The Concubine of the Main Wife - Chapter 10

The quiet night was tender and lingering, the bright moon like a curved blade waiting to fade, sighing only for the sudden turmoil of a beauty’s heart.

 

A’Lian sat upright before the dressing mirror, her peach-blossom eyes shimmering like water, the dim light reflecting a pair of exquisite beauties.

 

“Madam, why are you looking at me like this?”

 

The stool was narrow, pressed close together.

 

Zhen Yao sat behind A’Lian, letting her dark tresses cascade over her shoulders, her profile as flawless as jade as she gazed intently at the woman in her arms.

 

“Since we met, it feels like a grand dream. Looking back, I fear it may all vanish like a fleeting illusion.”

 

They should never have crossed paths. At many critical moments, Zhen Yao should have hardened her heart without hesitation.

 

Yet love makes one falter!

 

Hearing this, A’Lian curled her lips into a smile and looked up mischievously to tease, “Now that Madam has had her way, she treats me differently. In the end, you were just swayed by my looks.”

 

“I wasn’t—”

 

“Who would believe that?”

 

With that, A’Lian suddenly stood up, nearly causing Zhen Yao to stumble and fall.

 

“You little minx, I really don’t know what to do with you.”

 

“Tch, I’m going to bathe. Can’t be bothered with you.”

 

The mischievous girl lifted the curtain to the inner chamber with slender fingers and walked briskly toward the warm pavilion.

 

Hong’er had already ordered a large tub of hot water to be prepared. Now that everything was ready, she respectfully approached Zhen Yao and whispered in her ear.

 

The words were indistinct, muffled and unclear.

 

“Is that so?” Zhen Yao’s expression darkened abruptly in anger.

 

“It’s absolutely true!”

 

In that case, Zhen Yao issued an order without even looking up: “Warn A’Yun not to play with fire, or I won’t spare her.”

 

“Rest assured, Madam. This servant understands.”

 

After Hong’er left, the inner chamber fell into an inexplicable silence.

 

Bored, Zhen Yao idly played with the hairpin she had removed from A’Lian’s hair. But the sound of splashing water from nearby inexplicably stirred her emotions, until her dark eyes grew increasingly intense.

 

“A’Lian?” Her cool voice couldn’t hide its hoarseness.

 

A’Lian, who was soaking in the tub at the time, quickly responded, “Is something the matter, Madam?”

 

“Nothing. Just calling your name.”

 

A’Lian giggled, the sound like a bewitching insect, burrowing into one’s heart and making it itch.

 

“Has Madam grown impatient? I’ll be done soon.”

 

“Do you need help?” Zhen Yao asked, her words seemingly out of place.

 

“Uh, then have Hong’er bring me a new undergarment.”

 

“Which one?” Zhen Yao asked absentmindedly.

 

Since A’Lian had entered the household, there hadn’t been time to make new clothes for her, and now Zhen Yao was genuinely stumped.

 

“I don’t think I have any clean ones left.”

 

Faced with A’Lian’s bashful embarrassment, Zhen Yao stood up and fetched a brand-new one from the wardrobe.

 

“Where should I put it?”

 

A faint sound came from behind the screen. Thinking it was Hong’er, A’Lian replied without turning her head, “Just toss it over the screen. Later, help me massage my shoulders they’ve been oddly sore lately.”

 

“…”

 

The pressure was just right, the technique soothing and skillful.

 

A’Lian half-closed her eyes in contentment, her expression like that of a lazy cat.

 

“A little lower, near the spine.”

 

Zhen Yao’s fingers suddenly slid downward, sending ripples through the water.

 

“Hong’er!”

 

“It’s me.”

 

The moment their eyes met, A’Lian’s face flushed pink as she splashed water at her.

 

“Aiya, so Madam isn’t as proper as she seems! Let’s see how I punish you!”

 

Before Zhen Yao could react, she was pulled into the bathtub by A’Lian.

 

“Have you lost your mind?”

 

Her deep eyes gleamed with mischief, her red lips slowly biting.

 

“I don’t know.”

 

“They’re all outside. What do you expect me to do with you?”

 

Zhen Yao did have desires, but compared to A’Lian’s reputation, no matter how strong they were, she could restrain herself.

