Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1377: I’ve Seen Fools, But Never One This Foolish

"Very well, your Grandma will depart now." Lu Nianxin stated, her expression brimming with anticipation as she stepped into the carriage.

"You ought to retire early as well; your Grandma eagerly awaits the surprise you'll present tomorrow." Lu Nianxin remarked, parting the curtain to address Mu Hanyan.

In an instant, her countenance reverted to its former pallor, a facade of frailty returning.

"Grandma, what is this?" Mu Hanyan inquired, startled, fearing the Holy Energy Divine Heart Spell’s effects lingered, thereby jeopardizing her health once more.

"Fear not, child, I am merely feigning illness. My presence here tonight might have alerted Wu Tianxiong; if I do not appear unwell, he might hesitate to act," Lu Nianxin explained, a playful glint in her eye.

"..." Mu Hanyan found herself at a loss for words.

"Furthermore, Wu Tianxiong has, over the years, cultivated alliances with numerous court officials and military leaders. Tomorrow could be the day they reveal themselves. Your Grandma's pretense is a tactic, casting a wide net to capture larger prey," Lu Nianxin elaborated.

"Grandma, I grasp your strategem." Mu Hanyan observed her grandmother, who seemed increasingly akin to a venerable, wise old fox.

As dusk settled, Shangyue City lay tranquil, yet beneath this veneer of peace, unrest and potent undercurrents surged.

On the outskirts of the city, atop Sword Sound Peak on the Capital’s fringe, two figures confronted each other; one exuded an ethereal aura, the other stood tall and resolute, like a pristine sword.

"Why have you approached Han Yan?" Ye Lanfeng’s gaze pierced directly into Fen Qianji’s, an palpable pressure emanating from him.

"We are friends." Fen Qianji met his intense stare unflinchingly, his declaration forthright.

The ethereal night sky splintered as lightning flashed, akin to incandescent sparks born from the clashing intensity of their gazes.

"Friends?" Ye Lanfeng’s voice bore no inflection, devoid of warmth.

"Friends." Fen Qianji responded, his tone equally composed.

"Should I ever discover you have dared to harm Han Yan, I shall inflict upon you a torment far exceeding death itself!" A searing killing intent flared within Ye Lanfeng’s eyes.

"In truth, that is precisely what I intend to convey to you. Protect her; should you falter, I shall step in," Fen Qianji stated.

Simultaneously, both figures turned away, exposing their flanks to potential assault. A sudden attack from either would inflict grievous harm upon the other, if not outright demise. Yet, neither displayed apprehension nor any semblance of caution.

Perhaps it stemmed from an understanding of each other’s standing and inherent pride, fostering a trust that neither would resort to a dishonorable ambush. Or perhaps it was the shared connection through mutual acquaintances and their common concern for the same individual.

With a subtle shift of their forms, they each vanished into the nocturnal expanse.

...

A day elapsed swiftly, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, under Zhu Xiuqing’s guidance, Mu Hanyan’s contingent proceeded towards the Imperial Palace for the grand banquet.

The palace grounds were illuminated and adorned with celebratory splendor. For the common populace, this day held no particular significance, but for the officials of Shangyue Country, the Jinlan Palace Feast, a convergence of the Zue and Wu Families, was undeniably a momentous occasion.

As Mu Hanyan and her companions entered the palace precincts, formally attired officials began arriving for the feast.

Upon glimpsing Mu Hanyan, initial surprise flickered across their faces, followed by discreet, knowing glances exchanged amongst them.

When Mu Hanyan was escorted back to the Capital by the Imperial City Guards, Yue Fanchen had ostentatiously declared it a welcoming of the Princess, ostensibly for his own amusement. However, this pronouncement was inevitably overheard by observant ears. Moreover, Mu Hanyan’s recent residence within the Princess Mansion had fueled considerable speculation.

While ordinary citizens remained oblivious to Mu Hanyan’s secrets, these informed officials harbored their own conjectures but refrained from open discussion due to societal deference towards the Royal Family.

Mu Hanyan’s invitation to the Jinlan Palace Feast served to validate many of these unspoken assumptions; their gazes now shifted to one of respect, even tinged with a degree of sycophantic deference.

"Who are you to grace this Jinlan Palace Feast with your presence?" An discordant voice cut through the air as a young man, clad in opulent attire that couldn't quite conceal his somewhat unctuous and heavily perfumed bearing, blocked Mu Hanyan’s path, his chin held high.

"Prince Huai, these distinguished individuals are An Yun Envoys; exercise due respect," Zhu Xiuqing interjected, subtly conveying a message to Mu Hanyan via energy transmission, "This is He Yangqiu, the heir apparent to Prince Huai."

"An Yun Envoys? The same Mu Hanyan who grievously injured Brother Jian Jue during the Sword Sound Academy tournament?" He Yangqiu inquired, his realization dawning, hostility palpable. It was evident he was ill-informed about the actual contest, knowing only Mu Hanyan’s name but not the nuances of her character or the event itself.

"Indeed." Zhu Xiuqing affirmed with a nod. Despite He Yangqiu’s outward arrogance and rude demeanor, his statement held a kernel of truth that could not be denied.

"Mu Hanyan, such audacity to severely wound Brother Jian Jue and then boldly attend the Jinlan Palace Feast! Truly, the Wu Family’s authority is being flouted," He Yangqiu declared with evident indignation.

"Prince Huai..." Witnessing He Yangqiu's escalating insolence, Zhu Xiuqing’s brow furrowed. Although he held the position of Heir to Prince Anxi, he had yet to formally inherit the title, thus possessing less authority than He Yangqiu, which unfortunately constrained his ability to issue a stern reprimand.

"Zhu Xiuqing, get out of the way! Today, I specifically want to witness Mu Hanyan's abilities. She injured Brother Jian Jue and then had the audacity to attend the Zue and Wu Families' feast, openly disrespecting the Wu Family." The young man completely ignored Zhu Xiuqing, cutting him off and taunting Mu Hanyan.

Mu Hanyan found the situation both amusing and slightly annoying; the feast had not even commenced, and already, a challenge was being issued. It seemed rather preposterous that this challenger, a mere Fifth Rank Sword Master, was displaying such excessive bravado.

Could there be some hidden scheme at play? Mu Hanyan instinctively scanned her surroundings. She observed several officials shaking their heads and smirking, noting He Yangqiu's foolish demeanor. This confirmed her suspicion that there was no conspiracy, only sheer, unadulterated foolishness on his part.

"Draw your sword. I seek a fair contest," He Yangqiu declared, his hand reaching for his sword hilt.

"Stop that!" Yue Fanchen rapidly approached, his gaze fixed coldly upon He Yangqiu.

"Prince Huai, He Yangqiu, pays his respects to Brother Yue," He Yangqiu stated respectfully. While he had been dismissive towards Zhu Xiuqing, he did not dare to offend Yue Fanchen. This was partly due to Yue's princely status, but more significantly, it stemmed from Yue's evident superiority in cultivation.

"Mu Hanyan's invitation to this feast was by the Empress Dowager's decree. Are you perhaps dissatisfied with her wishes?" Yue Fanchen questioned with a stern tone.

"I would never dare! Absolutely not!" He Yangqiu protested, a tremor running through him.

Lu Nianxin had once forcefully asserted her influence with a great sword, aiding the Emperor in securing his throne. Her legendary feat had made her renowned throughout Shangyue. The mere mention of her sword caused a palpable fear amongst all the young officials, not just Zhu Xiuqing.

"The feast is about to begin. Let us proceed inside," Yue Fanchen suggested, waving his hand dismissively. He clearly had no desire to escalate the situation over such a trivial matter.