Seeing the warning in Concubine Mei’s eyes, Da Zhou Shi smiled: “The child inside is indeed precious – just look at our Yan’er now.”

Was she implying she was carrying a daughter? Concubine Mei laughed coldly: “Yes, such a pity about Concubine Zhou’s young master…”

Her sympathetic tone cut Zhou Shi like a knife, nearly making her stand up.

Da Zhou Shi looked around, her face showing sorrow: “Heaven have mercy, let’s not discuss unhappy things. This is a Zhuang family banquet – let’s just have some casual conversation.”

Han Yan smiled brightly: “Yan’er has some private words to share with Deng Chan, so I won’t disturb the ladies’ conversation.”

Da Zhou Shi said gently: “Go ahead, young ladies should be lively to be lovely.”

Han Yan inwardly disagreed. She wasn’t familiar with these ladies and young misses, and Zhou Shi and Da Zhou Shi had already poisoned their minds about her “viciousness.” Her presence would only cause discomfort, better to leave early. As for Zhou Shi’s side, with Concubine Mei there, she wasn’t worried.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Currently, Concubine Mei stood with her, and given the future status of the “child” in her belly, she would spare no effort in striking at the Zhou sisters.

Deng Chan was excited, pulling Han Yan to chat in Qingqiu Garden until mealtime.

With the women gathered separately, Han Yan naturally didn’t know the situation among the men. The young ladies at the table all spoke with Zhuang Yushan, sympathizing with her bandit encounter. Perhaps having heard Zhou Shi’s gossip, they looked at Han Yan strangely, especially Li Jiaqi, whose gaze was practically murderous. Han Yan felt helpless, not understanding why Miss Li seemed to hate her so bitterly each time they met, and now being close to Zhuang Yushan, the grudge had deepened.

Han Yan remained indifferent to the young ladies’ distance. Even if Zhuang Yushan wanted to smear her reputation, she needed evidence; otherwise, she would only soil herself. In her previous life, after the bandit incident, no one had sympathized with her.

She couldn’t help but smile – did these ladies and madams truly care about Zhuang Yushan, or did they just fear Grand Tutor Zhang’s favored concubine, Da Zhou Shi?

Da Zhou Shi eagerly served food to Han Yan, who couldn’t refuse in front of everyone. After a few sips of plum wine, her head began to feel dizzy.

At first, no one noticed, but later seeing Han Yan put down her chopsticks, holding her forehead weakly, her complexion poor, Da Zhou Shi asked with concern: “What’s wrong, Yan’er? Are you feeling unwell?”

Han Yan shook her head, forcing a smile: “It’s nothing.”

Everyone dismissed it until Han Yan’s elbow slipped and her wine cup shattered on the ground, startling everyone.

Han Yan felt embarrassed: “I… feel dizzy.”

She swayed slightly, and Shu Hong quickly moved to support her, as if drunk. Da Zhou Shi paused, then smiled: “This child, plum wine isn’t strong, yet such low tolerance – drunk after one cup.” She instructed the maids: “Help the Young Miss back to rest.”

Han Yan shook her head: “Shu Hong can help me.”

Da Zhou Shi smiled: “That maid of yours seems clumsy, probably can’t take good care of you. Better let Dong Ling accompany you.”

Han Yan shook her head: “I’m not comfortable…”

“Let me accompany Fourth Sister,” Zhuang Yushan stepped forward, looking concerned.

With her sister offering in front of everyone, Han Yan couldn’t refuse without appearing to bully her concubine-born sister. Han Yan nodded reluctantly.

Zhuang Yushan came over, supporting Han Yan’s arm as they left the hall. As Shu Hong moved to follow, Da Zhou Shi instructed: “Go bring the desserts from the kitchen.” Shu Hong had to comply and leave.

Han Yan was supported – or rather dragged – by Zhuang Yushan. Han Yan lay limply against Zhuang Yushan, letting herself be pulled along, mumbling: “This isn’t… the way to Qingqiu Garden…”

Zhuang Yushan said coldly: “Fourth Sister is drunk, this is the way to Qingqiu Garden.” Her tone was inexplicably dark as if suppressing something, yet carrying a hint of joy.

Han Yan fell silent.

After being dragged for some time, through overgrown courtyards and gardens, Han Yan was brought to a room.

A large bed stood in the center. Zhuang Yushan threw Han Yan onto it face-up. Han Yan mumbled something incoherently, her eyes remaining closed.

The room was very dark, with heavy curtains drawn, making it as dark as night even in the daytime. Zhuang Yushan didn’t light any lamps or leave immediately. Instead, she stood before the sleeping Han Yan, calling softly twice: “Fourth Sister?”

Han Yan showed no response.

Zhuang Yushan laughed softly, sitting beside Han Yan and speaking slowly: “Fourth Sister, today I’ll give you a grand gift – a good marriage. After today, you’ll be my sister-in-law.” She suddenly covered her mouth, saying regretfully: “Oh, I misspoke – forgot that Fourth Sister will be a concubine, can’t call you sister-in-law. Still, it adds to our relationship, right?”

Her voice was gentle as she placed a sharp-nailed hand on Han Yan’s face, tracing it: “Actually, with Fourth Sister’s looks, being Cousin Brother’s concubine is a good match. Cousin Brother is favored in the Grand Tutor’s mansion – if Fourth Sister gains favor, you won’t want for anything.”

“However,” she chuckled, “Aunt doesn’t like you, and neither does Cousin Brother. Gaining a favor will be difficult. But you’ll have to marry anyway, right?” Her tone changed: “Unless you’re still thinking of the Crown Prince?” Zhuang Yushan’s voice darkened: “Don’t dream foolishly. You’ll soon be ruined – how could the Crown Prince look at you? How could someone like you be worthy of him?”

She withdrew her hand, smiling: “I wonder if the Crown Prince would still insist on making you his Princess when he sees you caught in compromise?”

She stood up, patting Han Yan’s face one last time: “Fourth Sister, stay here and serve Cousin Brother well.”

As Zhuang Yushan turned to leave, she felt something sharp and cold against her back. A familiar voice spoke with chilling clarity, like a demon collecting souls: “Oh? How should Yan’er serve?”

Zhuang Yushan was terrified, never expecting Han Yan to be conscious. As she tried to scream, the cold object pressed deeper, freezing her in place.

Han Yan leaned close to her ear, whispering: “Sister Yushan’s gift is too generous. Now Yan’er shall return it in kind.” With a wave of her sleeve, a strange fragrance hit Zhuang Yushan’s face. A moment later, her vision went black, and she lost consciousness.