Chapter 34

Chapter 34 Xie Jiang was silent for a moment. "It's not really a big deal." In truth, the Song family's excuse at the time was that the Xie family had sold their daughter for advancement, sending her into the prince's household as a concubine, tarnishing the reputation of a pure stream family. The Song family refused to have anything more to do with them. The excuse was utterly vile, but it was convincing. Because the Xie family had indeed sold their daughter for advancement. And the Song family had always prided themselves on their scholarly lineage and pure stream heritage—they would naturally never be willing to marry a man whose sister was a concubine. Even if that concubine belonged to Prince Jing. But the Song family had taken advantage of the situation, stepping on the Xie family to elevate their own standing—that was even more disgusting. Xie Jiang didn't tell Xie Run this now because she felt it was the Xie and Song families who were disgusting, and it had nothing to do with Xie Run. She was also afraid that Xie Run, with her strong sense of pride, would be upset to hear it. There was no helping it—that was the original owner's personality. Otherwise, she wouldn't have hanged herself in grief and indignation. "You sent word home this time, mentioning the matter of Yuli." After chatting for a while, the two finally got to the main topic. Xie Run didn't hide anything. "The prince's rear courtyard isn't peaceful. Yuli has a calculating nature and isn't suited to maneuvering in the courtyard. But she's extremely loyal to me, so I thought I'd have the family select a good marriage for her." With that, she subtly mentioned Yuli's childhood sweetheart from next door. After hearing Xie Run's words, Xie Jiang left with Yuli in tow. Now the head maids of Linxuan Pavilion were Dantao and Xiaoshu, but the second-class maids were gone, leaving only rough-service maids and matrons. Xie Run listened to Xiaoshu's recommendations, conducted an assessment, and promoted two newcomers. One was given the name Lüzhi, and the other Hongxi. Xiaoshu joked, asking Xie Run to rename her. "Their names are all so pretty, with colors in them. That leaves me as the only one without." Hongxi, the youngest of the newcomers, was also the most clever. She smiled, showing her little tiger teeth. "That's what shows you're uniquely favored, Sister Xiaoshu. Unlike me and Sister Lüzhi—when we went to fetch the meals earlier, someone mistook us for people from Mistress Han's side." Concubine Han's courtyard had two maidservants, one with "green" in her name and one with "red." The two of them were unfamiliar faces, so it was easy to be mistaken. Xiaoshu was amused by her, poking her between the eyebrows with a finger. "You're the only one who can talk like that. Your mouth's like it's been dipped in honey." Xie Run watched the maids play around and found it entertaining, laughing along with them. Now her Linxuan Pavilion had finally been fenced in tight. Just as everyone was looking forward to Prince Jing's return to the capital, news suddenly arrived. It was said that during the disaster relief efforts, the daughter of Mizhou Prefect Jiang Bin had rendered great service and was entering the capital together with Prince Jing. Once this rumor spread, it carried a certain ambiguous flavor. When Xie Run went to pay her morning respects, she heard Consort Yun say in a gentle voice, "It seems we're about to have another sister." Fang Yuan'er let out a light laugh, tinged with mockery. "I'm afraid it won't just be a sister." The daughter of the Mizhou Prefect, with merit in disaster relief—surely she'd become a Side Consort, wouldn't she? Consort Yun's smile turned somewhat pale when she heard this. She'd given half her life to earn the position of Concubine Consort, yet others could easily become Side Consorts and tower over her. Who could accept that? Having been through many things, Fang Yuan'er wasn't the least bit surprised by this Jiang Baobao who had suddenly appeared to replace Wan Linlang. After all, Xie Run, who was supposed to hang herself on the second day after entering the household, was now doing just fine as a Concubine Consort, pregnant with child. Only those who'd seen little would be surprised. Having seen much, one naturally became calm. Xie Run played the obedient role on the side, listening without speaking. The Princess Consort, seated at the head, said very composedly, "I'm afraid it's not just one." The teacup in Consort Yun's