Mother Chen’s face still showed hatred as she spoke: “Who doesn’t know she’s faking illness? And now she’s putting on airs. Such nonsense, when our Young Lady is the legitimate daughter of the household.”

Han Yan merely smiled upon hearing this: “What happened with Xing’er’s matter?”

Xing’er wasn’t born into service; her elderly parents ran a small tailoring business on an estate. When Madam Zhou had servants throw Xing’er’s body in the mass grave, Han Yan had arranged for a coffin and proper burial, though without a headstone. She also sent money to Xing’er’s parents, saying it was from their daughter.

Mother Chen watched her young mistress: “Young Lady is too soft-hearted. She was just a maid after all. If the Master finds out…”

“Mother Chen,” Han Yan looked at her seriously, “I’m not doing this for her, but for Concubine Wan.” And this was indeed a debt she owed to Concubine Wan.

If she hadn’t provoked Concubine Mei, the latter wouldn’t have thought of poisoning, Madam Zhou wouldn’t have turned the plan against her, and Xing’er wouldn’t have died innocently. Han Yan’s heart darkened – in this life, had she caused an innocent death while trying to protect those she cared about?

Mother Chen sighed, thinking before speaking: “Concubine Wan is indeed unfortunate. It’s all that Madam Zhou’s fault.” She grew angry: “She’s just a concubine, yet she dares use illness as an excuse not to visit our Young Lady. Such cold behavior is truly detestable!”

Han Yan replied indifferently: “Don’t worry, even if she wants to stay distant, she’ll soon come seeking favor.”

Mother Chen was puzzled by this response, but Han Yan had already begun reading her book.

With Concubine Wan confined to the temple and Concubine Mei under house arrest, wouldn’t Madam Zhou be the only one able to attend the palace banquet in three days?

Though Xing’er’s death was unexpected, it ultimately served Madam Zhou’s purposes, eliminating Concubine Mei from competition. How could someone as ambitious as Madam Zhou pass up the opportunity to shine at the banquet?

And she, Han Yan, as the legitimate daughter of the Zhuang family, naturally had more experience in such settings than Zhuang Yushan. Madam Zhou would surely come seeking favor before the banquet, hoping to learn about palace etiquette – the social circles of noble ladies, their preferred topics, proper behavior, and graceful manners. They would be eager to know all this.

But how could they know whether she would cooperate?

Madam Zhou, in this life, wouldn’t just fail to shine – she would likely make a spectacle of herself.

Three days later, at dawn, Mother Chen roused Han Yan from her warm bed.

Seeing it was still early, Han Yan snuggled deeper into her covers, mumbling, “Let me sleep a bit more, it’s too early for morning greetings…”

Mother Chen urged, “My dear Young Lady, have you forgotten today is the palace banquet? We must prepare you properly.”

Hearing “palace banquet,” Han Yan became slightly more alert, but after rubbing her eyes, she retreated under the covers, muttering: “There’s nothing to prepare for.”

But Mother Chen persisted: “Young Lady shouldn’t say that. The palace banquet is crucial – all the noble young ladies of the capital will attend. You must make a good impression.”

Realizing these palace connections were indeed what she needed, Han Yan understood she couldn’t be careless. Though reluctant, she finally crawled out of bed.

Ji Lan and Shu Hong had already heated the brazier and waited for her. After helping her wash up, they gave her a hand warmer. As Han Yan dozed at her dressing table, Ji Lan struggled behind her.

“How would Young Lady like her hair styled?”

Han Yan replied: “Just as usual.”

Ji Lan became anxious: “That won’t do! We can’t be careless with the palace banquet. Young Lady, how about a Flying Immortal style?”

Han Yan couldn’t help but laugh: “I’m not going to sing and dance. Why style it so elaborately? This banquet celebrates the northwestern victory – drawing attention to myself would be inappropriate.”

“But Young Lady,” Ji Lan protested, “Madam Zhou’s household started preparing yesterday. I heard they ordered complete sets of ornaments and clothing from Ruyi Tower. Won’t you be overshadowed?”

Han Yan smiled: “The more elaborate their preparation, the more we should aim for elegant simplicity. Aren’t they just trying to prove their status in the Zhuang household? When people see that concubines and illegitimate daughters outshine the legitimate daughter, clever ones will surely take note.”

Ji Lan paused, then smiled: “Young Lady is so clever. I was being foolish.”

Suddenly, Shu Hong spoke up: “Such banquets are ordinary affairs for noble young ladies. Only those unused to such occasions make such a fuss. How crude!”

Han Yan was surprised to hear the usually quiet Shu Hong speak thus, and laughed: “You’re getting bold! She’s still a mistress of the household – if others hear you, you’ll suffer!”

Shu Hong lowered her head to tend the brazier, saying: “Young Lady is my only mistress.”

Han Yan just smiled contentedly.

In the end, Han Yan had Ji Lan style her hair in two round buns. Given her small frame and late-developing features compared to other young ladies, this style made her look like a delicate porcelain doll, innocently charming in an unexpectedly harmonious way. Han Yan knew the palace wasn’t an easy place to navigate – this styling would make others see her as a little girl, avoiding unwanted attention and complications. Moreover, if Madam Zhou tried to cause trouble at the banquet, this appearance would help gain others’ trust.

Though following instructions, Ji Lan couldn’t resist adding her own touch, creatively weaving small braids around the buns’ edges, making them more intricate. While Han Yan disliked heavy ornaments, she understood the banquet required proper etiquette. She let Ji Lan select a pair of turquoise butterfly wing ornaments from her jewelry box to pin beside the buns, which enhanced her complexion.

With hair settled, clothing became the next challenge. Han Yan wanted to avoid standing out while maintaining proper etiquette. She finally chose a honey-colored jacket, a rose-colored fur coat, and a silk-cotton skirt matching the jacket – colors bright and lively without being frivolous. A pearl necklace completed the charming ensemble.

After letting Ji Lan work on her face for some time, she heard Shu Hong’s pleased voice: “Young Lady, it’s done.”

Han Yan opened her eyes to look at herself in the mirror.

The reflection showed a young girl with snow-white skin, soft black hair in two buns, neat bangs above bright almond eyes, and a nose slightly reddened by the cold. With red lips and white teeth, she looked adorably petite.

Just then, Mother Chen pushed open the door. Seeing Han Yan’s appearance, her eyes flashed with admiration before crinkling in a smile: “Our Young Lady is truly beautiful. Though simply dressed, her features are exquisite – the more one looks, the more enchanting she becomes.” Her tone couldn’t hide her joy, yet she found nothing to criticize about Han Yan’s attire.