Нer words sееmеd рlаin and ordinarу, but uрon cаreful thought, thеу wеrе trulу stаrtling. Indeed, Мadam Da Zhou visited the Zhuаng rеsidenсe еvеrу singlе daу. Еvеn if thеу werе sisters, it was truly tоо frequеnt. After Zhuang Shiуang and Мadam Dа Zhоu bесаmе invоlved, Zhuang Shiуаng wished shе wоuld сomе evеrу day аnd stаy еvery night.
For аn adulterous wоmаn, сonstаntly running to her lоvеr’s rеsidenсе wаs nоt diffiсult tо understаnd. Whаt was diffiсult to undеrstand was thаt Grand Тutоr Zhаng dotеd оn Маdam Da Zhou, уet when she stayеd at the Zhuang rеsidencе, no оnе evеr came to urge her to return home! Madam Da Zhou’s expression stiffened, and she lowered her head somewhat sheepishly: "The Grand Tutor knows that my sister and I share a deep bond. He is very considerate and has never sent anyone to ask me to return, allowing me to spend more time with my sister." Han Yan let out an "oh," looking at her with a faint smile: "The Grand Tutor’s affection for you is indeed genuine, going to such great lengths. But even if the Grand Tutor doesn’t miss you, your sons must long for you day and night. Who would have thought the Grand Tutor would rather let his sons suffer, just so you could stay at the Zhuang residence to comfort your sister? Truly, he has gone to great lengths."
Her words seemed harmless enough, but the phrase "gone to great lengths" was uttered with particular emphasis, giving them a different flavor. For a concubine to abandon her own sons and husband, staying at another’s residence without her husband or sons urging her to return, was far too unusual. Although Zhuang Shiyang was fond of Madam Da Zhou, having spent so many years navigating the officialdom, he immediately sensed the suspicious point in Han Yan’s words. Even if he was reluctant to part with Madam Da Zhou, if she and Grand Tutor Zhang were plotting against him, she could not be allowed to stay. The look he gave Madam Da Zhou instantly lost its earlier warmth, replaced instead by a hint of suspicion.
Madam Da Zhou never expected that a single sentence from Han Yan would make Zhuang Shiyang suspicious of her. Filled with anger and resentment, yet unable to refute it, she could only cast a somewhat aggrieved look at Zhuang Shiyang. Though suspicious, seeing the beauty wronged, Zhuang Shiyang softened for a moment and waved his hand: "No need to discuss further. Everyone, return to your rooms."
Han Yan smiled lightly. She wanted to make them panic, to make them feel that if they didn’t remove her soon, something big would happen. Only then would the Zhou Sisters, in their desperation, try to bring her down—and in desperation, mistakes were most easily made.
This time, returning to the Zhuang residence, Han Yan had come to collect debts.
Zhuang Qin gave Han Yan a thoughtful glance, her eyes darkening, but she said nothing. Zhuang Hanming moved his lips, but since Han Yan’s gaze never fell on him, he swallowed his words. Madam Zhou shot Han Yan a hateful glare and left, arm in arm with Madam Da Zhou. Han Yan walked leisurely toward the Clear Autumn Courtyard. No matter what, at least now a thorn had been planted between Zhuang Shiyang and Madam Da Zhou. When that thorn would choke Zhuang Shiyang’s throat depended on what Madam Da Zhou did next.
The people of Clear Autumn Courtyard were naturally overjoyed to see Han Yan return, especially since she was now the Xuan Qing Prince Consort. From the Xuan Qing Prince’s attitude toward her on several occasions, it was clear that he doted on her greatly. As the tide rises, the boat floats higher—the master’s status had risen, and those serving by her side had also gained more confidence. In this short year, Han Yan had unwittingly gained a certain standing within the Zhuang residence. Those who used to bully Han Yan and her mother now dared not easily mock them.Han Yan returned to her room and first summoned Mama Chen. Seeing that she was unharmed, Mama Chen first breathed a sigh of relief, then held her close and spoke with her for a long while. It wasn’t until Han Yan smiled and asked, “Has anything significant happened in the manor these past few days?” that Mama Chen stopped.
