The Concubine of the Main Wife - Chapter 3

The carriage swayed, the beauty alluring. Songs were sung, passions stirred.

 

Suddenly, A’Lian’s eyes turned watery, her delicate white hands fluttering with the grace of a pear garden performer, her collar loosely hanging halfway down. “Madam, my chest feels so swollen and painful. Could you help ease it for me?”

 

Upon hearing this, Zhen Yao wished her eyes could shoot arrows so she could strike the woman dead on the spot.

 

“One should know their place!”

 

The next moment, A’Lian abruptly withdrew her coquettish demeanor, crossing her legs with a look of disdain. “Indeed. It seems Madam lacks that very self-awareness. Now that I’m with child, the Su family will soon be under my control. What use is your chaste widow’s arch? At night, aren’t you still tormented by the fleeting spring nights, pitifully lonely to the bone.”

 

“I want to get out of the carriage!”

 

Even in her fury, Zhen Yao’s expression remained composed. Every movement of hers only made A’Lian’s heart itch with greater intensity.

 

For some reason, she took an unusual interest in this paragon of virtue, deeply desiring to see such a person utterly ravished. It was like watching an exquisite jade vase, suddenly plummeting from an unreachable height, shattering into countless pieces.

 

Such beauty, only to become all the more devastating!

 

“In the middle of nowhere, why is Madam in such a hurry to leave? Could it be to meet a secret lover?”

 

Before A’Lian’s words even faded, a flash of hatred darted through Zhen Yao’s eyes, followed by a sharp, forceful slap across the woman’s face.

 

The sound was so loud it startled even those outside.

 

“Shameless!”

 

Far from feeling ashamed, A’Lian reveled in it, provocatively licking her red lips before slowly tracing her soft cheek with slender fingers, her voice a sultry murmur. “Madam has always been noble, like the moon in the heavens. A’Lian, on the other hand, was born lowly. If Madam wishes to strike me, so be it. Just don’t hit my face. Lest the old madam take offense later.”

 

“Then where should I strike to keep a restless concubine like you in line?”

 

Zhen Yao’s entire being trembled with rage, her eyes burning into the woman before her. For a moment, she wished she could tear open A’Lian’s chest to see if her heart was truly red.

 

But A’Lian had long been shameless. Even now, the tip of her foot playfully teased the hem of Zhen Yao’s skirt, her gaze drifting suggestively downward.

 

“Somewhere others can’t see, of course. I know Madam can’t resist. Sooner or later, you’ll bare your fangs!”

 

“Is that so?” Zhen Yao closed her eyes, unwilling to spare her another glance.

 

The sight only made A’Lian clap her hands in triumph. She delighted in provoking, in tormenting this overly dignified, virtuous woman.

 

Amusing. Fascinating. Addictive.

 

Having achieved her goal, and with Madam Su now resembling a devotee before a dim lamp and ancient Buddha, A’Lian finally lost interest and lifted the carriage curtain to gaze outside.

 

At that moment, the millet and wheat were ripening, the wind blowing across the fields like ripples on a lake, swaying in golden waves.

 

Inspired, she turned back, her gaze traveling upward along Madam Su’s form. Her slender, pale neck, the bewitching curve of her chin, her soft, full lips, the delicate bridge of her nose, and those mesmerizing eyes, now tightly shut, save for the occasional flutter of her dark lashes.

 

If only one day, she could lie with Madam Su amidst the wheat fields. What a spectacle that would be!

 

All of A’Lian’s unspeakable desires, fortunately, remained unknown to Zhen Yao. Otherwise, she might have killed her on the spot to quell her fury.

 

Lost in her wild thoughts, A’Lian decided to focus and complete her mission to prevent herself from making impulsive mistakes.

 

The journey to the western mountains wasn’t particularly long, as Zhen Yao often accompanied her mother-in-law to burn incense there. But this time, they weren’t heading to Miaochuan Temple instead, they were going to a place A’Lian had specified to buy some items.

 

“Madam, Auntie, we need to get off the carriage now!” Qing’er gently reminded them from outside.

