The Concubine of the Main Wife - Chapter 4

A’Lian had always been a chronic liar, so how could Zhen Yao possibly believe her? Now, she could only hope that everything would fall into place naturally.

 

On the way back, A’Lian tried repeatedly to strike up a conversation but found no opportunity. Despite her numerous attempts, Zhen Yao merely feigned sleep with closed eyes, forcing A’Lian to reluctantly fall silent.

 

The carriage jolted, swaying the two women inside.

 

A’Lian’s gaze flickered, her restless heart refusing to give up. Rather than letting her thoughts run wild, she seized the moment to grab Zhen Yao’s slender, fair wrist, rubbing it roughly with her calloused fingertips.

 

Triumph, exhilaration, loss of control.

 

“Wretched concubine, do you truly seek death?”

 

Zhen Yao could endure no more. She abruptly withdrew her hand and glared down, tightening her grip on the delicate neck of the woman beneath her.

 

Fury like thunder, yet the beauty remained enchanting.

 

“To die beneath the peony, even as a ghost, is to be romantic. I beg for my lady’s affection!”

 

In that instant, A’Lian’s dark desires were laid bare. How could Zhen Yao remain oblivious? Yet she had never felt affection for anyone.

 

To her, love in this world was no different than poisoned wine!

 

“A’Lian, do not attempt to provoke me.”

 

“What? Does my lady’s furious glare mean you wish to kill me?”

 

Her alluring face tilted upward, her captivating peach-blossom eyes brimming with defiance, her soft crimson lips forced to gasp for breath.

 

Zhen Yao’s rage surged uncontrollably. Disgusted and stunned, she loathed the woman who had disrupted her stable life.

 

“Since you are so eager to die, do not blame me for showing no mercy!”

 

“All must die someday. Rather than perishing at the hands of some worthless stranger, I’d rather be my lady’s romantic ghost.”

 

Her voice soft as water, A’Lian’s fingers slowly climbed up that delicate hand, her thick lashes fluttering like butterfly wings as she closed her eyes.

 

As the paragon of virtue praised by all in Pingxi County, Zhen Yao, who had just been honored with a chastity arch, felt a tumult of emotions and suddenly tightened her grip.

 

“You should not persist in your mistakes!”

 

Her expression was cold and detached, filled with enough hatred to strangle A’Lian then and there. Yet soon, her body stiffened, and she slumped back into the soft seat, drained of all strength.

 

A’Lian sensed something amiss and opened her eyes mockingly. “My lady is so fond of empty threats. You cannot bear to kill me.”

 

Hearing this, Zhen Yao stared at her motionlessly, her mind filled with the image of tears glistening at the corners of A’Lian’s eyes.

 

“I do not kill women!”

 

A’Lian wiped the tear stains from her powdered cheeks with her sleeve, then knelt and inched closer, gripping Zhen Yao’s skirt with reluctant persistence. “No matter what my lady says, the fact that you won’t kill me means you care for me in your heart.”

 

What a shameless creature…

 

“Think what you will. Stay away from me!” Zhen Yao harshly yanked her skirt away, her face stern, her patience utterly spent.

 

The atmosphere turned icy, as if an impassable divide had formed between them.

 

A’Lian, infuriated, laughed instead. She pursed her lips, biting them lightly, putting on a pitiful expression.

 

Biding her time, she waited impatiently to return to the estate. Once there, she refused to believe her prey could escape!

 

The carriage raced onward, the horses weary, until they finally arrived home.

 

“My lady, the concubine is still in the carriage.”

 

Zhen Yao shook off Qing’er’s supporting hand and leaped from the carriage without a backward glance, her voice cold. “Wait for her to wake. I am weary and will rest first.”

 

“Yes!”

 

After the long journey, A’Lian had fallen into a deep slumber. Whether it was real or merely a vivid dream, she felt as though Lady Zhen had stolen a kiss from her in some fleeting moment.

 

The thought alone made her cheeks burn crimson.

 

“Concubine, you’re awake?”

 

Qing’er, noticing her unusually flushed face, asked in confusion, “Did you catch a chill from the wind today? You seem feverish.”

 

These clueless, foolish maids. Can’t they see she’s a maiden with spring in her heart?

 

Hmm, if I pretend to be sick, will it make them pity me even more.

 

“Aiyo, you’ve jinxed me with your crow’s mouth. I can’t hold on any longer. Quick, take me to the mistress’s quarters!” A’Lian feigned extreme fragility, pressing a hand to her forehead while shrewdly darting sidelong glances.

