The Concubine of the Main Wife - Chapter 15

A narrow alley, humble dwellings yet visited by nobility.

 

In the slanting light of sunset, Han Guang reined in her horse and glanced back, the fading glow unable to mask her innate nobility.

 

“May I ask which residence belongs to the young miss?”

 

A’Lian hesitated for a moment before pointing behind her with a strained smile. “This one.”

 

Han Guang waved her hand, and soon two personal maidservants stepped forward to open the door.

 

“Young miss, please!”

 

The roles of host and guest were instantly reversed as Han Guang strolled in with the ease of someone walking through her own home.

 

A’Lian and Xi’er, trailing behind, exchanged bewildered glances, yet they found nothing amiss. After all, this was an important official from the capital, surely accustomed to such dominance.

 

“Since Your Excellency has already escorted this humble girl home, Song Lian will not detain you any further.”

 

“So the young miss is surnamed Song. Earlier, I overheard your maid mention that your father is a tea merchant from Jiangnan, trading in the capital for years.”

 

Han Guang smiled warmly, as if engaging in casual conversation.

 

“Yes…”

 

Realizing it would be difficult to dismiss her guest, A’Lian resigned herself to small talk.

 

“What a delightful coincidence. I happen to adore tea. May I ask where your family’s tea is produced?”

 

Damn this nosy official, with her endless questions. Outwardly demure and gentle, A’Lian inwardly wished she could poison the woman’s tea to silence her.

 

“Ah, Linjiang.”

 

Han Guang nodded approvingly, her smile deepening. “It must be Xi’er tea!”

 

Tea this, tea that!  A’Lian had no appreciation for anything but gold and jewels.

 

Now thoroughly cornered, she remained unruffled, carefully observing Han Guang’s expression before calmly testing the waters. “Our family owns several tea plantations with a wide variety. Does Your Excellency favor Xi’er tea?”

 

“Indeed, especially so!”

 

Meeting Han Guang’s clear gaze, A’Lian subtly flattered without betraying her thoughts. “This tea is exceptional, a perfect match for someone of Your Excellency’s stature.”

 

“Perhaps in the future, I may trouble the young miss to ask your father to reserve some Xi’er tea for me.”

 

“Your wish is my command!”

 

“The hour grows late. I must take my leave.”

 

At these words, A’Lian exhaled in genuine relief, her tone brightening. “Then this humble girl bids Your Excellency farewell.”

 

Han Guang departed with her entourage, leaving the two women standing by the roadside, watching. Only when the figures had vanished from sight did A’Lian turn back, rubbing her wrist.

 

“What are you standing around for? Hurry up and make dinner.”

 

Xi’er, still gazing wistfully into the distance, couldn’t help but sigh. “There’s an indescribable charm about Lady Han. It’s as if being near her could make one as radiant and refined as she is.”

 

A’Lian’s red lips pressed into a thin line as she took a slow breath. “Admiring strength is human nature, but she’s not as extraordinary as you make her out to be.”

 

This Han Guang is nothing compared to Madam Su!

 

The two then busied themselves preparing dinner, laughing and teasing each other, unaware that they had already become prey in someone else’s game.

 

In a modest government residence, candlelight flickered over official documents.

 

“My lady, ever since our departure, the Eldest Princess has frequently sought audiences at the Ming Palace. This servant cannot help but worry day and night.”

 

“Hmph, what does Qing Luan have to fear? With the impending floods in the three prefectures of Jiang Huai, I suspect she’s all courage and no strategy. Her efforts will surely come to nothing.”

 

Han Guang sneered coldly, resting her forehead on her hand, her earlier courtesy nowhere to be seen.

 

“My lady speaks wisely. This servant is foolish!”

 

The maidservant named Qing Luan seemed enlightened and was about to report further when someone suddenly entered through the curtains.

 

“My lady, Hongying has returned.”

 

Before Qing Luan could finish, Han Guang asked indifferently, “What did you find?”

 

“As my lady predicted, that Miss Song’s identity is indeed suspicious.”

 

“Keep a close watch!”

 

“At your command!”

 

Qing Luan looked at her mistress with confusion and asked cautiously, “Mistress, when did you first notice something amiss with that woman?”

