The Concubine of the Main Wife - Chapter 16

“Magistrate Han is truly incorruptible and unpretentious. I never expected you to toil in person though it’s a pity for such fine silks and jade belts.”

 

Ji Yun’s smile didn’t reach her eyes, her teasing tone far outweighing any semblance of praise.

 

“You—”

 

Qing Luan immediately drew her sword at the words, but just as she stepped forward, her mistress stopped her with an amused gesture.

 

“How insolent!”

 

“Mistress—”

 

Hong Ying subtly tugged at Qing Luan’s sleeve, and the two women promptly took their places on either side of Han Zhuang.

 

“Physician Ji speaks truly. Indeed, my attire is extravagant, but you are unaware of its origins.”

 

Han Zhuang’s expression remained composed, exuding an air of approachability.

 

Ji Yun scoffed at this, her lips curling in a mischievous smirk. “Oh? I’m no tapeworm in your belly. Surely you don’t expect me to know everything about you after just two meetings.”

 

“Ji Yun, cease your insolence!” Hong Ying snapped.

 

Beside her, Qing Luan gnashed her teeth and retorted angrily, “This robe was a gift from the common folk of the capital, given in gratitude for my mistress risking her life to protect them!”

 

“Enough, both of you. Physician Ji cannot be blamed for her ignorance.”

 

Though Han Zhuang maintained her dignified composure, her heart was anything but calm. She hadn’t anticipated Ji Yun’s unruliness. It seemed there would be plenty of “interactions” ahead.

 

“My apologies, Magistrate Han. Pray don’t stoop to my level.” Ji Yun’s displeasure was palpable as she offered a perfunctory bow.

 

Han Zhuang didn’t respond, lowering her head to resume hoeing the field.

 

The morning sun cast its first light, and the warmth of dawn began to rise. Farmers had no time for idleness. Spring planting and winter storing were their lot.

 

Ji Yun watched as beads of sweat formed on the magistrate’s forehead, and despite her initial prejudice, she found herself wavering. Annoyed by her own thoughts, she irritably scratched her head before quietly summoning San Niang.

 

“Go, fetch me a hoe as well!”

 

San Niang looked as though she’d been struck by lightning, but she obediently handed over the one she’d been using.

 

“Second Chief, your hands are meant for healing the sick. Why trouble yourself with such trivial labor?”

 

“Mind your own business. It’s getting late, go prepare the meal.”

 

Unaccustomed to manual work, Ji Yun made a mess of the field.

 

“Physician Ji, there’s no need to force yourself!”

 

Han Zhuang cast an indifferent glance her way, making Ji Yun roll her eyes in embarrassment. Huffing and puffing, she stubbornly managed to till half the field.

 

“Second… Physician Ji is truly remarkable.”

 

San Niang, ever the fool, dared to flatter her in front of the new magistrate. Ji Yun swallowed her frustration, but just as her irritation peaked, Han Zhuang added fuel to the fire:

 

“You two seem quite familiar. Could it be that Physician Ji is also from the Water Stronghold?”

 

“Ah, no, no! She often comes here to provide free medical treatment for women and children. Everyone welcomes Physician Ji,” San Niang hastily interjected.

 

Meanwhile, Ji Yun sprawled carelessly on the ridge, legs crossed, gazing at the distant mountains.

 

The breeze brushed against her face, her striking features glowing in the morning light.

 

Han Zhuang’s gaze lingered, shifting from initial detachment to something warmer.

 

This Ji Yun was a miracle worker, her demeanor refreshingly unrestrained, and she held the trust of the Fang Stronghold. If she could be won over, governance would surely flourish.

 

Pingxi County’s power lay in two places: the local gentry and merchants, and the various strongholds of the Western Mountains.

 

Ji Yun was already within her plans. As for the gentry, the widowed Lady Zhen of the Su family was noble and refined perhaps an alliance could be forged there.

 

Han Zhuang’s calculations were sound, but on the second day of her “humble labor,” the county office delivered a thorny problem.

 

An elderly woman from out of town came to report a crime, claiming her beloved daughter had been forcibly abducted by the Dark Oriole Gang and brought to Pingxi County where she remained missing.

