122. Chapter 122: Then I Truly Do Not Know

"Then please, go right ahead!"

Zhang Xiaolan knew Fu Yan was intentionally making things difficult for her, yet she generously stepped aside to clear the way, meeting the provocation with a calm, unshakable composure.

Fu Yan likely hadn't expected Zhang Xiaolan to yield so submissively. She had intended to pick a fight, only to have her efforts invisibly neutralized. Though momentarily stunned, she reminded herself that they were not within the Prince's estate, and she assumed Zhang Xiaolan would not dare to openly clash with her, emboldening her to become even more overbearing.

"A lowly servant girl like you has no business competing with me. You would do well to return to wherever you came from and stop pestering Brother Rui."

Even though Zhang Xiaolan had stepped aside, Fu Yan remained far from polite. She shot a sidelong glance at her, her voice dripping with disdain. In truth, she was simply resentful that Zhang Xiaolan was permitted to stay in the Prince Rui estate as an "honored guest," receiving a level of attention that was uniquely hers. Fu Yan’s harassment was a calculated attempt to force her to retreat; she reasoned that if Zhang Xiaolan were smart, she would recognize a formidable rival and back down. But Fu Yan was mistaken in her assessment of the situation.

"I believe those words would be better suited for yourself, Miss Fu."

Zhang Xiaolan had not expected Fu Yan to openly provoke her, but she was not one to be trifled with. Her previous silence had been a choice to avoid entanglement, not out of fear of Fu Yan’s connections. However, now that Li Rui’s name had been dragged into it, she found the behavior utterly unreasonable. She delivered a sharp retort, effectively slapping Fu Yan across the face with her own words. In reality, Fu Yan knew perfectly well that Li Rui cared nothing for her, which only fueled her rage further.

"What did you say? Ha! A lowly servant like you dares to speak to me this way? Do you even know who I am?"

"I have no idea."

Zhang Xiaolan shrugged, appearing entirely indifferent. This was the Imperial Capital; it was hardly the place for someone to throw their weight around. Besides, Fu Yan was not an official herself, merely a relative of one, and the law forbade such conduct. Surely, there was someone to keep such bullying in check.

"You... I am the eldest granddaughter of the Left Chancellor and the eldest daughter of the Minister of Rites. Not only do you fail to offer a proper greeting, but you dare to speak to me with such insolence!"

Fu Yan, failing to realize that Zhang Xiaolan was mocking her, assumed she was simply ignorant and began haughtily reciting her own credentials.

"Well, then I truly do not know."

Zhang Xiaolan spoke calmly, but the underlying irony went completely over Fu Yan's head. The young woman continued to puff herself up, venting her temper at Zhang Xiaolan.

"It is not too late to apologize now that you know. However, I am in a foul mood today. You must kneel and kowtow to seek my forgiveness, or I shall see you punished for your crimes."

Fu Yan expected Zhang Xiaolan to finally cave. There were few people in this city she dared not offend, and even fewer who dared offend her. Confident in the might of her family’s status, she behaved exactly as she would within the walls of her own manor.

"Oh? I find that quite curious. You are neither an official of the magistrate’s office nor a member of the nobility; you are merely the daughter of an official. By what authority do you claim the power to punish others?"

Zhang Xiaolan was well-versed in the law; there was no statute that allowed one to bully others or demand they kneel simply because their family held office. Besides, what wrong had she committed? If anyone was at fault, it was the arrogant young lady standing before her.

"Hmph! My father and grandfather are both high-ranking ministers of this court. I shall have them charge you with disrespect! Are you going to kneel and apologize or not?"

Fu Yan remained oblivious to her own folly, continuing to harp on her bureaucratic privilege. She displayed no restraint in the capital, proving herself truly foolish. There is always someone higher, and that is not the way of true statesmanship.