The Concubine of the Main Wife - Chapter 17

On the day A’Lian set off for the Western Mountains, the hairpin meticulously designed by Zhen Yao was finally completed.

 

The carriage jolted along the uneven road, the future uncertain.

 

“Ah, you’ve always been so clever. How can you just resign yourself to being controlled by others? Besides, we don’t even know the true nature of this Lord Han. I shouldn’t have written that damned document for you that day.” Xi’er grumbled nonstop along the way, growing more agitated as she spoke.

 

A’Lian lifted her gaze, arms crossed, waiting for Xi’er to vent her frustrations before finally frowning and chiding softly, “You, you were the one who praised Lord Han earlier, and now you’re the one questioning him at every turn. Let me tell you the truth: without Lord Han’s full support, you and I probably wouldn’t even find our way to the bandits’ den.”

 

“You—”

 

“Enough already. I need to get some proper rest!”

 

Truth be told, although Han Zhuang had gone to great lengths to provide them with the general location of the hideout, once they reached the mountains, everything would still depend on their ability to adapt.

 

Yet despite muttering about needing sleep, A’Lian couldn’t possibly rest. Though she had undertaken countless missions in her life, never before had she felt so unsettled and unprepared.

 

The current situation was truly unpredictable. All she could do was pray for heaven’s mercy to grant them a way out, no matter what.

 

The winter was bitterly cold, the forest silent and eerie, the wind howling like the cry of a crane.

 

Xi’er shivered, wrapping herself tightly in her padded robe. As she glanced around, she instinctively pressed closer to A’Lian and whispered as softly as she could, “There’s no road ahead. Once the carriage stops, what do we do?”

 

“Don’t worry. The cart will find its way around the mountain when it gets there!” A’Lian forced a calm tone to reassure her.

 

“That’s easy to say, but what if the bandits suddenly appear?”

 

“Then you just say you’re only a little maid, here to take care of your mistress, and know nothing else.”

 

Xi’er’s eyes reddened instantly, a mix of emotions swirling within her as she deliberately pouted and muttered, “You always have to act so capable. I don’t need you to look after me.”

 

“Fine, fine. Just remember, speak less and observe more later.”

 

“Got it.”

 

…

 

No sooner had their conversation ended than a fierce wind suddenly howled through the forest. A chilling sneer came from nowhere, terrifying both the horses and the women.

 

“Not good! It might be the bandits!”

 

“Stay calm!”

 

A’Lian grabbed Xi’er, who had frozen in panic, and then focused intently on their surroundings. Yet for some reason, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this place seemed strangely familiar.

 

Just then, a fierce woman suddenly appeared in the distance, leading a group that swiftly surrounded them.

 

“Who’s in the carriage? What brings you here?”

 

A’Lian took a deep breath before stepping forward and jumping down from the carriage.

 

“I am Song Lian of the Dark Oriole Sect. I’ve come to your esteemed territory solely to find our sect leader.”

 

“Hmph, there’s no sect leader here!” The fierce woman’s expression was full of mockery.

 

A’Lian clenched her teeth and fists, forcing a faint smile. “Madam, why pretend ignorance?”

 

“Such a sharp tongue! How dare you be so certain she’s here?”

 

As she spoke, the woman suddenly drew her blade. Its edge gleaming coldly, enough to make one’s head spin.

 

A’Lian’s heart pounded with lingering fear. Though her legs trembled, she steeled herself and replied, “Madam, please don’t be angry. It was our sisters in the sect who saw it with their own eyes. They claimed Sect Leader Chen was drugged and taken by you. I’ve come not for revenge but to negotiate in good faith.”

 

“So, you’re here to buy her back with gold and silver.”

 

“Exactly, exactly! Madam may not know, but our Dark Oriole Sect has no shortage of luxuries. If you’re willing to release Sect Leader Chen, we will surely repay you generously!”

 

A long silence followed A’Lian’s words. The fierce woman opposite her still hadn’t responded.

 

The atmosphere grew deadly tense. A’Lian’s heart felt like it was about to leap out of her throat!

 

Fortunately, there was still a voice of reason among the bandits. After a moment’s hesitation, one of them leaned in and whispered into the ear of the unruly woman, “Fifth Sister, don’t be rash. I think it’s best to take them back to the council hall first. As for how to deal with them, let the boss decide.”

 

“Tch, suit yourself!”