 

Zhen Yao suddenly opened her eyes, her emotions momentarily unsettled, though she maintained a calm demeanor as she asked, “What’s happened?”

 

“The road ahead is blocked. The stalls are set up further down at the foot of the mountain. You and Auntie will need to walk from here.”

 

Before Qing’er could finish, Zhen Yao replied without hesitation, “Auntie isn’t feeling well. Let’s just get off and buy the things for her.”

 

With that, she stepped out of the carriage without another word.

 

At this moment, A’Lian seemed to realize she wasn’t exactly welcome and, for once, didn’t argue. She simply curled up quietly in the corner. But once Zhen Yao and the others had gone far enough, she immediately scrambled out of the carriage in a flurry.

 

“Auntie, you can just wait in the carriage. The wind has picked up outside. It might affect your delicate health,” the female carriage driver said nervously, knowing full well that this woman was the Su family’s golden child.

 

“Ah, I can’t hold it in any longer! You wait here by the roadside. I’ll be right back.”

 

“Perhaps it’s better if I accompany you.”

 

A’Lian’s expression instantly darkened. Gone was the fawning demeanor she used with Madam Su; now she looked down on the driver with disdain. “Oh, so you’re all bullying me now? Don’t you trust me?”

 

“I wouldn’t dare!”

 

“You dare quite a lot! My stomach’s about to burst. Move aside!”

 

The carriage driver had no choice but to stand anxiously by the roadside, craning her neck every now and then to keep an eye on the distance. Auntie should be fine. There was a grove up ahead, and she’d be back soon after relieving herself.

 

Once A’Lian was out of the driver’s sight, she immediately dashed into the woods like the wind. She then raised a finger to her lips and blew a sharp whistle, which was quickly answered.

 

“Hmph, took you long enough. Have you been enjoying yourself so much in the Su household that you forgot your mission?”

 

A young, handsome figure emerged from behind a tree.Seomeone whose androgynous appearance made it hard to tell their gender at first glance, but the voice revealed it was a woman dressed as a man.

 

“Oh, Chief Chen, you’re always so quick to accuse! How could A’Lian ever dare?”

 

“I doubt you’d have the nerve. But time is tight, and the mission is urgent. We need to leave this place as soon as possible.”

 

“Why?”

 

A’Lian was puzzled. After all, their Dark Oriole Division had specifically targeted the Su family because of their immense wealth. Yet now, Chief Chen seemed to be suggesting they take what they could and flee immediately.

 

Chen Rong held a high rank and was known for her iron will, showing no patience for subordinates who questioned her. Without hesitation, she sneered and snapped, “Do more, ask less. Our scouts didn’t do their job properly before we came. They failed to realize this is the stronghold of the western mountain bandits. Those people are ruthless, and the Su family is a fat, juicy target. If even we from afar have our eyes on them, how much more so the bandits?”

 

A’Lian immediately panicked, her thoughts racing to the helpless Madam Su. She wanted to ask more, but when she met Chen Rong’s icy glare, she forced herself to steady her nerves.

 

“Understood, Chief.”

 

“Know when to quit. There’s no need for us to clash head-on with those bandits. Besides, you know how much I dote on you. Once our grand plan succeeds, I can take you to the capital.”

 

Had she not come to the Su residence or met Madam Su, A’Lian might have felt a twinge of hesitation upon hearing such words. But now, she couldn’t wait to break free from the Dark Oriole Sect, for this place was just as ruthless and devouring!

 

“Thank you for your kindness, Sect Leader Chen. A’Lian will give it her all.”

 

Her eyes sparkled with a charm that momentarily dazed Chen Rong. “A’Lian, you must keep your body pure and untouched. Otherwise, when the time comes to enter the capital, you won’t be worth much!”

 

His voice carried a hint of lechery that A’Lian detected with acute sensitivity. Yet, unable to openly defy him, she forced a coy smile and replied meekly, “This subordinate understands!”

 

“Here’s the list of items we need this time. In four or five days, our people will infiltrate the residence. At midnight, a carriage will be waiting for you at the Su family’s back gate.”

 

After a hushed exchange, A’Lian swiftly tucked the list away into her bosom and hurried off.

