Chapter 63: A Warning Glance
Princess Changle noticed this, a barely perceptible cold smile curling at the corner of her mouth, seeming quite satisfied with Miss Han’s shocked reaction.
Such a reaction could only mean that Miss Han, a humble woman from a small place, had never seen such grand occasions and certainly did not possess any talents.
At this moment, a maid beside her, not understanding the situation, stepped forward gently reminding, "Commandery Princess, Miss Han is entering the palace for the first time, perhaps she hasn’t prepared. Isn’t this suggestion a bit abrupt?"
Princess Changle wanted to glare at this meddlesome maid, but with Zhao Zun sitting next to Han Lei, she had to maintain her demeanor and gently waved her hand, signaling the maid to step back, while still keeping her gaze fixed on Han Lei.
"I’ve heard that Miss Han is from Qingshui County?"
"Mm! That’s right. Does the Commandery Princess have any advice?"
Han Lei nodded openly, but her mind was already sounding alarm bells. This Commandery Princess has come with ill intentions!
Seeing Han Lei respond, Princess Changle continued, "Qingshui County, such a poor and remote place actually raised such a uniquely elegant lady like Miss Han. I would imagine Miss Han has something extraordinary. Today at the palace banquet where talents gather, it’s the perfect moment to show such talents. Since Miss Han is here, why not perform on stage? Or perhaps Miss Han has concerns and doesn’t wish to showcase her elegance to everyone?"
Han Lei’s face turned slightly cold, what kind of nonsense is this Commandery Princess? Indeed, she stands high above, immediately dismissing Qingshui County as a poor and remote place.
It seems like she hasn’t provoked her, has she? Why suddenly turn on her?
Han Lei finally realized where that unfriendly gaze had come from earlier.
However, Han Lei didn’t pay her any heed, instead turning to Zhao Zun, asking, "Zhao Zun. At the palace banquet, is each lady required to perform a talent?"
Han Lei’s face carried an innocent look of bafflement, causing Zhao Zun to chuckle lightly.
"Not necessarily, if you don’t wish to perform, then you don’t have to."
"Oh, I see!"
Upon hearing this, Han Lei looked up and smiled broadly at Princess Changle, her face full of expressions saying: Do you hear that? It’s voluntary to perform, and I’m not willing, so what can you do?
Hearing Han Lei directly call Zhao Zun’s name, Princess Changle’s heart grew increasingly venomous, her tone carrying an undeniable royal authority.
"Miss Han, since it’s your first time entering the palace, as the Commandery Princess, I must remind you. Being in such a noble place as the royal city, you must understand the rules. Who gave you the guts? To dare to call the Prince’s name directly?"
Princess Changle’s tone was clearly intended to admonish Han Lei.
Before Han Lei could say anything, Zhao Zun became displeased, grabbing hold of Han Lei’s small hand, holding it firmly, casting a sidelong glance at Princess Changle, his face dark, annoyed saying, "I gave her the guts, so what?"
"You..."
Princess Changle didn’t expect her beloved Zhao Zun would say this, rendering her speechless with anger.
She only said a couple of words to Han Lei, yet Zhao Zun completely disregarded her identity as Commandery Princess, and defended Han Lei like this.
It seems, Han Lei’s position in Zhao Zun’s heart is indeed extraordinary!
Princess Changle’s heart was almost soaked in jealousy. In a fit of rage, she wanted to leave but felt unwilling since her goal hadn’t been achieved.
At a loss, the distant Empress on high, seeing Princess Changle taking so long without succeeding, deliberately urged with a voice.
"Changle, what are you discussing with Miss Han? Is it that Miss Han also wants to perform on stage?"
To perform on stage!
Princess Changle was truly a woman nurtured from a young age in palace intrigues, instantly catching on, she followed up with a smile taking the Empress’s words.
"Replying to Lady Empress, you guessed correctly. Miss Han said she has just entered the palace and wants to join the fun with everyone, she also wishes to perform on stage."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Zun’s handsome face instantly turned cold.
He was sitting right here, yet hadn’t heard Han Lei say such a thing.
Evidently, Princess Changle was intentionally targeting Han Lei. If Han Lei didn’t possess any talents, she would end up embarrassed in public.