 

Han Xuan had barely been in office for three days when she found herself having to muster her energy to deal with this matter.

 

After all, the beginning is always the hardest. Only by winning the people’s hearts could everything proceed smoothly.

 

Thus, she ordered the drum beaten to convene the court and began to investigate in detail.

 

The case itself wasn’t complicated, but its implications were far-reaching. Moreover, the Dark Oriole Gang had entrenched itself in the southern regions, and its leader remained unidentified, making it difficult for the authorities to find the victims in the short term.

 

Frustrated by the lack of progress, just as Han Xuan was at a loss for where to begin, an anonymous letter quietly arrived at the government office.

 

**[To the Esteemed Lady Han:

 

I had the fortune of witnessing your procession through the streets, and from that day, my heart has yearned for you. Alas, a pearl obscured by dust once bound to the Dark Oriole Gang, now I dare to dream of changing masters. Would you be willing to take me in?

 

To demonstrate my sincerity, I offer my assistance to clear the clouds and reveal the sun. The truth lies amidst the ruins of the abandoned temple.]**

 

“Master, this letter is strange!”

 

After reading it, Hong Ying grew increasingly bewildered.

 

“Could this be the Grand Princess’s scheme, intending to harm you through such means?” Qing Luan also voiced her concerns.

 

Han Xuan, however, remained unfazed. With a faint smile on her delicate face, she said, “If I can find the old woman’s daughter, why would I care about life or death? But this letter is indeed suspicious. Still, even if there are tigers in the mountains, I must venture forth myself.”

 

Throughout history, those who achieved great deeds had all faced mortal peril!

 

With her resolve firm, Han Xuan set out before dawn, tirelessly inspecting the area with her attendants.

 

Desolate temples, ruined abbeys, crumbling ancient shrines.

 

The surrounding common people couldn’t help but feel respect for her, and within days, she was being offered food and drink by the locals.

 

Her determination to solve the case came from the heart, but it also served multiple purposes.

 

Meanwhile, far in the capital, the Grand Princess Qin Yi wore a cold expression as she tore apart the secret report from afar, pounding her fist and cursing, “Send someone at full speed to Pingxi County! By the end of the month, I must hear news of that barbarian’s death!”

 

After immense effort, Han Xuan finally located the victim’s remains. The grieving mother wailed in anguish, her heart shattered after traveling thousands of miles for her daughter.

 

The piercing cries struck Han Xuan like a knife to the heart.

 

In her entire life, she had never experienced a mother’s love.

 

The Dark Oriole Gang had to be uprooted completely. Even if their nest was in the southern regions, any member who appeared in Pingxi County would be arrested and punished without exception!

 

The proclamation posted at the city gates drew cheers from the people.

 

Word spread that a female “Judge Bao” had arrived in Pingxi County, and as merchants traveled north and south, the reputation of “Judge Han” spread like spring blossoms throughout the land of Ning.

 

Yet the person in question was plagued by a headache. The sender of the anonymous letter had been found, but their identity left her utterly vexed.

 

In the government office, the two locked eyes, tension crackling between them.

 

Song Lian was clever, knowing how to leverage rare goods and negotiate terms.

 

But this woman hailed from the Dark Oriole Gang. If they tore down the last veil between them, it would be a happy outcome under the law. Yet at this critical moment of setting an example, deceiving the people was the last thing Han Xuan wanted.

 

“Why do you refuse to appear despite repeated invitations, Miss Song?”

 

“My lady, I have also invited you many times. Why have you been unwilling to meet?” A’Lian countered with a charming smile.

 

“What an insolent, sharp-tongued girl! Do you know who our master is—”

 

A’Lian instantly raised her brows, her tone playful. “So I should just keep my mouth shut?”

 

“Hmph! You clearly have no respect for our master!”

 

“Exactly.”

 

“Qing Luan, Hong Ying enough!”

 

For the first time, Han Xuan lost her temper, her fair face flushed with anger, startling the two women into silence.

 

“Lord Han, there’s no need to reprimand them. Truth be told, with a temperament like mine, keeping me by your side may not be for the best.”

 

A’Lian played the retreat-to-advance card, feigning an air of nonchalance.