hand wobbled. She asked in surprise, "This... are there more new sisters?" Prince Jing was not a lustful man. Bringing back two women from an official trip didn't match his character at all. Only then did the Princess Consort mention Wan Linlang's existence. "She's said to be a female physician who presented a prescription for treating the plague, rendering no small merit. She admires the Prince and begged for the position of concubine." If one truly counted, only Wan Linlang was actually entering the household. That Miss Jiang hadn't even shown her face yet. Since she was only a concubine, Consort Yun completely dismissed Wan Linlang as irrelevant. Fang Yuan'er and Xie Run didn't bring it up, and the Princess Consort certainly wouldn't either. When the morning respects ended, Fang Yuan'er returned to Xiachi Courtyard and couldn't help but burst out laughing. "She actually has her day after all!" "Someone, bring me wine! This Concubine Consort is happy today—I must drink a few cups to celebrate!" In her previous life, Wan Linlang had entered the household as a Concubine Consort. Bearing the title of Prince Jing's savior, Wan Linlang enjoyed a month of exclusive favor upon entering, her prestige unmatched for a time. The original Fang Yuan'er had suffered losses at her hands for half a lifetime. So when Fang Yuan'er transmigrated into this book, she had remained vigilant against this ferocious opponent. It was like a sword hanging over her neck—she could never feel at ease. Who would have thought that before she could even make a move, Wan Linlang had walked herself into a dead end. Now Fang Yuan'er was a Concubine Consort, while Wan Linlang was only a concubine. If Fang Yuan'er wanted to deal with Wan Linlang, it would be far too simple. With Wan Linlang's ambition, her first goal upon entering the household would surely be to rise to Concubine Consort. Then she'd help things along—push Lady Han or Lady Li forward and block Wan Linlang's path to promotion! With that thought, Fang Yuan'er inexplicably found herself looking forward to Wan Linlang's arrival. The attendants didn't understand why, but they followed the order and brought the wine. Fang Yuan'er thought for a moment, then suddenly added, "Send a jug of wine to Linxuan Pavilion as well." Her heart was light, and she particularly wanted someone to share in her joy. In this prince's residence, the only person Fang Yuan'er could truly relax and celebrate with was Xie Run. Those around her advised, "Mistress, Concubine Xie is with child—how can she drink wine?" "If you send something like this, and someone uses it as a pretext, it will bring no small amount of trouble." Fang Yuan'er paid no heed and insisted on sending it. It was rare for her to act so carelessly, yet she followed her whim, "Just go and deliver it." When the wine reached Xie Run, she was first confused. She was about to decline when suddenly she understood something. She said with a smile, "Since it's Sister Fang's kind gesture, I won't stand on ceremony." With that, she gestured for Dantao to accept the wine. She also gave some silver to dismiss the maidservant who had delivered it. Dantao held the wine, unsure what to do with it, "Mistress, where should I put this?" "Put it away. I'll drink it another time." Having just returned from the Princess Consort's Qingsong Courtyard, Fang Yuan'er sent her wine right after. Xie Run vaguely guessed it had something to do with the third female lead, Wan Linlang. Like Fang Yuan'er, she had also been on guard against Wan Linlang's appearance. When she suddenly heard that Wan Linlang had earned the position of concubine through presenting a remedy, Xie Run was momentarily stunned. This was completely different from the original novel's plot. But Xie Run accepted it quickly, with a hint of quiet delight. Wan Linlang had been able to stir up trouble in the prince's harem for so long for two reasons: first, Prince Jing's favor, and second, her position as Concubine Consort. Prince Jing's favor was tied to her life-saving grace in his previous life. This time around, the Princess Consort hadn't mentioned that matter, so clearly that favor was gone. As for the Concubine Consort position, that went without saying. Without those two advantages, the harm Wan Linlang could cause was limited. At this moment, Xie Run was actually worried about whether Wan Linlang could withstand Fang Yuan'er's "retaliation." The next day, Prince Jing returned to the residence and stayed in the main