Zhuang Shi Yang showed great affection for this daughter. In Han Yan’s memory, neither she nor her mother had ever experienced such tender moments with him, yet she was the legitimate daughter—how ironic fate could be.
Madam Zhou wore a warm smile, but Han Yan had seen her glance their way earlier. Even if she hadn’t noticed them, surely the numerous servants serving tea couldn’t all be blind? This had been pre-arranged as an attempt to assert dominance.
Ji Lan, unable to contain her anger, was about to speak up but Han Yan stopped her with a gesture. If they wanted to put on a show, she’d be happy to watch. After all, watching was much easier than performing. Madam Zhou wanted to force her to speak first, which would mean losing the psychological advantage from the start. She deliberately remained silent, curious to see who had more patience.
While conversing with Zhuang Shi Yang, Madam Zhou secretly glanced at Han Yan. How could this little wretch maintain such composure? She had planned to ignore her for a while, expecting the slighted Han Yan to inevitably interrupt the adults’ conversation—a show of disrespect. If she then complained, it would make Zhuang Shi Yang even more displeased. Even if Han Yan simply waited silently, the extended wait should have been enough to dampen her spirit.
However, Madam Zhou soon realized her miscalculation. Han Yan kept smiling at them, meeting her gaze without flinching, her smile even widening as if witnessing something extremely amusing. Madam Zhou was startled to see Han Yan’s bright eyes carrying an all-knowing look with a hint of mockery, sending a chill through her heart.
When she looked again, Han Yan had resumed her innocent smile.
Madam Zhou froze, quickly reassuring herself that her opponent was merely a young girl in her teens—why should she fear her? During this brief distraction, Zhuang Shi Yang followed her gaze and noticed Han Yan, frowning: “Yan’er, why didn’t you announce yourself?”
Only then did Han Yan step forward with Ji Lan and Shu Hong, performing a delicate courtesy: “Father, I didn’t want to interrupt your conversation with Madam. Besides, Madam had been watching me, so I assumed Father already knew I was here.”
These few sentences established that she had acted properly while subtly highlighting how Madam Zhou had seen her but remained silent—revealing her true intentions.
Zhuang Shi Yang started, immediately understanding her implied meaning. He cast an unhappy glance at Madam Zhou. Usually, he turned a blind eye to the schemes among his wives and concubines in the inner court. But playing such games in his presence showed disrespect for his authority. Moreover, Han Yan was his legitimate daughter, and with so many servants watching, who knew how this would be gossiped about? Would people say that Zhuang Shi Yang allowed a mistress to bully his legitimate daughter, bringing chaos to the household? As a civil official, his reputation was paramount.
Madam Zhou tensed, quickly apologizing with a smile: “I didn’t realize that was Fourth Young Miss. I just thought what a beautiful young lady she was, like an immortal from a painting. Had I known it was Yan’er, I would have welcomed her immediately.”
Her words were clever, both distancing herself from blame while flattering Han Yan. Han Yan smiled faintly—what a good scheme, seeing the situation turn unfavorable and trying to curry favor with a show of humility first.
Unfortunately for her, Han Yan lowered her head respectfully and replied: “This humble girl’s appearance is ordinary, Madam is too kind.”
Zhuang Shi Yang was pleased with her submissive attitude but soon frowned again: “Why do you keep calling her Madam? You should address her as Aunt Zhou.”
“Aunt Zhou?” Han Yan lifted her small face, her clear eyes full of confusion: “Which aunt of mine is this?”
Zhuang Shi Yang’s face showed embarrassment, while a flash of hatred crossed Madam Zhou’s eyes.
“Yan’er, don’t be ridiculous, this is your mother.” Madam Zhou’s position was indeed awkward. If they weren’t in such a hurry to enter the household, they could have waited until after the mourning period to enter properly. Perhaps fearing changes over time, Madam Zhou chose to enter during this period. She wasn’t entering as a concubine or mistress but wanted to assume the role of the household’s mistress, though it couldn’t be announced publicly. She had to enter first as a mistress, to be elevated to primary wife later.
“If she’s my mother, why should I call her Aunt Zhou?” Han Yan asked innocently. “Father, when Mother entered the household, all the concubines paid their respects with tea, and the clan elders came with congratulatory gifts. Since Aunt Zhou is entering the household as Father’s wife, I think we must notify all the concubines and elders.”
“Not!” Before she could finish, Zhuang Shi Yang firmly refused, feeling increasingly uneasy. This matter absolutely couldn’t be mentioned to the clan elders—he had never intended to elevate Madam Zhou’s status now. He had thought that since Han Yan was young, he could convince her to call Zhou “aunt” first, then change the address after Zhou was officially elevated to primary wife, but now that wouldn’t work.
Madam Zhou’s eyes showed undisguised disappointment, while Han Yan maintained her smile. Do you want to be the household’s mistress so desperately? Fine! Just convince the elders, and be prepared from the start to compete with the concubines. Having lived in the household for so many years, Han Yan knew well that none of the concubines were easy to deal with. Since they loved scheming so much, let them scheme to their hearts’ content.
Just as she was about to add fuel to the fire, a sweet voice interrupted: “Is this Sister Yan’er?”
Han Yan laughed coldly inside—finally, she appeared.
Zhuang Yu Shan wore a pink cotton silk dress with wide hems, embroidered with crabapple blossoms on the chest, and a short cloud-pattern jacket. Her hair was styled in a flowing cloud bun, adorned with several exquisite golden butterfly hairpins. Though naturally beautiful and still developing her figure, she already possessed a young woman’s graceful charm. Dressed so carefully, she appeared elegant and lovely, her face like a spring peach blossom.
Her attire was even more elaborate than Han Yan’s, the legitimate daughter. No wonder Wei Ru Feng was captivated—such a beauty, a flower that could speak, far more appealing than her own quiet, wooden manner. Thinking of Wei Ru Feng sent another pang through her heart.
Meanwhile, Zhuang Yu Shan had already taken Han Yan’s hand affectionately, saying with a smile: “I liked you the moment I saw you, sister.”
Han Yan’s gaze fell on her hand, with its jade-white fingers painted with bright red henna. She returned an innocent smile, but her next words shocked everyone in the room.
“How unfortunate, I don’t like you, sister.”
Han Yan’s peripheral vision caught Madam Zhou’s changing expression. Zhuang Yu Shan, too, was stunned by this response, momentarily at a loss for words.
“What did you say?” Zhuang Shi Yang spoke up, slamming the table furiously. “What kind of attitude is this? Is this how your mother taught you manners? Kneel!”
Han Yan bit her lip and knelt.
A flash of secret joy crossed Zhuang Yu Shan’s eyes, quickly replaced by a wronged expression, yet she still magnanimously consoled: “It’s alright, sister probably isn’t familiar with me yet. The floor is cold, please get up.”
Han Yan laughed inwardly. Her father was known for his arrogance and particularly despised anyone opposing his will. Usually, his wives, concubines, and servants always complied with him. By trying to play the good person, Zhuang Yu Shan had directly ignored Zhuang Shi Yang’s attitude—if this wasn’t asking for trouble, what was?