The Concubine of the Main Wife - Chapter 23

No matter what, Ji Yun had indeed descended the mountain.

 

Upon entering the city, the path to the government office was brisk, swift, and tinged with a hint of anticipation. Though if you asked the man himself, he would surely deny it.

 

Yet despite Ji Yun’s haste, he was still a step too late, for at that very moment, Han Xiong was engaged in a lively conversation by the latticed window with A’Lian.

 

The autumn wind was bleak, a warm stove brewed tea, and the sound of the zither lingered melodiously in the air.

 

“Sister, what do you think of this piece, ‘Joy of Meeting’?”

 

Han Xiong’s features were as exquisite as a painting, her demeanor refined and elegant.

 

Seated across from her, A’Lian nodded with a sweet smile, unable to contain her praise: “Sister Han, your artistry is as sublime as your beauty. Though this piece is lively and graceful, it cannot conceal the sorrow and anguish beneath, moving listeners to tears.”

 

“Hahaha, little sister, you truly understand me. This piece is meant to evoke nostalgia and reflection.”

 

As she spoke, Han Xiong pressed her slender fingers against the strings, straightening her back as she slowly rose. Her figure was delicate and graceful, her gaze distant, making her appear all the more solitary and aloof.

 

A’Lian suddenly grew serious, hesitating before finally speaking: “Sister Han, is there something troubling you?”

 

“Oh, it’s just family matters. Don’t worry, little sister.”

 

Family matters…

 

Given Han Xiong’s status, the burdens she bore were far beyond what ordinary folk like A’Lian could imagine.

 

The atmosphere grew slightly somber. Han Xiong turned back with a gentle smile: “By the way, little sister, was your journey to the Western Mountains smooth?”

 

“Everything went well, thank you for your concern, Sister Han!”

 

The moment their eyes met, each was lost in their own thoughts, probing and speculating.

 

A’Lian, ever sharp-witted, couldn’t help but let her gaze flicker: “As Xi’er mentioned, there was one thing that truly frightened me.”

 

“Oh? Do tell!”

 

Han Xiong’s eyes were full of encouragement, warm and attentive.

 

“Well, it’s about Madam Su…”

 

“Zhen Yao!” Han Xiong’s expression suddenly blurred.

 

Now, Zhen Yao’s true identity was like rippling water under the sun, impossible to conceal. Rather than wait for the other party to uncover it, it was better to act first.

 

So A’Lian took a deep breath and feigned distress: “Sister Han, you may not know this, but Madam Su’s background is far from simple. I fear she has some unspeakable entanglement with the bandits of the Western Mountains.”

 

“Is that so?”

 

“To be honest with you, Sister Han, I’ve always been close to her and know her character well.”

 

“So A’Lian wishes to speak on her behalf?”

 

“Not entirely!”

 

A’Lian knew Han Xiong wasn’t easily fooled, but she hadn’t expected her to be so astute. There was no choice but to respond with ninety percent truth.

 

“Alas, my feelings for Madam Su run deep. This time, I’m not here to act as a mediator. I only wish to speak from the heart.”

 

Hearing this, Han Xiong’s gaze grew earnest: “Then speak freely, little sister.”

 

A’Lian fell silent for a long moment before pressing her palms to the floor and kneeling without raising her head: “From the moment I first met you, Sister Han, I felt you were like a phoenix soaring through the heavens. In our daily interactions, your kindness and generosity have only deepened my admiration. Now, I beg you to stand up for me!”

 

When faced with such a calculating yet slightly sincere authority figure, the best strategy was to abandon all schemes.

 

Because all schemes were doomed to fail.

 

Only sincerity might turn the tide!

 

Sure enough, the corners of Han Xiong’s lips curled faintly. Beneath her delicate and lively countenance lay an unshakable calm and unwavering confidence.

 

“There’s no need for such formalities between us. Tell me in detail about your journey to the Western Mountains.”

 

A’Lian nodded obediently. At that moment, the lamplight flickered, casting a hazy glow over her exquisite features, illuminating them with a beautiful radiance.

