Наn Yаn соntinuеd gently, "Distrасtеd? Whу nоt tell me what уоu're distraсted abоut? Реrhарs I сan helр you." Her words werе quitе clеar. Jiао Меng was tаkеn аbасk, loоking at Han Yаn in surрrise. Нow could thаt be pоssible...
But thеn Наn Yаn sаid саlmly, "Is it abоut thе debt?"
Аftеr Нan Yаn spоkе these wоrds, Jiаo Мeng trembled аnd suddenly raisеd hеr hеad.
"Wаs it Fourth Miss who did it?" Аftеr а long whilе, shе finаllу mаnаged tо sаy with diffiсulty.
Jiаo Mеng was nоt fооlish, so shе quiсklу rеalized that Сhen Er had been sеt up. Han Yаn's apрeаrаncе was too coincidental, making it impossible not to suspect a connection between the two.
Han Yan smiled faintly, shaking her finger in front of Jiao Meng. "Who did it isn't important. What matters is that only I can help you now."
Jiao Meng stared fixedly at this Fourth Miss before her. To say she felt no resentment would be false, but more important than resentment was the fear that arose when facing Han Yan. The servants in the manor all said Fourth Miss was compassionate and kind-hearted, but who could have imagined she possessed such cunning, deliberately luring someone into a scheme that would bankrupt them? Was this Fourth Miss truly compassionate? Probably not entirely. Thus, Han Yan's smiling expression seemed somewhat inscrutable in her eyes.
"What does Fourth Miss want this servant to do?" Jiao Meng said slowly. She had a rough idea of what Han Yan was planning.
Han Yan replied straightforwardly, "I want you to be my inside informant."
"No." Although Jiao Meng was merely a servant and harbored resentment toward Concubine Mei, she was still unwilling to betray her mistress. Without hesitation, she refused Han Yan's request.
Han Yan said calmly, "You can refuse. I won't force you. But even if it's not you, someone else will become my informant. To me, having you or not makes no difference. However, the debt your brother owes—only I can help you repay it now. To you, having me or not makes a world of difference." She spoke slowly, without any emotion. "You can naturally remain loyal to Concubine Mei—that is your duty as a servant. But to Concubine Mei, you are merely a loyal servant. When your brother is overwhelmed by massive gambling debts, when your father is left destitute and wandering in his old age, will your mistress truly care enough to ask after you?"
She leaned forward, her voice carrying a bewitching charm. "I am someone who rewards and punishes clearly. Although I cannot fully trust you, if you help me, I will surely reward you handsomely. At the very least... the Xuan Qing Prince Consort can spare a few silver coins."
These words were spoken very cleverly. Han Yan did not directly state what was best to do but instead laid out the pros and cons of the entire matter in a businesslike manner. By saying she did not trust Jiao Meng, she actually made Jiao Meng trust her more. Indeed, no one would genuinely trust someone from the enemy's side. Han Yan first explained the benefits and drawbacks for Jiao Meng, then stated the conditions she could offer, and finally invoked the title of Xuan Qing Prince Consort, combining both carrot and stick. This was an excellent way to manage people. After hearing this, Jiao Meng's expression was no longer as resolute as before.Han Yan straightened up, casting a faint glance at the camellia before her. "There's no need to rush to tell me. Tomorrow is the day the gambling debt comes due. At that time, you can tell me your decision." With a light smile, she turned and left, not sparing Jiao Meng another glance.
This carefree demeanor, however, stirred a flicker of doubt in Jiao Meng. If Han Yan had stubbornly insisted on her terms, Jiao Meng would have been inclined to resist. Yet, precisely because Han Yan seemed so indifferent, Jiao Meng couldn't help but wonder: Could she truly have another way? Indeed, she was so resourceful—she could accomplish things even without me. But if I lose her, my father and brother will be left destitute. At this thought, the last trace of hesitation vanished from her heart.
Han Yan had left the choice to Jiao Meng, and Jiao Meng did not disappoint her. Without waiting until the next day, that very evening, Ji Lan came to inform Han Yan that Jiao Meng had entrusted her with a message: she was willing to share the burdens of the Fourth Miss.
Han Yan set down the book in her hand and rubbed her temples. "Ji Lan, am I too cruel?"
Ji Lan was taken aback. "How could Miss be cruel? Miss is the kindest person in the world." Han Yan treated her servants well; though they were master and servant, their bond was more like that of sisters. In grand mansions, which young ladies truly regarded their maids as human beings? Yet their own young lady genuinely cared for them.
Han Yan let out a bitter laugh. "In the eyes of others, I must be utterly wicked." As she spoke, a fleeting look of self-loathing flashed in her eyes. She despised this version of herself—willing to do anything to achieve her goals. Exploiting someone's family to control them, even forcing them to act on her behalf—such methods would have been beneath her in the past. In truth, Jiao Meng's brother had done nothing wrong, yet to achieve her ends, she had deliberately led him into gambling addiction, causing an elderly man to live in fear and tearing apart what was once a stable family.
Shu Hong seemed to understand what Han Yan was thinking and comforted her, "There are always unavoidable circumstances in this world, Miss. Do not grieve too much. Everything is fated in its own way."
Han Yan smiled. "You're becoming more and more perceptive." In her heart, she thought, perhaps this was the only way to see it. Who in this world truly lived better than others? Her actions might not be entirely without merit—perhaps they were even helping Jiao Meng. Aiding Concubine Mei in her wicked deeds would only invite retribution sooner or later. So what if she was truly cruel? The paths in this world were all walked step by step. If she remained as kind-hearted as before, she would only be devoured, leaving not even bones behind.
With this thought, the weight in her heart lightened a little.
In the blink of an eye, it was the third month of spring.
The weather grew increasingly clear and bright. Concubine Mei's belly swelled day by day. Zhuang Shiyang seemed to dote on this long-awaited son, showering Concubine Mei with care and attention. Somehow, Madam Da Zhou had managed to mend the rift that Han Yan's words had created between her and Zhuang Shiyang. With Concubine Mei too heavy with child to attend to him, and Madam Zhou deliberately creating opportunities, Madam Da Zhou and Zhuang Shiyang's relationship quickly returned to its former harmony.On this day, Concubine Mei's birthday, Zhuang Shiyang was in high spirits and invited several colleagues. Madam Zhou and Madam Da Zhou also invited some familiar ladies. Although Concubine Mei had limited mobility, seeing Zhuang Shiyang value her so much naturally filled her heart with great joy. The visiting ladies and young misses, observing Zhuang Shiyang's attentiveness toward his concubine, concluded that she was the future mistress of the Zhuang household. Meanwhile, Madam Zhou, acting unusually submissive, behaved with great humility in front of Concubine Mei.
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