The Concubine of the Main Wife - Chapter 25

The news that Physician Ji had suffered severe injuries while saving Magistrate Han quickly spread throughout the county office.

 

Upon hearing this, A’Lian, who was staying there as a guest, was immediately overjoyed. However, after waiting anxiously for days, she finally found an opportunity to sneak into the rear courtyard.

 

In the secluded study, the shadows of bamboo danced against the window, and the clear calls of kingfishers filled the air.

 

Ji Yun lay comfortably on a soft couch, enjoying a leisurely nap. These past days had been nothing short of blissful. Spending every moment with Han Xuan, who not only catered to her every whim but also spoke to her in gentle, coaxing tones, Ji Yun had nearly forgotten her original purpose for coming here.

 

“Caw… caw!”

 

Before her pleasant dream could conclude, a harsh crow’s cry shattered the peace, grating on Ji Yun’s nerves. “Damnable bird! How dare you disturb my rest!”

 

“Spare the insults, it’s me.”

 

A small head suddenly popped into view outside the window, her peach-blossom eyes brimming with emotion, her face exuding a captivating charm.

 

The unexpected visitor was none other than A’Lian.

 

Ji Yun was utterly stunned, then quickly glanced around before hissing, “Climb in, now!”

 

Without waiting for A’Lian to react, she grabbed her and yanked her into the room.

 

“Hey! Good thing I’m light and nimble, or you’d have torn me limb from limb.”

 

“Enough chatter. Why are you here?” Ji Yun was terrified that Han Xuan might suddenly appear.

 

At this, A’Lian scoffed sarcastically, “What do you think? While Physician Ji here enjoys fine food and drink, everyone up in the mountains is on edge, unable to sleep!”

 

“That’s not—”

 

Ji Yun stammered, lowering her voice, her expression flustered.

 

“Hmph. Zhen Yao has been going mad with worry this whole time, and here you are, playing the fool and mooning over someone.” Recalling everything, A’Lian didn’t hold back her sharp retort.

 

“It’s a temporary measure. I’m gathering more clues,” Ji Yun defended weakly.

 

“Then did you know I spilled everything about your situation ages ago?”

 

“What?”

 

Their eyes locked, and Ji Yun’s face twisted in dismay.

 

A’Lian shrugged nonchalantly. “Your identities, of course!”

 

“You told her everything?” Ji Yun asked, incredulous.

 

A’Lian sighed, her brow furrowing slightly. “Obviously. She’s not stupid, she’d have found out sooner or later!”

 

“So all this time, I’ve been a complete fool.”

 

“It’s not that embarrassing. Lucky for you, you played the amnesia card. Otherwise, you’d have faced interrogation head-on.”

 

A’Lian glanced at Ji Yun’s dazed expression and reluctantly offered some consolation.

 

“Fine. But why are you here too?” Ji Yun suddenly turned the tables, fixing her with a sharp look.

 

“It’s a long story.”

 

“Then make it short!”

 

Even so, A’Lian had no choice but to explain. “To be honest, Magistrate Han and I had an agreement beforehand. She ordered me to infiltrate the Western Mountains as a spy in exchange for protecting A-Yao.”

 

“Wait, why didn’t you discuss this with A’Yao back then?” Ji Yun’s eyes narrowed, frustrated by A’Lian’s recklessness.

 

“I was too worried to think straight. Han Xuan’s status is nothing to scoff at. I was afraid A’Yao would act rashly.”

 

Hearing this, Ji Yun couldn’t help but purse her lips. “A’Yao has always been cautious. If she had known, things might have been better. Now, we’re probably doomed!”

 

Not knowing Han Xuan’s true identity was one thing, but now that it was all but exposed, who would dare make a reckless move?

 

“So we need to come up with a plan fast, before it’s too late to turn back.”

 

Though A’Lian had bowed to Han Xuan, she was always one to have multiple escape routes. She wouldn’t just sit and wait for disaster unless absolutely forced to!

 

Besides, everyone had to look out for themselves. It wasn’t as if they were breaking any laws or committing atrocities.

 

“What do you propose?”

 

Ji Yun was no stickler for rules either. She quickly adjusted her state of mind and cooperated with A’Lian with unusual enthusiasm.

 

“First, you must pretend to have recovered, then offer a humble apology.”

 

Just recalling the gossip in the mansion made A’Lian blush with embarrassment.

 

Yet, to her surprise, Ji Yun hesitated, wearing an expression of dilemma.

