Han Yan obediently walked over. The Empress stroked her head and asked eagerly, “Did you see a golden-winged finch?”

Han Yan responded with a mix of timidity and joy: “Yes, it’s true! It was Yan’er’s first time seeing one, that’s why I was so fascinated I got lost.” She looked carefully at the Empress and added, “That bird’s feathers were gloriously golden, somewhat like the trim on Your Majesty’s dress.”

As soon as she finished speaking, a sharp rebuke rang out: “How dare you! How can you compare Her Majesty to a mere beast?”

Han Yan looked up to see it was Miss Li, who had stood up and was looking at her with great anger.

The Empress waved her hand, saying with some displeasure: “Jiaqi, how can a young lady be so impetuous? Let Miss Zhuang finish speaking.”

Han Yan pouted, her small face taking on a serious expression: “The golden-winged finch isn’t just a beast. My mother once said that the golden-winged finch is the incarnation of a household guardian deity. Wherever there’s a golden-winged finch, that family will be blessed a hundredfold, with endless generations of descendants. I just felt that Your Majesty is also a blessed person. These years you’ve assisted His Majesty, which is why Great Zong’s empire is so prosperous. Moreover, those noble feathers are very much like Your Majesty. In this way, Your Majesty is like a human incarnation of the golden-winged finch – except that the bird protects individual households, while Your Majesty protects the entire nation!”

As women, they naturally enjoyed hearing praise. While all the ladies present would flatter and ingratiate themselves with the Empress to some degree, none had done so as cleverly as Han Yan. In one statement, she had praised the Empress’s noble status, her naturally noble destiny, and her significance to the nation. Though the Empress, as head of the six palaces, had heard countless flattering words over the years, never had she heard praise that felt so pleasant. Han Yan’s praise was grand in scope, making the Empress beam with joy. Looking down at Han Yan’s innocent face, her eyes filled with affection: “Child, what are you saying? The empire’s prosperity is all due to His Majesty’s blessing, and the officials and generals are the nation’s protectors. I’m just a woman, how could I have such ability?”

Han Yan tilted her head when suddenly a hearty laugh came from behind: “Zitong, no need to be modest. I think that young lady speaks truly – you are indeed my lucky star!”

Han Yan looked up to see the Emperor approaching with several relatives in tow. He must have heard her earlier words.

The Empress started at his words, her eyes flashing with pleasant surprise as she hurriedly rose and curtsied: “This humble consort greets Your Majesty.”

The surrounding ladies all knelt in greeting, but the Emperor appeared extremely pleased: “Everyone need not stand on ceremony.” Turning to the Empress, he continued: “Zitong, I heard what Miss Li said. It seems our Great Zong’s prosperity has indeed attracted auspicious birds.”

The Empress smiled gently: “It’s all due to Your Majesty’s wise governance.”

The Emperor looked at her with satisfaction: “You share in the credit for this success!”

It had been a long time since the Emperor had spoken to her so warmly. The Empress’s heart leaped with joy, her face flushing. When she looked again at the smiling Han Yan beside her, her gaze held even more warmth.

The Emperor’s appearance during the plum viewing was a small disruption. He stayed only briefly before leaving, and the garden gradually returned to its previous liveliness.

Han Yan sat beside the Empress, sweetly conversing with her. After that earlier scene, the surrounding ladies’ gazes toward Han Yan changed noticeably, some even showing signs of wanting to curry favor.

Han Yan maintained a constant smile throughout, responding to the Empress’s words in an extremely pleasing manner. Combined with her adorable appearance, she truly inspired genuine affection from the Empress.

Over there, Zhuang Yushan’s expression had become extremely unpleasant. She hadn’t expected that her plan not only fail to deal with Han Yan but had given her a chance to shine. The Emperor had praised Han Yan several times before leaving, and now the Empress was letting her sit beside her. Jealousy flashed in her eyes.

Madam Zhou, however, was busy socializing with the other ladies. Although she too secretly resented Han Yan’s good fortune, paving the way for Zhuang Yushan was more important. Opportunities to enter the palace were rare and had to be seized.

While chatting and laughing, Han Yan didn’t forget to observe Miss Li. Li Jiaqi kept staring at her, and Han Yan sensitively felt her hostility, finding it even more puzzling.

There was no hostility without reason – why would this Li Jiaqi target her?

If Li Jiaqi’s hostility was obvious, another scrutinizing gaze made Han Yan feel even more pressure.

Picking up a piece of pastry, Han Yan concealed the depth in her eyes while glancing sideways at the Empress Dowager beside Consort Li.

What that scrutinizing gaze meant, Han Yan couldn’t tell. But from their first meeting, the Empress Dowager’s attitude had been intriguing. The jade bracelet in her handkerchief seemed to grow burning hot.

Unable to figure it out no matter how she thought about it, Han Yan set the matter aside and focused on enjoying the plum blossoms. Though the white plums in this garden were beautiful, they couldn’t match half the splendor of that red plum grove. With such magnificent scenery in the palace, why would the Empress view plums here, unless that place was restricted to common people or involved some secret?

Han Yan had no interest in such secrets – typically, the more secrets one knew, the earlier one died. However, thinking of that handsome man earlier, Han Yan’s mind drifted to the scene of her hiding in his cloak, making her face flush red.

That person moved so freely in the palace, that he must be someone noble. She hoped not to encounter him again – she didn’t want to be frozen again.

The plum viewing passed quickly, and before long, the sky darkened. The Empress stood up and smiled at everyone: “It’s getting late, the palace banquet should be ready. Let’s take our seats early.”

Han Yan watched the Empress – her invitation sounded warm and natural as if she were just an ordinary official’s wife, yet her bearing remained elegant and noble, truly befitting the mother of the nation and first among the six palaces.

Lost in thought, she lowered her head. If she could learn such bearing from the Empress, it might prove useful in the future.

Han Yan followed the ladies toward the banquet hall.

Before the great hall where the palace banquet was held, a long lake had been dug. Along both sides of the lake were crystal lanterns shaped like golden beetles. When lit, their light reflected in the lake, creating a captivating sight.

The sky was ink-black, without stars or moon. Thick white snow covered the ground for ten li, while large red lanterns under the eaves cast a joyful red glow, illuminating the snow. Palace maids in matching jackets held silver trays, respectfully welcoming the ladies.

The great hall was divided into men’s and women’s sections, but as this was a royal celebration, no screens separated them. The young ladies present all wore expectant expressions, their eyes sparkling with excitement, yet they kept their heads lowered out of propriety, not daring to look around freely.

Deng Chan nudged Han Yan’s arm: “I heard General Cheng is returning today. We’ll get to see what this brave general looks like.”

Han Yan stared at her with a smile: “He just has two eyes and a mouth like everyone else – what’s so different about him? What’s there to see?”