During this exchange, Lady Zhou’s face turned extremely ugly, just as Zhuang Yu Shan entered, leaning against Zhuang Shi Yang.
Han Yan smiled slightly at him: “Father, Sister Yu-Shan.”
Upon seeing her, Zhuang Shi Yang was instantly furious. The morning’s events had humiliated him before all the officials. Though they came to congratulate him, everyone knew he disliked this daughter, yet she was marrying the Xuan Qing Prince. Given the Prince’s immense power, wouldn’t he have to bow to Han Yan in the future? The thought made him even more angry.
Zhuang Yu Shan was seething with hatred. She had thought the matter with the Young Lord would finally let her hold her head high, and Han Yan would become an unwanted jealous woman. But now came news that the Xuan Qing Prince wanted to make her his Princess Consort. Never mind how noble and wealthy the Xuan Qing Prince’s Manor was in Da Zong – the Prince himself was the dream husband of countless young ladies. How could Han Yan, a girl with neither talent nor beauty, who wasn’t even favored, have such good fortune?
She smiled and said: “Having heard about the Prince and Fourth Sister’s matter, I must offer my congratulations.” She looked at Han Yan: “However, now that you’re to be Princess Consort, Fourth Sister should avoid appearing in public so freely. If you were to shame the Prince’s face, people might speak ill of the Zhuang family.”
Hearing this, Zhuang Shi Yang angrily burst out: “As a young lady, why aren’t you staying in the manor instead of running around everywhere? Hmph, don’t think you can do as you please just because you’ve married up!”
Such harsh words – who would speak to their daughter this way? Han Yan lowered her head, a mocking smile playing on her lips. Perhaps it was because she didn’t have his blood flowing through her veins.
She said: “Father may not know, but the Xuan Qing Prince’s proposal brings honor to the Zhuang family. Unfortunately, since Mother’s passing, Han Yan hasn’t had a single piece of jewelry worthy of wearing.” She was dressed very plainly, a stark contrast to Zhuang Yu Shan’s rich and gorgeous attire. Seeing Zhuang Shi Yang’s awkward expression, she continued: “So Han Yan went out to purchase some clothes and accessories, lest the Xuan Qing Prince take offense later – that would truly disgrace the Zhuang family.”
An unwed Princess Consort dressed so poorly – if word got out and angered the Xuan Qing Prince, it could truly harm the Zhuang family. Zhuang Shi Yang coughed lightly: “In that case, go ahead and get some accessories.”
Zhuang Yu Shan spoke acidly: “Why would Fourth Sister say such things? Once you become Princess Consort, you’ll have endless fine silks and satins. Why would you need to buy your own?”
Han Yan smiled slightly: “You’re right. I imagine Miss Li will soon marry into Prince Wei’s Manor, and the Young Lord is quite fond of her. Once the Young Lord’s wife enters the household, he’ll surely dote on her completely, leaving little attention for Sister Yu-Shan. Sister Yu Shan should prepare carefully for herself. Shu Hong,” she turned to instruct, “give all the accessories I bought earlier to Sister Yu-Shan. She’ll need them.”
Ji Lan secretly laughed, now understanding why Han Yan had bought such a large collection of gaudy, cheap accessories on their way back. She had wondered why her Young Miss’s taste had become so poor. Now it seemed she had anticipated Second Miss would cause trouble.
Zhuang Yu Shan was nearly choking with rage from Han Yan’s words. Han Yan had subtly pointed out that she, Zhuang Yu Shan, would be just a concubine, with the Young Lord’s wife above her. She naturally wouldn’t dare oppose the Young Lord’s wife, who was not only more noble than herself but also the Right Minister’s daughter – a status far above a fifth-rank official’s illegitimate daughter. Deeply frustrated and seeing Han Yan’s composed demeanor, Zhuang Yu Shan nearly ground her teeth to powder, saying hatefully: “Then I thank Fourth Sister.”
Han Yan smiled without speaking.
Lady Zhou heard the barbs exchanged between the sisters and was angry at Han Yan’s arrogance but dared not say much. Now Han Yan’s status was even more noble, beyond her ability to touch. Elder Lady Zhou’s eyes flickered as she tried to smooth things over: “Sisters should help each other. In the future, when Yan’er enters the Xuan Qing Prince’s Manor and Yu’er enters Prince Wei’s Manor, you should maintain close contact.”
Zhuang Yu Shan snorted disdainfully, while Han Yan nodded: “Don’t worry, I’ll definitely ‘take good care’ of Sister Yu-Shan.”
After this round of verbal sparring with Lady Zhou and the others, Han Yan returned to Qing Qiu Garden and sat on the couch, feeling completely exhausted. Today’s events had taken considerable effort. She frowned, pressing her temple with one hand.
Ji Lan brought her tea and after hesitating for a moment, couldn’t help asking: “Young Miss, about A Bi today…”
Han Yan’s hand paused at these words: “What about her?”
Ji Lan glanced at Shu Hong and carefully asked: “Young Miss doesn’t believe her?”
Han Yan countered: “Do you think I should?”
Ji Lan hesitated. Seeing Han Yan’s encouraging look, understanding her mistress wanted to hear her thoughts, she said: “This servant feels A Bi didn’t seem to be lying. But Young Miss’s last words suggested she wasn’t telling the truth today. This servant doesn’t understand.”
Han Yan smiled and turned to the silent Shu Hong: “Shu Hong, haven’t you noticed any problems?”
Shu Hong nodded, then shook her head, finally looking at Han Yan and uttering two words: “The Master…”
“Correct.” Han Yan nodded approvingly: “That’s where the problem lies.”
“Young Miss…” Ji Lan still didn’t understand, looking at Han Yan in confusion.
“A Bi blamed everything on the Master,” Han Yan said. “But she forgot that at the time, the Master was just a minor official. How could he have such authority to deal with a group of people? Even with household servants, unless they were convicted of murder, dismissing people without cause would invite official investigation.”
Ji Lan was stunned, then suddenly understood. No wonder – A Bi had repeatedly claimed everything was done by the Master. Now hearing Han Yan’s explanation, it did seem strange.
“She didn’t mention anyone else, which is very odd. The Duke of the East’s matter, regardless of circumstances, couldn’t have been covered up by just one or two people. Even if the matter was very secretive, in A Bi’s account, not a single other person was involved. It’s as if it was just between Mother and the Master – this is too unusual.”
Han Yan’s grip on her teacup tightened: “And her biggest flaw lies in herself.”
Now it was Shu Hong’s turn to be puzzled, looking at Han Yan: “What does Young Miss mean?”
“She has such superior embroidery skills,” Han Yan smiled. “I saw her work in that basket. Though she tried to hide it, it was still extremely skillful. With such craftsmanship, she could have worked as an embroiderer in any wealthy household – she shouldn’t have ended up living in such poverty.”