Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1362: Not Leaving Until the Date

Han Yan possessed an astute understanding of societal intricacies, and consequently, minor matters like this barely registered. After all, it wasn't she who was repeatedly subjected to humiliation. Furthermore, the old man's courageous act of risking his life to aid Yan Zishu at a crucial moment had earned her a degree of goodwill, preventing any lingering displeasure.

However, she had no inclination to engage in protracted squabbles over such petty issues. Her piece had been spoken; whether they chose to believe her or find peace was entirely their own concern.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Han Yan took her leave from the Yan Residence.

The morning's events had been quite significant, and it was plausible that the Empress Dowager had already been apprïsed of the happenings at the Princess Manor. Her grandmother was likely worried, necessitating her prompt return to assuage any concerns.

Doctor Sun, who had initially intended to depart, was persuaded by Yan Zishu to remain.

Yan Zishu, who had previously felt resentment after Han Yan’s public admonishment, now recognized the extraordinary depth of her expertise. He understood the profound wisdom behind their ancestors' decision to live in seclusion, realizing that the shame he felt was a difficult burden to bear.

His invitation to Doctor Sun was a step towards mending relations with the Sun family and initiating discussions on the Medical Elixir Method. The Sun family's ancestors had, years prior, surpassed his own through skill rather than mere chance. Although he had once been indifferent, he now embraced the opportunity for mutual learning and exchange.

Doctor Sun's visit to the Yan family was already driven by this very intention. Hearing Yan Zishu's words filled him with unreserved joy, acknowledging that the Yan family's ancestral medical and alchemical techniques indeed surpassed those of the Sun family.

Naturally, he also perceived that Yan Zishu's transformation and this newfound opportunity were directly attributable to Han Yan. As they parted, his gaze towards Han Yan was laden with profound admiration and gratitude.

Traveling by carriage, Han Yan and her entourage swiftly returned to the Princess Manor.

"Aunt, where have you all been? I’ve been searching for you the entire day, utterly consumed by worry." Upon their arrival, Zhu Xiuqing rushed forth, perspiration beading on his brow.

"What is the matter?" Witnessing his agitated state, Han Yan surmised a significant event had transpired and inquired promptly.

"Word of everyone's advancement in rank this morning has reached the palace, prompting the Empress Dowager to dispatch me to investigate." Zhu Xiuqing responded.

"Is this the reason for your palpable anxiety?" Han Yan regarded Zhu Xiuqing with mild curiosity, noting his sweat-drenched appearance. To an onlooker, one might assume the heavens themselves were about to crumble, yet it was merely a minor affair.

"How can you possibly deem this a minor issue? This was a direct directive from the Empress Dowager herself. Do you have any conception of the repercussions for failing to provide a timely report? Never mind, it seems evident you wouldn't grasp the gravity. Have you all indeed reached a new tier? What is your current cultivation level? Inform me at once so I may relay the message." Zhu Xiuqing, while wiping away his sweat, posed his questions with palpable urgency.

Listening to Zhu Xiuqing's anxious pronouncements, Han Yan recalled the image of her grandmother wielding a broadsword against Wu Tianxiong, eliciting a roar of agony from him. Her grandmother, who appeared so benevolent in her presence, was demonstrably a formidable figure to others. It was no wonder Zhu Xiuqing found himself subject to her commands, fostering such deep-seated fear.

"I have attained the level of a Great Sword Master. Huayue, Zirong, and Jiang Yuzhe are now Ninth Rank Sword Masters, while Tang Bufan holds the rank of an Eighth Rank Sword Master." Observing Zhu Xiuqing’s near-frantic agitation, Han Yan provided a concise and composed reply.

"What!" Despite Han Yan's placid demeanor, Zhu Xiuqing perceived her words as a clap of heavenly thunder striking the earth, nearly causing him to stumble.

His gaze shifted between Han Yan and Hua Yuezi and the others, as if he were observing a group of beings who had miraculously escaped from Longyan Mountain.

"In truth, your contribution was invaluable. Had it not been for the Heavenly Destiny Star Plates you provided, our progress would not have been nearly as substantial," Hua Yuezi expressed with heartfelt gratitude.

Those Heavenly Destiny Star Plates had been a gift from Zhu Xiuqing. Had he retained one for himself, it was conceivable he might have ascended to the rank of Ninth Rank Sword Master. While Hua Yuezi harbored no intention of exploiting him, the unexpected benefits derived from those plates left him with a lingering sense of guilt towards Zhu Xiuqing.

"Ah, do not give it another thought, it is all a matter of fate. Even if the Star Plate had remained in my possession, it is uncertain if I would have achieved such an improvement. Furthermore, my ambitions do not lie solely in this path," Zhu Xiuqing responded magnanimously, his demeanor quickly returning to its usual composure.

For the first time, Han Yan reframed from rolling her eyes, instead offering Zhu Xiuqing a gaze filled with admiration. She had long ago recognized the unique constitutions of Huayue and the others. Huayue, as a descendant of temple priests, needed little introduction. Zirong, of course, possessed the Devil Eyes, also requiring no further explanation. Jiang Yuzhe, appearing ordinary on the surface, demonstrated an exceptional potential by comprehending both the Barrier Technique and Shadow Shifting.

The sole individual who hadn't displayed peculiar traits was Tang Bufan. However, recalling his intense battle with Pei Qiuyi, Han Yan suspected his constitution was far from simple. After all, any other Second-level Sword Master would have been depleted of their potential or died from blood loss.

In essence, every person accompanying her was anything but ordinary.

Their significant improvement in skills was undoubtedly linked to the Heavenly Destiny Star Plate, but it might also be attributed to their unique constitutions. With Zhu Xiuqing, even with a restrained Star Plate, such growth might not have been possible and could have presented unforeseen dangers. Fortunately, his genuine nature and expansive mindset prevented him from succumbing to frustration or regret.

"So, what are your ambitions then?" Han Yan inquired, displaying a rare pleasant demeanor towards him.

"This... well, perhaps another time. I will report to the Empress Dowager first. By the way, she mentioned she'll be entering seclusion for a few days, so you don't need to visit her," Zhu Xiuqing stammered, eventually deflecting the question before making a swift exit.

"Don't forget your promise to visit Zuixiang Building tonight! You told Miss Qin'er you wouldn't miss it, right?" Ling Baobao called out loudly, reminding him.

"Wasn't it Miss Yue'er?" Han Yan asked, curious.

During their journey back to the Capital, Zhu Xiuqing frequently spoke of Miss Yue'er, and his affectionate demeanor had led Han Yan to inwardly acknowledge the existence of true affection in the world. How then, after only a few days, had Miss Yue'er somehow transformed into Miss Qin'er?

"Uh, it changed a while back. It began with Miss Yue'er, then became Miss Yu'er, followed by Miss Liu'er. Later... later I lost count, but now it's Miss Qin'er," Ling Baobao recalled.

"That scoundrel!" Han Yan seemed to have grasped Xiao Ming's true intentions. Her brief good mood evaporated, replaced by another look of disdain.

Upon returning to the courtyard, Han Yan meticulously re-examined Zirong, confirming the complete absence of any residual toxins in her body, which finally put her mind at ease.