 

“Let’s bathe together. The water’s still warm anyway.”

 

“A’Lian—”

 

Zhen Yao’s brows furrowed tightly, but before she could finish speaking, A’Lian’s soft fingertips gently smoothed out the crease between her delicate willow-leaf brows.

 

“What are you afraid of? I won’t make a single sound.”

 

Teasing, inviting, intoxicating.

 

A’Lian was a seductive ghost, one who devoured people without leaving even bones behind.

 

The water rippled, the moon bright outside the latticed window.

 

When Qing’er came in to call for them, she saw an unusual joy on the mistress’s typically aloof and elegant face even her gaze toward the spoiled concubine held a touch more indulgence.

 

As they say, few could resist a concubine who knew how to act coy.

 

“Mistress, the meal is ready. Please accompany the concubine to the side hall.”

 

“Understood. You may leave first. The concubine and I will join shortly.”

 

Zhen Yao dismissed Qing’er with a composed expression, only to turn and find that the one who had been complaining earlier now showed no sign of soreness in her back or legs. Instead, her eyes sparkled brightly as she declared, “Nothing in this world matters more than filling one’s belly! Mistress, why are you just standing there? The food won’t taste as good once it’s cold!”

 

With that, A’Lian happily chased after Qing’er, radiating pure delight.

 

Watching that carefree figure, Zhen Yao’s thoughts momentarily drifted. Perhaps she, too, should let go of the past and learn to be as self-assured as A’Lian.

 

In the side hall of Fangxin Garden, a table laden with delicacies awaited.

 

A’Lian’s appetite surged the moment she entered, but just as she was about to dig in, a glimpse of the embroidered begonia flowers on the cook’s sleeve made her legs go weak.

 

The contact from the Dark Oriole Faction had arrived!

 

“A’Lian, why aren’t you sitting down?”

 

Zhen Yao pointed at the empty seat beside her, puzzled, then turned to the new cook with a composed nod. “Thank you for your hard work, madam.”

 

Faced with such poised and refined beauty, the cook hastily replied with a flustered smile, “You flatter me, Mistress. This is my first time cooking for you. Please don’t hesitate to tell me if the food isn’t to your liking.”

 

Surveying the dishes. Crispy fried spring greens, bamboo shoot-stuffed duck, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, hibiscus-braised fish slices, and a nourishing hen soup. Zhen Yao’s lips curled slightly as she reassured warmly, “The dishes are exquisitely prepared. One glance tells me your skills are exceptional. A’Lian, you should try some too!”

 

“Ah, they do look delicious…”

 

A’Lian pressed her lips together and accepted the wooden chopsticks Zhen Yao handed her, chewing and swallowing as though the food were tasteless.

 

“You must be Concubine Song, then? Qing’er mentioned that since you’re with child, you need plenty of nourishment.”

 

This cook truly had a knack for saying the worst possible thing. A’Lian shot her a fierce sidelong glare. Did she not know who was in charge of this mission?

 

Alas, the cook remained oblivious to her silent reprimand. Throughout the meal, she and the mistress chatted merrily, leaving A’Lian squirming in her seat. Yet she couldn’t show it, forcing a wooden smile until her face ached.

 

After what felt like an eternity, the mistress finally left to attend to household matters, giving A’Lian the chance to slip into the kitchen.

 

The cook was tidying up when A’Lian appeared, stiffening instantly at the sight of her.

 

“Concubine?”

 

A’Lian exhaled deeply and patted the woman’s tense shoulder, scolding in frustration, “Madam, why didn’t you take any cues from me?”

 

“I don’t understand what you mean, Concubine. Were you dissatisfied with the meal?”

 

What a master of feigned ignorance? More convincing than any of her previous collaborators. But being too earnest wasn’t ideal either. As the saying goes, loose lips sink ships. The less said, the better.

 

Considering this, A’Lian grabbed a handful of peanuts and began munching as she imparted her wisdom.

 

“You’re new here, aren’t you?”

 

Chen Rong really was reckless when desperate for help.

 

The cook stared dumbfounded at this concubine, watching as the woman shed all the coquettish docility she displayed in front of others. The cook grew increasingly terrified and at a loss.

