The guard reacted as if he’d heard something absurd, laughing: “Framed? How can you be framed for adultery when His Majesty caught you himself? Though I must say, you are quite the beauty.” As he spoke, he stroked his chin, leering at Imperial Consort Chen. She startled: “What are you trying to do?”

The guard smirked: “Well, looks like you won’t be leaving this prison anyway. In all my years, I’ve never bedded an Emperor’s woman…” He fingered the keys at his waist, seemingly preparing to enter. Imperial Consort Chen paled in terror, backing away repeatedly.

She had heard of female prisoners being violated by guards and soldiers in the imperial prison but never imagined it would happen to her. At that moment, her hatred for Han Yan and Fu Yun Xi grew even more intense, wishing she could flay them alive and tear out their tendons.

Meanwhile, when Han Yan received the imperial edict, she was truly shocked.

The Emperor had summoned Han Yan to the palace. Fu Yun Xi wasn’t at the Xuan Qing Prince Manor at the time, and an imperial summons couldn’t be refused. But being summoned right after Imperial Consort Chen’s imprisonment—anyone would assume it was for interrogation. The Emperor wouldn’t suspect her without reason; someone was directing his suspicions toward her. Who else could it be but the Empress Dowager?

Ji Lan looked at Han Yan worriedly: “Young Miss, should we go?” Though unclear about the reason for the summons, seeing Han Yan’s furrowed brow made Ji Lan anxious. The Young Miss had just escaped danger in the palace days ago—the imperial palace was no safe place.

“Of course, we must go. Would you have me defy an imperial edict?” Han Yan smiled: “Have them prepare the carriage, and find some skilled guards from the manor.” These were dangerous times, and Han Yan didn’t want additional complications. Fortunately, the manor’s servants were extremely respectful to her, so arranging for guards wasn’t difficult. After some thought, she called back to Ji Lan who was about to leave: “Oh, and let it be known that if the Prince returns, tell him I’ve gone to the palace.”

If something were to go wrong, perhaps Fu Yun Xi could arrive in time to prevent disaster. Shu Hong was still recovering from her injuries and couldn’t accompany them. Han Yan sighed, furrowing her brow slightly at the thought of the palace.

It truly was a place that devoured people.

High walls, vermillion buildings, golden tiles, and pearl curtains.

This was Han Yan’s first private audience with the Emperor. When she saw the Empress Dowager seated on high, understanding flashed through her mind.

The Emperor said: “Rise, and lift your head for me to see.”

Han Yan stood and raised her face as commanded.

The Emperor narrowed his eyes, examining this young girl who was technically his sister-in-law. He truly couldn’t understand how Fu Yun Xi, who was usually cold and aloof, caring for no one, could take interest in this unremarkable young girl. True, she showed some cleverness and talent, but if that were all, Fu Yun Xi could have accepted any of the capital’s talented ladies years ago. Moreover, Han Yan’s family background was extremely ordinary. As she lifted her face, the Emperor finally got a clear look at the young girl.

The girl before him had pale skin, appearing somewhat frail, yet her bright black eyes seemed to give her endless vitality, like a thriving wild grass. This young lady seemed more mature than her childlike appearance from their previous meetings, or perhaps this was her true nature. Her features were delicate and well-behaved, but for some reason, beneath that seemingly docile gaze lay a hint of defiance. Like an untameable wild horse pretending to be friendly.

His eyes narrowed slightly, suddenly finding this thirteen-year-old girl harder to read.

Strangely, when he had heard about Zhuang Shi Yang abusing his legitimate daughter and the concubines bullying this young girl, the Emperor had wondered if Fu Yun Xi had decided to marry her out of pity. But now, seeing her composed and astute demeanor, there was no trace of the humiliation and grievance of an abused child. On the contrary, she wore a faint smile, as if she had never experienced anything unpleasant, her eyes curved in seemingly boundless happiness.

Those who can disguise themselves so well are often the ones hiding the most.

He gave Han Yan a meaningful look: “Miss Zhuang, I summoned you because I heard about your unexplained disappearance from the Imperial Garden on the night of Imperial Consort Chen’s birthday.” Seeing Han Yan’s impassive response, the Emperor spoke directly: “Why did Miss Zhuang leave mid-celebration?”

Han Yan bowed: “In response to Your Majesty, that night I was watching fireworks with the Imperial Consort and the ladies. I needed to visit the washroom, so I left, but on my way, I encountered an assassin.”

“Assassin?” The Emperor had never heard this version: “What assassin?”

Han Yan shook her head fearfully: “It was late, and I couldn’t see the assassin’s face. My maid was injured while trying to save me. I was frightened, but fortunately, I happened to encounter the Prince while escaping. Later I fainted and woke up in the Xuan Qing Prince Manor.”

The Empress Dowager, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke: “If Miss Zhuang claims she encountered an assassin, why didn’t you report this to the Emperor? His Majesty’s safety is paramount—how could you bear the responsibility if something had happened? Perhaps this young lady did this deliberately!”

Han Yan startled and quickly knelt: “I wouldn’t dare deceive Your Majesty. Before I fainted, I truthfully reported the assassin’s presence in the palace. The Prince also sent people to search for the assassin and help find my two maids, but the Empress Dowager stopped them, saying it was Imperial Consort Chen’s birthday and shouldn’t be disturbed.” Han Yan’s small face showed both fear and grievance: “I assume the Prince, not wanting to disturb Imperial Consort Chen’s celebration, suppressed the matter and didn’t let it spread.”

The Emperor looked thoughtfully at the Empress Dowager: “I see.”

The Empress Dowager calmly took a sip of tea: “If so, then it was my oversight.”

Han Yan immediately said: “I wouldn’t dare blame you, Empress Dowager. You are like a living Buddha—how could you be involved in such matters? It’s all that assassin’s fault. How could anyone be so bold as to infiltrate the palace and attempt to harm members of the royal family? They will surely descend to the eighteenth level of hell and never achieve salvation.”

The Emperor remained silent. The Empress Dowager’s fingertips trembled slightly, though her face maintained its usual smile: “Do you know that Imperial Consort Chen has been imprisoned?”

Han Yan paused, her small mouth opening in surprise: “I did not know…”

The Empress Dowager looked at her with composed calm, smiling: “Imperial Consort Chen was discovered in an affair, that’s why she was imprisoned.”

Han Yan’s expression showed surprise and confusion, but seemingly out of fear of royal authority, she didn’t voice her questions. The Emperor carefully observed her expression—her reaction was normal, exactly what a young girl would show upon first hearing such news. However, she performed too perfectly, without a single flaw, which made the Emperor somewhat suspicious. Because Han Yan shouldn’t have shown such confusion; composure and understanding would have been more fitting for her face.