Chapter 35: First Encounter with His Highness the Crown Prince

The two women exchanged a smile, each harboring her own secret thoughts.

“Elder sister, where is Junhan, your nephew?”

Xifeng glanced at the little girl hiding behind Lady Liu and, with some embarrassment, handed Lady Liu a cup of tea. “Han’er made quite a serious mistake yesterday and caused Yan’er to suffer for it. As punishment, I’ve confined him. He didn’t frighten Yan’er too much, did he? Is she feeling better?”

Lady Liu affectionately stroked her daughter’s head. “It’s nothing. Yan’er has always been a bit delicate; she only fainted from exhaustion while practicing her horse stance. She’ll be fine.”

“It’s a blessing for girls to be a little delicate,” Xifeng said, envy flashing in her eyes. Her own daughter, Ruyan, had never been so fortunate.

Seeing that Xifeng had no intention of summoning Chu Junhan, Lady Liu maintained her gentle smile and produced a sealed letter from her sleeve. “Sister, officially, I brought Yan’er today to pay respects at your household, but in truth, I wished to deliver this confidential letter from my husband to the General’s Manor myself.”

“Oh?” Xifeng took the letter.

“This letter concerns the origins of the maid who died in your household yesterday. The matter is of great importance, and my husband dared not entrust it to anyone else. Thus, I used Yan’er visiting as a pretext…”

Xifeng handed the letter to Yingdie, who understood at once and withdrew quietly.

“Go and fetch Han’er.”

“Yes, Madam.”

Xifeng cast a helpless smile at the little one hiding behind Lady Liu. “Han’er is naturally mischievous, and I fear he’d harm Yan’er again. For now, let’s just play our parts. Best not to let the two of them meet.”

Lady Liu’s smile froze at the corners of her lips. “You worry too much, sister. Yan’er is quiet and timid, while Han’er’s temperament might just be what she needs to toughen up.”

Before Chu Junhan could be called, another arrived before the three women.

“His Highness the Crown Prince!”

A sharp, resounding voice rang out, and a little boy of seven or eight appeared from around the pavilion, holding a folding fan and striding with great presence.

“Your humble servant greets Your Highness,” Xifeng and Lady Liu said in unison, bowing deeply.

“You may rise,” the boy replied perfunctorily, accustomed to such formalities.

Yan’er, who had been peeking out shyly, immediately shrank back at the sight of the Crown Prince.

By some twist of fate, just as the young prince arrived, Chu Junhan came skipping and humming a tune, eager to torment Yan’er again. As she passed through the garden’s archway, she caught sight of the back of a child. In that instant, she felt as if struck by lightning.

Xiao Shengjie!

She could never mistake him. That was the person she hated with every fiber of her being, the one she dreamed of flaying alive. She would recognize even his silhouette anywhere.

Such hatred had long been etched into her very bones.

“Young master, are you feeling unwell?” the maid following her asked in concern.

Chu Junhan stood at the archway, eyes fixed on that figure, fists clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her flesh.

“Young master?” The maid waved her hand in front of her.

Taking a deep breath, Chu Junhan’s gaze remained locked ahead. She must stay calm—patience in small things is crucial for greater plans.

“Han’er, come here and pay your respects to the Crown Prince, your sworn brother,” Xifeng called from the archway.

Everyone turned to look at the entrance, even Yan’er curiously poked her head out again.

Xiao Shengjie’s eyes lit up when he saw Yan’er. Following her gaze, he too looked toward the archway and, upon seeing the little one standing there, felt a sudden, inexplicable sense of dread.

Chu Junhan stepped forward, obediently stopping beside Xiao Shengjie and bowing with cupped fists. “Chu Junhan greets Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

Her voice was as faint as a mosquito’s buzz, her reluctance plain for all to see.