Madam Zhou was momentarily speechless. The others’ gazes toward her became known—earlier they had seen her grieving and crying over Han Yan’s supposed kidnapping, but now she had not only slapped the legitimate son but also suspected such a delicate young girl. It seemed the capital’s rumors were true—Madam Zhou was indeed hostile toward the legitimate children, and her earlier tears were merely an act.
Madam Zhou’s eyes suddenly brightened as if discovering something, and she burst out: “Fine, then let Fourth Young Miss tell me—if it wasn’t a frame-up, what happened to the Zhuang manor’s guards? Why did Fourth Young Miss return in Yu’er’s carriage? And why are you wearing those clothes?” She turned and fell to her knees before Zhuang Shi Yang: “Please help me, Master! Yu’er is my only daughter, she’s my heart and soul. If anything happens to Yu’er, I won’t want to live anymore.”
Zhuang Shi Yang was also suspicious, his dark gaze fixed on Han Yan, clearly believing Madam Zhou’s words. He helped Madam Zhou up and said reassuringly: “You’ll get an explanation for this. Han Yan.” His tone suddenly turned grim: “What exactly happened? Don’t dare lie to Father.”
Han Yan’s expression turned sorrowful as she curtsied: “Father when we reached Sha He Beach, all the manor’s guards suddenly fell unconscious. Han Yan doesn’t know why. Even with great abilities, Han Yan couldn’t possibly overpower twelve skilled male fighters. My carriage broke down on the way, and only with Sister Yu Shan’s permission did I share hers. As for the clothes…” Han Yan’s lips curved in a bitter smile: “Han Yan accidentally spilled tea in the carriage, staining Sister Yu Shan’s cloak. Sister Yu Shan demanded my cloak as compensation. Yun’er was in the carriage then and can testify to this.”
Hearing this, the people in the hall felt sympathy for Han Yan. Without a mother, life in the manor was difficult, especially with an unloving father. For an illegitimate sister to demand compensation from a legitimate daughter over a stained cloak—anyone could hear the grievance in Han Yan’s words. This made them more disgusted with Madam Zhou’s aggressive behavior.
“You… you’re twisting words!” Madam Zhou naturally didn’t believe Han Yan’s explanation, growing more panicked as she saw everyone siding with Han Yan. Then Han Yan spoke calmly: “Since Aunt won’t believe anything Han Yan says, then…” She turned and slowly walked to kneel before a middle-aged man in official robes, giving a resounding kowtow. The man was slightly startled and about to stop her when the young girl spoke softly: “This commoner knows you are Lord Zhao, the Deputy Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. Lord Zhao is known for his uprightness and impartiality. This commoner boldly seeks justice, asking Your Honor to thoroughly investigate this matter, clear this commoner’s name, and grant justice before all these nobles today!”
At these words, both Zhuang Shi Yang and Madam Zhou’s faces froze.
Han Yan kept her head lowered, a cold smile on her lips.
Do you want Zhuang Shi Yang to grant you justice? Then I’ll seek justice from the Deputy Chief Minister. Let’s see who has more authority.
Madam Zhou naturally didn’t dare allow a thorough investigation. Even if investigated, what of it? She hadn’t called the bandits, hadn’t arranged the guards, the fragrance had already dissipated, and the temple meal would show nothing under investigation. She, Zhuang Han Yan, would at most be charged with misleading the bandits—if that even counted as a crime.
Lord Zhao already pitied Han Yan for having to navigate among such scheming people at such a young age. Seeing her composed and proper conduct made him like her even more. Flattered by her praise, he waved his hand: “What’s wrong with this official helping you? Rest assured, this official will investigate this matter thoroughly!”
Madam Zhou felt her legs weaken, panic rising in her heart. This Lord Zhao was known for his strictness—he would handle any crime impartially. If investigated, would she… face imprisonment? No… this couldn’t happen. She still had to fight that little wretch—how could she admit defeat now? She raised her head, looking weakly at Zhuang Shi Yang: “Master, this matter can’t be made public, or how will Yu’er ever marry…”
Zhuang Shi Yang was also angry that Lord Zhao had dismissed his authority. As head of the household standing right there, Han Yan had sought help from an outsider—wasn’t this a slap to his face? His tone became harsh: “Lord Zhao, this is my family matter…”
Lord Zhao’s face darkened: “What do you mean, Minister Zhuang? We both serve the court in our respective roles. With bandits causing trouble, it’s this official’s unavoidable duty. This official will handle this matter!”
Han Yan felt grateful—this Lord Zhao was truly an upright person. In her previous life, she had only met him once, when he cleared a commoner woman’s name regardless of offending powerful nobles. He was truly a righteous person. Now under his protection, she secretly vowed to repay him if she ever had the chance.
Seeing no way out of this situation, Madam Zhou realized that overnight, the person who should have been kidnapped was safe and sound, while Yu’er was missing. She had gotten entangled in an official investigation and gained a reputation for cruelty among the capital’s nobles. Well! This Zhuang Han Yan—she had truly underestimated her!
Seeing no escape, Madam Zhou was about to fake a faint when she heard an exclamation: “Madam!”
Concubine Mei had fallen pale-faced into Zhuang Shi Yang’s arms. He frowned and asked, “What’s wrong, Mei’er?”
Jiao Meng suddenly knelt: “Master, Madam… Madam is with child!”
“What?” Zhuang Shi Yang was shocked, then overjoyed: “Is this true?”
Jiao Meng replied: “Madam learned from the doctor a few days ago and planned to tell Master later. Today’s events must have worried Madam, affecting the child…”
Like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, Madam Zhou lost all color and began trembling. That whore was pregnant?
Han Yan was first startled, then inwardly sighed—Concubine Mei’s timing was impeccable. Looking at the devastated Madam Zhou, a cold smile flashed in her eyes.
Madam Zhou, enjoy the gift I’ve sent you. If you think this is suffering, the suffering has only begun.
Zhuang Shi Yang now had eyes only on Concubine Mei, hurriedly ordering someone to fetch a doctor while carrying her back to the manor. His current joy overshadowed everything else. Even his anger at Han Yan and worry for Zhuang Yu Shan had vanished. Madam Zhou coldly watched his ecstatic departure—this man who had once promised to love her forever and care for her daughter had forgotten her the moment that whore became pregnant.
Her expression turned icy, and at this moment, Han Yan sensed that something had changed in this woman.
Madam Zhou glanced at Han Yan, then at Zhuang Han Ming, before slowly turning to leave. Han Yan knew that Madam Zhou had developed a rift with Zhuang Shi Yang, and her task now was to turn this small crack into an enormous chasm.
Only now did Han Yan have time to notice Zhuang Qin and her mother. She had noticed from the start today that the mother and daughter had become extremely distant, sitting properly to the side, expressionless like wooden dolls. Just as she was about to say something, Zhuang Qin and Concubine Wan nodded to Han Yan and left.