The Concubine of the Main Wife - Chapter 8

“Lady benefactor, please do not persist in being unreasonable. The mountain path is smooth now, and you have many servants. Please turn back quickly!”

 

Going back was absolutely out of the question.

 

“Master, do not persuade me. To be honest, I came here to find someone.”

 

Before A’Lian could finish speaking, the nun hesitated slightly and waved her hand dismissively. “There is no one here that the lady benefactor seeks!”

 

“If there is, how will you compensate me, Master?”

 

The woman before her eyes sparkled with mischief, and the nun could only say helplessly, “As a monastic, I do not engage in disputes. Lady benefactor, you may search as you wish.”

 

The mountain’s guest quarters were limited, and if memory served, tonight, the only outsider staying was A’Yao.

 

A’Lian smiled brightly and coquettishly, humming a tune as she headed toward the mountainside.

 

At that time, Zhen Yao was washing up. She still lived in the same small cottage as before, and as she looked around, sorrow welled up in her heart. When her mother was still alive, she could confide all her grievances and sorrows to her. But now, no one asked if she was cold or warm.

 

The dim candlelight flickered, casting shadows on the quiet and gentle woman.

 

In the midst of the silence, sudden noises came from next door, followed by a familiar voice drifting through the air.

 

“Monastics do not lie. Didn’t you say there were no guest rooms left? What are these, then? It seems you’re deliberately opposing me, Master?”

 

A’Lian was furious. This nun was truly detestable!

 

“Madam, perhaps we should go back first.”

 

Before Qing’er could finish, A’Lian immediately crossed her arms and frowned. “Oh, so you’re siding with outsiders now? Well, it seems I’m determined to stay in this Miaochan Temple tonight.”

 

The nun looked embarrassed. She hadn’t intentionally deceived her earlier. It was just that this woman was the concubine of the Su family from Pingxi.

 

Unless absolutely necessary, she had no desire to deal with her!

 

Not long ago, she had heard from pilgrims that the Su family had taken in a pregnant concubine—arrogant, domineering, and utterly ignorant of propriety.

 

The nun suddenly thought of Zhen Yao and silently chanted “Amitabha” under her breath.

 

“Whom exactly is the lady benefactor seeking?”

 

A’Lian didn’t even look up. “Zhen Yao,my mistress!”

 

What a karmic misfortune! But saving a life was akin to building a seven-story pagoda.

 

“She might have gone down the mountain. Lady benefactor, you should hurry home.”

 

Hearing this, A’Lian sullenly interrupted, “I came here specifically to find her. Do you think I don’t know whether she’s at home or not? I advise you, Master, to stop rambling, or I’ll start searching myself.”

 

“You, lady benefactor, are truly biting the hand that feeds you!”

 

The nun glared fiercely at Qing’er, who stood pale and stammering, not daring to step forward. Coldly, she scolded, “As a maidservant, you should attend to your mistress in all matters, not let her act recklessly.”

 

“Yes, Master.”

 

Qing’er replied obediently, but her behavior secretly aroused A’Lian suspicion. However, for now, A’Lian suppressed her anger and pressed urgently for Zhen Yao’s whereabouts.

 

The nun shook her head with a benevolent expression, refusing to reveal anything. Since that was the case, A’Lian had her own methods. No one expected what she did next. She cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted at the top of her lungs.

 

“Madam, Madam… A’Lian is being bullied to death! Why won’t you come out and stand up for me?”

 

The scene left the nun utterly exasperated.

 

This Su family concubine truly knew no bounds. Well, as the saying goes, life and death are fated, and wealth comes from heaven.

 

All is karma!

 

Just as the nun was about to lead her to Zhen Yao’s quarters, a graceful figure appeared on the winding mountain path in the distance.

 

“Madam…”

 

Following A’Lian’s aggrieved gaze, Zhen Yao stood before her draped in a black cloak, her plain white robes stark against the night, her dark hair like clouds framing her face.

 

“How did you get here?”

 

The question was icy, yet beneath it lay a tenderness no one else could detect.

