The Concubine of the Main Wife - Chapter 27

Amidst the passion of Wu Mountain’s clouds and rain, they lay side by side, sharing whispered words in the night.

 

A’Lian nestled obediently in Zhen Yao’s embrace, her voice filled with remorse. “Madam, it was all because I failed to consider things carefully before. I never meant to drag you into this.”

 

“Why blame yourself? I joined Lord Han’s service willingly,” Zhen Yao replied softly, stroking A’Lian’s silken hair, her jade-like face brimming with affection.

 

“Madam has always doted on me. If not for A’Lian, no amount of royal power or wealth would have swayed you.”

 

Almost instantly, Zhen Yao sensed the gloom in her voice and quickly soothed her tenderly. “Silly girl, of course, part of it was to stay with you forever. But isn’t it also true that a wise bird chooses the best branch to perch on?”

 

Living as outlaws was never a long-term solution.

 

A’Lian looked up, her eyes reflecting the same sentiment, and grasped Zhen Yao’s delicate wrist. “Madam, are you worried about the strongholds in the Western Hills?”

 

At this, Zhen Yao sighed faintly, her expression tinged with bitterness. “If it were just the two of us, we could wander the world freely. But Chen Rong died in the Western Hills, and the First Prince will never let this go. Rather than wait for doom to come, it’s better to follow Lord Han and seek a way out.”

 

“Ah, it’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have been so bewitched to enter the Su Manor in the first place.”

 

A’Lian knew Zhen Yao’s temperament well. She had always been indifferent to fame and fortune. Now, she was merely bowing her head to serve the powerful.

 

“Don’t dwell on the past. If not for that twist of fate back then, there would be no ‘us’ today.”

 

Hearing this, A’Lian’s eyes reddened, and she pouted exaggeratedly, deliberately grumbling, “Fine, fine. Since we’re serving the same master now, what has Lord Han promised you?”

 

“You always so mischievous!” Zhen Yao suddenly laughed, dotingly tapping A’Lian’s pert nose.

 

“Hmph! Who was the one who lost all reason earlier, acting like a greedy little raccoon?”

 

A’Lian blinked her peach-blossom eyes, her charm so bewitching it could steal one’s soul.

 

Even Zhen Yao, usually so composed and aloof, nearly fell under her spell again. To resist, she raised an arm with feigned indifference, pretending to create distance between them.

 

“That sharp tongue of yours, no one can match it.”

 

“So where does Madam think she’s going? Come back here!” Teasingly, A’Lian pulled her close once more, then boldly pinned her down beneath her.

 

Their eyes met abruptly, the atmosphere so still it was almost eerie, their breaths unnervingly clear in the silence.

 

“It seems late.”

 

“A night of spring is worth a thousand in gold, Madam. Must you be so long-winded?”

 

The quilt was flung aside, the dim candle suddenly extinguished. Amidst rustling whispers, they drifted into dreams until dawn.

 

The next morning, as the sun rose, warm light streamed through the green-tinted window into the room. Perhaps the brightness was too harsh, for Zhen Yao frowned and slowly opened her eyes.

 

“A’Lian?”

 

She leaned down and called softly, but the other woman was too exhausted, turning away irritably in response.

 

“I’m so tired. I need more sleep.”

 

“It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have fooled around last night. Rest well.”

 

Zhen Yao tiptoed out of bed, dressed and freshened up quickly, then went to see Han Xiong.

 

The courtyard was quiet, with towering parasol trees casting shade.

 

Beneath the trees, two figures moved in a graceful duel; two beautiful women exchanging blows, a sight pleasing to the eye from afar.

 

The one wielding the sword was none other than Ji Yun, who had been absent for so long.

 

But what surprised Zhen Yao was—when had the two of them grown so close?

 

After several rounds, Ji Yun was already glistening with sweat.

 

At that moment, Han Xiong slowly sheathed her sword and turned with a smile. “Ji Yun, have you thought about last night’s matter?”

 

“I trust A’Yao’s judgment won’t be wrong.”

 

Ji Yun looked up at her, her face brimming with joy.

 

Han Huang clenched her fists excitedly, took a deep breath, and declared, “Huang will not fail everyone’s trust!”

 

Just as they were engrossed in their conversation, Zhen Yao suddenly straightened her clothes and walked gracefully toward them.

 

“A’Yao!” Ji Yun waved enthusiastically, spotting her first.

 

“My timing seems unfortunate. Am I interrupting you?”

 

“I’d say you’ve arrived at just the right moment.”

 

Han Huang stood spiritedly between the two, glancing left and right with deep emotion. “When we fled the capital in defeat and arrived in Pingxi, I was utterly disheartened. Yet Heaven has not forsaken me, sending two such talents to my side.”

 

“Lord Han’s concern for the nation and its people is truly a blessing for the common folk,” Zhen Yao sincerely affirmed.