courtyard. Prince Jing always showed respect to the Princess Consort—it was the established rule. The following morning, Prince Jing went to court early. All the women in the prince's harem were calculating: where would the Prince spend his first night back? But who would have thought—the Prince brought back a Side Consort! The Emperor himself had decreed it. Jiang Baobao, daughter of the Mizhou Prefect, had rendered meritorious service in disaster relief, and was specially bestowed upon Prince Jing as Side Consort! The news spread through the harem like it had grown wings. Everyone was caught completely off guard. Even the Princess Consort only learned of it when the Prince returned from court. The Princess Consort attended to the Prince's changing of clothes, a faint smile on her face: "Congratulations, Prince, on gaining another beauty." The Prince's face showed no joy, only indifference, "She was bestowed by Imperial Father. Just handle the arrangements according to protocol." This was his way of signaling to the Princess Consort that he would grant the new Side Consort no special favor. The Princess Consort could also tell that the Prince was not particularly fond of this new Side Consort. The Princess Consort paused in thought, then asked, "The new Concubine Wan has already been settled in. As for Lady Han and Concubine Li bestowed by Mother Consort, when would the Prince like to visit them?" "No rush." The Prince still showed little interest. Instead, he asked about matters within the residence, "How are the pregnant ones faring?" "Their pregnancies are all stable now." The Princess Consort smiled. "Speaking of which, I have good news to tell the Prince." The Prince looked up. The Princess Consort said, "A few days ago, the residence physician took her pulse and said Consort An may be carrying twins this time." The Prince finally showed a trace of a smile. "She's a well-behaved one. I'll trouble the Princess Consort to look after her well." Actually, Xie Run had misunderstood. The Princess Consort looked after Consort An not out of kindness, but because the Prince had specifically instructed it. The Prince was not a heartless man—those who bore his children, unless they committed grave errors, he would always protect. The Princess Consort said with a smile, "Precisely because she's well-behaved, I had the news suppressed. We can announce it once she delivers the twins—no rush." The Prince praised her, "You've handled this matter properly, Princess Consort." After leaving Qingsong Courtyard, he bestowed many fine gifts upon the Princess Consort. Wan Linlang had entered the residence together with the Prince. Since the Prince had arrived back at the residence after dark, travel-worn and weary, formalities were not strictly observed. The Princess Consort had her moved directly into the courtyard prepared in advance—she hadn't even been given the chance to serve tea to the principal wife. For this, Wan Linlang felt herself targeted by the Princess Consort. In her previous life, she had entered the residence in grand style, and even the Princess Consort had to treat her with respect. In this life, upon entering the residence, the Princess Consort wouldn't even accept her tea! She might not have wanted to serve tea to the Princess Consort anyway, but the Princess Consort not arranging for her to do so carried a different meaning entirely. Wasn't this telling the whole residence that the Princess Consort looked down on her? Wan Linlang mentally noted a grudge against the Princess Consort. On the other side, Fang Yuan'er, Consort Yun, and Lady Han all waited eagerly, hoping the Prince would come to their courtyards that night. Xie Run had always avoided vying for attention, so naturally she held no expectations about whether the Prince would come. Some days earlier, someone from the prince's estate had presented several baskets of pomelos as tribute, and the Princess Consort had gifted one basket to Xie Run. Xie Run didn't care for sour things, and her tastes hadn't changed much during pregnancy, but recently she had developed a fondness for the sweet-and-sour flavor of pomelos. Not only did she eat the pomelos, she also had the small kitchen staff experiment with cooking dishes using pomelo. The small kitchen was only too happy to accommodate her requests, hoping for rewards. Every day brought a new creation. Xie Run wasn't satisfied with just eating—she also had the pomelo peels saved, piled in a corner and roasted over the