Having experienced Han Yan’s sharp tongue before, Zhang Wei felt somewhat fearful and hesitated to approach, unable to gauge her true nature.
Han Yan held the plum blossom needle in her sleeve – her recent practice had shown results, more than enough to handle a paper tiger like Zhang Wei. Seeing his hesitation, she smiled: “Concubine Zhou is still resting in bed. Perhaps cousin should check on her; she often mentions you. Last time when she had a conflict with me, this happened to her – perhaps I have Buddha’s protection. If cousin were to have a conflict with me now…” She shook her head, her voice full of regret: “Who knows what Buddha might think.”
Zhang Wei, being a typical good-for-nothing young master with no real abilities, was intimidated by Han Yan’s words. He grudgingly said: “It’s getting late, I’ll take my leave.”
Han Yan waved at him: “The road is slippery in the dark, cousin. Be careful not to fall!” She giggled behind him.
Ji Lan was somewhat angry: “This young master is no different from a scoundrel.”
Han Yan shrugged: “That’s exactly what he is. Let’s go.”
When Zhang Wei returned to Gong Tong Garden and saw Da Zhou Shi, he recounted everything to her. After listening, Da Zhou Shi pondered for a moment and said: “She is indeed clever, but too arrogant.”
“Exactly!” Zhang Wei said angrily. “She slapped me last time – I must settle that score. She’s just an unfavored daughter, uncle won’t stand up for her.”
Da Zhou Shi looked at her eldest son, touching his forehead with her finger: “In that case, how would you like to punish her?”
“Well…” Zhang Wei was stumped, unsure how to deal with Han Yan effectively.
“How about making Fourth Young Miss Zhuang your concubine?” Da Zhou Shi suddenly suggested.
Zhang Wei was startled: “How is that possible? She’s a legitimate daughter of the Zhuang family…” Though favored, he was still a son of a concubine. Taking her as a proper wife might be possible, but as a concubine seemed laughable.
Da Zhou Shi’s smile deepened: “Just tell me, do you want to or not?”
Zhang Wei involuntarily pictured Han Yan’s pretty face. He had been with many women, but none as bold and unique as Han Yan. Though not the most beautiful, as a concubine, she would be under his control. He could beat or scold her as he pleased. Thinking about it, he swallowed and his eyes lit up: “What’s Mother’s plan?”
Da Zhou Shi said softly: “Once she loses her virtue to you, even a princess would have to become a concubine.”
The Zhuang family banquet was quite lively.
Ji Lan approached Han Yan, chattering non-stop: “The He Lian family is here, Minister Deng’s household, Grand Tutor Zhang, Seventh Prince, Right Chancellor…”
Han Yan smiled: “All important figures.” Zhuang Shiyang was truly daring, but the Seventh Prince… made Han Yan somewhat uneasy.
Shu Hong said from the side: “Miss Deng is arriving soon. Should Young Miss change clothes?”
Han Yan initially wanted to refuse but reconsidered and nodded: “Help me get the emerald green padded deerskin jacket.”
While putting Han Yan’s hair into a bun, Ji Lan wondered aloud: “Always the same bun style, Young Miss truly loves it. I can’t think of any other variations anymore.”
Han Yan laughed: “Who asked you to think about that?”
Ji Lan protested: “Young Miss should look beautiful to marry someone who will cherish her and live a good life.”
Han Yan smiled, though Ji Lan’s words left her feeling melancholic. In this life, could she still trust and love someone? Survival alone was difficult enough, let alone the distant prospect of love.
After Ji Lan finished preparing Han Yan, they heard Deng Chan’s voice from afar: “Han Yan!”
Seeing her run over excitedly, she immediately began questioning: “Finally seeing you! Haven’t had a chance to talk since the palace banquet. I heard during New Year’s Eve at Wangjiang Tower, you were bullied by your family’s concubine – I was so angry! Then that concubine had a miscarriage – must be heaven’s punishment! Is this true? Are you alright?”
Han Yan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry but felt warmth in her heart. Taking her hand, she said: “I’m fine.”
Deng Chan patted her chest: “I’m relieved you’re okay. You’re just too easy to bully.” She looked around: “Your father is hosting a banquet today and invited many court officials. My father said even the Seventh Prince is coming – is that true?”
Han Yan shook her head helplessly: “I’m not sure about that either. Let’s walk and talk.”
In the garden, the women were gathered talking. Han Yan recognized some of the ladies but others were strangers. Zhuang Shiyang had invited officials of various ranks this time. Han Yan’s expression cooled – she wondered what they were trying to witness. If this wasn’t Zhuang Shiyang’s idea, it must be Da Zhou Shi and Zhou Shi’s instigation. What did they want to witness?
Han Yan lowered her head and smiled slightly – well, let’s see what unfolds.
Da Zhou Shi saw her approach and quickly called out: “Yan’er is here!” Acting as if she were the true mistress of the Zhuang household. To Han Yan’s surprise, Li Jiaqi was also present, sitting beside Zhuang Yushan. Seeing Han Yan approach, she snorted coldly, her contempt unconcealed. Zhou Shi sat beside Da Zhou Shi, and due to Da Zhou Shi’s influence, all the ladies chatted warmly with her. From the way these ladies looked at her, Han Yan could tell how Zhou Shi must have spoken about her.
Zhou Shi waved at her: “Fourth Young Miss is so late – must be some lazy maid who delayed delivering the message.”
Han Yan looked at her with an ambiguous smile: “Concubine wrongly blames the maid. I was in the kitchen following Father’s orders to arrange supplements for Concubine Mei. She’s carrying the Zhuang family’s heir now, so we must be very careful with her food.”
As expected, Zhou Shi’s face paled at Han Yan’s words. Da Zhou Shi’s expression Shifted as she smiled: “Indeed, she should be well-nourished. When a woman is with a child, she becomes especially precious.”
“It’s not the woman who’s precious, but the child inside,” a spirited voice came from behind. Turning around, they saw Concubine Mei approaching gracefully, supported by maids, wearing a gold-threaded brocade cape.
Han Yan smiled inwardly – Concubine Mei’s timing was perfect, enough to irritate Zhou Shi for quite a while.
While Zhou Shi seethed at the sight of Concubine Mei’s swollen belly, Concubine Mei was carefully observing Da Zhou Shi. Recently, there had been rumors about Grand Tutor Zhang’s favored concubine having an ambiguous relationship with Zhuang Shiyang. Having been with Zhuang Shiyang for years, she had indeed noticed his recent coldness toward her. If before it was just suspicion, seeing Da Zhou Shi in person confirmed the rumors weren’t groundless.
Women understand women best – Da Zhou Shi’s every movement carried seductive charm. Concubine Mei was all too familiar with such allure, and anger rose in her heart. How despicable of Zhou Shi – having lost her child, she sent her sister to seduce Zhuang Shiyang. What a family of shameless women!