Han Yan cast an indifferent glance, knowing all too well what schemes these two were plotting. However, what could they possibly do in broad daylight? Though Han Yan maintained a relaxed smile, she remained internally vigilant.
Deng Chan nudged her arm, “Look quickly!”
Han Yan looked up, realizing she had been so focused on Zhuang Yushan and her companion that she hadn’t noticed Princess Yunni had begun to dance.
The maidservant behind started playing the zither. It was an extremely lively dance, with Princess Yunni in bright attire, moving with graceful steps in rhythm, holding a tambourine which her delicate hands gently struck while she spun and leaped.
Han Yan recognized it—Princess Yunni was performing the long-lost Victory Dance of the royal family. Many years ago, the Emperor’s mother had created and performed this dance, which was why the Emperor Emeritus had been so devoted to her. Now that Yunni could perform this long-unseen Victory Dance, not only the Emperor and Empress but all the civil and military officials present couldn’t help but express their amazement and admiration.
Han Yan watched the dancing young lady intently. She was clearly in the prime of youth, her cheeks flushed slightly red from exertion, her features delicate and lovely. Most striking were the innocence and vivacity in her expression—it was hard to imagine such a girl was a member of the royal family. Sometimes she would bend to step in rhythm, sometimes spin her tambourine, every gesture and smile appearing completely natural and joyful. Her golden dress hem swayed, the pearls and jewelry on her body jingling melodiously.
Han Yan noticed that Princess Yunni’s gaze occasionally drifted toward the men’s seating area, specifically toward the tall man seated there—Cheng Lei.
Could Princess Yunni’s beloved be General Cheng?
Han Yan discreetly observed Cheng Lei, noting his completely indifferent manner, showing neither joy nor emotion. Looking back at Princess Yunni’s shy expression, she understood this was a case of unrequited love.
While Han Yan was lost in thought about Yunni and Cheng Lei, she didn’t realize her actions had caught someone else’s attention.
He Lian Yu stared intently at Han Yan across the banquet: “She must be from one of the noble families attending the palace banquet. I wonder whose daughter she is.”
The white-robed man beside him followed He Lian Yu’s gaze and responded coldly, “If you like her, propose marriage.”
He Lian Yu startled, quickly waving his hands: “Spare me! That girl even dares to threaten your nephew—if I married her, she’d turn my household upside down. Besides,” he glanced disdainfully in Han Yan’s direction, “she’s just an immature child. What’s all this talk about marriage?”
An immature child? Fu Yunxi raised an eyebrow as if hearing a joke. That young lady’s cunning likely surpassed many adult women.
He Lian Yu noticed his friend staring unblinkingly at the women’s section and his mind stirred. He teased: “Could it be you’re interested in that little girl? Well, you two might be well-matched—one with an icy personality, one full of schemes. If you got together, who knows who would end up taming whom?” The more he thought about it, the more sense it made to him: “We just need to know about her family background. If the match is suitable, it could be quite a good arrangement.”
Fu Yunxi listened impassively to He Lian Yu’s rambling before saying flatly, “If you want the Left Minister to lock you in the ancestral hall again, keep talking.”
He Lian Yu immediately fell silent, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. He wouldn’t joke about this—being locked up by his father for several more days would be the death of him.
Having figured things out, Han Yan watched Princess Yunni’s dance with great interest—seeing the long-lost Victory Dance was quite fortunate. Shu Hong attended at her side, noticing Li Jiaqi exchange a glance with Zhuang Yushan and give Han Yan a sinister smile.
Princess Yunni danced gracefully, beautifully, and spirited, her movements captivating many in the audience. Many men in the male seating area showed admiration and fascination. Han Yan also found it excellent—such dedication and sincerity, truly wanting to please that person, naturally expressed with complete emotion.
When the dance ended, praise erupted throughout the hall. The Emperor was especially pleased, laughing heartily: “Yunni’s dance was excellent. I enjoyed it immensely. In recognition of your thoughtfulness, I grant you gold and a jade ruyi scepter.”
Princess Yunni gracefully bowed: “Your child thanks Father Emperor for the gifts.” When she returned to the women’s seating area, she secretly glanced at Cheng Lei, but seeing him only engaged in drinking and conversation with those beside him, disappointment flashed across her face.
At this moment, Zhuang Yushan approached Han Yan and Deng Chan with tea, saying softly: “Being seated together, Yushan hasn’t had the chance to properly converse with Miss Deng. I feel quite remiss, so please allow me to offer Miss Deng a cup of tea, and I hope you won’t hold it against Yushan.”
Deng Chan was somewhat startled. Before Han Yan could stop her, she picked up her teacup. Han Yan’s heart sank—Deng Chan, being deeply cherished by Minister Deng, didn’t understand human malice. Taking the tea so carelessly, she might fall into Zhuang Yushan’s trap.
Zhuang Yushan certainly didn’t come over to share tea with Deng Chan without ulterior motives, but in front of so many young ladies, Deng Chan couldn’t refuse. Han Yan could openly antagonize Zhuang Yushan because the ladies present had no relationship with her, and she didn’t need to mind appearances. But this was Deng Chan’s first meeting with Zhuang Yushan—she couldn’t risk getting a reputation for being difficult because of Han Yan’s influence.
In that brief moment, thousands of thoughts flashed through Han Yan’s mind. Suddenly looking up, she met Li Jiaqi’s hateful gaze. Her heart jumped, and she quickly turned to see Zhuang Yushan’s teacup already tilting. Deng Chan was greatly startled and couldn’t dodge in time. Just as the full cup of tea was about to splash onto Deng Chan, Han Yan pushed her aside and blocked with her hand. The entire cup of tea instantly drenched Han Yan’s hand and even soaked through the fabric at her sleeve.
“Han Yan!” Deng Chan cried out anxiously. Seeing Han Yan’s face turn pale with pain, she hurried to look. The spilled tea was steaming, and Han Yan’s hand had already turned bright red.
It was scalding hot tea!
Seeing she had caused major trouble, Zhuang Yushan bit her lip as tears quickly welled up in her eyes. She said fearfully, “Fourth Sister, are you alright? I… I didn’t mean to. Should we find a doctor to look at it?”
Her words were full of concern and fear, appearing weak and gentle—anyone who didn’t know better would think she was the one who had been scalded.
Deng Chan immediately became angry and reproached Zhuang Yushan: “What were you thinking? Han Yan’s hand is burned!”
Zhuang Yushan looked helplessly at Deng Chan, then at Han Yan, tears instantly falling: “I… I didn’t mean to. Fourth Sister, please don’t be angry with me. Yushan will do anything as long as you can forgive me.”
Han Yan laughed coldly inside. Who was Zhuang Yushan putting on this act for? Speaking so obviously, wasn’t she just implying that Han Yan acted tyrannically in the household, using her status as the legitimate daughter to bully her half-sister at will, making even a small mistake cause such terror in her half-sister?
Seeking sympathy? Zhuang Yushan was truly foolish. Han Yan felt contempt but knew that in front of the Emperor, she couldn’t let such a small matter cause any major trouble, and she couldn’t implicate Deng Chan. So she said: “Sister Yushan takes this too seriously. Han Yan gets angry about many things daily, but I’ve never seen Sister so troubled about it.”