 

The sight frightened Qing’er, who hurriedly supported her before calling for sturdy maids to carry her into Fangxin Garden.

 

“Mistress, something terrible has happened!”

 

Zhen Yao was reviewing the account books when she saw Hong’er rush in, pale with fright. She couldn’t help but scold sharply, “If the sky falls, someone will hold it up. What’s there to panic about?”

 

“You’re right to reprimand me, Mistress. The concubine has caught a chill and is about to be brought into the inner chamber.”

 

Hearing this, Zhen Yao remained composed. She stood, tidied the account books, and said, “In that case, summon a physician. Send someone to fetch Dr. Ji.”

 

Hong’er assented and withdrew, but before she could even leave the room, three or four people jostled their way in.

 

“What’s wrong with the concubine now?”

 

A’Lian pretended to faint, exaggerating her performance even more than before, moaning dramatically, “Aiyo…”

 

Qing’er, standing nearby, didn’t speak but merely blinked at Hong’er. The latter immediately understood, thinking to herself how despicable this wicked concubine’s tricks were. Thankfully, the mistress had already taken precautions.

 

“If the concubine is in pain, it’s no small matter. This servant will summon Dr. Ji at once.”

 

“Dr. Ji?”

 

A’Lian’s eyes darted around before she abruptly straightened up.

 

Seeing this, Qing’er didn’t expose her but played along perfunctorily, “Indeed, she’s the finest female physician in Pingxi County, especially skilled in the four diagnostic methods.”

 

“The concubine need not worry. Dr. Ji is unparalleled in gynecology.”

 

This was nothing short of a disaster. A’Lian couldn’t care less about some Dr. Ji. Her greatest fear was having her fake pregnancy exposed. After all, the old physician from that day had been personally arranged by Chen Rong. With her mission still incomplete, she absolutely couldn’t afford to reveal her scheme.

 

“Everyone knows a woman with child can’t endure such strain. Stop pretending to care for my well-being while scheming behind my back!”

 

Left with no choice, A’Lian clung tightly to Hong’er, twisting the truth with unyielding defiance.

 

“Concubine, what kind of talk is this? If anything were to happen to you, what would others think of the mistress?”

 

Hong’er tried to break free but hadn’t expected the delicate beauty to be so strong.

 

“Oh, so you’ve been secretly speculating about me, slandering me for stirring up trouble. Do you think I’m deliberately picking a fight with the mistress? How could I, A’Lian, be that kind of person!”

 

With that, she suddenly released her grip, nearly stumbling herself.

 

“Aiyo, Concubine, do be careful! Why must you work yourself into such a state?”

 

“Hmph, you’re all bullying me!”

 

Her pretty face was a picture of grievance, her peach-blossom eyes glistening with unshed tears.

 

“Who would dare?” The maids exchanged uneasy glances.

 

“Wuwuwu, I lost my parents young and have suffered hardship all my life. After barely surviving countless dangers, I finally arrived at your household only for you, and you, to try and drive me to my death!”

 

A’Lian was truly stunning. With a delicate shrug, a coquettish pout, and a stomp of her feet while clutching a handkerchief, she managed to make everyone feel guilty in an instant.

 

The concubine had a pitiable background and was enchantingly beautiful. So what if she acted a little spoiled and willful?

 

“This servant dares not, Concubine. Please don’t be angry.”

 

“It’s all our fault for upsetting you.”

 

…

 

Zhen Yao glanced over from a distance, unexpectedly witnessing such a bizarre scene.

 

She saw the crowd surrounding A’Lian, pleading and confessing their sins as if possessed.

 

Ahem, such a commotion in the main hall is utterly improper!

 

Before Zhen Yao could finish her words, A’Lian immediately threw herself forward, as if she had suffered the greatest injustice, and without a word buried her face in Zhen Yao’s chest, sobbing.

 

“My lady, this concubine is unwell.”

 

“You—”

 

A vein throbbed visibly at Zhen Yao’s temple. Though she was utterly repulsed, her words came out foolishly against her will: “Fine. There’s no need to summon Physician Ji. Have the kitchen prepare some ginseng soup instead.”

 

“I knew it! In this household, my lady cares for A’Lian the most!”

 

For a moment, their eyes met. Zhen Yao clenched her fists helplessly. “Don’t push your luck.”

 

“How would this lowly concubine dare? From now on, if my lady points east, I would never dare go west.”

 

The woman in her arms nuzzled against her joyfully, making Zhen Yao’s heart race uncontrollably.

