Jiang Yunyin · Conversa

Low snickers sounded all around, and Jiang Yunyin's heart trembled. Yet the Crown Prince was chatting and laughing with the secondary consort, utterly indifferent to what was happening on this side, as if she were nothing but an irrelevant person. The great hall was exceptionally lively—laughter, music, and conversation interwove into a wave of noise that completely drowned out her voice. No one noticed her embarrassment and helplessness at that moment. Just as she was about to confront them, a clear, cold voice rang out: "How dare you." The voice was like a thunderclap in a cold night, instantly freezing the clamor of the entire hall. Jiang Yunyin jerked her head up and saw Yan Chenrui walking over slowly. Yan Chenrui, Grand Princess of Yan, was born to the late emperor in his old age and was the current emperor's only full sister. Raised in the palms of all the princes since childhood, she appeared cold and aloof, always presenting herself in black wide-sleeved robes embroidered with silver-thread plum branches. When sitting alone, she was like a snow lotus on an icy peak, keeping people at a distance. In earlier years, rumors even circulated among the people that she was lustful and kept many male favorites. At this moment, she was clad in black, her features cool and distant, yet carrying a strength that put people at ease. She slowly descended the high dais, her silver-threaded shoes striking the golden-brick floor with crisp sounds, each step seeming to land on everyone's hearts. She walked up to Jiang Yunyin, took a plain handkerchief from her sleeve, and gently offered it to her, her voice low and clear: "Wipe it." Jiang Yunyin looked at the handkerchief offered before her. A warm sensation reached her fingertips, and suddenly her nose tingled with acridity and her eyes grew moist. She slowly took the handkerchief and clutched it tightly in her hand. "Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, a day meant for reunion and celebration. I have no wish to make a big fuss." Yan Chenrui's gaze swept over the noble lady, then over the people around who pretended not to have seen anything, her voice cold as frost. "But if anyone dares to be so rude again, I will certainly not let them off lightly." The noble lady's face instantly turned deathly pale, and she was too frightened to speak. Watching Yan Chenrui stand up for her, Jiang Yunyin's heart filled with gratitude and admiration. It had been so long since anyone had protected her like this; her heart ached with a full, swelling pain. Then, Yan Chenrui took her hand and led her to her own seat: "Tonight you sit by my side. Let's see who still dares to slight you." Jiang Yunyin bowed her head in thanks and, using a light cough as cover, secretly brought the plain handkerchief from her wrist to her nose, inhaled its faint fragrance, and curved her lips slightly.