А wоmаn's intuition told her thаt this Мadam Zhоu would beсоmе hеr grеаtest threаt. Han Yan and Conсubinе Wan wеre nоt wоrth fеаring at аll; оnlу thе оne bеfore her, whо hаd just entеred the mansiоn and alrеady wоn thе mаstеr's fаvоr. Lаst night, he didn't evеn rеst in the Нibisсus Сourtуard—hоw сould that wrеtсh cоmpare tо herself!
Hаn Yаn lоwerеd her head, рrеtеnding to bе uрsеt аs shе sаid, "Fathеr rеallу likes Sistеr Yu Shan. Yestеrdaу whеn I wеnt to рау mу respeсts, he scolded me bеcause оf her." She рoutеd slightlу, adоpting a childish demeanor, and added, "Father has never had breakfast with me before."
Upon hearing this, Concubine Mei's gaze turned even colder, and a flash of resentment flickered in her eyes as she stared at Zhuangshan. Over all these years, her greatest shortcoming was that she had not borne the master a son. Wasn't it because that wretch had raised a daughter for him that she had won his favor? With her own beauty, if she had a son, the position of the main wife would be secure! How could it ever be that woman's turn! Thinking this, she placed her hands on her abdomen as if there were truly a little life growing there.
Han Yan took all of this in, lowering her head to hide the smile at the corner of her mouth. When she looked up again, Zhuang Shiyang and Madam Zhou and her daughter had already entered the room. Han Yan quickly stood up to greet him.
Concubine Mei and Concubine Wan also followed suit in greeting him. Han Yan rose to her feet and said with a smile, "Concubine Wan, Concubine Mei, this is Concubine Zhou, who just entered the mansion yesterday, and this is Sister Yu Shan."
Madam Zhou was taken aback—how had she become a concubine? In an instant, her dream of immediately becoming the main wife of the Zhuang family turned into an illusion.
Zhuang Shiyang hadn't expected Han Yan to say this, but after a moment of thought, he realized that when Madam Zhou entered the mansion, she had come as an outsider, not even a concubine. Promoting her to the main wife now was likely impossible. It would be better to first make her a concubine to placate her, and elevate her status later. So he nodded to Han Yan and said, "No need to be so formal."
Seeing that Zhuang Shiyang did not refute this, Madam Zhou clenched her fists in secret. Han Yan noticed but said nothing, sitting down only after Zhuang Shiyang had taken his seat.
Madam Zhou had entered the mansion hoping to become the main wife, but how could such a cheap deal exist in this world? Han Yan was determined to block this path for Madam Zhou. However, given Zhuang Shiyang's high regard for her, making her a mere concubine was impossible. It was better to follow his wishes and elevate her to the status of a concubine. This would not only ease Zhuang Shiyang's displeasure toward her but also place Madam Zhou on the same level as Concubine Mei. Then, they could see who would outmaneuver whom.
Mama Chen instructed the kitchen to set the table. Concubine Wan kept her head down while eating, and Zhuang Qin remained focused, her behavior proper and restrained. Zhuangshan, likely having never experienced such an exquisite breakfast before, seemed to view it with a different light. But then, Concubine Mei gracefully rose to her feet, her slender waist swaying gently, her voice captivating and enchanting.
"Master, allow your humble concubine to serve you."
Today, Concubine Mei wore a deep green, full-length dress with a front closure. Due to the mourning period, the dress bore no bright patterns, only scattered snow-white flowers. Yet this simplicity did not diminish her beauty; instead, it softened her usually glamorous appearance, adding a touch of elegance. Her dark hair was casually styled into a "fallen horse" bun, with a few slightly curled strands hanging by her fair ears. As she bent to serve the dishes, her slender neck was revealed, and the plain-colored attire accentuated her skin, smooth as jade, making her beauty all the more striking.
Even if Zhuang Shiyang were made of stone, his heart would have stirred, and his gaze instantly grew deep and thoughtful.Concubine Mei met Zhuang Shiyang's gaze with a sweet smile, her words soft and affectionate: "Master, this lotus seed pastry is a new snack the chef has prepared. You must try it."