 

But what should be said now.

 

Han Xuan lowered her eyes as she brewed tea, appearing completely indifferent, wholly absorbed in her task.

 

Yet, A’Lian was no fool. She knew the other woman’s patience was limited.

 

“Sister Han, the bandits of West Mountain are nothing like how outsiders describe them. They don’t have three heads and six arms, nor do they possess supernatural powers. They’re just ordinary people.”

 

“You sound quite admiring of them?” Han Xuan suddenly lifted her gaze.

 

A’Lian froze, then laughed awkwardly. “How could that be? I only meant that if they insist on opposing the authorities, they’d surely be defying heaven’s will. But over the years, they’ve committed no offenses and have even taken in many women, children, and the helpless. Please consider this carefully, Sister Han!”

 

Han Xuan’s expression was inscrutable, her brows furrowed in thought. “Who are the key figures in the mountains?”

 

“…Madam Su is the leader, Doctor Ji Yun is the second-in-command, and the rest are just followers,” A’Lian answered, her heart trembling with fear.

 

She had long known Han Xuan was not to be underestimated. Their previous exchanges had been superficial, but now, after just a few rounds, A’Lian was already struggling to keep up.

 

“You’ve worked hard to gather such important information. It’s getting late. I’ll have someone escort you to rest.”

 

A’Lian nearly lost her composure at these words, but she had no choice. Anxious and uneasy, she pleaded, “Madam Su and Doctor Ji—”

 

“Once everything is investigated, I will not wrong a single innocent person!”

 

A’Lian’s eyes glistened as she looked up, knowing further words were futile. She bowed respectfully and took her leave.

 

The night was cold, heavy with frost, the moonlight casting shifting shadows.

 

Watching A’Lian’s retreating figure, Qing Luan, who had been hidden behind the curtains, spoke in confusion, “Master, this girl is truly cunning and clever. Keeping her around may not be to our advantage.”

 

Han Xuan waved a hand dismissively, taking a casual sip of fragrant tea. “It’s true that A’Lian is fond of lying and often contradicts herself, but she has never deceived me.”

 

“Ah, my master, it seems to me you’ve been thoroughly fooled by her. Remember how she spoke of Madam Su before? Now she dares to brazenly vouch for those bandits.”

 

Qing Luan had been sent by Han Xuan to the Su residence the day before, only to find the situation completely at odds with A’Lian’s account.

 

That stunningly beautiful young widow was far from pitiable. She was utterly despicable. Not only did she mistreat the elderly, but she also heartlessly seized wealth and property behind the scenes…

 

“What do you suggest I do, Qing Luan?”

 

“Master, I advise eliminating her as soon as possible.”

 

“Audacious!”

 

Han Xuan’s expression turned stern, her brows knitting together as she appeared deeply pained.

 

“This servant is terrified. Please punish me, Master.” Qing Luan immediately dropped to her knees.

 

“Get up. What are you doing? Why would I punish you? I’m only angry at my own incompetence. Qing Luan, do you know why I sent Hong Ying south the night before last?” Han Xuan raised her face, her gaze distant and unfocused.

 

Tears streamed down Qing Luan’s face as she sobbed quietly. “Master, please don’t grieve. This servant is truly foolish and shallow, nearly placing you in an unjust position.”

 

“To achieve greatness, the humble must employ talent without restraint. When you went to the Su residence, you only heard Old Madam Su’s side of the story. Think about it! Zhen Shi is as beautiful as the moon and flowers. Why would she willingly marry into the Su family? You must know she didn’t love her husband!” Han Xuan pressed the celadon cup firmly onto the table, her expression darkening.

 

“Master, you mean—” Qing Luan was utterly shocked.

 

“If my guess is correct, her husband likely died by her hand.”

 

“What a ruthless heart!”

 

Before Qing Luan could finish her words, Han Shuang laughed heartily, unimpressed: “She has tactics, schemes, and a mind that starkly contrasts her appearance. If not for the constraints of my status, I would surely make her my closest friend!”

