The Concubine of the Main Wife - Chapter 5

All along the way, A’Lian had been making sarcastic remarks, leaving Granny Liu at a loss for words.

 

When the two finally arrived at the flower hall, A’Lian suddenly crouched halfway down, her beautiful eyes misty as she poured out her grievances to the old madam.

 

“Oh, my dear mother-in-law, you have no idea how wronged I’ve been!”

 

Seeing A’Lian’s tear-streaked, delicate face, the old madam instantly felt as if her heart were being clawed at in distress.

 

“Ah, ah, ah, ah…”

 

A’Lian secretly curled her lips in satisfaction, then stood up and shot Granny Liu a disdainful glance. With a perfunctory expression, she said, “Mother-in-law is truly at a loss for words. Even if she cares, she can’t lift a finger to help. What’s the use of that?”

 

At this moment, Granny Liu stood awkwardly to the side, unsure of what to do. The old madam, her face dark with anger and with nowhere else to vent her frustration, raised her dragon-headed cane to strike her.

 

A’Lian subtly stepped back at the sight, raising her eyes and yawning as she watched from the sidelines. Only when the cane was about to land on Granny Liu’s leg did she leisurely reach out and stop it.

 

“Look at how terrible this old madam’s temper is. I merely voiced some complaints. How could you brazenly hit someone in front of me and the child? Those who know you might understand your temperament, that you’re the type to enforce household discipline at the drop of a hat. But if those who don’t know see this, they’ll surely curse me behind my back for being spoiled and arrogant.”

 

A’Lian straightened her back with a swift motion, glaring at the old madam with undisguised disgust.

 

For a moment, the old madam gnashed her teeth in fury. She had only wanted to vent anger on A’Lian’s behalf, never expecting to be pecked in the eye by this venomous hawk instead.

 

“Just what is the concubine dissatisfied with? Please, speak your mind. Don’t bottle it up and make yourself ill,” Granny Liu ventured cautiously, having received a hint from the old madam.

 

“Tch, what’s the use of saying anything? In this household, even the mistress’s words carry no weight, let alone those of a ‘lowly concubine’ like me!”

 

A’Lian twisted a strand of hair at her temple between her slender fingers, deliberately emphasizing the words “lowly concubine” to provoke them.

 

The old madam narrowed her eyes in a headache, her teeth clenched tightly.

 

If not for A’Lian’s pregnancy, she would have long since ordered her drowned in a pond. But with an heir on the way, she had no choice but to endure for now. After some thought, she stretched out her hand in a placating gesture, holding up two fingers.

 

“Two? You black-hearted, rotten-lunged old woman. How dare you insult me?!”

 

A’Lian angrily flicked her sleeve, nearly knocking the old madam off her chair.

 

“My dear concubine, how could you think that? You must know the old madam is the kindest soul, and right now, there are only two proper mistresses in this household.”

 

Granny Liu’s explanation only made things worse. Every word she spoke further enraged A’Lian. In truth, A’Lian was well aware of the old madam’s favoritism, but it was utterly unfair to Zhen Yao, who was virtuous and gentle.

 

That dignified and upright woman had been widowed at a young age. She could have remarried, yet she bore the chastity arch for the sake of the Su family’s reputation. No one knew of her countless sorrows, and in the end, she received no gratitude whatsoever.

 

The more A’Lian thought about it, the angrier she grew. Reason told her to stay out of it, but an inexplicable fury burned in her heart.

 

“Oh? Then what about the mistress? What is she?”

 

Granny Liu failed to detect the sarcasm in her words and continued to flatter soothingly, “The concubine may not know this, but the master never even had the chance to consummate the marriage with her. Now that you’re carrying the young master, as long as she’s fed in this household, it’s enough.”

 

What kind of talk was this?

 

A’Lian’s eyes turned icy. She had thought the old madam would uphold justice, but the woman readily nodded in agreement instead. Enraged beyond measure, she snapped, “Then have her remarry! That way, she won’t be an eyesore in this household.”

 

“Absolutely not! The Zhen family has already received the chastity arch, and it will benefit your future son’s scholarly achievements!”

 

What a bunch of bloodsuckers. Thankfully, A’Lian had no meat on her bones. With that thought, she couldn’t be bothered to argue further and cut straight to the chase.

