The Concubine of the Main Wife - Chapter 29

In the dead of night, when dreams were at their sweetest.

 

Just as everyone was deep in slumber, a brief, sharp wail suddenly pierced the silence from the second floor of the inn, only to be swallowed by the quiet once more.

 

At that very moment, candlelight flared in one of the rooms, illuminating two strikingly beautiful faces.

 

“Hmph! With such amateur skills, do they still dare to make a living in this trade? They didn’t even bother to find out who their mother is!”

 

These two fools wouldn’t wake up for at least three days and two nights.

 

Watching A’Lian’s smug expression, Zhen Yao couldn’t help but feel a tinge of regret. “Why did you shove all the knockout sticks into their mouths?”

 

“What’s the big deal? Are you saying I was too rough?” A’Lian immediately pouted in displeasure.

 

Zhen Yao affectionately patted her hand and shook her head with a soft laugh. “I just thought it was a waste. I wanted to save one for that bastard Zhang.”

 

Hearing this, A’Lian’s willow-leaf brows shot up, and she couldn’t help but cover her lips with a coquettish giggle. “As expected of my dear wife. I do love this little dark side of yours.”

 

“You, stop your nonsense. We need to plan this carefully now.”

 

“What’s so hard about that? We’ll just stick to the original plan!”

 

Before A’Lian could finish, Zhen Yao frowned and warned, “No matter how clever you are, you mustn’t exceed the agreed time. Otherwise, I’ll break down the door and kill him myself!”

 

“I know you dote on me. Don’t worry.”

 

Though Zhen Yao still had more to say, her words were abruptly silenced by a sudden kiss.

 

Before dawn had fully broken, A’Lian tiptoed downstairs and stealthily made her way to Zhang the Tyrant’s door.

 

The room was tucked deep in the corridor, originally designed for Zhang’s nefarious deeds, but it now suited A’Lian’s purposes perfectly. She glanced around cautiously before pressing her ear against the door. Yet, after listening for a long while, she detected no movement inside.

 

How strange!

 

With that, A’Lian silently pulled a hairpin from her bun and deftly picked the latch open in a few swift motions.

 

“Today, I ask for nothing else just let the heavens and earth bear witness as I swiftly skin that bastard Zhang alive!”

 

But as the door creaked open, the scene inside left her utterly stunned.

 

“Y-you, who are you?”

 

A’Lian’s peach-blossom eyes widened in shock, her entire body tense with alarm. One foot was already inside the room, while the other remained firmly planted outside.

 

Standing before her, locking eyes with her, was a young girl with striking, sharp features and heavy makeup. Though no older than fifteen, her demeanor was haughty, her gaze as piercing as an eagle’s.

 

“You dare ask who I am? Who the hell are you?”

 

What a sharp-tongued little brat! A’Lian had no patience for this. She hurriedly urged, “This is the residence of Zhang the Tyrant. You silly girl, get out of here at once!”

 

“So, you’re his mistress?” The girl straightened her back and abruptly stood up, her robe flaring.

 

A’Lian was dumbfounded. She hadn’t expected the girl to be so tall. Most men in the world would pale in comparison.

 

“Hey, what do you think you’re doing?”

 

As the girl advanced step by step, A’Lian couldn’t help but feel a shiver of fear.

 

“Fair lady though you are, you aid a tyrant. You and he are birds of a feather, both deserve death!” The girl spoke through gritted teeth.

 

“But I’m not!”

 

“Enough nonsense!”

 

The girl impatiently cut her off, ready to take action. But A’Lian, delicate by nature, was no match for her.

 

After just a few exchanges, A’Lian was already struggling to keep up, panting heavily as she complained, “Stop, stop! I’m completely innocent here!”

 

“Always full of excuses!”

 

The girl wouldn’t listen to her explanation at all, forcing A’Lian to flee in a panic, stomping her feet in frustration, on the verge of tears.

 

“You little brat who can’t tell right from wrong, how dare you call yourself a hero!”

 

A’Lian rolled her eyes disdainfully, instantly provoking the girl into a rage: “Zhang the Tyrant bullies the weak and exploits the villagers every day. As his bedmate, you don’t even think of trying to advise him. Your tone earlier was downright arrogant. Now that you’re in trouble yourself, how dare you cry injustice?”

 

“Bah! Don’t you dare compare me to that filthy scum. I’m here to deal with him too!”

 

Before she could dodge, a searing whip lashed across A’Lian’s back.

 

“Liar!”

 

“Good heavens, my dear ancestor, where did you even get that vine whip?!”

 

Since she couldn’t win anyway, A’Lian simply stopped running.

 

Seeing this, the girl hesitated and halted, eyeing her suspiciously. “Is what you just said true?”

 

“Not a single word is false!”

 

“Then why did you act differently earlier?”

 

The girl tightened her grip on the vine whip, making A’Lian’s barely settled heart leap again.

 

“I saw that bastard Zhang wasn’t here and was afraid you’d be the next victim, so I hurried you away.”

