Yan watched them leave the courtyard, her smile gradually fading.
Ji Lan fumed: “Master truly favors those from Gong Tong Yuan. Look how arrogant they’ve become!”