In this life, Han Yan approached all beautiful things with a measure of caution. Even He Lian Yu’s stunning features, after the initial shock of their beauty, held no lasting appeal for her.
With these thoughts, Han Yan cast a bland glance in that direction before lowering her head demurely, presenting an image of obedience and docility. He Lian Yu, however, stared directly at her. When the young girl met his gaze, she hesitated briefly before lowering her head, but that final glance she gave him—why did it seem tinged with mockery?
Surely he was overthinking it, He Lian Yu reasoned. Seeing that Han Yan no longer looked up, he dismissed the thought and engaged in conversation with his brothers.
The atmosphere at the palace banquet lacked warmth due to the Emperor and Empress’s demeanor. Though the officials tried their best to appear cheerful, their actions remained somewhat restrained. The imperial couple maintained neutral expressions, showing no particular joy.
Han Yan found it strange that the banquet lacked a festive atmosphere. While still puzzling over this, a young eunuch announced in a clear voice: “Prince Xuan Qing and General Cheng have arrived…”
The Emperor’s face immediately brightened with a smile. “Show them in!”
Two tall, striking figures strode in, bringing with them the crisp chill of snow. They reached the center of the great hall and bowed: “Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty!”
Unlike the first voice’s bold forthrightness, the second voice that followed was cool and rich—striking Han Yan’s ears like a thunderbolt that left her stunned: “Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty!”
“Rise, my loyal subject,” the Emperor responded.
Han Yan suddenly looked up to see that tall figure standing in the great hall—elegant as a pine tree, noble and austere. The Black Cloud Leopard cloak on his shoulders was both familiar and dazzling, carrying the winter’s dampness toward her. The mysterious man from the plum garden was Prince Xuan Qing, Fu Yun Xi!
Han Yan stared intently at his back, her fists clenched tightly within her sleeves. To be entangled with someone of such status—she couldn’t tell if it was fortune or misfortune!
Deng Chan noticed Han Yan’s strange behavior and saw her fixation on Prince Xuan Qing in the hall. She leaned close to Han Yan’s ear and teased, “And you were criticizing me? Look who’s smitten now, staring at him like that. Be careful, don’t let your Aunt see you, or she’ll make trouble.”
Han Yan blushed, about to protest, but knew Deng Chan meant well. Madam Zhou had been watching her every move, eager to magnify any mistake. Her momentary distraction could have caused problems if noticed. So she lowered her head, focusing on the green tea leaves floating in her cup.
Deng Chan giggled and nudged Han Yan: “Silly, you believe everything I say. It’s fine to look a few times. All the young ladies here are staring at him—one more won’t make a difference.”
Han Yan started, looked up, and indeed saw all the young ladies around them gazing at Prince Xuan Qing with flushed faces, poor General Cheng completely ignored. Their admiring looks exceeded even those they’d given He Lian Yu earlier—they hadn’t been nearly so bold then!
Han Yan recalled Deng Chan’s words about him being the most prominent figure in the capital. Though Prince Xuan Qing’s appearance couldn’t match He Lian Yu’s, his gentleness couldn’t compare to Wei Ru Feng’s, his free spirit fell short of Jiang Yu Lou’s, and his martial prowess wasn’t equal to Cheng Lei’s, he possessed his unique elegance—a natural, unaffected bearing that could only be described as peerless.
Yet despite his many virtues, his cold gaze was frightening enough—how could so many women be attracted to him? As these thoughts crossed her mind, Han Yan stared at his back, full of confusion.
Just then, he turned his head slightly, his dark eyes flashing with deep meaning as his gaze fell briefly on Han Yan.
Han Yan froze, immediately lowering her head and praying that Prince Xuan Qing hadn’t recognized her, that she had merely imagined it.
The Emperor’s pleased voice carried through the hall: “General Cheng, you’ve served admirably in defeating the enemy and dealing a heavy blow to the Xi Rong, bringing glory to our Great Zong Dynasty. You deserve substantial rewards—I grant you ten thousand taels of gold, three thousand mu of fertile land, a hundred shops, and fifty grand residences. If you desire any other rewards, just tell me, and I shall grant them!”
These rewards surprised the audience. Cheng Lei, barely twenty, had already been promoted to Grand General, and now received such abundant rewards—it was enough to make others envious.
The Emperor believed that since General Cheng was friends with Fu Yun Xi, his loyalty was assured. Though young, he was an exceptional warrior who would achieve greatness. However, at his current age, his rank couldn’t be raised further without disturbing the balance of court power. As an emperor, every action required careful planning. While the rewards sounded impressive, they were merely monetary—of limited use to a military officer constantly at war. To compensate, he offered Cheng Lei the chance to request additional rewards.
Cheng Lei bowed respectfully, his voice strong and clear: “This subject thanks Your Majesty for your generosity and dares not ask for more.”
The Emperor nodded approvingly and waved his hand: “Very well, you and Yun Xi may take your seats. The banquet is about to begin—my loyal subjects should drink well today.”
The two officials withdrew to their seats, placed below the Emperor’s position. General Cheng sat beside Prince Wei Jing on the right, whose expression was notably displeased. Watching Cheng Lei’s triumphant bearing beside him, he snorted coldly.
Similarly displeased were the court officials who supported Prince Wei, including Zhuang Shi Yang. His face was cold as he seethed internally. Cheng Lei was merely a youngster, yet he had become the Emperor’s favorite. The Xuan Qing Prince’s faction would grow even more powerful, likely affecting his career prospects.
Zhuang Han Ming observed his father’s dark expression and seemed to understand somewhat. However, he felt no particular closeness to his father and instead harbored boundless admiration for General Cheng Lei. While his father insisted he focus on his studies at the Imperial Academy, who knew that his heart lay elsewhere? A true man should build his reputation on the battlefield—that was real heroism. These thoughts drew his gaze back to General Cheng, whose righteous bearing and military dignity only increased his admiration.
Han Yan had kept her head down since earlier, feeling deeply conflicted. She had previously guessed the mysterious man from the plum garden was of noble birth, perhaps a prince. But she never imagined he would be Prince Xuan Qing. This complicated matters—everyone knew of Prince Xuan Qing’s deep brotherly bond with the Emperor. Having entered a forbidden area and witnessed something she shouldn’t have, involving imperial secrets, Prince Xuan Qing would naturally side with the Emperor. She was surely in danger!
She had initially hoped that if escape proved impossible, she might beg for mercy, and he might show leniency given her youth. But now she learned that Prince Xuan Qing preferred men and likely despised women. After her disrespectful behavior toward him, Han Yan felt overwhelmed—for the first time since her rebirth, she found herself at a complete loss.