 

“That’s not convincing. If you really wanted to save me from suffering, why would you call him ‘dear Zhang’ so theatrically? More like you were trying to save your own skin!”

 

The girl was indeed young, her thoughts still rigid. A’Lian struggled to explain: “My dear little ancestor, I was afraid you two were in cahoots back then!”

 

“Really?” The girl lowered her eyes in thought.

 

“Let’s not waste any more time. From now on, quickly introduce yourself, and I’ll be honest with you too.”

 

Gritting her teeth from the pain, A’Lian seized control of the situation, coaxing the girl to sit down with gentle words.

 

“Young heroine, you go first.”

 

Hearing this, the girl reflexively opened her mouth, but the words that came out were sharp.

 

“Why should I go first?!”

 

“Hmph, not bad, you’re sharp.” A’Lian feigned mockery but secretly admired her.

 

“My name is A’Lian, a traveler passing through here with my husband. We couldn’t stand Zhang the Tyrant’s evil deeds, so we came to rid the people of this scourge!”

 

The girl silently studied her, weighing her words and actions, gradually lowering her guard.

 

“My surname is Zhao, given name Nian’er. I came specifically to kill him.”

 

“Do you have some deep-seated blood feud?” A’Lian couldn’t help but ask in surprise.

 

“None!”

 

“Eh? Then you just charged in alone.”

 

Zhao Nian’er crossed her arms proudly, tilting her head. “We Zhao women aren’t afraid of demons and monsters!”

 

“Zhao? You’re from the martial arts family of Cliff County!”

 

A’Lian’s expression turned respectful, her tone softening.

 

“Exactly. My mother taught me repeatedly before her death that women are no less than men. Now that I’ve mastered my skills, it’s time to uphold justice.”

 

“That’s the spirit, but you’re way too bold!”

 

While impressed, A’Lian couldn’t help feeling a pang of fear.

 

“This is nothing. After I deal with Zhang the Tyrant, I’ll head north to capture the bandits of Pingxi Mountain.” Zhao Nian’er spoke calmly, exuding the demeanor of a seasoned general.

 

But A’Lian instantly jumped up, pressing for confirmation: “Miss Zhao, are you talking about Pingxi in Qingzhou County’s Pingxi?”

 

“Yes. I’ve heard the bandits there run rampant even the authorities are helpless.”

 

“Heh, I think your priority should be dealing with Zhang the Tyrant first. My husband is from Pingxi. You two can discuss the bandit problem in detail another day.”

 

“Really? That’s perfect!” Zhao Nian’er pounded the table excitedly.

 

A’Lian’s soft cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she quickly changed the subject: “It’s getting late. Why hasn’t that bastard Zhang returned yet?”

 

“He didn’t go far, he’s right under the bed,” Zhao Nian’er said, lifting her wrist to point nearby.

 

“Damn, you’re quite the fighter, miss!”

 

“Last night was exhausting. I planned to continue beating him after waking up, but then you showed up.”

 

Zhao Nian’er’s extraordinary strength gave A’Lian a sudden new idea. Unfortunately, the timing wasn’t right, so she kept it to herself for now.

 

“Listen to me, little sister. Beating him to death won’t solve anything. Right now, the city is crawling with his lackeys, as numerous as stars in the sky. Knock down one Zhang the Tyrant, and soon a second, a third will rise in his place…”

 

“What do you suggest, Sister A’Lian?”

 

“Uproot the weeds. We must tear them out by the roots, leaving no chance for such scum to sprout like bamboo shoots after rain!”

 

A’Lian’s confident demeanor deeply moved Zhao Nian’er, who replied with great respect, “Sister A’Lian, your wisdom is unmatched. Nian’er is willing to assist and follow your lead.”

 

“To be honest, that’s exactly what I had in mind. Come closer, little sister.”

 

About half an hour later, Zhao Nian’er pushed open the door and left, leaving A’Lian alone with the unconscious Zhang the Tyrant.

 

At dawn, the guests gathered in the main hall, expecting breakfast. Instead, they found a strikingly handsome young man standing tall, his face etched with sorrow and confusion.

 

“Has anyone seen my wife?”

 

This grief-stricken young man was none other than Zhen Yao in disguise, her voice icy and tears glistening.

 

“Don’t panic, sir. Perhaps your wife went out to run some errands.” a kind soul nearby offered gently.

 

“That’s impossible! My wife never likes to show herself in public!”

 

“Then where could she have gone?”

 

“Exactly! How could someone just vanish in such a large inn?”

 

“Are we staying in a den of thieves?”

 

Speculations flew wildly. The inn attendant, afraid of stirring more trouble, stammered, “Maybe… maybe…”

 

“Maybe what? Spit it out for this poor husband searching for his wife!”

 

“Please don’t be angry, sir. Without proof, a mere servant like me dare not speak recklessly.”

 

“Useless fool!”

 

The attendant shot Zhen Yao a guilty glance before enduring further harassment from the guests.

 

“Everyone, calm down. This morning, I did see a young girl fleeing in panic from the end of the corridor,” whispered a guest who was about to leave.