 

“If my illness suddenly ‘recovers,’ won’t that expose our ruse?”

 

“Do you really think everyone is blind?” A’Lian facepalmed in exasperation.

 

“Is my acting really that bad?”

 

“Stop dwelling on that. If you don’t recover soon, the Western Mountains will surely fall into dire straits.”

 

A’Lian had a long-term perspective. Even though she didn’t know Han Huang’s true motives, the fact that she had been biding her time without acting only proved that the Western Mountains still held value for recruitment.

 

“I understand. But there’s one thing I must ask of you, send someone to the Western Mountains immediately to inform A’Yao that the plan has changed!”

 

When they descended the mountain, Zhen Yao and the others had already discussed various strategies. Now, it was time to shift gears.

 

“Good. There’s no time to waste, I’ll take my leave first!”

 

A’Lian nimbly leaped away, vanishing into a corner of the bamboo grove in the blink of an eye.

 

Yet, no matter how meticulous they were, they couldn’t thwart Han Huang’s intricate schemes.

 

First, she dispatched soldiers to lie in ambush in the Western Mountains. Then, she personally visited the Su residence to invite someone. At the same time, she compiled the intelligence brought by Hong Ying and sent it posthaste to the imperial court.

 

This time, she was determined to take drastic measures to eliminate the root of the problem!

 

Su Residence, Fangxin Garden.

 

“Madam, Physician Ji hasn’t left the county office for several days now.” Qing’er arrived in haste, dust still clinging to her clothes.

 

The bronze mirror cast a dim glow, yet the beauty reflected in it was peerless.

 

Hong’er, while combing her mistress’s hair, listened attentively.

 

“I see. What about that little girl?” Zhen Yao asked nonchalantly.

 

Qing’er immediately replied with deference, “She’s temporarily locked in the woodshed.”

 

“Mm. You may leave now.”

 

“This servant takes her leave!”

 

After Qing’er departed, Hong’er couldn’t help but voice her concern, “Madam, are we taking too great a risk this time?”

 

“Staying passive is no longer an option. When you’re on a boat, you have to fight, otherwise, once you’re in the water, you’ll surely drown!” Zhen Yao’s lips curled meaningfully.

 

As the mistress and maid discussed the trip to Han County in detail, Qing’er knocked on the door again.

 

“Madam, Magistrate Han has arrived and is currently waiting for you in the central hall.”

 

“Madam, you mustn’t—” Hong’er tried desperately to dissuade her.

 

Zhen Yao patted her shoulder and replied, “Let me change my clothes first.”

 

In the central hall’s summer pavilion, the crabapple trees were lush, though their blooming season had already passed.

 

Han Huang stood composed, watching as a graceful figure in a sky-blue dress, her hair coiled elegantly and her aura transcendent, slowly approached from around the corridor’s bend.

 

“It’s been a while. I hope you’ve been well, Magistrate Han.” Zhen Yao greeted her with polite detachment.

 

Not far away, Han Huang smiled gently and cupped her hands in salute. “You flatter me, Madam Su.”

 

After exchanging pleasantries, they took their seats. Zhen Yao on the left side of the host’s position, while Han Huang remained in her usual seat, just to Zhen Yao’s right.

 

“I’ve long heard that Magistrate Han is occupied with official duties. May I ask what brings you here today?”

 

“Nothing of great importance. I merely wished to chat with Madam Su about trivial matters.”

 

When clever minds clashed, their exchanges were measured, but beneath the surface lay layers of probing and suspicion.

 

Since the other party had come with ill intent, Zhen Yao saw no reason to shrink back.

 

“As the saying goes, ‘A widow’s door is fraught with gossip.’ Since my husband’s passing, I’ve seldom engaged in conversation with outsiders.”

 

Han Huang lowered her eyes with a faint smile and took a sip of tea. “From our first meeting, I’ve admired your virtue, Madam Su. I only hope to earn your favor.”

 

Zhen Yao’s gaze was indifferent, showing little concern for the veiled barbs in the other’s words. After a moment of contemplation, she rested her chin on her hand and said slowly, “You are an official, and I am but a commoner. The Su family is engaged in commerce. Even if Magistrate Han does not disdain us, we fear we might tarnish your esteemed reputation.”

 

As expected, Han Xiong’s expression darkened instantly at Zhen Yao’s words.

 

“Madam Su, there’s no need for such modesty. In Pingxi alone, who would dare compete with you?”

 

Han Xiong, losing patience, cut straight to the point.

