Deng Chan wasn’t interested in Li Jiaqi’s performance, frequently glancing toward Cheng Lei in the men’s section. Cheng Lei noticed her gaze and looked back questioningly, meeting Deng Chan’s eyes. Startled, she quickly lowered her head, her heart pounding, unsure what to do.
Han Yan observed their every movement, noting that while Cheng Lei only noticed Deng Chan, he missed Princess Yunni’s equally intent gaze from the other side.
This General Cheng certainly had such charm, attracting two noble ladies. Han Yan considered that beauties have always been drawn to heroes—Cheng Lei had become a General at a young age, possessing more masculinity and heroic spirit than those pampered young nobles. Both Deng Chan and Princess Yunni had good taste.
Han Yan thought privately that while she had previously believed Deng Chan and Cheng Lei were a suitable match, now with Princess Yunni in the picture, if the princess truly set her heart on Cheng Lei and asked the Emperor to decree their marriage, Deng Chan would have no chance.
Seeing her friend’s first awakening to love, Han Yan didn’t know how to discourage these feelings. Better a short pain than a long one—if not addressed early, it would only bring more suffering later.
After a moment, Han Yan caught herself—what was she doing, playing matchmaker for Deng Chan and worrying about her marriage prospects? Their relationship hadn’t even begun, yet here she was, getting overly invested.
Just then, Li Jiaqi’s piece was reaching its conclusion. Her fingertips danced across the strings, the notes falling like pearls on jade, clear and delicate. Finally, with one last graceful touch, a rounded final note marked the perfect ending to her performance.
The hall paused briefly before the Seventh Prince broke into applause: “Truly worthy of being the capital’s premier talented lady. Such wonderful music—seeing truly is better than hearing about it!”
Once the prince spoke, other officials joined in with praise, creating a wave of admiration. The Emperor too was full of smiles.
Han Yan frowned slightly. The Seventh Prince’s repeated support of Li Jiaqi couldn’t be coincidental—Minister Li must be aligned with the Seventh Prince’s faction. This wasn’t good; her enemies were all connected, making future confrontations more difficult. And her ally… well, she had just threatened him in the Imperial Garden.
“Indeed, such a clever mind. Minister Li, you’ve raised your daughter well! I shall grant you a string of agarwood prayer beads and four bolts of imperial silk brocade for prosperity and longevity.”
Li Jiaqi gracefully bowed: “Thank you for Your Majesty’s generous gifts.”
Having stolen the spotlight and proved her reputation as the capital’s talented lady was well-deserved, she knew tomorrow the capital would be buzzing about her performance at the palace banquet. The thought made her even more pleased.
Han Yan watched Li Jiaqi in the hall, then caught sight of Zhuang Yushan staring at her with schadenfreude. Almost instinctively, Han Yan realized there must be another trap waiting for her.
“Your Majesty, your subject has a presumptuous request,” Li Jiaqi suddenly spoke up. Everyone froze, falling silent.
The Emperor waved his hand: “Speak freely.”
A sense of foreboding crossed Han Yan’s mind. Before she could think further, Li Jiaqi’s gentle voice continued: “I have heard that the Fourth Miss of Minister Zhuang’s household excels in both beauty and talent, especially in playing the zither. On this rare occasion, I would like to request Fourth Miss Zhuang to perform a piece. I would be honored to listen.”
Han Yan’s heart skipped a beat. Looking up, she saw Li Jiaqi giving her a challenging smile across the banquet hall.
As Li Jiaqi’s words faded, the hall fell silent for a moment before all eyes turned to the women’s section, eager to see this young lady whom even the capital’s talented lady praised.
Han Yan had been taught from childhood by her mother to observe proper etiquette and never overstep boundaries. Apart from necessary ladies’ gatherings, she rarely had opportunities to go out. Thus, most people knew little about this Fourth Miss of the Zhuang household.
Zhuang Yushan watched Han Yan triumphantly. With her scalded hand, Han Yan obviously couldn’t play the zither. If she refused now, she would be opposing the Emperor’s wishes, earning his displeasure. Then she, Zhuang Yushan, could step forward under the pretense of salvaging the Zhuang family’s face and showcase her talents, making everyone see her in a new light!
Han Yan quietly noted Zhuang Yushan’s expression while noticing the Empress Dowager watching her with an inscrutable look, difficult to read.
The Emperor called out: “Who is the Fourth Miss of the Zhuang household?”
Han Yan rose and walked unhurriedly to the throne under everyone’s gaze, making a deep bow: “Your subject Zhuang Han Yan pays respects to Your Majesty.”
Though small in stature, her movements were flawless. Looking about eleven or twelve years old, her bearing surprisingly matched that of court-trained ladies awaiting marriage.
Seeing this, the Emperor’s eyes showed appreciation. The Empress recognized Han Yan and smiled: “I wondered which family’s daughter possessed such refinement—so it’s the Fourth Miss of the Zhuang family.”
The Emperor rarely heard the Empress praise anyone, so he said: “Miss Li just praised your zither skills. Play a piece for us, let us compare who is more accomplished between you and Miss Li.”
The Emperor was still the Emperor, speaking with such a commanding tone as if she were some common entertainer. Han Yan’s brow creased almost imperceptibly before she suddenly raised her head and gave the Emperor a bright, natural smile: “Your subject cannot comply with Your Majesty’s request.”
At these words, everyone in the hall drew a sharp breath, followed by a deathly silence so complete you could hear a pin drop.
Standing nearby, Li Jiaqi almost laughed out loud in schadenfreude but maintained her proud, composed expression in front of everyone.
Below, unnoticed, Zhuang Yushan’s lips curled in a satisfied smile as she exchanged a glance with Madam Zhou, thinking Han Yan was finished now. Offending the Emperor meant the Zhuang family wouldn’t let her off easily either. She sat back to watch the show unfold.
Deng Chan anxiously twisted her handkerchief, almost standing to explain Han Yan’s scalded hand, but a gentle hand pressed on her shoulder. Looking back, she saw Han Yan’s maid Shu Hong. Though she and Ji Lan showed concern, they remained calm in their posts.
Zhang Wei was delighted—this cheap girl who had just slapped him was now facing the Emperor’s punishment. Serves her right! The young Crown Prince in the royal family section viewed Han Yan with both contempt and curiosity—was she refusing his father out of ignorance or with ulterior motives?
Zhuang Shiyang’s face turned ashen, his fist clenched under the table as he glared viciously at Han Yan’s figure in the hall. This daughter had never pleased him—when Wang Shi gave birth to her, he should have killed both mother and daughter to avoid today’s troubles!
Zhuang Han Ming pressed his lips together tightly, his back rigid as he watched his sister intently. Though he didn’t know what had happened, his sister wouldn’t refuse the Emperor without reason. If the Emperor sought to punish his sister, he would take the punishment in her place.