“So what do you suggest I do?” Zhou Shi asked hesitantly. “Let me warn you, that little wretch is practically a demon. I’ve never seen someone her age with such frightening schemes.”

“That’s because you’re foolish,” Da Zhou Shi said languidly. “She’s just a thirteen-year-old girl who’ll come of age next year and be ready for marriage. Why not arrange a marriage for her? That would be sweet revenge.” A cold smile crossed her lips. “A woman’s marriage, after all, determines her entire life.”

Zhou Shi replied angrily: “Her marriage isn’t mine to decide. The Master has already arranged with Prince Wei that she’ll become the Crown Princess of his household after coming of age next year.” She added bitterly: “Who knows what good fortune she cultivated to secure such a match with Prince Wei’s household.”

“Prince Wei’s household?” Da Zhou Shi frowned, contemplating for a moment. “If she marries into Prince Wei’s household and wins the Crown Prince’s favor, she might turn against you in the future. She’s already brought you to this state when she’s nothing more than a girl – imagine what she could do as Crown Princess!”

Zhou Shi nodded: “But what can be done?”

Da Zhou Shi glanced at her and said: “We must prevent that girl from marrying the Crown Prince – we need to marry her off to someone else first.”

Zhou Shi’s eyes lit up: “You mean…”

Da Zhou Shi smiled enchantingly: “My Wei’er is fifteen now, and perhaps needs a… concubine.”

Zhou Shi immediately understood, momentarily forgetting the pain of her recent miscarriage in her delight: “How should we plan this?”

Da Zhou Shi stroked her long hair: “Well, this will require some effort from you and Yushan.”

Han Yan didn’t meet Da Zhou Shi until dinner time.

For the first time, Zhuang Shiyang enthusiastically ordered servants to serve the finest tea to welcome the beauty, and the table was laden with delicacies. Han Yan glanced briefly and noticed Zhuang Shiyang’s burning gaze toward Da Zhou Shi, understanding immediately. She stepped forward and curtsied: “Yan’er pays respects to Madam Zhou.”

Da Zhou Shi carefully examined Han Yan, noting her double bun hairstyle and ordinary peach-red jacket and skirt, appearing innocent and adorable. She felt somewhat suspicious. Zhou Shi had described Han Yan as deeply scheming, and Wei’er had mentioned her ruthlessness, yet she appeared to be an ordinary young girl. However, this made her even more wary of the young lady before her.

Deception requires more skill than open hostility.

She smiled and stroked Han Yan’s head: “So this is Yan’er. How lovely and refined, truly befitting a young lady of a noble family.”

Han Yan merely smiled without speaking.

Zhuang Shiyang ordered the servants to set the table, and everyone began eating.

Zhuang Qin and Late Concubine were absent as usual. Zhuang Hanming stayed in his room to complete his tutor’s assignments, while Concubine Mei was resting in Furong Garden during her pregnancy. Only Han Yan, Zhou Shi, and Da Zhou Shi were at the table.

Da Zhou Shi smiled and spoke: “Brother-in-law, I have a request.”

With a beauty making a request, Zhuang Shiyang quickly replied: “Please speak freely.”

Han Yan’s chopsticks paused slightly as she listened discreetly to their conversation.

“I’d like to host a banquet at the Zhuang residence,” Da Zhou Shi said with a smile. “Sister has just had a miscarriage, and Yushan has had troubles. I thought hosting a banquet might dispel the ill fortune and help sister recover faster.”

Just as Zhuang Shiyang was about to agree, Han Yan spoke: “Madam Zhou’s consideration for Concubine is admirable. However…” she voiced her concern, “Father has recently been impeached by the Censors for favoring concubines over his wife. If we host a banquet for a concubine at this time, and word reaches certain ears…” She smiled. “Though we all know Father hasn’t truly favored concubines over his wife, rumors are fiercer than tigers. Hosting a banquet now would make Father a target of criticism.”

Her words made sense, as the official position was Zhuang Shiyang’s weakness. Originally, he had been quite willing to grant Da Zhou Shi’s request. But hearing Han Yan mention potential threats to his position, he broke into a cold sweat, unable to voice his agreement.

Seeing Zhuang Shiyang’s reaction, Zhou Shi’s eyes flashed with mockery, while Zhuang Yushan glared hatefully at Han Yan. Every time, it was Han Yan opposing them – she was their mortal enemy.

Da Zhou Shi gave Han Yan a meaningful look: “Young Yan’er seems quite knowledgeable about court affairs for her age.”

Han Yan lowered her head: “When it concerns Father’s position, one must be extremely cautious.”

Da Zhou Shi smiled and turned to Zhuang Shiyang: “Brother-in-law needn’t worry. As long as the banquet isn’t explicitly for my sister, it’s fine. You could host it for the New Year, inviting various officials. His Majesty dislikes officials forming cliques, so his brother-in-law could invite more officials’ wives. While I can’t speak for others, the Grand Tutor will certainly attend. Perhaps there might even be a way to address your demotion.”

Hearing this, Zhuang Shiyang became excited: “If there’s a chance… that would be wonderful! I’ll have invitation cards written immediately. Let’s hold it in two days!”

Da Zhou Shi smiled slightly: “Thank you, brother-in-law. I feel quite apologetic. In the future, I’ll certainly speak well of you before the Grand Tutor.” She covered her mouth and laughed. “We’re all family, after all.”

Zhuang Shiyang stared at her intently: “Lan… Elder Sister is truly the Zhuang family’s lucky star!”

After more flattery and fawning, Han Yan frowned. She wasn’t afraid of Da Zhou Shi’s schemes, but Da Zhou Shi’s words had deliberately revealed something: she held significant influence over Grand Tutor Zhang, even able to sway his decisions regarding official matters. If Da Zhou Shi’s position was this high, removing her would be much more troublesome. Yet if Da Zhou Shi remained, Zhou Shi would have a powerful ally, making them even harder to deal with.

How could she diminish Da Zhou Shi’s position in Grand Tutor Zhang’s heart?

Throughout dinner, Han Yan pondered this question.

After dinner and some conversation, on her way back to Qingqiu Garden, Han Yan unexpectedly encountered Zhang Wei.

Since Han Yan had slapped Zhang Wei, he had become somewhat afraid of this cousin. After telling Da Zhou Shi about it and learning that Han Yan had only been intimidating him, Zhang Wei had grown to hate her bitterly – she was the first person who dared to toy with him like that.

Zhang Wei blocked Han Yan’s path: “Oh if it isn’t cousin.”

Zhang Wei hadn’t been at dinner, and upon seeing him now, Han Yan only paused briefly before smiling: “Cousin Brother.”

Zhang Wei looked at her, noting she had grown taller than before, her features more defined. Though not stunningly beautiful, she was pretty in a fresh way. Remembering how she had unhesitatingly struck him that night, a desire to dominate rose in his chest. He rubbed his hands and approached: “Cousin Sister has grown more beautiful.”

Han Yan stepped aside, with Ji Lan protecting her from behind. Han Yan smiled: “And Cousin Brother has grown more unruly, still acting like the Young Master of the Grand Tutor’s mansion while standing on Zhuang family ground.” She smiled mischievously: “Want to bet I could still slap you and leave you speechless right now?”