 

The cold night wind made A’Lian visibly shiver. Even her usually captivating peach-blossom eyes lacked their usual charm and allure. Now, with her head bowed low, she looked like a child who had done something wrong.

 

Before Qing’er could speak, the nun sighed deeply and said, “You are the mistress of the Su family. It is your duty to protect the innocent concubines. The temple does not shelter night wanderers. Please, both of you, return.”

 

“You, this master, are too heartless! Today, we insist.”

 

“A’Lian, do not offend. Master, Zhen Yao and her concubine take their leave.”

 

With that, they hastily departed in their carriage.

 

The journey back was lonely under sparse starlight, but the bright moon hung high, casting a clear and serene glow.

 

Inside the carriage, the dim light made it hard to see clearly.

 

A’Lian felt an inexplicable unease, an indescribable dread creeping into her heart. Her thoughts tangled and twisted until, after a moment of hesitation, she abruptly grabbed the other woman’s arm, pressing her soft cheek against it with desperate attachment.

 

“Madam, you haven’t spoken a word since we boarded. A’Lian knows she shouldn’t have left the manor on a whim. I only beg you not to ignore me.”

 

Faced with A’Lian’s plea. A retreat disguised as an advance, Zhen Yao remained silent. Slowly, she raised her arm and began to pull away.

 

A’Lian immediately sensed something was wrong. Tonight, her mistress was different almost as if she had become another person.

 

The faint light dappled Zhen Yao’s beautiful face, half-hidden in shadow, the other half still elegant and composed.

 

“A’Lian, why won’t you listen?”

 

Zhen Yao’s cold eyes suddenly lifted as she abruptly pulled A’Lian into her arms. Caught off guard, A’Lian tilted backward awkwardly, collapsing into Zhen Yao’s embrace. They were so close now that each breath was audible.

 

“This concubine has always obeyed Madam in all things! Truly, this accusation is unjust!”

 

“Unjust or not, I will decide. In the end, it’s only because you’re too greedy.”

 

Though Zhen Yao’s words were ambiguous, they struck A’Lian like a bolt of clarity. A chill ran down her spine, and for the first time, she desperately wanted to break free from the other woman’s hold.

 

“Madam’s words—A’Lian doesn’t understand.”

 

“Oh? Then why did you go to inspect the storeroom? After all, it will be yours sooner or later.” Zhen Yao’s jade-like face hardened.

 

A’Lian’s mind raced in terror, and countless details she had carelessly overlooked suddenly flashed before her.

 

For instance, though her mistress seemed to rarely leave the inner quarters, she was well-read in scriptures, familiar with maps, and even her calligraphy surpassed Chen Rong’s. Beyond that, within the bedchamber, she was neither shy nor timid instead, she often watched A’Lian’s performances with cold detachment.

 

In an instant, a horrifying thought struck A’Lian: her mistress had long since realized something was amiss.

 

“I this lowly concubine was foolish, blinded by greed and vanity. I deserve ten thousand deaths.”

 

“Come here.”

 

Zhen Yao curled her slender fingers indifferently, beckoning with a cold expression.

 

A’Lian wanted nothing more than to flee, but trapped as she was, she had no choice but to comply with exaggerated gentleness.

 

“This concubine is filled with regret. I submit myself to Madam’s judgment.”

 

Warm jade and fragrant silk nestled in her arms, yet the sharp edge in Zhen Yao’s sleeve was unmistakable.

 

After much internal struggle, Zhen Yao finally spoke: “That day, you said you came from Jiangnan, alone and helpless, in need of shelter. I’ve asked myself, have I ever treated you unfairly?”

 

“Yes, yes! Madam has been exceedingly kind to me. To be honest, from the moment we met in Xiling, I knew you were a good person.”

 

“A good person?”

 

Zhen Yao suddenly chuckled softly, then leaned down to nip at her chin, her voice low and suggestive: “Since ancient times, good deeds go unrewarded. A’Lian, I have no desire to be some damned virtuous person!”

 

Danger, provocation, palpitations, desire, loss of control.