 

“Did you not see it yourselves?”

 

Han Xuan set down the document in her hand and raised an eyebrow with a teasing smile. “From the very beginning, she was full of flaws!”

 

“Does Mistress mean when she threw herself in front of the horse?”

 

“Not that!”

 

Seeing the puzzled looks on her subordinates’ faces, Han Xuan, unusually patient, took the time to explain.

 

“My Bai Xue has always been unruly; those who know nothing about horses cannot get close to her. What looked like me saving her was actually me saving myself. Of course, that was just the first clue. The second was her maid’s repeated breaches of decorum. Not only did she glance at me several times, but she also showed no respect for her mistress. That’s why I found an excuse to send her home.”

 

“So that’s how it was!”

 

“That woman is no proper lady, lying through her teeth without a hint of fear. She claimed to be the daughter of a tea merchant, yet knew nothing about tea. Xi’er tea is rare in this world, let alone the fact that Linjiang doesn’t even produce tea.”

 

Qing Luan grew indignant, fuming, “Who would have thought such a small place like Pingxi County could be so utterly corrupt?”

 

“As the saying goes, ‘Shallow waters breed many turtles.’ Fortunately, Mistress is here to set things right.” Hong Ying also sighed with emotion.

 

“Mind your words. We are in dire need of people now. In the past, Lord Mengchang employed even petty thieves. If she proves useful to me, we can set aside our prejudices. Being open-minded is the best strategy.”

 

“Mistress is magnanimous, but this woman is a habitual liar—”

 

“Hong Ying, no need to persuade me further. Though Song Lian is cunning and deceitful, she has a kind heart. When an old woman in the market nearly knocked her over, she showed no resentment. Nothing in this world is flawless, let alone people!”

 

“Your subordinate understands. But we are newcomers here, will the local gentry truly treat us with sincerity?”

 

Han Xuan was no less troubled by Qing Luan’s concerns.

 

“Pingxi County is teeming with talent and merchants. The Emperor sent me here as a mere county official. How profound his intentions are!”

 

“Mistress…”

 

Qing Luan and Hong Ying were moved to tears. Their mistress had it so hard, surrounded by wolves with no one to rely on.

 

“Without destruction, there can be no construction. The capital no longer has a place for us. If heaven takes pity, it will send us gifted individuals here.”

 

Han Xuan’s eyes reddened, but she restrained herself and closed them.

 

Cold windows accompany the lonely moon, the zither waits for noble guests.

 

The sleepless night was not Han Xuan’s alone. Zhen Yao of the Su residence and Ji Yun on the western hill were also restless.

 

Fangxin Garden remained brightly lit.

 

The wind howled along the corridor, making the hanging lanterns flicker. Zhen Yao stood in the courtyard, clad in black, breathtakingly beautiful yet icy.

 

“Is everything packed?”

 

Hong’er answered respectfully, “Rest assured, Madam. It will reach Chezhou by tomorrow morning.”

 

“Good. Give the order to switch to the water route to Hanjun after passing Chezhou.”

 

“Understood.”

 

“Also, is the storeroom properly arranged?”

 

“Some of the counterfeits don’t quite match up. Madam, should we consider repurchasing.”

 

Zhen Yao quickly interjected, “No need. Since I’ve already had a complete falling-out with the old lady, we won’t have to tiptoe around as much in the household affairs. There’s nothing major left here anyway. You’ll accompany the merchant convoy this time and convey my regards to Sister Yin when you see her.”

 

“This servant will not fail Madam’s trust. For now, I’ll take my leave!”

 

Hong’er vanished into the shadows in an instant. Zhen Yao stood dazed for a moment, but as soon as she had a moment to herself, her thoughts turned to A’Lian again.

 

To search, or to give up?

 

To give up, or to summon the courage?

 

To summon the courage, or to cross her own boundaries…

 

Her heart weighed the options a thousand times, yet no answer came.

 

She was determined to leave. Even if she stayed against her will, it would be her body remaining, not her heart.

 

After much fruitless pondering, A’Lian had become the most painful hurdle in Zhen Yao’s life.