 

Long after she had left, Chen Rong remained lost in his fantasies. This A’Lian was truly a rare gem. If not for the need to maintain appearances in front of others, he would have claimed her long ago. But then again, the very reason he had founded the Dark Oriole Sect was to aid vulnerable women across the land.

 

Over time, however, it was easy to forget one’s original intentions. Now, he found himself coveting his own subordinate. This matter had to be handled discreetly. No other members could ever find out!

 

A prey in the palm could never escape.

 

Lost in such thoughts, the cunning and crafty Chen Rong fell into a trap for the first time. Blinded by arrogance, he took no precautions and failed to notice the figure approaching from behind. Only when the drugged cloth smothered his face did he react.

 

• –

 

Meanwhile, as soon as A’Lian reached the sedan chair, she saw Madam Su returning as well.

 

“The pan-fried dumplings were sold out, so I sent Qing’er to buy some from another shop. Here’s some vegetarian chicken. Eat it while it’s hot!”

 

Zhen Yao’s forehead glistened with fine beads of sweat, a rare sight for a pampered lady of wealth unused to such exertion. For once, A’Lian spoke with genuine gratitude, “Madam, you’re so kind. Let’s eat together.”

 

“No need. You’re nourishing the baby, eat more. Once the dumplings arrive, we’ll head back. A’Lian, let me be clear: there won’t be a next time between us!”

 

Zhen Yao had no desire to engage with her further and closed her eyes to rest.

 

Yet A’Lian ate with relish, filling the cramped carriage with the aroma of the vegetarian chicken.

 

“If you’re going to eat, eat quietly! Must you make all that noise?” Zhen Yao’s eyes snapped open as she glared at her furiously.

 

But even with grease smeared around her mouth and her table manners in shambles, A’Lian bared her teeth in a cheeky retort, “Madam is so fierce. I wasn’t smacking my lips.”

 

“No one said you were smacking your lips. I’m telling you not to sigh and moan while eating.”

 

“Heh, I love sighing while I eat!”

 

A’Lian shot her a mischievous glance before viciously biting into the food, then slowly chewing while locking eyes with her.

 

In that instant, Zhen Yao felt as though A’Lian wasn’t eating vegetarian chicken but devouring her instead.

 

“Suit yourself!”

 

“Madam, wipe my mouth for me. The grease is about to drip onto my chest.” A’Lian’s pink tongue flicked lightly at the corner of her lips.

 

“Don’t even think about it!”

 

Yet despite her stern words, Zhen Yao’s heart softened. Frowning, she silently pulled out her embroidered handkerchief and reluctantly began wiping A’Lian’s mouth.

 

“Uh, Madam…”

 

A’Lian’s drawn-out tone sent shivers down Zhen Yao’s spine. Since that was the case, she simply flung the embroidered handkerchief right onto the other’s face.

 

“Can’t you just act normal for once?”

 

“I had food in my mouth, and you were wiping so slowly. How could I possibly control my voice?”

 

At that, all of A’Lian’s earlier tenderness vanished in an instant. Who could blame her when this Madam Su was clearly in need of some discipline!

 

The two of them glared at each other, neither willing to back down, when Qing’er finally returned with the dumplings she had gone to buy. But A’Lian had long lost her appetite. She pursed her lips and averted her gaze, her face a picture of displeasure.

 

“Someone went through the trouble of buying these for you. Even if you can’t muster a simple ‘thank you,’ you shouldn’t be so cold and heartless.”

 

“Who exactly am I being heartless to? Who am I being cold to?” A’Lian fixed her with an unblinking stare.

 

Zhen Yao tried her best to avoid that gaze, unwilling to argue further. “With that expression on your face, Qing’er is bound to feel hurt.”

 

“Or maybe just maybe this sour face is meant for you!”

 

“You—”

 

Before she could finish, the two suddenly found themselves mere inches apart. At this distance, A’Lian could almost catch the faint fragrance clinging to the other woman.

 

“As the saying goes, even the hardest heart is made of flesh. If Madam would just treat me a little better, who knows? Perhaps one day, I might repay you as a loyal and devoted confidant!”