 

“You, my lord, are a dragon among men far above such considerations,” Qing Luan felt her master was overestimating the other.

 

“You haven’t witnessed the Zhen woman’s capabilities. If in the past I avoided power struggles, now I might just stand a chance.”

 

Qing Luan was about to clap her hands in joy but then realized that chance came from Zhen. Her hopeful heart rippled with uncertainty.

 

Could this person really do it?

 

Han Shuang said no more and went straight to wash up and prepare for bed.

 

Yet before she could even remove her shoes and socks, a servant hurried in to report: “My lord, Physician Ji Yun from Miaoshan Hall in the city requests an audience!”

 

“The master has already retired. Whatever the matter, it can wait until tomorrow.”

 

“No! Qing Luan, go and personally escort Physician Ji in at once!”

 

Han Shuang immediately sat up from her bed, hastily straightened her collar, and relit the dim lamp, pretending to be reading late into the night.

 

Soon, Ji Yun barged in without waiting for an announcement.

 

To everyone’s surprise, Han Shuang was caught yawning over classical texts, displaying an uncharacteristically delicate and girlish demeanor.

 

The scene was enough to render them all speechless.

 

Until Qing Luan, breathless from chasing after, broke the silence: “Physician Ji, how utterly improper.”

 

“Ji Yun?” Han Shuang snapped back to attention.

 

“Lord Han, it’s been a while!”

 

The unusually intense stare made Han Shuang deeply uncomfortable: “Qing Luan, go prepare tea for Physician Ji.”

 

“As you command.”

 

Once Qing Luan left, the atmosphere grew even more awkward. Han Shuang clenched her fists in embarrassment: “Physician Ji, why stand there staring? Come in!”

 

“Lord Han truly lives up to the rumors of burning the midnight oil. It moves me to tears.”

 

Han Shuang silently scrutinized her, noticing the faint shimmer in those deep-set eyes.

 

“Since you’ve come under the stars, it must be urgent. So, Physician Ji, speak plainly!”

 

Ji Yun’s cheeks flushed slightly as she awkwardly deflected: “Oh, it’s nothing much. I merely wished to offer you a free consultation.”

 

“Han is in perfect health. There’s no need for Physician Ji to trouble herself.”

 

The dismissal was obvious, but Ji Yun, ever thick-skinned, ignored it outright: “Give me your wrist. Tell me, Lord Han, do you never look in a mirror?”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

Han Shuang felt her skin crawl under that gaze, her hand involuntarily rising to touch her face.

 

Yet the next moment, her pale wrist was captured in Ji Yun’s warm fingers.

 

“You—”

 

“Shh!”

 

As if savoring a delicacy, Ji Yun alternately closed her eyes in contemplation and fixed her with a piercing stare, each motion only fueling Han Shuang’s fury.

 

“Ji Yun, how dare you!”

 

Her wrist was yanked back sharply, Han Shuang’s gaze sharp enough to kill.

 

Yet Ji Yun remained unperturbed, her voice even carrying a hint of distress: “I suppose Lord Han has had little appetite lately, waking at least three times each night. Why must you torment yourself so?”

 

For a mere county official, was it worth such suffering? Foolish!

 

“My affairs are none of your concern. Since Physician Ji has nothing better to do, you may as well retire early.”

 

“Lord Han, you’re always so warm and gracious to others. Why must you be so harsh with me?”

 

Ji Yun’s emotions surged. She had never been this sarcastic before.

 

“No comment!” Han Shuang had no desire to speak another word to her.

 

“Truly, the dog bites Lü Dongbin, you’re utterly ungrateful.”

 

The usually composed Ji Yun suddenly grew irritable, her words and actions laced with something inexplicably strange.

 

“We share no personal ties. What concern is it of yours?”

 

Han Xuan couldn’t be bothered to argue further, her only thought now was to send the other woman away as quickly as possible.

