CHAPTER 861: CHAPTER 861: FINALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT IT MEANS TO FORCE A SMILE

"Fifth Young Master, I don’t know which wealthy family you’re descended from, but I’ve never had any grudge against you in the past nor recent days. Yet, you’re telling me to get out of the Capital; isn’t that too much bullying? Today, if you don’t give me an explanation, I, Han Yan, swear not to let this go." Han Yan’s smile vanished as she coldly spoke to the Fifth Prince. Mastering the art of changing expressions instantly, Han Yan had perfected it.

She had long guessed the other’s identity, but once it was pointed out, it would be harder to challenge him further. She couldn’t simply disrespect the Royal Family, so Han Yan pretended to know nothing, acting as if he were just an ordinary noble family’s son.

In fact, Han Yan didn’t want to become enemies with a Royal Family member. However, since the other was in league with Qu Fengting, it was destined that they could only be enemies, not friends. Instead of waiting for the other to grow stronger and cause her trouble, she preferred to clip their wings early on.

Han Yan also guessed the Fifth Prince’s intentions. Since he wanted to establish his prestige by targeting her, she would make sure he lost the little credibility he had, making it hard for him to shine again.

When it was time to act, Lady Mu would never hesitate, nor would she overthink.

After hearing Han Yan’s words, the Fifth Prince’s face, which had already gone pale, darkened like the bottom of a pot.

If Han Yan now showed him some respect, calling him ’your highness’ and feigning a bow, and he responded with a few words regarding the misunderstanding and offered a token apology, the matter could be downplayed. If word got out, not only would he not lose face, but he might even gain a reputation for correcting his mistakes and respecting talents.

However, Han Yan deliberately avoided mentioning his Fifth Prince status, treating him as just a noble family’s son, with an unyielding stance, clearly aiming to embarrass him.

He could claim the title of Fifth Prince and use his Royal Family status to suppress Han Yan, but doing so would only make people say the Fifth Prince relied on his prince title to bully others, causing even more embarrassment if it spread.

The most frightening part was if this got back to the palace, how would the Emperor view him, and how would the other princes add fuel to the fire?

In a flash, the Fifth Prince resolved that he could never personally reveal his identity. No matter how far the rumor spread, he would treat it as hearsay; he absolutely couldn’t announce his lineage.

Brilliant wit, truly brilliant wit. The Fifth Prince was very satisfied with his quick thinking.

"Young Master Mu, it’s all a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding, hahaha." The Fifth Prince laughed awkwardly, his face nearly twisted. He finally understood the meaning of ’forcing a laugh.’

"A misunderstanding? So if I tell you to get out of the Capital, it could also count as a misunderstanding?" Han Yan said angrily, hand on her sword hilt, "The Mu Family is considered one of the Eight Great Families of the Capital, yet we’re so baselessly humiliated. If you don’t give me an explanation today, don’t blame me for resorting to violence!"

In the Capital, one cannot act recklessly, especially not among the noble families’ sons. This was an unwritten rule among the families, given their privileged status. If any major incident occurred, it would be difficult for the Royal Family to handle, so such customs were also a respect for the Royal Family from these families.

However, this didn’t mean anyone could bully a noble family’s son. The Fifth Prince was the aggressor and hadn’t revealed his identity. Han Yan’s feigned ignorance meant that even if she ended up beating him, he’d have only himself to blame.