As Han Yan turned her head, she met Li Jia Qi’s fiery gaze, even more ferocious than before and barely disguised as she stared intently. Han Yan felt puzzled; something flashed before her eyes as if she had grasped a subtle detail, but it vanished too quickly for her to pinpoint.
Zhuang Yu Shan remarked sarcastically, “Fourth Sister certainly has quite the presence. Someone has already sent medicine for your injury – they must be truly concerned about you. That young lord seems quite extraordinary.”
These words implied that Han Yan was too prominent today and was already attracting the attention of noble young men. The other young ladies’ gazes turned somewhat hostile – after all, who would want their spotlight stolen? Han Yan noticed that after Zhuang Yu Shan’s comment, Li Jia Qi’s eyes showed even more hatred and resentment. She wondered if there was some connection between Li Jia Qi and Wei Ru Feng.
She smiled slightly and replied, “Elder Sister Yu Shan flatters me. At today’s banquet, all the young ladies are well except for my injured hand. Everyone here is kind-hearted; sending medicine is nothing special. If I had scalded Elder Sister Yu Shan instead, surely someone would have sent medicine as well.”
This response cleverly turned the focus back to Zhuang Yu Shan, subtly reminding everyone that she had caused this situation. How coincidental was it that Han Yan’s hand was scalded? Anyone with eyes could understand what had happened – just another conflict between legitimate and concubine-born daughters. The surprising part was Han Yan’s unexpected talent, turning the situation to her advantage by writing with her left hand.
Zhuang Yu Shan was furious. Han Yan’s implicit mockery made her face flush red, but catching Madam Zhou’s warning glance, she dared not act further, only growing more hateful toward Han Yan in her heart.
After this exchange, Han Yan felt more at ease, chatting with Deng Chan and drinking tea. Today’s palace banquet objectives had been achieved; though there were some deviations, she had gotten what she wanted, bringing her some satisfaction.
After the banquet ended, Ji Lan and Shu Hong accompanied Han Yan to where their carriage waited outside the palace walls. Zhuang Shi Yang and Han Ming departed first in one carriage, while Madam Zhou and Zhuang Yu Shan took another. After bidding farewell to Deng Chan, Han Yan found herself almost alone at the palace wall. Just as she was about to step into the carriage, a voice called from behind: “Lady Zhuang.”
That voice was warm and pleasant. Han Yan’s body tensed, her hand pausing as she lifted the carriage curtain. She slowly lowered it and turned around.
Wei Ru Feng stood there in an elegant light purple cloud-patterned wide-sleeved robe, jade belt, and green boots. His features were handsome, and he was smiling at her.
Han Yan’s mind went blank. She secretly clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms before slowly managing a smile: “Greetings, Crown Prince Wei.”
Seeing her reaction, Wei Ru Feng smiled and asked, “Lady Zhuang, are you afraid of me?”
Han Yan hesitated: “No.”
“Then why won’t you look directly at me?” Wei Ru Feng pressed. From the beginning, Han Yan had been looking everywhere but at him, and even her smile seemed stiff and perfunctory.
Han Yan shifted her gaze slightly and replied coolly, “If Crown Prince Wei wishes to converse, perhaps another time would be more appropriate. It’s late, and it’s not proper for me to engage in casual conversation with you here.”
Wei Ru Feng was taken aback.
As a renowned gentleman of the capital, he was used to women seeking his attention. Today, seeing this young lady’s remarkable talent, he had taken notice. Later, hearing about her injury, he specifically sent medicine, only to be rejected. This was the first time in his life experienced such treatment. He had wanted to ask her about it now, but this young lady seemed to completely ignore his presence, as if disdaining to speak with him, not even sparing him a glance. Earlier at the banquet, she had been sweet, but now she seemed like a different person entirely. It was hard to imagine this delicate and lovely young lady could have such a cold gaze.
“Do you… dislike me?” Wei Ru Feng asked after hesitating, immediately regretting his words. How could he ask such a thing? If ill-intentioned people overheard, or if this young lady chose to use it against him, it could cause significant trouble.
But Han Yan merely replied respectfully, “This is our first meeting, how could I dislike you without reason?”
Wei Ru Feng’s eyes darkened. No dislike? But no like either? His tone hardened: “Then why didn’t you accept my medicine?”
Han Yan nodded slightly: “One shouldn’t accept favors without merit.”
“You!” Wei Ru Feng grew agitated, his handsome face turning unsightly. This girl was like a smooth stone stuck in his throat – every word she said was faultless, without any edges to grasp, yet somehow left him choking with frustration.
As Wei Ru Feng prepared to express his displeasure, Han Yan suddenly heard a cold voice from behind: “Crown Prince Wei, why haven’t you left yet?”
That voice was clear and sharp, like a fragrant cup of flower wine, bringing a cooling sensation to the tense atmosphere. Han Yan turned to see Fu Yun Xi standing a few steps away, tall and elegant.
Wei Ru Feng started, then smiled: “I happened to meet Fourth Lady Zhuang here and was just chatting.”
Han Yan mentally rolled her eyes – “Fourth Lady Zhuang” indeed. Was Wei Ru Feng being deliberately provocative?
However, seeing Fu Yun Xi, Han Yan felt relieved. At least Wei Ru Feng wouldn’t be too difficult with her in the presence of Prince Xuan Qing.
Fu Yun Xi spoke coldly: “Prince Wei is looking for you everywhere.”
Only a fool would miss such an obvious hint. Fu Yun Xi was telling him to leave. Wei Ru Feng glanced at Han Yan, then at Prince Xuan Qing, and finally smiled faintly: “In that case, I shall take my leave. Lady Zhuang, Your Highness, farewell.” He strode away, wondering about the relationship between Fu Yun Xi and Han Yan.
Seeing Wei Ru Feng finally leave, Han Yan’s heart settled, feeling that every encounter with him was like fighting a difficult battle. Seeing the figure before her still unmoved, she inwardly groaned – one left, but another remained. Fu Yun Xi’s earlier words had been helping her out of the situation, but why?
Looking up, she met Fu Yun Xi’s deep, penetrating gaze. His eyes were black as ink, calm as a still pond, yet possessed a soul-capturing power. Under such eyes, it felt as if all hidden thoughts were exposed. Her gaze moved down to his straight nose and thin lips, which appeared bright red in the lamplight. His black hair fell to his waist, making the young man in the great cloak appear even more handsome and ethereal. Han Yan found herself stunned – unlike in the plum garden or at the banquet, Fu Yun Xi now seemed to have shed his layer of coldness and otherworldliness, mysteriously gaining a kind of allure. Yet this allure, combined with his immortal-like bearing, created a unique impression that seemed somehow… both righteous and wicked.
Annoyed by her unabashed staring, Fu Yun Xi frowned and said coldly, “How long do you plan to keep looking?”
Han Yan came to her senses, feeling embarrassed. Staring at a man until dazed – in both her lives, this was a first. Even when meeting He Lian Yu, the capital’s greatest beauty, she had never lost composure like this. So she lowered her head and said, “Ahem, if Your Highness has no other matters, this humble one shall take her leave.”