“You’re from the Zhuang family,” Fu Yun Xi said, “And you’ll become the Young Lady of the Guardian Prince’s Manor – you’re deeply connected to him.” He paused briefly: “Because of you, Zhuang Shi Yang was demoted. You’ve already angered him.”
Han Yan was stunned – she had forgotten about this aspect. Hearing Fu Yun Xi’s words, she realized the Seventh Prince had noticed her early on because she was meant to be a tool for the alliance between the Guardian Prince’s Manor and the Zhuang family, expected to be obedient and well-behaved. But this tool had become increasingly troublesome, even interfering with his plans, so the Seventh Prince intended to punish her.
Thinking of this, Han Yan felt alarmed. The Seventh Prince had royal power behind him, connected to court politics. With her current status as an unfavored legitimate daughter, it would be easy for others to find fault with her. While she might be fine, Zhuang Han Ming would be in danger. If the Seventh Prince turned his political attacks toward Zhuang Han Ming…
Worry unconsciously crept into her expression. Fu Yun Xi, seeing such a young girl frowning like an old woman, found it amusing and asked: “Why did you cause Zhuang Shi Yang’s demotion?”
Han Yan was startled, then heard him continue: “If it was merely revenge for his neglect of you, such methods weren’t necessary. You rise and fall with the Zhuang family – when the nest is overturned, no eggs remain intact. Zhuang Shi Yang’s demotion brings no benefit to your position.”
Han Yan knew his keen perception made hiding things futile, so she frankly admitted: “Besides sharing the Zhuang surname, I have no connection to the Zhuang family.” Seeing surprise flash in Fu Yun Xi’s eyes, she continued: “Becoming the Young Lady of the Prince’s Manor is even more nonsensical.”
Fu Yun Xi looked down at the young girl before him, noting her bright eyes and lovely features, yet detecting traces of disgust and hatred when she spoke of the Zhuang and Wei families, though she tried well to conceal these emotions.
“Why are you unwilling to marry Wei Ru Feng?” he asked.
Han Yan countered: “Why should I marry him?”
“He’s a gentleman of virtue and talent,” Fu Yun Xi turned his face slightly, uncomfortable with praising others. “And he’ll inherit the Prince’s position – as his wife, your future would be secure.”
An unmarried girl discussing marriage with an adult man in a secluded place – such behavior could damage her reputation. In her previous life, Han Yan would have called him a scoundrel. But in this life, she felt only straightforward, and though annoyed at his embarrassing question, she wasn’t truly angry. Glancing at Fu Yun Xi in his blue robes, his dignified bearing, seriously awaiting her answer, she felt mischievous.
Han Yan smiled: “If what you say is true, I should marry any good man who proposes. If he’s such a rare find…” She circled Fu Yun Xi playfully, looking him up and down: “My, Your Highness is tall and straight, handsome, masterful in martial arts, and refined in taste. Truly exceptional in both civil and martial arts, one in ten thousand. And so young to achieve the position of Prince.” Seeing Fu Yun Xi’s rare look of bewilderment, she grew more delighted: “I think Your Highness is an even better man – rather than marry Wei Ru Feng, why not marry Your Highness instead!”
Fu Yun Xi narrowed his phoenix eyes – this girl was becoming increasingly bold, daring to tease him. He smiled languidly: “Since you wish to marry me, tomorrow I’ll have someone check our birth charts for compatibility.”
Han Yan froze, seeing he didn’t appear to be joking, instead looking down at her with an ambiguous smile. His clean, sharp fragrance lingered around her nose, inexplicably enchanting and romantic. For some reason, her heart skipped a beat, and she stammered: “I was just joking…”
Seeing her startled like a deer, Fu Yun Xi also dropped his playful manner and said: “A woman’s marriage has always been decided by parents’ commands and matchmakers’ words – how can you refuse?”
Han Yan shook her head: “I simply won’t marry…”
Fu Yun Xi looked at her thoughtfully: “If you truly don’t want to marry, there are ways.”
Han Yan brightened at his words, trusting them completely: “What ways?”
But she saw him slowly curl his lips and utter two wicked words: “Beg me.”
Han Yan turned away, answering lazily: “Safe journey, Your Highness. This commoner is drunk and must rest now. Farewell.”
Fu Yun Xi didn’t stop her, watching as she headed back toward Qing Qiu Court, her figure quite graceful. After gazing for a moment, he smiled slightly and vanished in a flash.
The Zhuang family’s banquet continued in full swing.
After lunch, while the ladies were deep in conversation and the men were warm with wine, someone suggested touring the Zhuang family garden.
The Zhuang family’s garden was exceptionally designed, departing from the capital’s grand and dignified style. It took a different approach, focusing on delicate streams and pavilions, with many screens, like a gentlewoman from the Jiangnan water region, exquisitely elegant. It was considered one of the capital’s scenic spots.
Yet few knew that the garden’s designer was the Zhuang family’s deceased principal lady.
Madam Da Zhou walked beside Madam Zhou, occasionally speaking with her, her charming smile more pleasing to the eye than the scenery itself.
Concubine Mei walked last, heavy with child, surrounded by many serving girls, extremely careful with her pregnancy.
The ladies reached the garden’s depths, where plum blossoms bloomed abundantly. Though not comparable to the palace gardens, the strategically placed groves created a poetic scene of “red dots amid ten thousand greens.” Maids served fresh Jun Mountain Silver Needle tea, and the relaxed ladies and young misses rested on stone benches in the garden.
A noble lady sat to Madam Da Zhou’s right. As Madam Da Zhou spoke with her while drinking tea, her hand suddenly trembled, the teacup tilted, and tea splashed all over the lady’s clothes.
“Oh my, how clumsy of me!” Madam Da Zhou stood up apologetically: “Were you scalded?” She ordered her maid: “What are you standing there for? Quickly get the burn medicine!”
Seeing her sincere attitude, and as the tea wasn’t very hot, the lady smiled: “It’s nothing.”
Madam Da Zhou shook her head: “That won’t do – such a beautiful dress, now stained.” She looked troubled: “I don’t know what to do.”
Madam Zhou suddenly spoke up: “Sister, if the lady doesn’t mind, she could wear my clothes. The tailor from Ru Yi Tower just made two sets of clothes for me yesterday. This lady is the same height as me, and with her fair complexion, the light colors would suit her well.”
“That’s not necessary…” The lady tried to decline, but Madam Da Zhou had already taken her hand: “This is perfect. If you don’t agree, I truly wouldn’t know how to make amends.” She looked at Madam Zhou: “Sister, is there a place to change nearby?”
Madam Zhou smiled: “Yes, yes, just a few steps ahead, there’s a pavilion with a small room beside it, where people usually rest when tired from viewing flowers. If the ladies and young misses are interested, you can walk a few steps forward – that pavilion is quite delicate and lovely, with a viewing gallery that can hold dozens of people. You can sit there and watch the carp in the pond as well.”