 

Han Xiong neither agreed nor disagreed, lowering her gaze as she personally poured tea for A’Lian, every movement exuding the refined grace of nobility.

 

“Miss Song, let’s speak plainly. What is your request?”

 

Seeing this, A’Lian’s expression suddenly turned solemn, and she cut straight to the point: “Lord Han, coming to seek refuge in times of crisis, I shouldn’t make demands.”

 

“It’s fine. The more you ask for, the more I dare to entrust you with responsibility.” Han Xiong’s gaze was utterly sincere.

 

“Thank you, Lord Han. Song Lian is deeply grateful. I have three humble requests: first, to rescue Madam Su from her prison; second, to help me find Chen Rong, the leader of the Dark Oriole Sect, as she holds the lives of many sisters in her hands, most of them innocent. I can also help you recruit those with exceptional talents. As for the third, though Xi’er is detestable, she can still be reformed. I hope you’ll show mercy and grant her a place to stay.”

 

“Such noble and righteous requests—A’Lian, you truly are a wandering hero!”

 

Han Xiong felt genuine reverence for the woman before her, her back straightening even further.

 

“What I’ve done is nothing compared to.”

 

“Who, A’Lian?”

 

“No one!”

 

Gazing into those sorrowful, glistening eyes, Han Xiong immediately made her promise: “What you’ve just asked for is but a trifling matter to me. How about this—let us swear sisterhood. If I, Han Xiong, achieve my great ambitions, I will never forget the invaluable aid of my younger sister.”

 

“My lady!”

 

Qing Luan and Hong Ying exclaimed in unison, their voices hushed. This promise carried far too much weight.

 

A’Lian was no fool. Even if she didn’t know Han Xiong’s true identity, a little thought made it clear this woman was no ordinary person. Thus, she pressed her palm to the floor and declined with a serious expression: “Lord Han, this cannot be. The three requests are already more than enough for me.”

 

“Does A’Lian look down on me?”

 

Han Xiong also knelt on the mat, gripping A’Lian’s hands firmly.

 

“No, no! You don’t understand. I’ve made many mistakes in the past. I truly cannot tarnish your bright future.”

 

A’Lian had her own considerations. A career in politics was not like trading goods. Han Xiong had no reason to suffer future political attacks on her account.

 

“What bright future can I tread alone? A’Lian, the Dark Oriole Sect is full of hidden talents. Once our plans succeed, they will help me soar like a roc. Younger sister, please accept this bow from your elder sister!”

 

Han Xiong was the first to lower her head in deference, leaving A’Lian no choice but to comply.

 

Sworn sisters of different names, plotting the world together. They wandered by candlelight, talking freely through the silent night.

 

“Sister Han, Chen Rong is currently in the hands of the bandits in the Western Mountains. How should we proceed?”

 

Faced with A’Lian’s worry, Han Xiong had a different perspective.

 

“The city notice isn’t a death sentence. Tomorrow, use your identity in the Dark Oriole Sect to gain the bandits’ trust while secretly acting as our inside agent. Once the bandits are eliminated, I’ll hold you up as an example to rally the remaining members of the Dark Oriole Sect to reform. All who atone through merit will be exempt from punishment.”

 

“But what if the Western Mountain bandits don’t trust me easily?” A’Lian answered honestly.

 

Han Xiong shook her head and said softly, “It’s not impossible unless you can win over one person!”

 

“Who?” A’Lian asked suspiciously.

 

“Ji Yun.”

 

“What?! But I barely know her!” In fact, to some extent, A’Lian already saw her as a thorn in her side.

 

“As the saying goes, ‘No discord, no concord.’ I’ll arrange it. But this person’s identity is unusual. I suspect she has deep ties to the Western Mountain bandits.”

 

“Sister, what makes you say that?”

 

A’Lian felt a surge of worry, inexplicably concerned about Madam Su. After all, Zhen and Ji were on better terms, and while Madam Su was shrouded in secrets, her character was ultimately impeccable. In contrast, Ji Yun looked like trouble at first glance.

 

“Little sister, don’t fret. I’ve dealt with Ji Yun before. She may seem harsh and disdainful on the surface, but she’s actually quite genuine at heart.”

 

A’Lian understood Han Xuan’s meaning perfectly. This implied that the annoying Ji Yun was also to be recruited!