But Han Lei had just entered the palace today, he couldn’t figure out at the moment what Han Lei had done to offend Princess Changle. Yet his acumen quickly led him to realize that if not Han Lei, it must be him?
Of course, Han Lei also noticed Princess Changle’s hostility. As a woman, she quickly deduced where Princess Changle’s hostility stemmed from.
This rascal Zhao Zun stirred up unwanted romantic attention!
She turned her gaze toward Zhao Zun, a playful smile creasing her lips, yet her eyes shot a warning glance.
Receiving that intimidating and lingering gaze, Zhao Zun couldn’t help but shiver involuntarily.
He helplessly spread his hands, indicating he knew nothing. He only just realized that Princess Changle might like him.
Just then, the Empress’s voice came from high above.
"In that case, Miss Han needn’t be polite. Please come on stage and perform! Miss Han, entering the palace for the first time, might be a bit shy. Everyone, please give Miss Han a round of applause to welcome her!"
With the Empress speaking, the crowd below showered her with applause unreservedly.
Thus, she had no choice but to take the stage.
Despite feeling displeased, due to circumstances and status, Han Lei had to suppress the fury in her heart and barely managed to put on a smile.
She stood up, curtseyed, responding, "The Empress speaks too highly, Han Lei is merely a woman of the wild, lacking in talents worth mentioning. However, the Commandery Princess’s remarkable talent, her dance earlier has amazed all present."
Upon hearing, Princess Changle’s face blossomed with a proud smile.
"Miss Han is too modest; this Commandery Princess knows but a smidgen, hardly remarkable. Moreover, today’s palace banquet seeks to enhance the camaraderie between the royal family and officials; should Miss Han showcase her talents, it would certainly enliven the banquet further, would it not be delightful?"
Zhao Zun stood by with an even colder expression. Just as he intended to speak to rescue Han Lei, Han Lei slowly stood, her gaze firmly locked on Princess Changle.
"Since the Commandery Princess is so appreciative, then as a common woman, I shall boldly give it a try. Though I normally enjoy painting, if I may perform with painting, I hope the Commandery Princess and esteemed gentlemen will not laugh."
She can paint?
Princess Changle’s eyes flickered with a trace of surprise and swiftly returned to normal, pretending to be magnanimous, she smiled, "Music, chess, calligraphy, painting; painting is indeed a form of talent. Should Miss Han befriend through painting, it will certainly be eye-opening to this Commandery Princess, and everyone shall be on the edge of their seats waiting."
With that, Princess Changle personally led Han Lei to the stage center, ordering someone to bring over a desk and to prepare the ink, paper, inkstone.
Han Lei picked up a brush, turning it around, confirming she couldn’t use a brush.
Han Lei pouted slightly, looking at Princess Changle.
"Could you bring me a piece of charcoal and a small knife? As a common woman, I don’t paint with a brush."
Princess Changle, rather reluctantly, rolled her eyes, yet in order to ensure Han Lei made a fool of herself publicly, she still cooperated vigorously.
Due to palace constraints on weapon possession except for guards, Princess Changle had to ask for Empress’s permission.
The Empress instructed a eunuch to procure charcoal and a dagger, handing them to Han Lei; Han Lei swiftly shaved the charcoal into the shape of a pencil.
Seeing Han Lei ready, Princess Changle gestured for her to begin, her face showing anticipation for a spectacle.
"Miss Han, please proceed!"
"Then... allow this humble woman to audaciously paint a piece for Prince Xiaoyao!" Han Lei looked at Zhao Zun, her voice soft like trickling water, instantly captivating everyone’s attention.
Upon hearing Han Lei intended to paint for him, Zhao Zun’s previously gloomy face broke into a smile, and he immediately sat upright, tidying his attire.
Han Lei gently held up the charcoal pencil, gazing at the already posed Zhao Zun, and commenced to draw.
Her actions were smooth and natural, seemingly accustomed to painting under the public gaze.
The tip of the pencil moved gently across the paper, sketching intricate lines, then began shading.
Zhao Zun’s spirit, posture, even the light in his eyes, were captured and rendered on the paper one by one.
Everyone watched in breathless silence, some even couldn’t wait for the completion, eagerly walking up to the desk to view Han Lei painting.
For a moment, the hall was utterly silent, except for the whispering sound of Han Lei’s pencil drawing on paper, akin to celestial music.