 

“Ah, Fifth Sister, why are you still angry with me?”

 

“Don’t think I can’t see through your tricks! It’s just because this Song Lian is so charming and delicate. You must be aching with pity for her!”

 

“You shrew, stop slandering me!”

 

“Oh, so you’re insulting me for her sake now…”

 

In the blink of an eye, the two bandits inexplicably started brawling, looking as if they were ready to kill each other. The sight left A’Lian and Xi’er utterly dumbfounded.

 

“You lot, take these two to the council hall at once! Seventh Sister and I will take this fine opportunity to properly spar!”

 

Fifth Sister’s voice was icy as she spoke, all the while grappling with her opponent. The clashing of blades rang through the air, making the dark forest feel even more sinister.

 

At that moment, A’Lian couldn’t wait to leave, but she still asked with concern, “If we just leave like this, will the ladies be alright?”

 

The bandits all shrugged and chuckled, then began to tease them with a flurry of remarks.

 

“Those two are always like this. They fight and then make up in bed!”

 

“Pretty girl, instead of worrying about them, you’d better think about yourself.”

 

“Exactly, our boss isn’t as easygoing as Fifth Sister and Seventh Sister!”

 

“Miss Song, such a beauty, yet you willingly degrade yourself to a wandering songbird!”

 

“Why don’t you just cut ties with Chen Rong and stay here with us instead?”

 

…

 

Xi’er looked at A’Lian with deep discomfort, thinking to herself that a den of bandits was hardly a good place just trading a wolf’s den for a tiger’s lair.

 

But to her surprise, A’Lian seemed utterly unbothered by their near-insulting banter. She even laughed softly at herself, saying, “Sisters, you’re all so kind and beautiful, but I, Song Lian, am but a drifting weed. How could I ever have the face to stay in such a noble place?”

 

With that, she bit her red lips, her bright eyes glistening. Her long lashes trembled, heartbreaking to behold.

 

The bandits were momentarily stunned, then rushed forward without hesitation, each vying to comfort and encourage her.

 

“Oh dear, your tears are like scattered pearls, falling so pitifully that even our hearts ache!”

 

“Quick, quick, who has a handkerchief? Fetch it at once!”

 

“Even if the boss punishes you harshly, we’ll stand by you, right?”

 

“Let’s settle it now. We’ll all plead for mercy on your behalf.”

 

“Heaven pities you, a good woman forced to wander. What a cursed world!”

 

Xi’er, who should have been by A’Lian’s side, found herself pushed to the outermost circle without realizing it. Even if she wanted to rush over and comfort her, it would be like crossing an insurmountable chasm.

 

At that moment, A’Lian sat gracefully yet sorrowfully atop the donkey, surrounded by several layers of warm-hearted “good sisters.”

 

The sight made Xi’er sigh inwardly. Having witnessed the cruelty of human nature from a young age and being sold into the Dark Oriole Pavilion by her foster parents in her early teens, she found it hard to trust or submit to anyone. Yet, after spending day and night with A’Lian, she had come to genuinely admire her. Thus, she decided to fully embrace the name “Xi’er” and willingly become A’Lian’s devoted maid.

 

From this day forward, Song Lian would be Xi’er’s true and rightful mistress!

 

But all these heartfelt thoughts of Xi’er’s remained unknown to A’Lian. For now, she was preoccupied with another worry: how to win over the fearsome bandit leader.

 

After all, the mountains stretch endlessly, hiding tigers and crouching dragons. The term “Western Mountain bandits” is merely a general name, as each stronghold has its own minor leaders. As for this council hall, there was no need to guess. It was undoubtedly a gathering place for the crimson-clad to discuss punishments.

 

Lost in thought along the way, A’Lian was just about to dismount from her donkey when Xi’er eagerly stepped forward to support her.

 

“Miss, watch your step on the stones.”

 

“Uh—” That was a bit too enthusiastic.

 

A flicker of surprise passed through A’Lian’s eyes, but with so many people around, she had no choice but to keep her thoughts to herself.

 

“Is the boss inside the council hall now?”

 

“He likely hasn’t arrived yet. Miss Song, please wait a moment.”

 

With that, the crowd dispersed to attend to their own tasks, leaving only the two of them in the vast hall.

 

“You must be tired. Let me pour you some tea.” Xi’er picked up the teapot on her own, bustling about with excessive attentiveness.