 

Turning a rival into an ally, Han Xuan certainly knew how to use people.

 

“Very well, sister. I’m willing to go through fire and water for you!”

 

As long as Madam Su could live in peace, what did it matter if she sacrificed herself? Besides, what was so formidable about Ji Yun? Compared to her, Ji was nothing more than a small fry.

 

A’Lian’s thoughts drifted, but Han Xuan abruptly changed the subject: “Never mind. I’ll personally win Ji Yun over. This trip to the Western Mountains must succeed.”

 

“But… isn’t that too risky for you, sister?” Since when did the mastermind step into the fray herself?

 

“You can’t catch a wolf without sacrificing the bait!”

 

Truly, a great figure knew no bounds even willing to stake herself.

 

A’Lian clicked her tongue repeatedly, forcing an awkward laugh. “I suppose Ji Yun wouldn’t dare act recklessly toward you, sister.”

 

“What nonsense are you thinking? Of course, persuasion is my priority. Ji Yun doesn’t seem like someone obsessed with worldly desires.”

 

“Hah, sister, you couldn’t be more wrong!”

 

A’Lian thought to herself that the wretch was a master at feigning indifference. Who knew how deeply she wallowed in love beneath that facade?

 

“You hold a grudge against her?” Han Xuan questioned sharply.

 

“Uh, no, A’Lian is just naturally cautious.”

 

“Caution is good, but don’t refuse to eat for fear of choking. That said, what exactly is your relationship with Madam Su?”

 

The first request had been about Zhen. Clearly, their connection ran deep.

 

“It’s a long story.” A’Lian’s expression turned unusually despondent.

 

“How so?”

 

“Ah, I deceived Madam Su!”

 

A’Lian half-heartedly wiped away tears. Though she and Zhen had sworn sisterhood, that didn’t mean she had to bare her soul completely. After all, even someone as sincere as Han Xuan hadn’t fully revealed her true self, claiming the timing wasn’t right. So A’Lian kept her story six parts truth, four parts fabrication.

 

“Deceived?” Han Xuan was stunned.

 

That Zhen woman didn’t seem like someone easily fooled. How had she fallen for A’Lian’s tricks?

 

A’Lian’s dark eyes darted around. Seizing the moment while Qing Luan and Hong Ying were absent, she leaned in and whispered rapidly, “Earlier, to complete a mission, I pretended to be pregnant and slipped into the Su household during her husband’s mourning period. I freeloaded for a while, then ran off with some of their jewelry.”

 

“You, that’s truly outrageous!”

 

Han Xuan was momentarily speechless. She had never encountered someone so brazenly shameless.

 

“Thankfully, heaven took pity on this lost lamb and led me to Sister Han. From now on, I’ll surely turn over a new leaf!”

 

“Never exploit the weak—women, children, or the elderly. Remember that, A’Lian!” Han Xuan’s voice was stern.

 

A’Lian hastily clasped her hands together, putting on a show of deep remorse. “That’s why I want to make it up to Madam Su. Sister Han, you have no idea how pitiful she is. Young and beautiful, yet unloved by her husband and despised by her mother-in-law, she’s like a walking punching bag in the Su household. The family’s wealth was long ago embezzled by that wicked old lady, and soon she’ll be left utterly helpless!”

 

Well, the old lady couldn’t talk anyway. A little white lie was nothing. A’Lian’s fragrant cheeks glistened with tears, her performance more moving than an opera.

 

“I had no idea her fate was so tragic. Say no more about this Sister Zhen. I will save her without fail!”

 

“Sister, your righteousness is commendable, but Mrs. Su has always been stubborn. She actually requested a chastity arch despite the vicious gossip. What are we to do now?”

 

The thought of not being able to openly stay together made A’Lian seethe with frustration.

 

Han Xiong frowned in shared sorrow, gazing at the moon by the window. “These outdated customs left by the previous dynasty. How many more women must they torment? Believe me, sister, this Zhen woman will eventually escape her suffering.”

 

“I do believe you! Once we rescue her, I’m willing to take sole responsibility for supporting her for the rest of her life.”

 

“A’Lian, ah, you are the truly selfless one!”