After the servant left, Fu Yun Xi looked at Han Yan with slight confusion. “Why return to the manor?” The women in the Zhuang Manor were watching Han Yan like tigers eyeing their prey, and it was far less comfortable than staying in the Xuan Qing Wang府. Han Yan’s voluntary decision to return with Zhuang Shi Yang was unexpected.

“My Lord need not worry,” Han Yan smiled slightly. “Now that I bear the title of Xuan Qing Wang Fei, they wouldn’t dare to act openly.” Fu Yun Xi noticed her eyes sparkled as she spoke, her lips curving upward proudly. He’d never seen someone speak so proudly about being used, and couldn’t help but smile. Then she added, “And if they try anything in secret, I’m even less afraid.”

Fu Yun Xi knew her capabilities. Han Yan didn’t need to pretend in front of him. Indeed, such a clever and cunning woman—when it came to schemes when had the Zhou sisters ever gained the upper hand against her?

What Han Yan didn’t tell Fu Yun Xi was that she was returning to the manor because the time was ripe. After repeated failures, the Zhou sisters must be in disarray. Seeing Han Yan safe and sound, they wouldn’t let matters rest. In their desperation, they might devise new schemes against her.

Unfortunately for them, Han Yan had been reborn with revenge in mind from the start—she had never intended to spare the Zhou sisters. If they wanted to use this opportunity to harm her, how could she not seize this chance herself? After the assassin incident, the Zhou sisters had become disposable pawns. If something were to happen to them now, even the Empress Dowager wouldn’t be inclined to protect them.

She wanted them isolated and cut off from all escape routes. Only then could she strike at the opportune moment and eliminate her enemies in one sweep.

As she pondered silently, she didn’t notice Fu Yun Xi observing her expression, his deep phoenix eyes flashing with understanding.

In the Wei Wang Manor.

The Seventh Prince’s expression was gloomy. Across from him, Wei Ru Feng’s attitude was agitated. “Seventh Highness, what should we do now?”

The Seventh Prince’s lips curved coldly. “They escaped. Hmph, my royal brother had divine assistance.” Noticing Wei Ru Feng’s gaze, he sneered again. “You’re still worried about Zhuang Han Yan?”

Wei Ru Feng was startled. “Ru Feng wouldn’t dare.” Since learning that Han Yan had nearly died at the assassins’ hands, he’d been somewhat distracted. Logically, he should feel nothing but hatred and anger toward her now, yet upon hearing of her danger, he couldn’t help but worry.

“Having failed to eliminate the Crown Prince, His Majesty has grown suspicious. We must lay low for now,” the Seventh Prince said gravely. “This has benefited Uncle Wang.”

Wei Ru Feng asked, “How should we lay low?”

The Seventh Prince shook his head. “These days, I shall leave the palace to pray in the mountains for the deceased commoners.”

Wei Ru Feng’s eyes lit up. “Then…”

“Proceed according to plan.”

When Han Yan returned to the Zhuang Manor, the Zhou sisters, and Concubine Wan all came out to welcome her. Concubine Mei, being with a child, remained in the Lotus Garden. Han Yan’s status was now vastly different—everyone in the main family knew that Xuan Qing Wang adored his未过门 little Wang Fei immensely. Who would dare touch her? Thus, even though Zhou gritted her teeth, she had to force a smile for Han Yan.

“Fourth Young Lady has returned,” Elder Zhou said with apparent warmth. “Were you hurt from yesterday’s fright?”

Han Yan couldn’t help but laugh coldly in her heart. Her injuries were orchestrated by these sisters, yet they could still act surprised—truly eye-opening. Han Yan lowered her head, concealing a trace of mockery at her lips, and said softly, “Thanks to My Lord’s care, I have recovered.” As she spoke, she twisted her handkerchief, appearing to outsiders as a shy maiden. Ji Lan seized the opportunity: “My Lord treats the Young Lady so well. Yesterday he watched over Young Lady’s sickbed all night and even summoned Imperial Physician Wu, who usually only treats His Majesty.”

Shu Hong chimed in, “Indeed, from food to accommodation, he attended to every detail with utmost care. Our Young Lady is blessed—My Lord truly cherishes her.”

Han Yan lowered her head even further, saying quietly, “Don’t talk nonsense.” But her manner confirmed these words.

Standing at the back, Zhuang Han Ming sighed in relief. Fu Yun Xi’s care for Han Yan was a good thing. He had no face with face this sister anymore, only hoping Han Yan would live happily and freely. If Fu Yun Xi treated her this way, surely no one would dare bully her after she entered the Xuan Qing Wang Manor.

Ji Lan and Shu Hong’s words were meant less for everyone than specifically for the Zhou sisters. Concubine Wan and Zhuang Qin showed little reaction, remaining calm. Zhuang Shi Yang’s expression was complicated—his daughter being favored by Xuan Qing Wang and becoming Wang Fei would certainly benefit his career, but this daughter was Han Yan. Watching her rise step by step, beyond his control, was truly uncomfortable. Moreover, with the Zhuang Manor now aligned with Wei Wang, this daughter would eventually stand against him. Thinking of this, his gaze toward Han Yan grew dark again.

Elder Zhou was consumed with hatred for Han Yan. How could this little tramp gain the Xuan Qing Wang’s favor? Her beauty couldn’t compare to Zhuang Yu Shan’s, and she showed no exceptional talent in the four arts, yet her Yu’er was merely Wei Wang’s unfavored secondary consort. Though it sounded prestigious outside, Yu’er had privately told her that the Wei Wang Heir showed her no affection at all. Seeing Han Yan about to become Xuan Qing Wang Fei, receiving everyone’s respect, she felt suffocated.

This Zhuang Han Yan seemed born to oppose her! Since entering the Zhuang Manor, it was Han Yan who had prevented Zhuang Shi Yang from elevating her to principal wife. When she wanted Yu’er to replace her, Han Yan had turned the tables and made an even better marriage. Even Elder Zhou, who had never failed before, had suffered losses at her hands. Zhou’s gaze grew suspicious. When she had caused Wang’s death, Wang had been completely without guile—neither knowing how to please men nor understanding the ways of survival among women in a great household. How had she produced such a demon of a daughter who seemed able to see through people’s hearts?

Han Yan kept her head lowered but observed all of Zhou’s expressions, her smile growing brighter. Elder Zhou seemed oblivious and said warmly, “This is truly the Fourth Young Lady’s good fortune.”

Hearing her words, Han Yan tilted her head and examined her with a grin. Confused by her gaze, Elder Zhou laughed uncomfortably. “Why does Fourth Young Lady look at this concubine so? Is something amiss?”

Han Yan smiled slightly. “Not at all. I was just thinking that the Grand Tutor treats you very well. You spend all day in the Zhuang Manor, surely the Grand Tutor misses you dearly. During the days I was away from the manor, I suppose the Grand Tutor must have sent someone to invite you back to his residence?”