 

A’Lian smiled and stopped her, lowering her voice. “There’s no one else here now. Sit down and rest for a while.”

 

Despite the kind intention, Xi’er suddenly looked aggrieved. “Miss, do you think I’m putting on an act?”

 

“Oh dear, you’ve misunderstood me. Normally, when I ask you to play the role of a devoted servant, you often slip up. But now that we’re in a bandit den, why go all out? I just wanted you to relax while no one’s watching.”

 

“But from now on, I really will be your maid.” Xi’er declared with unusual determination.

 

“No, no, no. Between sisters, there’s no such thing as master and servant. Besides, I, Song Lian, am no delicate young lady from a boudoir.”

 

“Even if there’s no distinction, I’ve made up my mind to be loyal to you unto death.”

 

“Alright, alright. If you’re loyal to me, then don’t do anything at all.”

 

At this point, A’Lian had no energy to argue with her, simply dismissing it as the whims of a young girl.

 

Right now, the bandit leader was the priority!

 

But no matter how long they waited, no one came.

 

“Miss, I still don’t trust these people. Once we get the antidote, we must find a way to escape.”

 

After all, with her mistress’s skills, she could thrive anywhere.

 

A’Lian didn’t agree with Xi’er’s words, for her heart was filled with admiration for Madam Su and deep respect for Sister Han’s character. Rather than living an insignificant life like an ant, she’d grit her teeth and fight for herself otherwise, no place under heaven would ever be a true paradise.

 

“Let’s rescue Chen Rong first!”

 

“Fine, I’ll follow your lead in everything.”

 

Xi’er kept calling her “Miss” over and over, leaving A’Lian utterly helpless.

 

“We’ll act according to the situation later. We must leave here unharmed!”

 

With no one around, A’Lian repeatedly emphasized the point.

 

Xi’er nodded vigorously, thumping her chest in assurance. “Don’t worry, Miss. When the time comes, we’ll make sure these bandits lose both their people and their loot.”

 

Well, that wasn’t entirely accurate. Some price still had to be paid, as A’Lian had another mission to fulfill. But before she could respond, a cold cough suddenly sounded from behind the screen.

 

“Who’s there?” Instinctively, A’Lian shielded Xi’er behind her.

 

“Miss, could they be planning to silence us—”

 

“Quiet!”

 

A’Lian fixed her gaze intently ahead, noticing the exquisite landscape screen. Only then did she spot a graceful silhouette cast upon it.

 

“Who’s there?” A’Lian demanded, her willow-leaf brows furrowed.

 

“Send your maid out first, or there’ll be no discussion today.”

 

A low, icy chuckle rang out, sending a shiver down one’s spine. So much so that A’Lian didn’t even realize the voice sounded somewhat familiar.

 

“Miss, I won’t leave!” Xi’er retorted defiantly, lifting her chin.

 

“Listen, go wait outside quickly. I know how to handle this.”

 

Under someone else’s roof, A’Lian knew better than to argue. She desperately signaled to Xier with her eyes, and with no choice, Xier stomped her foot and left reluctantly.

 

“Esteemed heroine, my maid has left now. Will you please show yourself?”

 

A’Lian did her best to flatter and appease, but the surroundings remained eerily silent.

 

After what felt like an eternity, the figure finally turned gracefully and said, “Follow me!”

 

“Uh, the meeting hall is spacious and bright. Perhaps we should.”

 

“Who’s in charge here, you or me?”

 

The other party seemed on the verge of anger, so A’Lian quickly softened her tone to placate her: “Of course not, naturally, you’re in charge!”

 

“Are you from the Dark Oriole Division?” The questioning continued.

 

Holding up the hem of her skirt, A’Lian lowered her head obediently. “Yes.”

 

“According to Chen Rong, the two of you are deeply in love. Is that true?” The teasing tone gradually turned sinister.

 

Was Chen Rong trying to play the tragic lovers card? A bit cliché, but the masses do love a good romance…

 

A’Lian’s mind raced before she put on a sorrowful act, wiping her tears with her sleeve. “Indeed, it’s true. I beg you, noble heroine, to grant us your blessing.”

 

The next moment, several folding screens toppled over with a crash, revealing a face as exquisitely carved as jade.

 

“Song A’Lian, you have some nerve!”

 

Lips parted in fury, eyes blazing with cold rage.

 

Ah,it’s the Madam!