 

“Ahem, ahem. Since my position is unshakable, let’s speak frankly.”

 

A’Lian grinned triumphantly, terrifying them into nervous anticipation, afraid her sharp tongue might utter something treasonous again.

 

“Please speak freely, Madam!”

 

“Very well. Then let Granny Liu, on behalf of the Old Madam, give me a rundown of the family’s assets.”

 

“This is hardly—” Granny Liu glanced fearfully at the Old Madam.

 

But A’Lian gave them no chance to exchange looks. In an instant, she planted herself squarely between them, shamelessly blocking their eager gazes.

 

“Is it that you don’t want to say, or that you don’t see me as one of the two masters? Fine, fine, consider me meddling. Starting tomorrow, I won’t even eat a single grain of the Su family’s rice. Will that suffice?”

 

She was practically an ancestor! Granny Liu, on the verge of tears, pleaded, “Don’t be angry, Madam! Ask whatever you wish, and this old servant will hold nothing back!”

 

What to ask? There was plenty.

 

A’Lian carefully recalled the list of treasures and luxuries, taking rare pains to phrase it just right: “It’s nothing much, really. I’m just worried about whether the family’s wealth and the child can be safeguarded!”

 

Hearing this, Granny Liu sighed as if sharing her concern and reluctantly said, “We have about a thousand acres of fertile land, several tea plantations, cloth shops, lacquer stores.”

 

“Enough, I know the family’s vast and prosperous. But what you’re saying is too vague. As a woman, I can’t be bothered with such generalities.”

 

“Then what would you like to know?”

 

“I’ve heard there are bandits in the western hills. So where are the family’s valuables kept?”

 

“Why do you ask such things, Madam?” Granny Liu frowned in return.

 

“Naturally, out of concern!”

 

A’Lian appeared pitiful on the surface, but her heart was full of schemes. To her, these things were ultimately beyond her reach. Since she had to complete her task, she might as well pocket some tangible benefits along the way.

 

“Well, naturally, they’re all stored in the treasury.”

 

Before Granny Liu could finish, A’Lian grew impatient: “Then take me to see it tomorrow!”

 

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible.”

 

“Why not?”

 

“The keys are all in the Mistress’s hands!”

 

A’Lian scoffed coldly, retorting sharply, “Who just said she had no status?”

 

Most likely, the old servant was lying. Clearly, they had never trusted her.

 

“Oh dear, my Madam, you don’t understand. The Master himself gave them to her.”

 

What? The keys were given by that early-deceased man!

 

If so, Zhen Yao must have had feelings for him otherwise, why would she go through the trouble of preserving her chastity for no reward?

 

Unconsciously, A’Lian grew furious, her tone turning even more biting: “Seems I was always an outsider. It’s getting late. I’ll return to Fangxin Garden to sleep.”

 

“Madam, for the child’s sake, at least eat a little.”

 

“The Old Madam can have it herself.”

 

Supported by two maids, A’Lian left without a backward glance, leaving the master and servant to exchange complicated looks.

 

Under the dim, flickering lamplight, the cups and dishes lay cold.

 

The Old Madam’s face darkened as she made a few gestures. Granny Liu immediately understood and whispered conspiratorially, “Rest assured once the young master is born, this old servant will deal with her and Zhen Yao!”

 

Hearing this, the Old Madam finally relaxed.

 

• –

 

Meanwhile, A’Lian, who had hurried back to Fangxin Garden, could hardly sit still.

 

On one hand, she was genuinely concerned about how Mrs. Su would manage to support herself in the future. On the other hand, she was particularly worried about how to complete her mission.

 

Ah, turning it over in her mind, every hurdle seemed insurmountable!

 

In front of the dressing mirror, Zhen Yao absentmindedly smoothed her cloud-like hair. She was completely unaware of A’Lian’s myriad emotions, dismissing the other woman’s sighs as mere affectation. With cool indifference, she climbed into bed alone.

 

This scene only deepened A’Lian’s heartache.

 

What a thorny beauty utterly heartless and ungrateful.

 

But resentment aside, the spacious bed was comfortable, and the graceful woman beside her exuded a delicate fragrance. In the enclosed space, A’Lian’s senses were entirely consumed by this freshly bloomed lotus.

 

Since melancholy plagued her, why not seek some sweetness for solace?