fire, filling the entire room with the fresh scent of pomelo. Xiaoshu had just returned from fetching the meal, still chattering about the new Concubine Wan. "I heard that when Concubine Wan entered the residence that day, it was so late that the Princess Consort simply sent her straight to Embroidery Moon Pavilion—she didn't even get to serve tea." Dantao said, "The Prince also returned late that day, and the journey was rushed. It's only natural that he couldn't attend to Mistress Wan." Xie Run couldn't help but ask, "She didn't serve tea—did Concubine Wan have any reaction?" Xiaoshu said curiously, "What reaction could she have? This was decided by the Prince and Princess Consort. Could she possibly say no?" "True. She's always been a magnanimous and generous person." After saying this, Xie Run suddenly laughed to herself. She remembered something. In her previous life, Wan Linlang had cultivated the persona of a virtuous and dignified woman. Strictly speaking, virtuous dignity was the Princess Consort's role, not something a concubine like her should touch. But she insisted on doing it anyway, precisely to compete with the Princess Consort. Because she had entered the residence as a Concubine Consort and was quite favored by Prince Jing, she naturally had the capital to provoke the Princess Consort in her previous life. But this life was completely different. Xie Run wondered—was Wan Linlang still planning to walk the path of virtue and dignity? From Xie Run's understanding, Prince Jing wasn't fond of that type. Dantao and Xiaoshu heard her words but were somewhat confused. When had their mistress ever known that Lady Wan? Xie Run casually changed the subject. "It was hot for months on end, and now we've barely entered winter, yet we're already burning charcoal. The weather this year is truly strange." She poked at the pomelo peels roasting beside the brazier. Dantao couldn't help but say, "Mistress, do stay farther from the charcoal fire. Be careful not to get burned." Xie Run, supporting her slightly protruding belly, stepped back a little. Xiaoshu came forward with tea and said softly, "Speaking of charcoal fires, I heard that Consort Yun's side has already started burning several braziers." Here at Linxuan Pavilion, only one brazier was lit, just to ward off a bit of the chill. Xie Run mused, "She's probably weak after her miscarriage." "That's what I heard," Xiaoshu said. "But she'll need to burn charcoal until the second or third month of next year. At the rate she's burning it, her official allowance alone might not be enough." Xie Run said, "It won't come to that. There are two masters on her side—it should be sufficient." Princess Ruyi was raised by Consort Yun, so the Commandery Princess's allowance naturally went to Consort Yun's use as well. Just before the evening meal, news came from Green Pine Courtyard—the Prince was spending the night at the main courtyard again. Some rejoiced, others grieved. Xie Run continued eating her pomelo, waiting to watch the drama unfold. Over on her side, Fang Yuan'er had dressed herself exquisitely and seductively, waiting for Prince Jing to arrive. But instead, she received word that the Prince had settled in at Green Pine Courtyard. Fang Yuan'er wasn't angry. Supporting her now-visible belly, she curled her red lips into a smile. "Bring two people along. Let's go take a stroll to Embroidery Moon Pavilion." Qiuxiang was taken aback. "Embroidery Moon Pavilion?" "Yes." Fang Yuan'er's smile was rich with meaning. "I heard the new Concubine Wan didn't even serve tea to the Princess Consort. I simply must go offer her a few words of comfort." Whether due to the influence of the plot or not, Fang Yuan'er herself deeply despised Wan Linlang. This hatred had reached the point where merely thinking of the woman stirred an inexplicable anger in her heart. Now Fang Yuan'er was a Concubine Consort, and Wan Linlang was a mere concubine. Why should she swallow this anger and suffer in silence? Soon, Fang Yuan'er led a large entourage to Embroidery Moon Pavilion. Wan Linlang had just entered the residence and hadn't yet had time to win over her servants. The moment the new maidservant saw Fang Yuan'er approaching with such intimidating force, she was so cowed she didn't dare say a word. She simply opened the main door and let Fang Yuan'er into the main chamber. Wan Linlang was in the middle of her meal. When she saw Fang Yuan'er, every hair on her body stood on end. Not from fear—but from rage!