 

“The end of the corridor?” Zhen Yao deliberately emphasized the words.

 

“What? Isn’t that where Zhang the Tyrant’s room is? He’s been occupying it for years!” someone gasped, their face paling instantly.

 

After much hesitation, the attendant, now filled with sympathy for the kind-hearted “Master Zhen,” mustered his courage and suggested, “As the saying goes, many hands make light work. Why don’t we accompany Master Zhen to check?”

 

“Thank you, brother.”

 

Zhen Yao bowed, overwhelmed with emotion, her eyes reddening further.

 

“Let’s go, everyone!”

 

“Let’s go! We tea merchants pass through Mo County time and again, always trembling in fear, often returning home empty-handed. Zhang the Tyrant is a blight on this land. Let’s uproot him together!”

 

“Many hands make light work. Since ancient times, the law doesn’t punish the masses.”

 

…

 

The hall buzzed with righteous fury. Even the timid who considered warning Zhang found themselves outnumbered. Just as a loud cry erupted from the street.

 

“The magistrate’s office is finally open! Someone’s beating the drum to accuse Zhang the Tyrant!”

 

“Would the officials even care?” someone sighed in despair.

 

“Waiter, a pot of tea! This time, it’s truly the sun rising from the west. The new prefect not only accepted the case but has now sent constables to arrest Zhang the Tyrant!” A newcomer walked in, beaming with joy.

 

Hearing this, the crowd lost all restraint.

 

“Charge! Let’s not wait for the officials—let’s settle our scores first!”

 

“Exactly, I’ll kick this bastard a few times first.”

 

“Just don’t beat him to death!”

 

With that, the crowd forced the door open and surged inside, only to freeze in horror at the sight before them.

 

Hanging from the beam was a stunning woman, her hands at her throat, about to kick the stool and end her life.

 

“Madam, madam…”

 

Zhen Yao could no longer keep up the act. Trembling all over, he rushed forward and caught A’Lian in his arms.

 

“This damned bastard! Let’s get him!”

 

Old grudges and new grievances erupted as the crowd took turns punching and kicking. Though they held back, Zhang the Tyrant on the bed nearly met the real King of Hell.

 

By the time the constables arrived, the prisoner had to be carried out on a stretcher.

 

The prefect of Mojun presided over the trial. After examining the two victims and verifying the facts, he swiftly passed judgment.

 

Zhang the Tyrant, covered in wounds, slurred his words as he signed the confession.

 

The surrounding crowd hailed the prefect as a “righteous and incorrupt official,” flattering him until he was utterly disoriented.

 

“Guards, douse him with cold water and throw him in jail!”Before the intoxicated prefect could finish his sentence, Zhang the Tyrant suddenly struggled and roared, ‘How dare you touch me!” Don’t you know my grandfather is about to be promoted? When the First Prince hears of this, he’ll make you pay!”

 

“Utter fool! Drag him away at once!” The prefect’s face turned ashen. He had hoped to leave a noble legacy, not provoke the powerful.

 

But Zhang the Tyrant had already exposed the truth in public, stirring up gossip among the people. Who could silence such widespread talk? Now, he was inevitably at odds with the First Prince, so he decided to strike first by submitting a memorial to the Emperor!

 

Days later, Zhang the Tyrant was executed as a warning to others.

 

During this time, Zhen Yao secretly circulated pre-written articles through teahouses and taverns. Only then did people learn that the renowned Lord Han of the capital had once sent his men to rid the people of this scourge.

 

When the prefect of Mojun heard of this, he was too choked with anger to speak.

 

Though he had offended his superiors, the credit had been stolen by another. Yet, there was nothing he could do. He knew Lord Han’s background well enough, this could be seen as a favor. If fortunes reversed someday, he might even gain merit for supporting the rising star.

 

On the day A’Lian and the others left Mojun, Zhao Nian’er also set off northward, seething with indignation.

 

She couldn’t understand why someone as kind as Zhen Yao was a bandit from Pingxi, nor why A’Lian had emerged from the secretive Ying Sect.

 

Stepping into the world for the first time, she realized it was nothing like her mother had described.

 

Right and wrong weren’t clear-cut; good and evil were hard to distinguish. For whom should she shed her passionate blood? Whom should she uphold justice for?

 

Brimming with questions, she had no one to turn to.

 

Fortunately, before parting, Sister Zhen Yao handed her a letter, instructing her to deliver it to Lord Han upon reaching Pingxi.

 

Initially, Zhao Nian’er refused outright. She wanted nothing to do with these two deceivers. But hearing the inn’s patrons praise Lord Han Zhuo, claiming he was even more upright than the prefect of Mojun, she reluctantly agreed.

 

Since there was nothing to lose, Sister Zhenyao allowed her to go to the Western Hills to investigate. Sister A’Lian even secretly told her that once she met Lord Han, all the doubts in her life would be resolved.

 

On a night of clear winds and bright moonlight, Zhao Nian’er fearlessly rode the little red horse her mother had given her, galloping resolutely into the distance.