Han Yan had seen Prince Xuan Qing’s gaze before—though light and clear, it seemed able to see through people. She instinctively felt that Prince Xuan Qing might be even more troublesome than the Crown Prince.
After a while at the banquet, a delicate voice suddenly rang through the hall: “Your daughter pays respects to Imperial Father.”
Han Yan looked up to see a young lady of fourteen or fifteen slowly walking out from the back of the hall. She wore a full set of pearl ornaments in her hair, a vibrant purple pomegranate-colored pleated skirt paired with an embroidered golden jacket. Her eyes were like black pearls, her eyebrows like ink paintings. Her cheerful demeanor carried a hint of noble elegance.
Han Yan found the young lady familiar and suddenly realized—this was Princess Yun Ni, whom she had met once before. She hadn’t expected her to appear here suddenly.
The Emperor seemed surprised as well, but as this was his most beloved daughter, he watched to see what she intended.
Princess Yun Ni tilted her head with a smile: “At today’s palace banquet, your daughter has learned a dance and wishes to perform it for Imperial Father, praying for Heaven’s blessing on the Great Song Dynasty, may its prosperity last forever.”
The crowd erupted in whispers. Young ladies weren’t supposed to put themselves on display. As a member of the royal family, Princess Yun Ni was already supremely noble, yet she wanted to dance before officials and their families—this was lowering herself, no different from courtesans. The Emperor’s face instantly darkened, but Yun Ni’s words left him no room to object. She wanted to dance for the dynasty’s prosperity—how could he refuse? Yet if he agreed, where would the royal family’s dignity lie?
Han Yan observed Princess Yun Ni with some admiration. The princess seemed bold, daring to act against the Emperor’s wishes. Such freedom was enviable.
The Emperor’s anger was evident, and the crowd fell silent. No one dared to pull a tiger’s teeth—all hoped the Emperor’s wrath wouldn’t fall on them.
Just then, a clear male voice broke the silence: “Father, your son thinks sister’s idea isn’t bad.”
Apart from the Empress, the Emperor’s consorts sat together. At this moment, Noble Consort Chen’s hand froze as she lifted her tea, showing slight tension in her expression.
Han Yan looked over to see the speaker was a handsome young man dressed like a royal family member. As she wondered which prince he might be, she saw the Emperor staring at him with an unreadable expression: “Seventh Son, what are your thoughts?”
Han Yan started—the Seventh Prince?
The Seventh Prince bowed respectfully to the Emperor before speaking: “Your son believes that General Cheng’s great victory over our enemies is cause for celebration throughout the realm. Sister’s thoughtfulness is commendable, but the joy shared is joy doubled. I’ve heard that all the ladies of our Great Song Dynasty are accomplished in both talent and beauty, especially the daughters of our officials. Why not let all the young ladies present perform some entertainment? This way, sister won’t be bored, and we can see which family’s daughter shows the finest bearing!”
Han Yan was startled and looked at the Seventh Prince with complex emotions. His words had transformed Princess Yun Ni’s self-degrading performance into a showcase of young ladies’ talents. By involving the officials’ daughters, no one could say their daughters were lowering themselves. His words pleased both the young ladies and Princess Yun Ni. He managed to offend neither side while not contradicting the Emperor’s wishes—what a smooth operator!
And with such a smooth operator standing against her, would she have any chance of turning things around?
As Han Yan pondered this, she saw the Emperor say with satisfaction, while the Empress maintained a forced smile: “Well said. Yun Ni, I permit you to dance. I invite all the officials’ daughters to showcase their talents and broaden my horizons.”
With the Emperor’s decree, even if the officials had objections, they dared not show them. Han Yan scanned the room and saw excitement and anticipation on the faces of the ladies. Thinking about it, she understood. This talent competition before so many noble young men was a chance to gain face and reputation, possibly even marry into a noble family. For concubines’ daughters seeking to change their fate, it was an excellent opportunity. For already noble young ladies, it was a test of their marriage prospects.
Zhuang Yu Shan was already clenching her fists in excitement, constantly glancing toward the men’s section. Han Yan noticed her gaze lingering repeatedly on Prince Xuan Qing and He Lian Yu. Han Yan inwardly sneered—given those two’s status, Zhuang Yu-Shan would need to consider whether she even qualified to be their concubine.
Li Jia Qi wore a confident expression. Noticing Han Yan’s observing gaze, she couldn’t help but provoke: “Miss Zhuang seems so relaxed—surely you must have some exceptional talent?”
Han Yan found it absurd. As the daughter of a third-rank official, it wasn’t her turn to show off. As for talents, Han Yan felt no need to display them—she wasn’t a performer for others’ entertainment, so why should she rush to show off? So she smiled: “I have no special talents, unlike Miss Li’s extraordinary abilities.”
Li Jia Qi looked at her disdainfully and feigned surprise: “Miss Zhuang must be being modest. Everyone knows you spend all day in the mansion embroidering and playing the zither. With such dedication, your skills must be outstanding.”
Before Han Yan could respond, Zhuang Yu Shan spoke up: “That’s right, Fourth Sister. Everyone in the mansion knows you play the zither beautifully—your music can even attract butterflies. You must perform well later.”
Hearing Zhuang Yu Shan’s words, Li Jia Qi immediately looked at Han Yan with jealousy, saying unpleasantly: “So Miss Zhuang was being modest after all. Why are you hiding it? It seems you’re planning to surprise us later.”
Han Yan gazed coolly at Zhuang Yu Shan before finally saying: “Sister jests. I haven’t touched the zither since my mother fell ill three years ago. Sister truly cares about me—having just entered the household, you’ve already investigated everything about me from three years ago.”
Zhuang Yu Shan froze, her face flushing red. Han Yan’s words implied she was improper, having just entered the household yet investigating her legitimate sister’s private matters—surely she was troublesome.
Seeing her speechless expression, Han Yan smiled again: “Besides, how could it be my turn to perform? There are always better people out there. I wouldn’t dare be presumptuous—better not to make a fool of myself and bring shame to the entire Zhuang household.” She finished with a warning look at Zhuang Yu-Shan. If Zhuang Yu Shan wanted to use this chance to display her beauty and was exploited by someone with ulterior motives, it could implicate the entire Zhuang household. Though Han Yan had no particular feelings for the Zhuang family, when the nest is overturned, no egg stays unbroken. Before she could break free, any mishap with the Zhuang family would affect both her and Zhuang Han Ming.
Being beautiful and vain, Zhuang Yu Shan was the type most easily exploited in the palace. Han Yan lowered her head in thought—if Zhuang Yu Shan gained support, it wouldn’t be so easy to bring her down.
Zhuang Yu Shan was left speechless by Han Yan’s words, inwardly wanting to tear her apart. Her eyes flashed with viciousness as she stared at Han Yan. After some thought, she leaned over to whisper in Li Jia Qi’s ear.