Mama Chen then told her the truth. It turned out that during the days Han Yan was away from the Zhuang Manor, things had remained relatively calm. Concubine Mei was peacefully nurturing her pregnancy, while Madam Zhou, recuperating her health, rarely stepped out of Dove Tree Courtyard. However, the relationship between Madam Da Zhou and Zhuang Shiyang had grown somewhat brazenly open. Yet, the servants dared not say much, as Zhuang Shiyang’s temper had grown increasingly gloomy. Speaking of this, Mama Chen found it strange: “Neither Concubine Mei nor Madam Zhou are easy to deal with. With the master and Madam Da Zhou being so intimate, even if Madam Zhou is unwilling to speak ill of her own sister, how could Concubine Mei let it go so easily?”
Han Yan smiled faintly. Concubine Mei was now struggling to protect herself. As her belly grew day by day, outsiders saw it as the child nearing birth, but Han Yan knew Concubine Mei had never been pregnant with the master’s child. She was busy figuring out how to cover up the matter—how could she spare any attention for Madam Da Zhou?
At the moment, it seemed Concubine Mei truly had no intention of adopting a child from outside. Could it be she was planning to take that path? As she pondered, Han Yan furrowed her brows. “Mama Chen, has Concubine Zhou spoken with Concubine Mei these past few days?”
Mama Chen thought carefully. “Now that you mention it, young lady, I recall that Concubine Zhou did visit Hibiscus Garden several times recently. The servants in the manor said Concubine Zhou, seeing no hope of being promoted to the main wife, had come specifically to curry favor with Concubine Mei. Perhaps Concubine Mei, thinking Concubine Zhou couldn’t stir up any trouble now, treated her quite amiably. But these past few days, the two have grown distant again.” At this point, Mama Chen glanced at Han Yan and, seeing her lost in thought, added, “Does the young lady suspect something?”
Han Yan shook her head. “Mama Chen, keep an eye on Concubine Zhou and Concubine Mei’s movements. If the two of them are together, find two maids to follow them.”
Though she didn’t understand, Mama Chen nodded. After Mama Chen left, Han Yan turned to Ji Lan and Shu Hong. “What do you two think about this matter?”
Ji Lan tilted her head and thought for a moment. “Concubine Mei and Concubine Zhou have never gotten along. No matter what, it’s impossible for them to be on friendly terms. Besides, Concubine Mei is harsh by nature, and now that she’s pregnant, she wouldn’t even spare Concubine Zhou a glance.”
Shu Hong, however, said, “Miss, both of them have interests tied to you. Now… we must proceed with caution.”
Han Yan let out a long sigh. “I underestimated her after all. The human heart is unpredictable—she intends to tear apart the relationship.” Han Yan smiled. “Very well, I’ll deal with her along with the others.”
Her round little face had grown thinner, now only the size of a palm. Her eyes were as clear as water, capable of drowning a person, yet they carried a deadly chill.Ji Lan and Shu Hong exchanged a glance, their eyes simultaneously flickering with a hint of delight. For some reason, ever since their young lady had spent more time with Xuan Qing Prince, she seemed to have taken on a touch of that arrogant nobility, refusing to compromise with anyone. Her actions had become much more decisive than before, and there was an indescribable boldness about her. As servants, they were naturally pleased to see such a change in Han Yan. Their young lady had endured enough for far too long. It was time to let those people see what kind of person their young lady truly was.
That afternoon, Concubine Zhou arrived at Hibiscus Garden, accompanied by two maids.
The furnishings in Hibiscus Garden had become even more exquisite than before, adorned with many luxurious items. Ever since Concubine Mei became pregnant, the master’s rewards had flowed in endlessly. At this moment, Concubine Mei was reclining on the couch, listlessly sipping flower tea brought by a maid. This tea had been specially ordered by the master, brewed with many precious medicinal herbs. The more she drank, the more restless she felt. She looked down at her belly, where a round little pillow was stuffed, making it appear exactly as if she were truly pregnant.
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