“I request all the ladies present to bear witness that from now on, I, Yan Han, have no connection to the Xuan Qing Prince Manor, and this was not initiated by me.” She raised her head to look at Ai Li Na, her eyes carrying an indescribable meaning: “The Western Rong Princess is of noble birth, and I acknowledge that I cannot compare. Since the Princess wishes to use her status to suppress me, I can only concede.”
Han Yan’s demeanor was very humble, appearing utterly fragile. Ji Lan, who had rarely seen Han Yan in such a disadvantaged position since her dramatic change in temperament a year ago, felt indignant and almost burst out with reproach toward Fu Yun Xi. However, Shu Hong suddenly grabbed Ji Lan, signaling her to remain silent.
Han Yan’s apparent weakness, upon careful consideration, carried deeper implications. By showing weakness now, even if she were to be divorced later, the responsibility would not lie with her but with Princess Ai Li Na of Western Rong, who used her status to suppress her. People tend to sympathize with the weak, and Han Yan couldn’t allow herself to remain at a disadvantage. At least in everyone’s hearts, the scales would tip in her favor, making future actions more convenient.
When Ai Li Na heard Han Yan’s stinging words, she immediately retorted: “This is your Emperor’s wish. What’s wrong with using my status to suppress you? You’re just the daughter of a mere fifth-rank official.”
Such an arrogant attitude immediately drew disapproving glances from everyone present. They had already felt sympathy for Han Yan in their hearts. This Xuan Qing Princess Consort had previously enjoyed Prince Xuan Qing’s deep affection, yet in just a short year, the Prince had grown so cold towards her. It showed how unreliable men were. This Western Rong Princess, using her status to steal another’s husband, and displaying such a forceful attitude, was truly unlikeable.
Han Yan smiled slightly: “The Princess is of noble birth and naturally has nothing to worry about. However, there are no born nobles among ministers and generals. In this world, one’s birth cannot be changed, but if the Princess were to lose her royal status, would she still be as radiant as today?”
“You…” Ai Li Na’s face changed in anger, but Han Yan continued: “Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river – who can predict what the future holds?”
Han Yan stared at her quietly, suddenly breaking into a smile, her eyes curving in apparent joy. Yet in those eyes lay an invisible coldness that made Ai Li Na involuntarily step back, alarmed by the threat in Han Yan’s words. But this timidity lasted only a moment. She quickly regained composure, stepped forward, and raised the corners of her mouth, her beautiful face full of triumph: “Regardless, I am now the Xuan Qing Princess Consort. I order you to leave this place immediately.”
“Hehe.” Han Yan seemed to have heard something extremely amusing, laughing so hard she couldn’t straighten up. Only when Ai Li Na grew irritated by her laughter did Han Yan leisurely say: “How amusing. The Emperor’s decree hasn’t even arrived yet – isn’t the Princess being a bit too hasty? My residence here was commanded by the Emperor himself. To leave, I must wait for the Emperor’s decree.” She turned to Fu Yun Xi and said coolly: “Isn’t that right, Your Highness?”
Fu Yun Xi, who had been coldly observing everything, slightly furrowed his brow and nodded almost imperceptibly: “Yes.”
“Then this concubine thanks Your Highness.” Han Yan curtsied gracefully again, her expression truly captivating. She didn’t say “Han Yan” but used “this concubine,” even though Fu Yun Xi had clearly shown that Han Yan would soon be dismissed. Yet now, she insisted on using these two words.
Fu Yun Xi knew that when Han Yan became polite and distant, she would refer to herself as “this concubine,” but when she was in a good mood or trusted him, she would say “I.” The current Han Yan seemed to have truly abandoned the last layer of her relationship with Fu Yun Xi, like a cordial but estranged couple on the verge of separation.
“Let’s go.” Coldly throwing down these words, Fu Yun Xi turned to leave, with Ai Li Na hurriedly skipping after him, leaving Han Yan alone in the center of the hall.
No one had expected things to develop this way. Deng Chan bit her lip in anger, not knowing how to comfort Han Yan. Madam Deng also wore a worried expression. Indeed, for any unmarried woman, encountering such a situation would be like a bolt from the blue – who could remain so composed?
Han Yan raised her head and smiled radiantly at everyone. She hadn’t applied makeup yet, her face pure and natural, yet particularly enchanting. With clear eyes and refined features, she was a gentle and graceful lady, yet her gaze carried a hint of resilience. Her long hair still hung loose as she spoke softly: “Today’s coming-of-age ceremony cannot proceed. Han Yan offers her apologies to everyone.” She bowed, still maintaining her grace, showing no signs of distress from the recent events. She carried herself like a noble princess, unhurried and composed.
Everyone sighed again, but realizing they couldn’t involve themselves in such troubled waters, they took their leave. After finally seeing off Deng Chan and Madam Deng, Han Yan returned to her room – one that Fu Yun Xi had specially arranged for her before leaving. The view was exceptionally beautiful, with plum trees and fragrant grass visible from the window. When the moon rose at night, the breeze carried fresh flower fragrance. Han Yan had once delighted in this, often watering the plum trees, hoping they would grow more luxuriant by the time Fu Yun Xi returned. But now Fu Yun Xi had returned – did he still care about these plum trees?
Ji Lan had been watching Han Yan’s expression, worried she was holding everything in, and finally couldn’t contain herself: “Miss, how could His Highness…”
She had to let out this frustration. Before leaving, His Highness had been so considerate of her Miss, but after returning from battle, his personality had completely changed. Could it be that the Western Rong Princess had cast some spell on His Highness, bewitching him? He had promised one wife for life, and technically he hadn’t broken his oath – it’s just that the wife he would spend his life with was no longer her Miss. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, and Ji Lan continued: “That so-called Western Rong Princess isn’t all that special – wild and arrogant, how could she compare to our Miss…”
“Ji Lan!” Han Yan called out sharply, cutting off her words. Now that circumstances had changed, there might be other ears in the room. Walls have ears, and if someone with ill intentions heard Ji Lan’s words, it would cause serious trouble. If Ji Lan were to be punished for disrespecting the Western Rong Princess, Han Yan would be powerless to help.
Ji Lan fell silent, still looking at Han Yan with discontent, unable to swallow this anger. Her Miss was such a wonderful person – how could she be bullied to such an extent? She had thought His Highness truly cared for her Miss, that life would be better after leaving the Zhuang Manor, but now it seemed no different from before.
“Miss,” Shu Hong, who had been silent until now, spoke up: “I have something to say, though I’m not sure if I should.”