As Madam Deng was still combing Han Yan’s hair, the jade comb gliding through her long tresses, just as she was about to style it into a bun, somehow Madam Deng’s hand suddenly slipped. The jade comb fell to the floor with a “bang,” the fine jade ornament instantly splitting in half. The almost-completed hairstyle on Han Yan’s head suddenly came undone, her long hair cascading over her shoulders.

“Oh my!” Madam Deng cried out, hurriedly bending to pick up the pieces, apologetically saying to Han Yan: “I’m so sorry… I didn’t mean to… Yan’er…”

A comb breaking in half was certainly not an auspicious sign. The surrounding maids were stunned, not expecting such an incident, all at a loss for what to do. Han Yan remained calm, just smiling: “Let’s get another comb, we shouldn’t waste time.”

Ji Lan rushed to fetch a new comb while Madam Deng and Deng Chuan looked apologetically at Han Yan. Han Yan smiled reassuringly at them but felt uneasy in her heart. She didn’t know where this unease came from, but it was intense.

Just then, a servant’s announcement suddenly came from outside: “The Prince has returned! Great Song has achieved a great victory!”

The Prince has returned!

Han Yan was stunned, thinking her hearing must be playing tricks on her. She instinctively looked at Ji Lan and Shu Hong, seeing their joyful expressions, and finally understood. Fu Yun Xi had truly returned. She stood up and urgently asked the announcing servant: “Where is the Prince now?”

The servant, rarely seeing the usually composed Princess Consort so excited, was startled, but honestly replied: “In the main hall.”

At that moment, Han Yan suddenly desperately wanted to see Fu Yun Xi. She completely forgot that Madam Deng was in the middle of doing her hair, decisively lifted her skirts, and rushed out of the room.

She ran quickly and urgently, ignoring Madam Deng’s calls behind her. Ji Lan and Shu Hong hurriedly followed, though somewhat concerned about Han Yan’s improper behavior, given all the people watching in the main hall. But both were genuinely happy for Han Yan – with the Prince’s victorious return, Han Yan would soon become Fu Yun Xi’s true wife. From then on, Han Yan would be the mistress of the Xuan Qing Prince’s Manor, and no one would dare bully her again.

The crowd waiting in the main hall was shocked by the news of Fu Yun Xi’s return. They had come for Han Yan’s coming-of-age ceremony, not expecting to witness the Xuan Qing Prince’s triumphant return. Fu Yun Xi was already the Emperor’s favorite, and now with this military achievement, he was even more worth cultivating relationships with.

Footsteps were heard outside as a line of armored soldiers entered, followed finally by Fu Yun Xi in plain armor. He walked in slowly, his presence cold and fierce, his handsome features seemingly covered in frost. This time, the coldness and iciness of Fu Yun Xi were even more severe than before.

Just then, suddenly from another direction came hurried footsteps: “Fu Yun Xi!” A clear female voice rang out, causing everyone to gasp – who would dare call the Prince by name? They all turned toward the source of the voice to see a young woman in a white gauze dress standing still, staring directly at Prince Xuan Qing.

She was a newly matured young woman, standing in the hall like a freshly bloomed water lily, her skin white as jade, her bright black eyes glistening enchantingly. Though not a supreme beauty, this extremely refined young woman possessed a unique serenity distinct from other women. She seemed to have rushed over, her long dress embroidered with large colorful butterflies, her golden gauze outer robe wrapping her in a misty embrace, her long loose hair creating a breathtaking beauty.

Some recognized her as Prince Xuan Qing’s young Princess Consort, Zhuang Han Yan. But compared to a year ago, she had changed significantly. If before she had been an unfinished piece of jade, still somewhat sharp and imposing, now Han Yan’s temperament had become more refined, as if she had let go of everything, becoming more peaceful and understanding. This young woman had begun to bloom into her elegance. A daughter’s first maturity was always special, but this woman was exceptionally beautiful.

Han Yan stood silently in place. At this moment, though thousands of words caught in her throat, she said nothing. Her dark eyes revealed no emotion as she quietly gazed at the man before her. His features were so clear, clearer than any time they had appeared in her dreams, so close, yet Han Yan felt utterly unfamiliar. She calmly observed the stunningly beautiful young woman beside Fu Yun Xi, who held his arm and smiled provocatively at her.

It was Yi Lin Na.

In such a scene, it would have been inappropriate for anyone to speak. Ji Lan and Shu Hong, who had rushed over, hadn’t expected Yi Lin Na’s appearance and were frozen in place.

For a brief moment, Han Yan’s heart contracted painfully. She didn’t know what to say. She had thought she understood what kind of person Fu Yun Xi was. Now Yi Lin Na held his arm, and he showed no sign of refusing. Even if Han Yan were slow to understand, she could grasp the situation somewhat, especially since she had always been more sensitive than others in such matters.

Fu Yun Xi just coldly stared at her, his gaze strangely unfamiliar. Han Yan almost thought he didn’t recognize her, but he suddenly turned his head and calmly said to those behind him: “Return.”

The guards accepted the command and left. Fu Yun Xi turned to leave the hall, seemingly about to depart without sparing Han Yan a glance. Yi Lin Na hurriedly followed, saying coquettishly: “Wait for me!”

Han Yan’s fingernails dug into her palms. Amid everyone’s silence, she suddenly called out: “Fu Yun Xi.” Her voice was completely calm as if she had figured everything out in the shortest time and was now merely conversing with a stranger.

Mu Feng, standing behind Fu Yun Xi, glanced uneasily at Han Yan. Fu Yun Xi turned around, glancing at her, silently asking what she wanted.

Han Yan bit her lip, then suddenly smiled lightly: “Who is she?”

She meant Yi Lin Na. Fu Yun Xi raised an eyebrow, but before he could speak, Yi Lin Na rose on her tiptoes, wrapped her arms around Fu Yun Xi’s arm, and announced loudly: “I am the Princess of Xi Rong, soon to be his Princess Consort.”

These words caused an uproar!

His Princess Consort! Then what was Han Yan?

Everyone’s gaze toward Han Yan instantly turned to sympathy. Deng Chuan, who had just arrived to witness this scene, couldn’t contain her anger and shouted: “Prince Xuan Qing, you are too discourteous! Where does this leave Han Yan?”

Madam Deng was frightened and hurriedly covered Deng Chuan’s mouth, fearing she might say something more disrespectful. Indeed, given Deng Chuan’s status, berating Fu Yun Xi like this could be considered quite disrespectful.