The Reborn Noble Girl is Hard to Find | Chapter 46: A Surprise
Chapter 46: A Surprise
Deng Chan lost interest in watching Li Jiaqi play the zither, instead frequently casting glances toward the male guests’ seats, particularly at Cheng Lei. When Cheng Lei noticed her gaze, he looked over with slight confusion, meeting her eyes directly. Startled, Deng Chan quickly lowered her head, her heart pounding as she panicked about what to do next.
Han Yan observed their exchange, noting how Cheng Lei’s attention was drawn solely to Deng Chan, oblivious to the watchful gaze of Yun Ni, the county princess, from the other side.
How intriguing, Han Yan thought. The young general Cheng Lei had unwittingly attracted the attention of two noblewomen. She reflected that the attraction was understandable—heroes had always been admired by beauties throughout history. At his young age, Cheng Lei had already achieved the prestigious title of general, exuding a masculine vigor that set him apart from the pampered sons of noble families. Deng Chan and Yun Ni’s discerning tastes were evident.
However, Han Yan couldn’t ignore the potential trouble ahead. If the princess truly set her sights on Cheng Lei, a simple plea to the emperor for a royal decree of marriage would leave Deng Chan with no chance at all.
Seeing her friend’s budding romantic feelings, Han Yan felt conflicted. Should she extinguish this growing affection before it caused more heartache, or let things run their course?
Caught in these thoughts, Han Yan chuckled to herself. Why was she, of all people, so invested in matchmaking for Deng Chan? It wasn’t as if anything concrete had developed between her friend and Cheng Lei, yet here she was, worrying over it like a meddlesome elder.
Meanwhile, Li Jiaqi had reached the finale of her zither performance. Her fingers danced gracefully over the strings, producing crisp, melodious notes that filled the hall like pearls cascading onto a jade plate. With a final flourish, the music concluded, leaving a lingering, harmonious silence.
The hall paused briefly before erupting into applause, with the seventh prince laughing and clapping heartily. “Truly the capital’s foremost talent! Such exquisite music is a delight beyond words!”
Encouraged by the prince, ministers and officials chimed in with their praises. Even the emperor smiled approvingly.
Han Yan, however, frowned slightly. The seventh prince’s consistent support for Li Jiaqi wasn’t mere coincidence. It seemed likely that Prime Minister Li belonged to the prince’s faction. This political alignment complicated things; her adversaries were forming alliances, while her own allies were tenuous at best—thanks to her recent coercion in the imperial garden.
The emperor, pleased, declared, “Such brilliance! Minister Li, you’ve raised a fine daughter. As a reward, I grant her a string of fragrant agarwood beads and four bolts of brocade from the Long Spring Palace.”
Li Jiaqi curtsied deeply, her voice sweet and modest. “Thank you for Your Majesty’s generous favor.”
Her performance had undoubtedly elevated her standing. By tomorrow, news of her success at the imperial banquet would spread across the capital, further solidifying her reputation.
Han Yan watched from her seat, her gaze shifting to Zhuang Yushan, who appeared smug and self-satisfied. Han Yan instinctively sensed that another scheme might be afoot.
“Your Majesty,” Li Jiaqi’s soft voice interrupted Han Yan’s thoughts, “I have a small request.”
The hall fell silent as the emperor waved magnanimously. “Speak freely.”
A premonition of trouble flitted through Han Yan’s mind, and sure enough, Li Jiaqi continued, “I’ve heard that the fourth young lady of the Zhuang family is renowned for her beauty and talent, particularly her extraordinary skill with the zither. Today, it would be an honor to hear her play.”
The hall grew still as all eyes turned toward the women’s seating area, curious about this young lady whom even the capital’s leading talent acknowledged.
Zhuang Yushan smirked triumphantly. She knew that Han Yan’s burned hand rendered her incapable of playing the zither. If Han Yan refused, it would offend the emperor and tarnish the Zhuang family’s reputation, leaving Yushan the perfect opportunity to step in as the savior of the family’s honor.
Han Yan’s sharp intuition quickly pieced together the ploy, but she remained composed. From afar, she noticed the empress dowager’s gaze fixed on her with an inscrutable expression.
“Which one of you is the fourth young lady of the Zhuang family?” the emperor asked.
Han Yan rose gracefully, walking toward the throne. Her steps were measured, her demeanor calm. When she reached the emperor, she curtsied deeply and said, “Your Majesty, this humble servant greets you.”
Despite her petite stature, her poise was impeccable, her manners flawless. Her serene elegance made a favorable impression on the emperor.
The empress smiled warmly. “Ah, I wondered which young lady possessed such refinement. It turns out to be the fourth miss of the Zhuang family.”
The emperor nodded in agreement. “Li Jiaqi claims your zither skills are remarkable. Let us hear a piece from you so that we may compare your talents.”
Han Yan’s lips tightened almost imperceptibly at the emperor’s commanding tone. Lifting her gaze, she met his eyes directly and smiled brilliantly. “Your Majesty, I must decline.”
The hall fell into a stunned silence, so absolute that the faintest sound could have been heard.
Li Jiaqi, seated nearby, nearly burst into laughter, barely containing her delight. Her expression, however, remained outwardly composed.
Zhuang Yushan, unnoticed in the corner, exchanged a sly smile with Madam Zhou. This was the moment she’d been waiting for. Han Yan’s refusal would surely bring imperial displeasure, and the Zhuang family would be eager to punish her for jeopardizing their standing.
Deng Chan, clutching her handkerchief, anxiously considered intervening to explain Han Yan’s injury. Before she could act, Han Yan’s maidservants subtly signaled her to remain calm.
Tension filled the room as reactions varied—some shocked, others eagerly awaiting the emperor’s response. Even the young crown prince eyed Han Yan with a mix of disdain and curiosity.
Among her family, Zhuang Shiyang’s face darkened with rage, his fists clenched beneath the table. Meanwhile, Zhuang Hanming sat stiffly, resolve etched into his features. He didn’t fully understand the situation but was prepared to step in and face the emperor’s wrath if it meant protecting his elder sister.
