Recently, since the Crown Prince hadn’t mentioned any imperial edict from the Emperor, and no official decree had been seen, these items weren’t from the Emperor himself. Han Yan had heard that the Emperor was extremely strict with the young Crown Prince, forbidding any extravagance. Perhaps this young Crown Prince lived even more modestly than herself. She absolutely could not accept this silver.

Before she could speak, the second box was opened, revealing an exquisite red coral from the South Sea. Han Yan froze at the sight—in both her lifetimes, she had never seen such a magnificent item. Its color was brilliant, its presence magnificent. This was a treasure normally reserved for Imperial Consorts and the Empress, surely a tribute item.

When the third box was opened, Han Yan was stunned. It was filled with various bottles and containers. This was quite unusual. Seeing Han Yan’s confused gaze, the Crown Prince proudly explained, “These are precious medicines from the palace—various antidotes and healing pills. I had people search for quite some time to gather this box of items.”

Han Yan withdrew her gaze and looked at him. “What is Your Highness’s intention?”

“These are my rewards to you,” the Crown Prince said, still quite pleased.

Han Yan smiled slightly. “Forgive me, but I cannot accept.”

The Crown Prince stared at her as if he hadn’t heard correctly. “What did you say?” His expression immediately turned extremely unpleasant. “Zhuang Han Yan, don’t be ungrateful!”

How unlovable, no wonder the Emperor disliked him, Han Yan thought. Still smiling, she said, “I understand Your Highness’s kindness, but saving you yesterday is something anyone would have done. I never intended to gain anything from it. Your Highness is safe and sound now, which is the best outcome. I cannot accept these items—if I did, it would invite gossip.” She was currently at a critical point, with various accusations directed at her. If word spread of her close relationship with the Crown Prince, she might as well give up on living. Aside from public rumors, the Emperor himself would take notice of her. Staying hidden in the shadows would better serve her purposes.

The Crown Prince looked at her, seeming to understand something, yet remained extremely unwilling. He had never encountered someone who refused his rewards. This Zhuang Han Yan had saved his life yesterday, and he still remembered the look she gave him before leaving the cave. From that moment, he no longer disliked this woman. He had always thought his mother was the strongest person, enduring so many grievances in the palace over the years while maintaining a gracious smile and performing her duties as a virtuous Empress. Then he met Zhuang Han Yan and found a second such person.

He gritted his teeth. “If you don’t accept these, I cannot give Mother Empress a proper account.”

Han Yan was startled, then understood. Although the Emperor didn’t favor this young Crown Prince, the Empress truly cherished her child. By saving the Crown Prince’s life yesterday, she had done the Empress a great favor. As a mother, the Empress would naturally be grateful. She had wondered about the Crown Prince’s ability to gather such rewards, but knowing it was the Empress’s intention, it wasn’t so surprising anymore.

Han Yan smiled. “Your Highness need not worry. Saving you was a simple matter. If there truly is to be a reward, I would ask that when I have a request in the future, the Empress might speak a few kind words to the Emperor on my behalf.”

The Crown Prince hadn’t expected this request and became somewhat wary. In the palace, being used by others was most taboo. Seeking wealth was one thing, but wanting more was concerning. Han Yan’s words seemed to carry hidden meaning. Though the Crown Prince didn’t fully understand, he could keenly sense something. Yet seeing Han Yan’s smiling face, he couldn’t figure out what she was thinking. Finally, he pursed his lips and awkwardly asked, “How are your injuries?”

Han Yan’s thoughts weren’t as complicated as the Crown Prince imagined. Since her rebirth, she had been involuntarily drawn into palace affairs. In her previous life, she had thought her death was an accident and directed all her hatred toward the Zhou mother and daughter. But in this life, step by step, there seemed to be more to the story. To wade through these troubled waters, she needed complete preparation. Though Han Yan trusted Fu Yun Xi to protect her, if she could lighten his burden, that would be best. If she obtained this promise from the Empress, it would give her another path of retreat. Hearing the Crown Prince’s question, she smiled. “I’m fine, Your Highness need not worry.”

“Who’s worried about you?” The Crown Prince immediately turned his head, then added somewhat unnaturally, “I just thought since you rendered service in saving me…”

Han Yan liked this young Crown Prince. At most, he was just a spoiled child, and with the Emperor’s strict discipline of his children, that he could maintain composure in yesterday’s situation showed he had likely experienced such things before. Thinking about this made her feel sympathy for the little Crown Prince. His situation was similar to Zhuang Han Ming’s—both had unloving fathers, though the palace’s open and hidden struggles were far more dangerous than the Zhuang household. The Seventh Prince was no simple character, willing to act ruthlessly even against such a young brother.

The Crown Prince looked up and met Han Yan’s sympathetic gaze. His heart trembled. In his world, apart from Mother Empress, no one had ever looked at him with such caring eyes. Though Uncle Wang treated him well, his temperament was always cold. Why did this woman he didn’t like look at him with such gentle, loving eyes? For a moment, he suddenly wanted to cry. However, the Crown Prince had been taught from childhood never to show weakness, so he bit his lip and lowered his head to hide his emotions.

Han Yan didn’t know her single glance could cause the Crown Prince so much reflection. Seeing him lower his head, she asked curiously, “Is Your Highness feeling unwell?”

The Crown Prince suddenly raised his head, looking at Han Yan with some internal struggle, then abruptly said, “You saved my life. I promise you, if one day Uncle Wang doesn’t want you anymore, I will make you my Crown Princess.”

No one had expected this typically arrogant young Crown Prince to suddenly say such a thing. Not just Han Yan, but even Ji Lan and Shu Hong were stunned. Han Yan stared at him blankly. Did this little Crown Prince even understand marriage? Yet he spoke so directly. Han Yan didn’t think she had such great charm; she was simply shocked and speechless by the current Crown Prince’s sudden declaration.

Seeing Han Yan just staring without speaking, the little Crown Prince grew anxious. “In three years I can take a consort… ahem, for saving my life…”

This wasn’t how one repaid a life-saving grace, Han Yan thought with mixed amusement and exasperation. Just as she was wondering how to respond to the Crown Prince’s words, a cold voice suddenly came from the doorway: “My Wang Fei can only ever be mine. Your Highness, if you wish to take a consort, I will personally report to the Emperor and let him select carefully.”

Han Yan looked up to see Fu Yun Xi still in his court robes, having rushed back immediately after court. His expression was cold, and his gaze toward the little Crown Prince carried a hint of displeasure. The Crown Prince’s body stiffened. This Uncle Wang, cold-faced and cold-hearted, though kind to him, could be terrifying when angered.

To think this woman warranted such protection from him, that he wouldn’t even tolerate such words. The little Crown Prince quickly stepped back. “I… I have matters to attend to, I’ll take my leave.” With that, he fled the room. No joke—staying there, he didn’t want to be frozen to death by Uncle Wang’s gaze.