 

Beside her, Ji Yun laughed heartily and added, “A’Yao speaks the truth. Lord Han, you may not know this, but our leader rarely praises anyone. Especially those of high status and nobility, she has always kept her distance from them.”

 

“Then how fortunate I am!” Han Huang’s lips curled into a smile, her eyes suddenly reddening.

 

“Lord Han, whatever you need, just say the word. We will spare no effort.”

 

Hearing Zhen Yao’s pledge, Ji Yun quickly echoed, “That’s right! We are willing to charge into battle for you!”

 

In all these years, it had been rare to find an official who genuinely cared for Xishan and didn’t simply dismiss them as common bandits.

 

This respect alone was something no amount of wealth could buy.

 

Moreover, for Ji Yun, given the awkwardness of the previous night, she had never expected Han Huang to resolve the situation so gracefully, even magnanimously letting her off the hook. Reflecting on all this, how could she not be moved?

 

“Thank you, both of you. To be honest, I already have a plan though it will require your assistance.”

 

“Lord Han, please speak!”

 

“Leave it to us.”

 

Han Huang immediately drew them closer, lowering her voice as she laid out her scheme.

 

“In Jiangnan, I have two trusted aides. They submitted several memorials in the past, but alas, they were like ants trying to shake a tree, unable to uproot Qin Yi’s power. Later, she turned the tables, expanding her influence and even using her underlings in the Dark Oriole Faction to amass wealth. Though Chen Rong is now dead, the news has been sealed by me. So now, all we need to do is ‘graft the branch onto another tree’ take complete control of the Dark Oriole Faction and cultivate it into our own force.”

 

The plan was brilliant, and Ji Yun immediately thought of the perfect candidate. But just as she was about to speak, she abruptly held back.

 

“No one is more suitable than A’Lian, though her martial skills are lacking. She can’t accomplish this alone,” Zhen Yao said with remarkable composure.

 

Han Huang was pleased with her response and paced thoughtfully. “The two of you make an excellent pair. But if A’Yao leaves, the mountain strongholds of Xishan.”

 

“Don’t worry, my lord! With me here, there won’t be any problems!” Ji Yun immediately thumped her chest in assurance.

 

With that settled, Han Huang nodded in agreement.

 

Three days later, A’Lian and Zhen Yao embarked on their long journey.

 

To avoid drawing attention, Zhen Yao disguised herself as a man, posing as A’Lian’s devoted husband.

 

However, upon reaching Mo County, heavy rain forced them to halt, their progress stalled. They had no choice but to take shelter at an inn.

 

A’Lian grew increasingly anxious about failing the mission, sighing by the window day after day.

 

“Who knows how long this rain will last? At this rate, those people might already be seeking other opportunities.”

 

“Be careful not to catch a chill. As the saying goes, the boat will straighten itself when it reaches the bridgehead,” Zhen Yao said softly while making the bed, offering words of comfort.

 

Sure enough, A’Lian’s mood eased slightly, but she couldn’t help sighing, “I should have listened to Xi’er back then and headed straight for Jiangnan instead of focusing only on the counties around Pingxi.”

 

“You, you always wanting the moon after getting the stars. But you can’t become fat in one bite. If we hadn’t worked hard to rally the remnants back then, how could we hope to earn the trust of the main faction now?”

 

Zhen Yao stood up, firmly closed the window, and then poured her a cup of hot tea.

 

“You’re right. I was just too impatient.”

 

A’Lian was deeply grateful to Zhen Yao. Without her help, the remaining sisters from the remnants would likely have scattered to the winds, let alone her ability to continue moving around with Chen Rong’s personal token.

 

“Ultimately, it was your cleverness that kept Xi’er from telling the others about Chen Rong’s death,” Zhen Yao said with a faint smile.

 

The small praise immediately pleased A’Lian, who raised her eyebrows smugly. “Who do you think trained Xi’er, after all?”

 

“Of course, it was the most formidable A’Lian in history!”

 

“Exactly—wait, no. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen Xi’er for days?”

 

She vaguely remembered sending Xi’er to the Su residence to gather information, but the girl had since disappeared.

 

Hearing this, Zhen Yao leaned down, wrapped an arm around her slender waist, and patiently explained, “Don’t worry. I’ve already instructed Qing’er to take care of Xi’er. She’s safer at the residence than following you around.”

 

“Then I can rest completely at ease!”

 

As they spoke, the atmosphere suddenly grew quiet, tinged with a hint of ambiguity.

 

“Wifey—” A’Lian looked up at her like a little rabbit, subtly seeking affection.

 

Unexpectedly, Zhen Yao cut her off without mercy, lowering her head to whisper sternly, “Mind your words! Don’t slip up!”

 

“Uh… husband!”

 

Though they were only pretending to be married, their feelings for each other couldn’t be more real.