 

A’Lian’s dark eyes darted about before her delicate, pale hands firmly encircled Zhen Yao’s neck, planting frantic kisses in a desperate attempt to please: “There is a reward, this lowly woman will repay you right now.”

 

Undoing garments, loosening collars, baring loyalty, offering her neck for the blade.

 

“Stop! I’m not as lust-driven as you think!”

 

At these words, A’Lian immediately frowned, not even catching the underlying meaning in Zhen Yao’s words.

 

“Madam, consider it an act of kindness, a good deed—please let me go!”

 

Whether the task was completed no longer mattered; survival was the priority now. After all, as long as the green hills remain, one need not fear a lack of firewood.

 

But A’Lian was dreaming if she thought Zhen Yao would be as easily fooled as Chen Rong.

 

“You carry the Su family’s heir. Where do you think you’re going?”

 

The lofty flower revealed a trace of ruthlessness, making one regret ever crossing her!

 

“With that dead man gone, keeping this burden would only bring trouble. Rest assured, Madam, your position will remain unshaken for eternity.”

 

The little fox cooed and fawned, finally showing a hint of genuine sincerity.

 

“Let’s not speak of the ghosts in the underworld for now. This burden is our shared reliance, and I, A’Lian, welcome her.”

 

Zhen Yao wiped the tears from the corner of A’Lian’s eye with her lips, slowly tasting them along with the rouge. Bitter, yet more than that an inexplicable ache.

 

“Ah, Madam!”

 

A’Lian threw herself into Zhen Yao’s arms, burying her face and weeping uncontrollably.

 

There was nothing in her belly to begin with. At that moment, she wished Zhen Yao could just give her a child.

 

“I stop crying.”

 

A’Lian’s tears flowed like a spring, unstoppable no matter what.

 

In the silent night, birds startled into flight. Zhen Yao began to hate herself for frightening her!

 

So what if she told little lies or occasionally craved vanity? None of it mattered.

 

“I’ve wronged you, Madam, and shamed eight generations of ancestors. I, Song A’Lian, don’t deserve to live. Just let me die!”

 

A’Lian was pretending. Her eyes darted upward anxiously as she hesitated before feigning a collision with the hard corner of the carriage.

 

She knew some people couldn’t be confronted head-on, especially when the situation was so unfavorable. Playing meek was far better than making a grand exit.

 

Survival came first, and besides, when she had touched Madam’s chest earlier, the heartbeat there had been thunderous.

 

From this, A’Lian concluded that Zhen Yao harbored improper intentions toward her. If that were the case, her beauty would surely make Zhen Yao reluctant to harm her.

 

Sure enough, Zhen Yao utterly inexperienced in matters of the heart immediately surrendered, gripping A’Lian’s slender waist without another word and pressing her forehead against A’Lian’s temple in submission. “I’m sorry.”

 

Hmph, what good were empty words?

 

A’Lian liked Madam Su, but that didn’t mean she would let herself be completely controlled.

 

The one in the palm should always master the hand that holds it.

 

“Why bother with me, Madam? A’Lian’s life has been hard, and I’ve never known anything good. Before coming to the Su household, I’d wag my tail for a mere pastry. Someone as lowly as me is just a waste of resources alive. Better to reincarnate early and find a wealthy family.”

 

“Why belittle yourself? I’ve never looked down on you.”

 

“But you doubted me, and that makes a pure-hearted woman like me wish for death. Let go! I want to die, I want to die!”

 

A’Lian was a masterful actress. Faced with someone like Zhen Yao, who appeared lofty but was actually just bluffing, she was determined to crush that arrogance.

 

“All the faults, all the mistakes, are mine alone. A’Lian, punish me as you will, but please, stop hurting yourself.”

 

You silly fool, now you’re being good!

 

What seemed like a careless mistake, a twist of fate, was in fact a meticulously planned passionate kiss, soon landing like a butterfly’s wings on Zhen Yao’s lips.

 

“I’ll punish you! Hmph, didn’t you keep saying I’m vain? Then I want lots and lots of money.”