 

In the next moment, Zhen Yao silently waved her sleeve, and in the blink of an eye, all the servants withdrew.

 

“Magistrate Han flatters me, but this humble woman truly cannot tell whether your intentions are genuine or feigned?”

 

The subtle shift in address did not escape Han Xiong, who met her gaze knowingly. “Sincerity has always been met with sincerity. Might I ask whether Madam Su’s intentions are genuine or feigned?”

 

Cold eyes met deep pools, like spring arriving as the mountains turned.

 

“Heh, then why did Magistrate Han send your servants to secretly follow Xi’er?” Zhen Yao’s expression shifted in an instant.

 

“So it’s about this!”

 

“If Magistrate Han desires my sincerity, then it must be an exchange; one thing for another.”

 

Zhen Yao’s words were resolute. Even though she was unaware of A’Lian’s circumstances or Ji Yun’s plight, she quickly deduced her bargaining chips from their conversation alone.

 

“As expected of Madam Su. What do you wish to know? About me?”

 

Han Xiong rose solemnly, admiration unconcealed in her eyes.

 

Zhen Yao was not a greedy person and knew when to stop. Thus, she stepped closer with a faint smile. “For a sincere conversation, Magistrate Han should speak first.”

 

A flicker of surprise passed through Han Xiong’s eyes, deepening her respect for the other woman. “Since you insist, my question may be somewhat obscure, but whether or not you answer is entirely up to Madam Su.”

 

“Agreed.”

 

“Why did you marry into the Su family in the first place?”

 

Before Han Xiong had even finished speaking, Zhen Yao nearly froze. She had assumed the matter of West Mountain would be the priority, never expecting the other’s greatest curiosity to lie here.

 

“An old story—”

 

“Is that so? It seems fate indeed binds us. I, too, have a long-buried tale from years past.”

 

Zhen Yao’s gaze traced over Han Xiong inch by inch, finally settling on those moist, gleaming eyes. She thought that, were it not for the divide of their stations, someone like Han Xiong might have been her friend.

 

“Marrying into the Su family was a long-cherished wish I deliberated for years…”

 

“I’m all ears!”

 

“I was an orphan. The foster mother who gave me my name was the only daughter of the Su family’s main branch. As the heiress of a wealthy merchant family, she grew up in privilege and doting care. But after her parents passed, she kindly took in distant relatives from the clan, only to be bullied and robbed of her inheritance. In the end, she became a nun at Miaochang Temple. Though she raised me, she later succumbed to depression and died.”

 

Zhen Yao’s vision blurred. Though the story omitted much, those few words were enough to break one’s heart.

 

“I see.”

 

So it was for revenge. Enduring hardship alone, venturing into the tiger’s den.

 

“And what of Magistrate Han?” Zhen Yao quietly wiped her tears with slender fingers, her tone unreadable.

 

“Have you heard of the Eldest Prince, Qin Yi?”

 

Han Xiong’s jade-like profile turned abruptly away.

 

“A noble so far away in the capital. This rustic woman knows nothing.”

 

The atmosphere remained amicable for now, but Zhen Yao couldn’t quite place Han Xiong’s allegiances. Remembering Chen Rong’s death at West Mountain, she grew increasingly uneasy.

 

“Whether she knows or not is irrelevant. But do you know of the current Emperor?”

 

Their eyes locked suddenly, and Zhen Yao could no longer feign ignorance. She nodded silently. “The young sovereign holds the realm, having personally quelled the barbarians and pacified the land. Benevolent to the people, wise in governance, and skilled in both civil and martial affairs. Truly a blessing for all under the Ning Kingdom.”

 

“She is a woman!” Han Xuan declared without blinking.

 

Zhen Yao trembled all over, so stunned and flustered that he nearly collapsed.

 

“This… this…”

 

“Setting aside distant matters, let’s talk about the chastity archway beside your estate gate. I’ve never fully agreed with some of His Majesty’s principles. As a woman, she has never dared to challenge this world built on men’s ideals.”

 

Han Xuan’s words were shockingly bold, sending chills down Zhen Yao’s spine, making him want to cover his ears and flee.

 

“Lord Han, do you have no regard for your life?”

 

“Hmph, a dying man has nothing to fear!”

 

“What do you mean by that?”

 

A creeping dread settled over Zhen Yao as he realized he had been dragged into a vast whirlpool.

 

“Qin Yi is my half-sister, and His Majesty is my birth mother. Zhen Yao, I need you in the struggle for the throne!”