These troublemakers were indeed the family of Han Suqin. The eldest among them was Han Xingchang, the son of her stepmother. At twenty-five, he had seven or eight concubines and maids in addition to his principal wife, completely inheriting his father's lecherous nature.
Han Suqin's betrothal to Prince Qi was like a pie falling from heaven for the Han family. No one had expected that a mere illegitimate daughter from their family would win the favor of Prince Qi, and to be married as his principal wife, no less.
The Han family not only became prominent in Jiangling Commandery but also continued to flaunt their newfound status after arriving in Duanjing.
Although Prince Qi had not yet been named Crown Prince, in the eyes of the Han family, he was already the future emperor, and Han Suqin was undoubtedly the future Empress. Their entire Han family would become imperial relatives.
The Han family was large, and they had no residence in Duanjing. Furthermore, a grand banquet was to be held in Jiangling Commandery. Therefore, for Han Suqin's wedding, only her father and stepmother, along with Han Xingchang and a few marriageable young men from the family, came to Duanjing, hoping to forge more wealthy connections.
After Han Suqin's betrothal, the Han family's young men had engaged in numerous acts of bullying and abuse. Even now, upon reaching the capital, they showed no signs of restraint. No matter how high the officials in the capital were, besides the Emperor and Empress Dowager in the palace, who could possibly be more powerful than Prince Qi's mother?
Seeing Wang Qingyao pause for a moment, Han Xingchang mistook it for fear upon hearing Prince Qi's name. He forgot the pain in his mouth and said smugly, "Now you know to be scared, eh? Let me tell you, I'm in a good mood today. As long as this little lady can spend the night with me, I won't..."
"Slap, slap, slap!" Han Xingchang's mouth was hit several more times.
The onlookers were stunned, and the Han family members were both shocked and furious.
Han Xingchang's face turned red with anger. He cursed and swore like a common street ruffian. Even though he knew he would be hit again by Zhenzhu for uttering such vulgarities, he cleverly feigned a move. But Zhenzhu's skills were so swift that Han Xingchang couldn't even see her move. He was hit several times not just on the mouth but also on the face.
"Dare to utter another filthy word, and I'll beat you until your parents don't recognize you!"
Yinzhu watched with envy. She had been practicing martial arts for a long time and hadn't had a chance to put it into practice. Seeing Zhenzhu's satisfying blows, she subtly moved forward, ready to strike Han Xingchang if he dared to curse again.
However, Han Xingchang was beaten into submission. While his arrogant demeanor remained, he dared not utter any more vulgar or abusive words.
"If you have the guts, don't leave!" Han Xingchang shouted. "Someone, go report this to the authorities! Tell the Jingzhao Yin to come here and say that Prince Qi's brother-in-law has been beaten! Hmph, in the capital, is this how he maintains law and order?"
Tsk, what a shameless display of hypocrisy.
Upon hearing their master's command, the Han family's servants immediately ran out to report the incident.
Seeing that the situation was escalating, the flower shop owner quickly advised Wang Qingyao, "Madam, you cannot afford to offend Prince Qi! These people are just after money. Apologize and compensate them a bit, and it will be over. Don't let your pure reputation be dragged into prison; it's not worth it!"
The shopkeeper was indeed a kind person.
The crowd also worried for Wang Qingyao. How could an arm twist a thigh? It would be best to just pay some money...
The Han family members were all smug.
Han Xingchang clearly heard the bystanders' words and sneered, shouting, "It's not just about paying money anymore! You dared to hit your grandfather, and I'll make sure you can't escape the consequences!"
Wang Qingyao smiled faintly and leisurely pulled over a chair, sitting down unhurriedly.
Yinzhu said, "Alright, let's see how you make us unable to escape the consequences!"
Seeing Wang Qingyao and her maidservant's calm and fearless demeanor, the other members of the Han family began to have doubts. Could she be a lady of noble status?
The young lady who had been stung by the bee pulled Han Xingchang aside and whispered a few words to him.
Han Xingchang sneered, "What are you afraid of? Besides those in the imperial palace, who can be more powerful than Prince Qi? Moreover, look at the young lady's attire. Does she look like a lady from a wealthy family? She doesn't even have a few pieces of jewelry on her. She's not even as well-dressed as the wife of our county magistrate in Jiangling Commandery!"
"Exactly, exactly."
The Han family members scrutinized Wang Qingyao and unanimously concluded that she was merely the wife of some minor official with a bit of looks.
"Then why is she so calm?" asked a young man from the Han family.
Han Xingchang replied, "Perhaps she thinks we were in the wrong first, and the Jingzhao Yin will uphold justice for her!"
He chuckled as he spoke, but the pain in his mouth made him cry out "Ouch, ouch!" several times.
"How naive. Where is there any justice in this world? The royal family is justice! Power and influence are justice!"
Han Xingchang had probably forgotten that while there weren't many officials in the world more powerful than Prince Qi, there were plenty more powerful than Han Xingchang! He didn't even rank high in the capital.