Han Yan spoke up: “Then, I shall take my leave.” She had no interest in watching their display of father-daughter affection. Zhuang Shi Yang nodded, his tone still cold: “Go.”
Seeing the satisfaction in Madam Zhou’s eyes, Han Yan’s lips curved into a mocking smile as she slowly turned to leave. The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind—yet too many people fancy themselves the final predator, not knowing the hunting sling has only just taken aim.
Underestimating her was Madam Zhou’s first mistake.
In the Xuan Qing Prince’s Manor study, Prince Xuan Qing reclined against his desk, wearing a thin bamboo-green robe with silver trim, loosely draped with a fox fur coat. The snow-white fur was immaculate, noble, and imposing, yet not a fraction as magnificent as its wearer. His inner garments were slightly disheveled, revealing jade-like collarbones. That elegant, cool face had shed its usual frost, leaving only gentle beauty—a sight that would have shocked any outsider.
Beside him sat a wealthy-looking man in another wooden chair, tapping his teacup with his finger. This was Jiang Yu Lou, the capital’s richest merchant. He showed no interest in the beauty before him, saying only: “The Seventh Prince has been quite quiet these past few days. He’ll likely make his move tomorrow.”
Fu Yun Xi casually flipped through the scroll in his hands, responding indifferently: “It matters not.”
Jiang Yu Lou seemed to have expected this response, sighing half-reproachfully: “Your nephew’s personality is truly unlike yours, spending his days plotting your downfall. He tried to use the Jiangdu incident against you recently, but your clever handling only earned the Emperor’s displeasure toward him. Given the Seventh Prince’s meticulous nature, he must be preparing something these days.”
Fu Yun Xi raised an eyebrow: “Are you afraid?”
Jiang Yu Lou smiled slightly: “With you, the Prince of Xuan Qing here, what is there to worry about? Though it’s not the thief we fear, but his constant scheming. Aren’t you tired of his endless attacks?”
“He merely resents my refusal to support him. Childish games, nothing more.”
Jiang Yu Lou shrugged: “Fine, but tomorrow several court officials are going to Feng Di Temple to speak with Daoist Master Qing Feng. You should join them.” After a moment’s thought, he added: “It’s been a while since we’ve seen Master Qing Feng.”
Fu Yun Xi nodded in agreement.
Seeing Fu Yun Xi absorbed in his scroll, Jiang Yu Lou deliberately changed the subject: “Speaking of which, another year has passed, making you a year older. Your royal brother will likely press the matter of taking a consort again.”
Since coming of age, Fu Yun Xi had never been involved with women. After turning 18, the Emperor inquired about his marriage every year. For a monarch to be so concerned with a subject’s marriage was unprecedented. Yet Fu Yun Xi always managed to deflect these inquiries skillfully, which only strengthened rumors about his preference for men.
Yet even so, he remained the dream suitor of every noble maiden in the capital.
Hearing Jiang Yu Lou’s words, Fu Yun Xi paused imperceptibly, his tone turning icy: “How is that your concern?”
Jiang Yu Lou sheepishly rubbed his nose: “Don’t be so cold. Surely you don’t plan to remain single forever? Why not draw a romance fortune slip at Feng Di Temple tomorrow?”
Fu Yun Xi truly put down his scroll now, fixing Jiang Yu Lou with an annoyed glare, uttering two words: “How boring.”
Jiang Yu Lou turned away, muttering: “Can’t blame you, being born too perfect. Common beauties probably don’t catch your eye. Wonder what kind of world-class beauty the future Princess of Xuan Qing will be… ah…” He shook his head and sighed dramatically.
Fu Yun Xi narrowed his eyes, his elegant fingers resting on the jade handle of his teacup, graceful as a painting, his expression thoughtful.
Outside, the guard Mu Feng winked at Mu Yan. Whenever the word “Princess” was mentioned, Mu Feng couldn’t help but prick up his ears. Mu Yan gave him a silent look, remaining motionless as a wooden post, though he found today’s sunlight particularly pleasant—perhaps because New Year’s Eve was approaching.
Yet who could guarantee tomorrow’s weather wouldn’t change?
Early the next morning, Han Yan rose early. It was New Year’s Eve, and Ji Lan brought her a copper basin of hot water for washing her face and helped her dress.
Today, Han Yan didn’t wear her usual hair buns. Instead, she had Ji Lan braid her black hair into two long plaits, with neat bangs held by a transparent purple crystal hairpin. She wore pearl and precious stone earrings and a small red sachet around her neck. The style differed greatly from her usual appearance, yet wasn’t overly luxurious. Han Yan chose a light green brocade jacket she had rarely worn before, finding its bright color too rustic, making it appear almost new. When fully dressed, Madam Chen looked at the delicate figure before her and smiled: “Young Miss looks lovely, though perhaps a bit plain.” She frowned: “Why not wear the new crimson outfit…”
Han Yan shook her head: “No need. I’m going to the temple with Sister Yu-Shan for blessings. Standing out would be inappropriate.”
Madam Chen fell silent. By now, Ji Lan and Shu Hong had also changed, both wearing light green jackets and long skirts. Standing together with Han Yan, it was difficult to tell them apart at first glance.
Madam Chen gaped in astonishment. Han Yan smiled, taking out a bright red sable cape from the bottom of her chest and draping it around herself. The cape was exquisitely tailored, perfectly enveloping Han Yan’s entire figure. The fur was incredibly smooth and vibrant, clearly a rare treasure. With the cape on, Han Yan’s light green jacket was completely concealed, no longer resembling Ji Lan and Shu Hong’s attire. Only then did she leave.
The carriage was already waiting. As Han Yan emerged, Madam Zhou was giving instructions to Zhuang Yu-Shan. Seeing Han Yan’s appearance, she was also startled. Han Yan’s style today differed dramatically from her usual look, abandoning her cute buns and childish clothes. She seemed to have matured overnight. Wearing the bright red cape with two long braids hanging over her chest, her simple adornments highlighted her snow-white skin and red lips. Her bright eyes curved like crescent moons, appearing docile and gentle, creating a natural, captivating charm that made people feel comfortable just looking at her. Even Zhuang Shi Yang couldn’t help but show a trace of amazement.
Everyone knew Zhuang Yu Shan was beautiful while Han Yan was merely pretty, but now Han Yan appeared to match Zhuang Yu Shan’s beauty.
Zhuang Yu Shan stared unblinkingly at Han Yan’s sable cape, her eyes filled with greed. The cape was truly too precious—if she could own one, wearing it would surely make her appear devastatingly beautiful. She silently determined to find a way to get that cape from Han Yan.
Madam Zhou, seeing Han Yan’s dramatically different appearance, felt inexplicably uneasy. She forced a smile: “Fourth Young Miss’s appearance today is so different, this concubine almost didn’t recognize you.”