 

This shouldn’t happen. It mustn’t!

 

“Enough.”

 

Zhen Yao pushed her away with a backhand and turned to retreat into the inner chamber.

 

The maids dared not act rashly, but A’Lian paused briefly before quietly following.

 

“My lady…”

 

Zhen Yao did not respond. After hesitating for a moment, A’Lian continued to trail behind her.

 

“If you refuse to see a physician, then I shall take care of you tonight.”

 

A’Lian brightened instantly, but under the weight of those deep eyes, she shrank back timidly. “I feel much better now. My lady needn’t trouble herself too much.”

 

“Is that so?” Zhen Yao’s tone suddenly sharpened.

 

A’Lian faltered nervously. “Ah, I’m so tired. I should wash up and rest.”

 

Just as Zhen Yao turned to speak, Qing’er lifted the curtain and announced, “My lady, Matron Liu is here.”

 

“I know.”

 

Soon enough, Matron Liu stood respectfully outside the curtain. “My lady, it’s time for dinner.”

 

“I’m tired, and A’Lian isn’t feeling well. Let Mother dine alone.”

 

“Is the concubine ill? Has a physician been summoned? Is her condition serious?”

 

Zhen Yao lowered her eyes with a cold smile. Normally, even if she were starving to death, the old madam wouldn’t spare her a glance, let alone send someone to inquire.

 

Yet the next moment, the curtain was abruptly pulled aside. A’Lian stood boldly before Matron Liu, arms crossed, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Serious? Oh, extremely serious!”

 

Matron Liu was terrified. Unlike the lady of the house, the concubine was known for her sharp tongue and defiance.

 

“Then this old servant will summon a physician at once.”

 

“Summon what? A woman with child can’t take medicine. Seems the old madam is just waiting for something to happen to me. It’s only been a few days since I entered the household, yet you all watch me like hawks.”

 

Matron Liu paled, casting a pleading glance at Zhen Yao. But Zhen Yao, still unsettled, made no move to mediate as she usually would.

 

“The concubine misunderstands. The old madam is merely concerned.”

 

“What concern does she have? Fine, I’ll go see her myself.”

 

Some words were best spoken face to face.

 

Zhen Yao was momentarily distracted, but when she refocused, she found A’Lian suddenly turning around. Their gazes locking.

 

“Concubine, please.”

 

Matron Liu broke the silence. A’Lian’s lips curled slightly before she reluctantly departed.

 

The inner chamber fell quiet again. Qing’er and Hong’er immediately knelt, begging for mercy.

 

“Punish us, my lady!”

 

“Punish you for what?” Zhen Yao sighed, an uncharacteristic gesture.

 

Qing’er hung her head in shame. “Not only did we fail to restrain the concubine, but we also fell under her spell without realizing it.”

 

“She’s a person, not some enchantress who bewitches mortals!”

 

“My lady speaks truly, yet somehow, the moment the concubine shed tears, we all felt our hearts ache for her.”

 

Even Hong’er found her own words baffling.

 

Zhen Yao understood the feeling all too well. Rumors spoke of a secretive sect in the Jiangnan region that taught women the art of seduction. She had never believed in such things. Such wicked tricks couldn’t possibly exist!

 

“Let us speak no more of this matter. Tomorrow I shall seek solace at the Buddhist temple. You two keep a close watch on her.”

 

“As you command, mistress!”

 

• –

 

After leaving Fangxin Garden, A’Lian walked in fits and starts, exhausting Nanny Liu until she was drenched in sweat. Though irritated, the old servant dared not show it and could only swallow her anger as she reminded, “The Old Madam is waiting to dine with you, Concubine. Might we hurry along?”

 

A’Lian idly stroked her belly and snapped irritably, “I never asked her to wait!”

 

“This old servant meant no offense. I know you speak plainly, but in your heart, you still honor the Old Madam,” Nanny Liu fumbled, her scalp prickling with discomfort.

 

“If you know I speak plainly, then you should also know I feel no particular ‘honor’ toward the Old Madam. If not for that dead wretch’s misfortune and this lump of flesh in my belly, not even an eight-man sedan chair could drag me here to play ‘granddaughter-in-law.'”

 

The words struck Nanny Liu like a mouthful of live flies.

 

“Since you share quarters with the Madam, you ought to learn from her manners.” This Jiangnan songbird truly had no breeding!

 

A’Lian let out a derisive snort and rolled her eyes. “Learn what? Learn how to be kind and get trampled? Or how to be born unlucky and hounded by rabid curses?”