 

Yet, despite all her efforts to let go, Zhen Yao still sent people to keep tabs on the other woman’s whereabouts. Once they discovered where A’Lian was now, she couldn’t guarantee what she might do.

 

On the western mountains, deep within the secluded ravines and hidden strongholds, the bright moon cast its silver frost.

 

The renowned and skilled female physician, praised by all in the city by day, had transformed here into the second-in-command of a gathering of phoenixes.

 

This was the stronghold of their “bandit den,” a place no outsider could ever hope to find.

 

The atmosphere in the council hall was heavy. Ji Yun listened to the reports from the various stronghold leaders, her expression growing increasingly grim and stern.

 

“New officials bring three fires. Second Boss, you may not know this yet, but while Han Xuan hasn’t arrived, the government troops have already reached Cloud Stronghold,” said the leader of Cloud Stronghold, her head drooping with unease.

 

“Fine. Cloud Stronghold’s location is awkward, right at the foot of the mountain. Take this chance to rest with the people.”

 

Ji Yun clenched her fists in frustration, her gaze shifting to another leader.

 

“Second Boss, our Water Stronghold must also keep a low profile. Official Han says she’ll come personally tomorrow to the farm.”

 

“Bullshit!”

 

Unable to bear it any longer, Ji Yun leapt to her feet, arms crossed as she paced furiously. Suddenly, she gritted her teeth. “That pretty-faced weakling can’t even carry a load or lift a hand. How the hell is she going to farm? She’d make me laugh my teeth out!”

 

“Ah, Second Boss, even if you lose all your teeth this time, she’s still coming.”

 

“Third Mother of Water Stronghold, is your old ailment acting up again? Do your knees go weak at the sight of those useless officials with their fancy hats?”

 

Ji Yun’s finger jabbed accusingly in the air, making the Third Mother of Water Stronghold shake her head in panic. “Not entirely.”

 

Water Stronghold had once been raided by the government, leaving Third Mother with lingering trauma. A decade later, she still jumped at shadows whenever officials were mentioned.

 

“Fine. Water Stronghold’s position isn’t ideal either. Keep your heads down for now!”

 

Third Mother, relieved, sipped her tea as if granted a second life.

 

Before Ji Yun could steady her temper, leaders from Star Stronghold, Moon Stronghold, and others came forward with their own grievances, nearly driving her to the brink of collapse.

 

“Fine, all of you! Just wait until the First Boss returns, I’ll tell her everything. So none of you are willing to cooperate with me? Whose side are you on, mine or Han Xuan’s?”

 

Was there no justice left in this world?

 

“Of course we’re on your side, Second Boss! But why provoke the new official now?”

 

“Exactly, better to resolve enmity than to create it.”

 

“As long as the government doesn’t send troops to attack, who cares which official takes the post?”

 

“County officials come and go, but we’re the ones who stay. Heh, though this Official Han is quite the looker.”

 

“She seems gentle and refined even the common folk admire her. I, Seventh Mother, am quite stirred myself.”

 

“Seventh Mother of Orchid Stronghold, how dare you?”

 

The speaker was Fifth Mother of Star Stronghold, Seventh Mother’s longtime lover.

 

“You dared to sew Fourth Mother a quilted jacket. What’s stopping me?”

 

“What’s that got to do with me? You foul-mouthed wench, that jacket was meant to be a surprise for you from Fifth Mother!”

 

“Oh, so Fourth Mother can play along with your schemes, but you won’t give me any sweetness?” Third Mother’s teacup shattered on the spot.

 

…

 

The council hall had turned into a marketplace, the clamor driving Ji Yun out in frustration.

 

Hmph! A room full of useless gluttons. They feared Han Xuan, but she didn’t. Tomorrow, she’d face that woman head-on!

 

Covering her ears, Ji Yun retreated to her quarters to escape the chaos. Gradually, her turbulent mind settled, and for some strange reason, she found herself looking forward to meeting Han Xuan sooner.

 

The next morning, dawn broke over Water Stronghold.

 

Amidst the crowing of roosters and the barking of dogs, the Third Lady blinked her eyes countless times, suspecting she was under some evil spell. How could it be possible that the proud and unyielding Second-in-Command was suddenly standing right beside Lord Han!