“Zhuang Han Yan,” he suddenly said.
Han Yan turned back in surprise, seeing Fu Yun Xi studying her with interest. She felt exposed and simultaneously puzzled – why did the supposedly ice-cold Prince Xuan Qing act so strangely around her?
Fu Yun Xi stated: “Zhuang Shi Yang doesn’t treat you well.” It wasn’t a question but a statement. Han Yan instinctively showed wariness, then inwardly laughed at herself – Zhuang Shi Yang’s poor treatment was so obvious that Fu Yun Xi noticing meant nothing. Everyone at Wang Jiang Tower tonight probably understood. She smiled: “What father would treat his daughter poorly?”
Fu Yun Xi noted her casual tone as if she’d never taken it to heart. The image before him overlapped with another memory – the girl from his memories had grown into the person before him, her eyes still clear but no longer sunny. Had Zhuang Shi Yang changed her so?
After hesitating, he simply reached out and patted Han Yan’s hair.
Han Yan stiffened as his hand touched her head, but Fu Yun Xi withdrew it like an older brother showing affection to his sister, saying quietly: “It’s late. I’ll escort you home.”
Han Yan’s eyes widened: “Shu Hong…”
Fu Yun Xi paused, then called: “Mu Feng.”
“At your service.” The sudden appearance of the black-clothed guard startled Han Yan. Fu Yun Xi ordered: “Bring the person here.”
The guard vanished with a leap. Han Yan studied him carefully: “Today at Sand River Bank, someone was following us – were they your people?”
Fu Yun Xi nodded.
Han Yan clenched her hands, saying slowly: “Thank you.”
“It’s nothing.”
After a moment, Mu Feng indeed brought Shu Hong. Upon seeing Han Yan, she ran over, worriedly looking her over: “Young Miss, are you alright?”
Mu Feng strangely stared at Mu Yan while Fu Yun Xi arranged for a carriage to take Han Yan home. Han Yan unfastened the fox fur robe and returned it: “Thank you for everything today, Your Highness…” She hesitated before adding: “If you ever need Han Yan’s help, I will do my utmost.”
Fu Yun Xi found it somewhat amusing but said nothing, taking back the robe and turning to leave. After Han Yan’s carriage had gone, Fu Yun Xi looked at Mu Yan: “What happened?”
Mu Yan’s right hand was wrapped in a snow-white handkerchief spotted with blood, apparently from a blade wound. Hearing Fu Yun Xi’s question, Mu Feng smiled oddly. Though usually quiet, Mu Yan now uncomfortably looked away: “This servant was careless.”
Fu Yun Xi said no more, walking toward Ruyi Tower. He needed to discuss today’s events involving the Seventh Prince with He Lian and the others. The lingering warmth of the fox fur brought thoughts of her, drawing an unconscious smile that left Mu Feng staring in amazement.
Meanwhile, in the carriage, Shu Hong worriedly asked Han Yan: “Young Miss, why does Prince Xuan Qing keep helping us? Were you previously acquainted?”
Han Yan shook her head, recalling his words about her temper growing. His comment suggested a prior acquaintance, yet she had no memory of him. Someone as remarkable as Fu Yun Xi would have been impossible to forget if they’d truly known each other. Yet his attitude was indeed that of an old friend.
Han Yan felt confused, finding him extremely mysterious. Not being his enemy seemed wise for now, though their current relationship could hardly be called friendship.
Shu Hong said: “Now that Concubine Mei is with child, and with Madam Zhou… we can relax a bit.”
Han Yan smiled slightly: “It’s not that simple. Father favors Madam Zhou completely. Concubine Mei only has her son as leverage – it’s not enough.”
Shu Hong questioned: “But Official Zhao has agreed to investigate thoroughly…”
Han Yan fell silent briefly, pulling at her lips: “Official Zhao is good, but that doesn’t mean he won’t weigh the benefits and consequences. Bringing down Madam Zhou won’t happen overnight. Tomorrow, visit the market – Father’s recent success in his career has made him forget how to read the imperial will. Some warnings are necessary.”
Shu Hong nodded.
Han Yan noticed her disheveled hair and missing silver hairpin, asking curiously: “Where’s your hairpin?”
Shu Hong unusually blushed, mumbling about losing it carelessly. Han Yan didn’t dwell on it. The carriage soon reached the Zhuang residence. Ji Lan and Aunt Chen waited at the gate with lanterns, delighted to see Han Yan’s return and hurrying to welcome her.
Han Yan didn’t mention Fu Yun Xi, only saying she had business to attend to and returned late. Back at Clear Autumn Court, she sent a maid to inform Zhuang Han Ming of her return. Ji Lan approached with the news: upon returning home, Zhuang Shi Yang had immediately called for a doctor to examine Concubine Mei. After confirming her pregnancy, he stayed by her side, refusing several requests from Madam Zhou, telling her to let the officials handle matters.
“How is she now?” Han Yan calmly sipped her tea.
Ji Lan knew she meant Madam Zhou: “This servant has ordered people to watch Concubine Zhou to prevent any rash actions.”
Han Yan looked at her approvingly: “You’ve done well.” This would prevent Madam Zhou from contacting others. Since she could arrange a collaboration with bandits, she likely used an intermediary outside the residence. Now, even if the bandits realized their mistake, they couldn’t communicate with her. Under surveillance, Madam Zhou wouldn’t dare meet the intermediary – both sides were in the dark, unable to succeed.
“Young Miss,” Aunt Chen brought ginger soup: “After today’s shock, you should rest early.” Ji Lan had told her about Madam Zhou’s plot against Han Yan. Though calmer now, Aunt Chen remained angry: “If not for Young Miss’s cleverness… they’re truly vicious!”
Han Yan dismissed it with a wave, slowly sipping her ginger soup: “It’s fine. Tomorrow we’ll just watch the show. We shouldn’t let Concubine Zhou’s careful planning go to waste.”
Ji Lan now only felt admiration for Han Yan. Seeing the usually composed Shu Hong standing dazed, she pushed her: “Why are you standing there?”
Shu Hong snapped back, helping Han Yan to bed before hurriedly leaving.
The room fell dark as the oil lamp was extinguished. Lying in bed, Han Yan’s thoughts raced. The scenes at Wang Jiang Tower replayed in her mind. When the black-clothed man’s blade had swung down at her, she couldn’t deny her fear. In this second life, she especially cherished her life. With too many unfinished matters, she couldn’t accept dying this way.