 

“Don’t move around. When we get back, I’ll open the chest for you.” Zhen Yao suppressed her urge, beads of sweat forming at her temples.

 

Hearing this, A’Lian secretly gloated, but this was far from enough. If they were going to play, she might as well go all out.

 

“Though A’Lian is ignorant, while feasting on wealthy boats in Jiangnan, I’ve heard of some exquisite jewelry. Madam, buy them for me!”

 

“Tell me what you want.”

 

Under the moonlight, Zhen Yao carefully adjusted the outer garment that had slipped off A’Lian’s shoulder.

 

But the list of luxuries was too long, and A’Lian couldn’t possibly fulfill the task completely. For now, she’d settle for whatever she could get.

 

“Earrings made of pine jade, gold-inlaid jade hairpins with pink silk threads, mandarin duck hairpins, and—”

 

“Every item you mentioned is rare and hard to come by.”

 

Even the usually composed Zhen Yao was taken aback by A’Lian’s demands.

 

This girl would be no easy one to spoil!

 

“Madam, are you already complaining?” A’Lian could’ve kicked herself.

 

In her excitement, she’d fallen back into old habits.

 

“You’re asking for too much. I can’t manage it.” Zhen Yao was always honest.

 

“Scared, aren’t you? Actually, I was just teasing you. Madam, A’Lian doesn’t want anything. There’s only one treasure I’ve dreamed of day and night.”

 

“If it’s within my power.”

 

At these words, A’Lian abruptly sat up, for the first time with solemn focus. Then, as if holding a deity, she cupped Zhen Yao’s face and said word by word, “I want your heart!”

 

No one had ever said such a thing to her. Zhen Yao was an orphan. Though she had once known a mother’s love, it was later snatched away. At some point, she had stopped trusting anyone.

 

“A’Lian, don’t lie to me,” she murmured softly, almost pleading.

 

But A’Lian didn’t notice, for she loved Zhen Yao and herself too. At least at that moment, she couldn’t lose her head completely for the other.

 

“Then, Madam, do you like me? Is it true or just a pretense?”

 

A’Lian could say such words effortlessly, but Zhen Yao would rather die than speak them aloud.

 

Some people remain hidden in the lushness of a lifetime. Some words vanish between the lips, never to be spoken.

 

Faced with Zhen Yao’s unusual silence, A’Lian pouted in dissatisfaction but chose to forgive her.

 

How could she not? Zhen Yao was so breathtakingly beautiful, every gesture exuding charm, even her harsh words were irresistibly alluring…

 

“Madam, we’ve reached Zhushan Ridge.”

 

Hong’er’s sudden reminder made Zhen Yao realize trouble was afoot. But it was too late to change course now, so she decisively sent Qing’er and Hong’er away.

 

“There are villagers here, and you’re familiar with the old woman. Without delay, the concubine and I will take a detour.”

 

“Yes, Madam. Be safe.”

 

The servants bowed as they departed. Zhen Yao took the reins, her expression sharp.

 

A’Lian was utterly confused, but she wasn’t foolish. A glance through the carriage curtains told her exactly where they were.

 

“Why the detour?”

 

“Zhushan Ridge belongs to the Western Mountains. Further in lies the bandit stronghold you mentioned. Traveling light makes it easier to escape.”

 

No wonder. A’Lian asked no more.

 

“You must be tired from driving. Let me take over!” She rolled up her sleeves with a heroic air.

 

Zhen Yao felt both touched and flustered, doing his best to decline.

 

“I’ll keep going. You should rest, we’ll be home by dawn.”

 

“But I can’t sleep. How about I sit beside you and keep you company?”

 

Outwardly, Zhen Yao remained composed, though inwardly, his heart soared.

 

“Then undo my cloak and wear it.”

 

“Why bother? Here, I’m coming in!”

 

With a playful glint in her eyes, A’Lian nestled into his embrace, the two sharing a single robe, inseparable.

 

The road grew darker as they traveled, and soon the moon was swallowed by storm clouds. A bolt of lightning split the sky.