Han Yan actually saw through the intricacies of social affairs, and truly didn’t pay attention to minor matters like this. After all, the one getting slapped in the face repeatedly was someone else, not her. Moreover, the old man didn’t flee in the critical moment earlier but instead risked his life to help Yan Zishu, which made her have a bit of goodwill towards him, so she wouldn’t fret over it.

However, she wasn’t interested in engaging in endless disputes over such trivialities. She had said all she wanted to say, whether they believed her or could sleep at night was none of her concern.

Exchanging a few polite words, Han Yan bade farewell and left the Yan Residence.

The events in the morning were quite loud, and perhaps someone had already informed the Empress Dowager of what happened at the Princess Manor. More than likely, her grandmother must be worried about her, so she needed to return soon to ease her worries.

Doctor Sun originally intended to leave together, but was invited to stay by Yan Zishu.

Previously, Yan Zishu harbored resentment after being publicly rebuked by Han Yan, but upon witnessing her astonishing expertise, he realized there were always higher mountains and knew the true intention of their ancestors choosing to live in seclusion. The shame on his mind was hard to bear.

Inviting Doctor Sun to stay was part of his effort to mend relations with the Sun family, and also to discuss the Medical Elixir Method. The ancestors of the Sun family defeated his own family’s ancestors years ago not merely by chance but through merit, and though he was once uninterested in accepting it, he now opened his heart and wouldn’t miss out on the opportunity for exchange and learning.

Doctor Sun’s visit to the Yan family originally carried this intention, and hearing Yan Zishu’s words brought him great joy without hesitation, as the Yan family’s ancestral medical and alchemical techniques surpassed the Sun family’s.

Of course, he also understood that Yan Zishu’s transformation and the opportunity were due to Han Yan, and when bidding farewell, he looked at Han Yan with eyes full of admiration and gratitude.

Riding in the carriage, Han Yan’s group quickly returned to the Princess Manor.

"Aunt, where have you all been? I’ve been looking for you the whole day, I was worried sick." As soon as they entered, Zhu Xiuqing hurried over, sweating severely. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"What’s the matter?" Seeing his anxious demeanor, Han Yan thought something major had happened and quickly asked.

"I heard that all of you advanced in rank this morning, and the news reached the palace, so the Empress Dowager sent me to check." Zhu Xiuqing replied.

"Is this why you’re so anxious?" Han Yan glanced at Zhu Xiuqing curiously, seeing him drenched in sweat. Anyone unaware might have thought the sky was falling, but it was just a minor issue.

"How can you say it’s just a minor issue? This was a task assigned by the Empress Dowager herself, and failing to report back timely—do you even know what the consequences could be? Never mind, you clearly wouldn’t understand. Have you all advanced? What’s your current strength? Tell me quickly so I can report back." Zhu Xiuqing wiped his sweat while asking eagerly.

Listening to Zhu Xiuqing, Han Yan recalled the sight of her grandmother brandishing a large sword at Wu Tianxiong, making him howl in agony. Her grandmother appeared benevolent in front of her, but was quite a different person to others. It’s no wonder Zhu Xiuqing suffered under her, making him so fearful.

"I’m a Great Sword Master, Huayue, Zirong, and Jiang Yuzhe are Ninth Rank Sword Masters, and Tang Bufan is an Eighth Rank Sword Master." Seeing Zhu Xiuqing nearly jumping with urgency, Han Yan responded briefly and calmly.

"What!" Despite Han Yan’s calm tone, in Zhu Xiuqing’s ears it was as if Heavenly Thunder struck the ground, nearly tripping him over.

Looking at Han Yan and then at Hua Yuezi and the others, his gaze seemed to suggest he was looking at a group of creatures that had escaped from the Longyan Mountain.

"Actually, it was thanks to you. If it weren’t for the few Heavenly Destiny Star Plates you brought, our skills wouldn’t have progressed so much." Huayue expressed gratefully.

Those Heavenly Destiny Star Plates were gifted by Zhu Xiuqing. If he had kept one for himself, he might have reached the Ninth Rank Sword Master instead. Although Huayue didn’t intend to exploit him, the unintended gain from such benefits made him feel guilty towards Zhu Xiuqing.

"Oh, never mind, never mind, it’s all about fate. Even if the Star Plate had stayed with me, it’s uncertain I’d have such a improvement. Moreover, my aspirations aren’t set on this." Zhu Xiuqing was open-minded and quickly returned to his usual state.

For once, Han Yan didn’t roll her eyes but looked at Zhu Xiuqing with a gaze of appreciation. She had long noticed Huayue and the others had unique physiques; Huayue, being a descendant of temple priests, didn’t need much saying, Zirong naturally had Devil Eyes, also needing no explanation, Jiang Yuzhe might seem normal on the surface but he could comprehend the Barrier Technique and Shadow Shifting, implying exceptional potential.

The only one who hadn’t shown peculiar traits was Tang Bufan, but recalling his dramatic battle with Pei Qiuyi, Han Yan felt his physique was not as simple as it seemed. Otherwise, any other Second-level Sword Master would have been drained of potential or bled to death.

In short, each of the people around her was not simple.

Their skills improved massively, certainly related to the Heavenly Destiny Star Plate but possibly also to their unique physiques. With Zhu Xiuqing, even with a reserved Star Plate, it might not have led to such growth and could have posed unforeseen risks. Fortunately, his true nature and broad mind allowed him not to be frustrated or regretful.

"What’s your aspiration then?" Han Yan rarely showed a good face to him, curiously asking.

"This... this... maybe another time, I’ll report back to the Empress Dowager first. By the way, she said she’s going into seclusion for a few days, so you don’t need to visit her." Zhu Xiuqing fumbled, ultimately diverting attention, saying, then running out.

"Don’t forget to visit Zuixiang Building tonight, didn’t you promise Miss Qin’er to meet without fail?" Ling Baobao reminded loudly.

"Wasn’t it Miss Yue’er?" Han Yan curiously asked.

On the way back to the Capital, Zhu Xiuqing often mentioned Miss Yue’er, his affectionate demeanor made Han Yan inwardly sigh at the existence of true affection in the world. How come just a few days later, Miss Yue’er turned into Miss Qin’er?

"Uh, it’s changed earlier. It started with Miss Yue’er, then Miss Yu’er, then Miss Liu’er, later... later I lost track, but now it’s Miss Qin’er." Ling Baobao reminisced.

"That beast!" Han Yan probably figured out Xiao Ming’s aspirations. The rare good mood vanished, another disdainful look was cast.

After returning to the courtyard, Han Yan once again checked Zirong, ensuring no residual toxins in her body, feeling completely at ease.