The Xu family's banquet continued to be the talk of the capital. Scholars praised the match, nobles envied it, and young ladies sighed at Xu Han's elegance. Everywhere Hua Lian went, she was greeted with admiration instead of mockery.
But not everyone rejoiced.
Zhao Rui — once Hua Lian's betrothed — seethed like a wounded beast. His pride, already shredded when she broke the engagement, now burned with humiliation. To see her rise higher, chosen by Xu Han himself, was an insult he could not bear.
It was during a gathering at the Academy that Zhao Rui struck. Surrounded by fellow young lords, he stepped forward, his voice loud and venomous.
"Hua Lian!" he called, his smirk dripping disdain. "You've truly perfected the art of climbing branches. First me, then Xu Han — who will it be next? A prince? Or perhaps the emperor himself?"
Gasps echoed among the scholars. Eyes turned to Hua Lian.
But she remained calm, her posture straight as bamboo.
"If words were weapons, Zhao Rui, you would be the mightiest general alive. Sadly, they cut only your own dignity."
Snickers rose from the crowd. Zhao Rui flushed.
"You—! You seduced Xu Han with tricks! Everyone knows it. A man of his standing would never willingly choose—"
"Enough."
The voice was cold, deep, and carried the weight of authority.
Xu Han had stepped forward. His eyes, sharp as a hawk's, pinned Zhao Rui in place.
"You dare insult my fiancée? That is to insult me."
Whispers filled the air. Fiancée? Xu Han had declared it openly before witnesses!
Zhao Rui tried to recover, forcing a laugh. "I only speak what others are thinking. Surely you—"
Before he could finish, an elderly Academy elder slammed his staff.
"Zhao Rui! Such arrogance and slander before your peers! Do you have no shame? You have shamed your clan's name."
Xu Han's voice cuts like steel.
"The Hua family will never again be tainted by this man's presence. From this day on, if Zhao Rui dares to step near them, he will answer to me."
The room fell silent. Zhao Rui's face twisted — rage, humiliation, and despair all at once. He wanted to retort, but the weight of Xu Han's gaze crushed him.
Laughter rippled through the students, no longer mocking Hua Lian, but Zhao Rui — the dog who barked at dragons.
And so, Zhao Rui was ruined. His reputation shredded, his pride trampled. From that day forward, no one in the capital took him seriously. He dared not approach the Hua family again, for Xu Han's shadow loomed too large.
That night, Hua Lian gazed at the moon, her lips curving faintly.
"One debt repaid. Zhao Rui, this is the last time you'll ever haunt my path."