 

Just as A’Lian was fidgeting, Zhen Yao was still preoccupied with tomorrow’s visit to the temple. Could she really leave the household with peace of mind?

 

Not to mention the old madam’s ever-watchful eye, even this cunning A’Lian was no less troublesome. Every detail had to be carefully considered.

 

Outside the curtains, Qing’er quietly extinguished the lamps and closed the door. Inside, Zhen Yao suddenly furrowed her brows, feeling an abrupt itch at her slender waist, tingling as if bitten by an insect.

 

“A’Lian, stop!”

 

The icy whisper, barely suppressed, was enough to freeze everything.

 

But A’Lian, thick-skinned as ever, feigned ignorance. “What’s wrong?”

 

“You—”

 

“Dear madam, I’m right here!”

 

Their eyes met abruptly, and A’Lian suddenly reached out to grasp the delicate shoulders of the woman before her, her gaze burning with intensity. “That dead man left at just the right time, leaving us sisters to rely on each other.”

 

“Shameless!” Zhen Yao muttered under her breath.

 

Seeing no reaction, A’Lian grew bolder, pressing further. “Well, madam, you’re absolutely right. If I had any shame, I wouldn’t be sharing a bed with you. After all, I’m just a concubine. Who I serve makes no difference. From today onward, I’ll be your concubine.”

 

“Disgusting!”

 

Zhen Yao truly wanted to slap her, but the moment she raised her hand, she inexplicably stopped.

 

“Madam’s heart is pounding so fiercely. It sounds quite intense. I just don’t understand why people in this world insist on saying one thing while meaning another!”

 

“What are your hands doing?” Zhen Yao could bear it no longer.

 

“I don’t know. Wherever they want to go, how could my foolish mind possibly control them?”

 

Testing, teasing, relentlessly pushing her to the brink.

 

“Don’t force me to discipline you.”

 

Zhen Yao’s breathing suddenly grew heavier, and the atmosphere became ambiguous.

 

A’Lian’s heart trembled slightly, but her tongue remained sharp. “The more, the better. Madam, feel free to discipline me to death.”

 

“Wretch!”

 

Having witnessed countless moonlit nights, Zhen Yao had never imagined someone could be so incorrigible. Despite her jade-like beauty, her actions were utterly base.

 

“Scold me all you want, madam. My conscience is clear. After all, no one in this household cares for you more than I do.”

 

In that instant, Zhen Yao keenly sensed a flicker of sadness in A’Lian’s demeanor.

 

Was she unhappy?

 

In Zhen Yao’s eyes, A’Lian was blindly arrogant, capricious, and recklessly bold. But now, she seemed unusually despondent.

 

Had the old madam said something harsh to her?

 

“I don’t need your concern. Instead of overthinking, you’d do better to plan for yourself.”

 

Before Zhen Yao could finish, A’Lian clung to her again like an affectionate puppy, her fair arms tightening around Zhen Yao’s slender back with surprising force.

 

“Madam is absolutely right. That’s exactly what I’m doing. So I must get closer to you!”

 

“Scoundrel!”

 

A’Lian smiled coquettishly, her voice soft and melodious. “Since fate has brought us together, why not savor this golden breeze and jade-like dew? On such a lovely night, why not indulge till dawn?”

 

“You’re with child, how can your mind be filled with such licentious thoughts!” Zhen Yao said breathlessly.

 

“Madam, your face is burning up. Aren’t you just as guilty of blaming me for being pregnant?”

 

“Twisting the truth, arguing shamelessly.”

 

“So what? Madam just doesn’t dare!”

 

“Don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

 

“Go ahead, may Madam pluck freely.”

 

“A’Lian, you truly won’t yield until you see the coffin!”

 

Back and forth they went, sharp words clashing, neither willing to relent.

 

Zhen Yao had no such intentions, but A’Lian pressed relentlessly, her hands and feet growing ever more improper.

 

Their mutual provocation swiftly eroded all sense of propriety.

 

Furious beyond restraint, Zhen Yao flipped her over, pinning A’Lian’s sharp chin with thunderous force, forcing her to meet his piercing gaze.

 

Deep eyes met lowered lashes, the open window carrying a cool breeze.

 

“Then from here on, you wretched maid shall endure it all!”