Concubine Mei had always presented herself as a bold and charming beauty, never before so docile and gentle. While Zhuang Shiyang found it pleasing, he also felt it was refreshing, leaving Madam Zhou and her daughter momentarily ignored.
Han Yan picked up a shrimp dumpling with her chopsticks and took a bite. Watching Madam Zhou's unpleasant expression across the table, she suddenly felt that today's breakfast was especially delicious.
She hadn't expected that even without her stirring the pot, these two would already be at each other's throats. But in a fight between the snipe and the clam, it was hard to say who would ultimately benefit.
After breakfast, Zhuang Shiyang prepared to leave for court. Seeing him depart, Concubine Mei shot Madam Zhou a disdainful snort before exiting the room. Han Yan wiped her mouth and stood up as well. Madam Zhou gave Zhuangshan a meaningful look, and Zhuangshan immediately rose, ingratiatingly addressing Han Yan: "Yan'er, little sister, do you have any plans?"
Han Yan glanced at Madam Zhou, who was smiling over at her, and after a brief consideration replied: "Nothing in particular."
Zhuangshan promptly walked over and took Han Yan's arm: "Since you're free, why not take a stroll in the garden together?"
Mama Chen cast a disdainful look at Madam Zhou and her daughter. They had just entered the manor, yet they were already putting on airs as if they were the masters. Anyone unaware might think Zhuangshan was the legitimate daughter of the Zhuang family.
Unperturbed, Han Yan smiled and patted Zhuangshan's hand: "After all, this is Elder Sister's first time in the manor. I imagine you've never seen the scenery here before. I'll take you around for a walk, so you don't get lost and end up somewhere you shouldn't—that would be unfortunate."
Casually lifting her eyes, she saw exactly what she expected: Zhuangshan's face alternating between pale and flushed, before she forced a smile and said: "Then I'll trouble you, little sister."
Han Yan responded indifferently: "In this manor, aside from Father, everyone calls me Fourth Miss. Elder Sister Yan'er and Concubine Zhou should do the same. Other forms of address sound rather unfamiliar to me."
"You!" Zhuangshan hadn't expected Han Yan to say such a thing and pointed at her in response.
"What about me?" Han Yan asked, feigning confusion. "Why is Elder Sister pointing at me? Pointing at others isn't the behavior of a well-bred young lady."
"Yu Shan!" Madam Zhou suddenly spoke up, her deep gaze fixed on Han Yan as she said slowly: "Fourth Miss is right. A well-bred young lady wouldn't point at others like that. It seems we must find someone to teach you proper manners."
Hearing this, Han Yan raised an eyebrow. A well-bred young lady? How could Zhuangshan, a concubine-born daughter, be considered a well-bred young lady? It seemed they had intended from the start to usurp the position of the legitimate daughter. Truly, a mother and daughter pair with wolfish ambitions. Zhuangshan's eyes reddened with grievance, but she dared not disobey Madam Zhou's command, forcing out the words through gritted teeth: "I was just joking with Fourth Miss. Let's go quickly."
"Third Sister should come along too," Han Yan said, turning to Zhuang Qin beside her. Seeing Zhuang Qin's hesitant expression, she addressed Concubine Wan: "Concubine Wan, it's been a while since I've spoken with Third Sister. May I borrow her for the day?"
Concubine Wan was taken aback, then smiled: "Fourth Miss, you're too polite. Qin'er, keep Fourth Miss company and have a good time today."
Only then did Zhuang Qin step forward, still looking somewhat uncertain. Han Yan, however, took her hand directly and walked ahead, leaving Zhuangshan trailing behind."Mother..." Zhuangshan looked at Madam Zhou, then at Han Yan and Zhuang Qin ahead, stamping her foot in anger.
Madam Zhou frowned slightly: "Hurry and follow them."
After Zhuangshan reluctantly left, Madam Zhou glanced at Concubine Wan standing with her head bowed to the side and smiled: "Sister, would you like to come sit in my courtyard?"
Concubine Wan gently shook her head: "Another day. Today I feel a bit dizzy and wish to return to rest. Xing'er, come help me." The maid beside her hurried forward to support her. Concubine Wan nodded to Madam Zhou: "I'll take my leave now." Without waiting for Madam Zhou's reply, she walked away on her own.
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