 

Outside, the rain poured relentlessly, but inside the room, it was exceptionally warm and cozy.

 

Listening to the rapid heartbeat in Zhen Yao’s chest, A’Lian suddenly blushed, recalling their past. The desperate intimacy they had shared in a cave on a rainy night.

 

“Wife, why so quiet? What are you thinking about?” Zhen Yao’s tone was cool, but her words were teasing.

 

“Since leaving Pingxi County, we’ve been roughing it day and night. Forget fleeting moments of tenderness, you haven’t even spared me more than a few glances.”

 

A’Lian’s delicate, boneless hands wandered freely along Zhen Yao’s back.

 

Electric, longing, losing control.

 

Zhen Yao was no saint. In the past, when their feelings hadn’t been fully laid bare, she might have played the role of the unyielding gentleman. But now, only one thought consumed her mind.

 

Utter ruin…

 

“A’Lian, wait here. I’ll go downstairs and ask the inn to heat some water.”

 

“Don’t take too long. Hurry back!” A’Lian’s eyes burned with desire.

 

Zhen Yao turned to kiss her cheek before swiftly opening the door and leaving.

 

Downstairs in the inn, the proprietor was sprawled across the counter, snoring loudly, while two attendants plucked chicken feathers without looking up.

 

“Attendants, could you prepare a bucket of hot water?”

 

Zhen Yao’s request hung in the air for a long time, unanswered. Finally, she strode forward, unable to suppress her irritation. “Did you two not hear me just now?”

 

At this, one of the attendants hastily looked up. Upon seeing her tall figure and the sword in her arms, he stammered, “It’s not that we’re ignoring you, ma’am, but we’ve got no choice. Zhang the King of Hell is staying here. Forgive my bluntness, but you and your wife are far too striking. Best stay in your room these next couple of days and lay low while it rains.”

 

“Who is this Zhang Yama?” Zhen Yao frowned in displeasure.

 

The waiter nervously glanced around, cupping his hand to his mouth as he whispered, “You’re not from around here, so you wouldn’t know. Zhang Yama is a law in Mocheng. He swindles, kills innocents, and abducts women. Every household in the city fears him like the King of Hell.”

 

“Hah, no wonder they call him Zhang Yama. What kind of background does he have to act so brazenly?” Zhen Yao had always despised such scoundrels.

 

The waiter looked uneasy, reluctant to say more. “Best not to ask. Please, just go upstairs.”

 

“That’s right. Whatever you do, don’t run into him. Our innkeeper was kicked unconscious just for speaking out of turn,” another waiter added, trembling as he shook his head.

 

It was only then that Zhen Yao realized the innkeeper wasn’t merely asleep, he was severely injured. Unable to bear the thought of an innocent man dying, she quickly took his pulse and pulled a pill from her sleeve.

 

“Divide this into three doses and take it with warm water. It might help. Fine, I won’t trouble you further.” With that, she turned and headed upstairs without another word.

 

But the moment she left, a burly, pot-bellied man wielding a broadsword lumbered out from the corridor.

 

His face was fearsome, with three large black moles dotting the corner of his mouth. Seeing the waiters still dawdling, he angrily cleaved a chunk off the table.

 

“Damn it, how long does it take to stew a chicken? I ought to slaughter you useless lot!”

 

“Forgive us, Lord Yama! We beg for mercy!”

 

The two waiters suppressed their terror, their hands shaking as they desperately sped up their work. Their fear seemed to amuse Zhang Yama, who broke into a grin.

 

“Hey, brats—who was that fine figure that just passed by?”

 

“Ah, Lord Yama must be joking. That was just a sickly-looking man, said to have consumption. He’s heading south to seek a miracle doctor.”

 

Grateful for Zhen Yao’s help in reviving their innkeeper, the waiter mustered the greatest courage of his life to lie through his teeth.

 

As expected, Zhang Yama’s disappointment was palpable, his temper flaring. “Damn it, that dying wretch had the waist of a woman, what rotten luck. If he’s got consumption, why haven’t you thrown him out yet?”

 

Outside, the rain poured in torrents, flooding the streets.

 

“Please don’t be angry. Once the rain stops, we’ll—”

 

“Do it now! He’s ruining my appetite!” Zhang Yama’s eyes bulged with fury, his expression terrifying.

 

Luckily, the other waiter was quick-witted, feigning flattery. “Lord Yama, please rest easy. Go to your room first. We’ll bring the chicken soup shortly, along with two taels of fine wine. As for that guest, he’s upstairs and won’t trouble your sight. We’ll kick him out the moment the rain lets up.”

 

“Yes, yes! Otherwise, if he dies at our doorstep, it’ll taint your noble aura!”

 

Trembling, the two waiters played along, coaxing Zhang Yama into sheathing his blade and returning to his room.