 

“My hometown was struck by disaster, so I wandered here to seek employment in your household.”

 

Hearing this, A’Lian immediately crossed her arms and shook her head. “It’s just the two of us now, sister-in-law. No need for pretenses. Do you have a list? Show it to me!”

 

“A list? I only brought a recipe with me. But why are you accusing me wrongly? I haven’t lied to you.”

 

The cook was so aggrieved that her voice trembled with tears as she spoke.

 

The scene left A’Lian momentarily impressed, but she still had to stick to business. “I thought I was the best at acting, but seeing you today, Song Lian truly feels outmatched. Still, let’s save our energy. Stealing requires careful planning.”

 

“Why must you humiliate me like this?” The cook made to untie her apron and leave.

 

“Hey, hey, hey! I wouldn’t dare. Sister-in-law, don’t make a scene. Time is tight, and the task is urgent. I’m telling you, the items the leader wants can’t be taken out.”

 

“Taken out or not, just let me go!”

 

The cook hadn’t expected the Su family’s concubine to be so skilled, seemingly delicate but strong as an ox. This was truly an eye-opener, like a small knife cutting the buttocks unexpectedly sharp.

 

“The items are all fake. How do you expect to steal them? Honestly, you might as well just take the mistress’s silver case tonight and call it a day.”

 

A’Lian had always been tough on the outside but soft inside. If the mission failed, Chen Rong would surely punish her harshly. Better she alone bear the consequences.

 

“You want to steal the mistress’s silver case?”

 

At this moment, the concubine’s expression toward A’Lian had changed, though the latter remained oblivious.

 

“Anyway, she’s going to give it to me. Consider it a gift from me to you.”

 

“But the mistress has treated you well!”

 

Even having witnessed the cold-heartedness of the wealthy, this heartless concubine was a rare sight.

 

“Hmph, I’ve treated her even better.” After all, she had given her body and soul to the other.

 

After some thought, the principled and loyal cook indignantly shoved A’Lian aside and gritted her teeth as she stormed straight toward the mistress’s chambers.

 

Left standing alone, A’Lian was stunned, sighing at how utterly unpredictable this woman was either overly cautious or recklessly bold. Right under everyone’s noses, she was going to steal, just like that.

 

Wait, she hadn’t even told her where the items were!

 

A’Lian stomped her foot in frustration and chased after her. Hearing the footsteps behind her, the cook panicked and sped up, wishing her legs could move faster.

 

“Sister-in-law, what are you running for?”

 

Terrified, the cook cursed under her breath, thinking of the elegant and virtuous Mistress Su. “What a black-hearted, rotten concubine!”

 

For a moment, the two chased each other around, turning the garden into a scene of chaos truly, neither could escape.

 

Under the brightly lit windows of the inner chamber, Zhen Yao rested her chin on her hand as she sorted through the account books.

 

Her delicate fingers brushed her temple as she wrote line after line.

 

But suddenly, a familiar scream came from outside. She tossed aside what she was holding and, with cold eyes, turned to Qing’er, who was tidying the bed behind her. “Who’s making such a ruckus in the corridor?”

 

Qing’er immediately set down the bedding, lifted the curtain, and snapped at the maids outside, “Go see who’s being so ill-mannered!”

 

“Trouble, trouble! The concubine and the cook are playing hawk and chicks!”

 

The maids on duty exchanged worried glances, all at a loss. Just then, Zhen Yao spoke up. “If it’s the concubine playing, let her come in quickly.”

 

Hearing the word “frolic,” Qing’er couldn’t help but speak out of turn: “Madam, you used to scold us for always listening to Auntie’s words, but now you’ve been charmed by her too. Look how she’s spoiled you rotten!”

 

Under heaven, there’s probably no one who could resist Auntie’s little tricks.

 

Zhen Yao, for once, didn’t respond. She didn’t even react, merely lifting her gaze indifferently. But the next moment, a disheveled cook stumbled in frantically.

 

With a thud, the woman dropped to her knees, her face twisted in distress as she pleaded: “Madam, Auntie’s been possessed! She forced me to steal your silver box!”