Had she known he was Prince Xuan Qing, she would have rather been discovered than act so boldly!

Filled with regret and worry, Han Yan’s expression caught Deng Chan’s attention, who whispered, “You haven’t fallen for him, have you? It’s fine to look, but someone of his status—people like us shouldn’t even dream of it.” Prince Xuan Qing wielded immense power at court, and with his excellence, even a princess consort would be beneath his station, let alone the daughter of a third-rank official.

Han Yan shook her head. “How could I not know that? Stop teasing me. Though I must say, you and General Cheng seem well-matched, with compatible social standings. Perhaps…”

Deng Chan blushed. “Stop teasing me!” Her expression carried all the charm of a young lady.

Han Yan’s heart stirred at the sight. In her previous life, Deng Chan had married a Hanlin Academy official, only to meet an early demise. Could she help change that fate this time? Deng Chan had feelings for General Cheng, and their families were well-matched. From what Han Yan had observed, Cheng Lei seemed upright and good-natured. By her calculations, there was still a year before Minister Deng’s demotion—what could she change?

Lost in thought, she was jolted back by Deng Chan’s nudge. “What are you daydreaming about? Try some of these dishes—the palace chefs truly are exceptional.”

Han Yan set aside her thoughts and picked up her chopsticks to taste a pastry. The flavors danced on her tongue, bringing a smile to her face.

“I told you it was good.” Seeing Han Yan’s smile, Deng Chan picked up a crystal lotus seed jade pearl cake for her, topped with glistening sesame seeds. Its fragrant aroma and adorable shape delighted Han Yan.

Suddenly, a contemptuous snort came from nearby. “Such gluttonous behavior—one might mistake her for a servant, grinning like that! Truly shows her breeding!”

Han Yan froze, turning to see Li Jia Qi sitting primly nearby, her lips curved in mockery, eyes filled with disdain.

The seating arrangements separated men and women, with ladies and young misses seated apart from the madams, and officials and young masters in their section. The young ladies were generally seated with their close acquaintances. Since Han Yan had withdrawn from social circles after her mother fell ill, she had few friends and sat only with Deng Chan. At their table, Li Jia Qi held the highest status, and when she had previously given Han Yan trouble, the other young ladies had joined in without reproach. Now, as she spoke, the other noble daughters all turned to look, their gazes full of contempt.

Kicking someone when they’re down was human nature, especially when Li Jia Qi carried the status of the Right Chancellor’s daughter. Even if Han Yan were in the right, these young ladies would likely side against her.

Zhuang Yu Shan timidly spoke up: “Miss Li, please don’t say that. Sister Yan is still young—it’s a rare opportunity for her to attend such a banquet, she’s probably just excited.”

While appearing to defend her, these words implied Han Yan was using her youth as an excuse for improper behavior, while also suggesting she rarely had such opportunities—clearly marking her as unfavored.

Did they take her, Han Yan, for a fool?

Li Jia Qi was pleased, her challenging gaze growing more provocative.

Han Yan remained silent, simply watching Zhuang Yu Shan with an unwavering smile, her expression perfectly controlled. Deng Chan had intended to speak up for her, but seeing Han Yan’s composure, she held back to watch the drama unfold.

Han Yan kept smiling at Zhuang Yu Shan until the latter couldn’t bear her measured response. “What are you smiling at, Sister Yan?”

Han Yan spread her hands innocently. “The Emperor and Empress invited all our sisters here today, and the Empress personally arranged everything, including the food and wine.” She lifted her teacup and took a small sip before continuing, “Everyone knows how thoughtful the Empress’s arrangements are. When I praise these pastries, I bring honor to both the Emperor and Empress. What’s wrong with that? I smile to express my joy—should I cry instead? Yet Sister Yu Shan says I’ve failed in etiquette.”

Sitting properly, her smile warm as spring, she continued: “A lady must not laugh too freely, eat too hastily, must sit straight as a pine, and speak with grace. Please tell me, Sister Yu Shan, which of these rules have I broken?”

Zhuang Yu Shan hadn’t expected Han Yan to challenge her before so many witnesses. Furious yet helpless, she found herself unable to fault Han Yan’s impeccable reasoning. With so many watching, she had no way to press the issue. She forced out through gritted teeth: “None.”

The surrounding young ladies fell silent. The earlier praise from the Empress Dowager and Empress had already sparked their jealousy toward this Zhuang family miss. Combined with Zhuang Yu Shan’s provocation and Li Jia Qi’s antagonism, they had joined in trying to diminish Han Yan’s moment. But this smiling young girl proved unexpectedly formidable—not only had her response been flawless, but she had also bested Zhuang Yu-Shan. Moreover, her perfect recitation of the “Women’s Virtues” at such a young age commanded respect.

Han Yan smiled faintly. In her previous life, reading had been her only pleasure while confined to the manor. The Zhuang family’s extensive collection of ancient texts, which Zhuang Yu Shan ignored, had been her treasure. Though she had found the rigid rules tedious, she had memorized “Women’s Virtues” completely, hoping to please Wei Ru Feng after marriage.

Yet that hadn’t ended well. Han Yan lowered her head, concealing the darkness in her eyes. When she looked up again, she faced Li Jia Qi with a bright smile, her voice sweet and clear: “Since I haven’t violated any rules of etiquette, Sister Yu Shan must have been mistaken. The pastry I tasted was delicious—what does Miss Li think?”

Li Jia Qi looked at her with contempt: “How provincial—it’s just a pastry. Even the dogs at my home wouldn’t eat it.”

The atmosphere at the table instantly froze. Li Jia Qi regretted her words as soon as they left her mouth. She had meant to belittle Han Yan while flaunting her family’s status, but there were other noble daughters present—hadn’t she just implied they were beneath dogs? Then again, she reasoned, she held the highest status at the table, and these young ladies needed her favor. What did she have to fear? Her confidence returned.

Han Yan gave her a cool look, sending Deng Chan a reassuring glance. Li Jia Qi wasn’t stupid—quite the contrary, she showed some intelligence, as evident from her moment of regret. But she had chosen the wrong opponent, and Han Yan decided to present her with a serious accusation.

“So the dog food at Miss Li’s home consists of imperial pastries.” The table had fallen silent, and Han Yan’s words sent shock waves through the group.

“What nonsense are you speaking? I never said such a thing! Han Yan, you’re putting words in my mouth!” Li Jia Qi’s agitation made her voice sharp, drawing curious glances from the nearby tables of ladies and officials.