 

“I thought we had become friends while working the fields at West Mountain.” Ji Yun couldn’t hide her disappointment.

 

“Is Physician Ji really that desperate for friends?”

 

Before Han Xuan could finish her sentence, Ji Yun stiffened, her expression turning awkward.

 

“Farewell!”

 

“Goodbye.”

 

It wasn’t that Han Xuan was deliberately being harsh. She simply hadn’t expected Ji Yun to be so stubborn. At this critical moment, she had no patience for medical consultations.

 

Ji Yun bent down to pack her medicine chest. Han Xuan deliberately avoided looking at her, but just then, a dark figure suddenly lunged through the window.

 

“Watch out!”

 

“Guards—!”

 

Han Xuan shouted sharply, only now realizing that Qing Luan hadn’t brought tea in a long while.

 

“Lady Han, quickly get behind me! These two petty thieves aren’t even enough for me to warm up!”

 

Skill had its limits, but boasting was boundless.

 

What Ji Yun hadn’t anticipated was that these two black-clad assailants were no ordinary foes. Their moves were ruthless, each strike aimed to kill without hesitation.

 

The situation took a sudden turn. Fortunately, Han Xuan remained exceptionally calm, guiding Ji Yun in a low, methodical voice.

 

“They’re professionals! Avoid their centerline!”

 

“You’ve trained before?”

 

“Certainly not. Otherwise, why would I need your protection?”

 

Ji Yun’s martial skills were barely enough for self-defense, but against these two elite fighters, she was utterly outmatched.

 

She racked her brains trying to dodge while shielding Han Xuan, but the assailants seized the upper hand. One of the black-clad women took advantage of an opening, sword in hand, intent on first eliminating the meddlesome Ji Yun.

 

Seeing this, Han Xuan coldly demanded, “Who are you? At least let me die knowing why.”

 

The black-clad women exchanged glances before one finally sneered, “Bold words for someone on death’s doorstep. My master has a message for you.”

 

“Nothing good, I’m sure. Lady Han, don’t listen to a dog’s bark!”

 

Ji Yun knew how to provoke and how to exploit openings. With a few well-placed taunts, she managed to catch one of the assailants off guard and knock her down.

 

Seeing the tide turn, the remaining attacker swung her sword wildly, forcing Ji Yun to flee in circles while clutching her medicine chest.

 

“Lady Han, run! It must be safe outside!”

 

But Han Xuan wouldn’t leave. She was no coward. If the other was willing to risk her life, then she too would stand firm.

 

“Together. Her left shoulder is injured, keep an eye on it.”

 

A warmth spread through Ji Yun’s ears, and an indescribable emotion rose in her chest.

 

The fleeting scent vanished as quickly as it came, replaced by a life-or-death struggle.

 

With no way out, the black-clad woman suddenly cleaved Ji Yun’s medicine chest in two.

 

Staring at the chest her master had gifted her, Ji Yun froze for a moment, just long enough to lose her chance.

 

Seizing the opportunity, the attacker turned and charged at Han Xuan, her sword gleaming like a silver arc as she slashed toward her face.

 

Ji Yun twisted mid-air, throwing herself in front of Han Xuan.

 

“Hmph! Barbarian slave, don’t even think of escaping. Today is your last day!”

 

“How dare a lowly wretch address me by name? What a benevolent and loving Eldest Princess you are.” Han Xuan’s willow-leaf brows arched sharply. She was not one to cower before death.

 

The black-clad woman was momentarily stunned by her aura, hesitating just long enough for Ji Yun to counter. But the attacker cared nothing for her own life, pressing forward relentlessly to strike Han Xuan.

 

At the last possible moment, Han Xuan closed her eyes, with nowhere left to retreat. Ji Yun gritted her teeth and threw her arms wide, shielding her.

 

A sickening hiss of blood split the silence of the room.

 

The black-clad woman’s eyes widened in disbelief before she collapsed with a thud.

 

“Ji Yun—!”

 

A heart-wrenching cry tore from Han Xuan’s crimson lips.