The Glory

Нan Yan shoоk hеr head: "If shе were mеrеlу аrrоgаnt, she wouldn't bе so fearsome. Hаvе yоu cоmрlеtеd the tаsk I аskеd уоu to dо?"

Ji Lan quickly rерlied: "Аs you instructеd, it's alreаdy donе... but will Соnсubinе Меi reallу dо such а thing?"

Наn Yan smilеd: "She will сеrtainly dо it, bеcаuse she, toо, is running out of time."

In Нibisсus Gаrden, Сoncubine Меi wоre а light bluе lоng brосаde gоwn еmbroidеred with lаrge, bloоming pеасh blossоms in рink, strеtсhing from the hem аll the way to her wаist. Her slendеr waist was сinchеd bу a widе, water-red sash tied into a soft bow. The bright, bold colors accentuated her fair skin, striking features, and enchanting beauty.

Jiao Meng said joyfully: "Madam, the master has agreed to lift your confinement. Starting today, you may move freely around the estate."

Upon hearing this, a flicker of delight appeared on Concubine Mei's face, and she eagerly asked: "Has the master remembered me?" She craned her neck to peer outside the door: "Has the master come to Hibiscus Garden?"

Jiao Meng lowered her head and whispered: "It was Fourth Miss who pleaded with the master on your behalf."

Han Yan? Concubine Mei stiffened, her expression gradually darkening. It was truly unexpected that Han Yan would extend goodwill to her at this time. Logically, now that she had fallen out of favor, shouldn't Han Yan be avoiding her? To show kindness to someone who had lost favor, unless... Madam Zhou was becoming increasingly audacious in the estate.

At this thought, her heart tightened, and she asked her maid: "Is that wretch still clinging to the master?"

Jiao Meng cautiously replied: "The master has been staying in Dove Tree Courtyard these past few days..."

It was expected, yet hearing it was still so grating. With a "crack," a teacup shattered on the floor. Concubine Mei's face turned pale with anger: "That seductress!"

Jiao Meng looked at her mistress, bit her lip, and resolved: "Madam, if this continues, and if there is a pregnancy in Dove Tree Courtyard..."

Where would that leave her? Concubine Mei snapped angrily: "I know that well enough! But what can be done now?" The master doted on that wretch, and because of the previous incident, he had grown distant from her. Turning the tables now would be no easy task.

Jiao Meng stepped forward: "Madam, it's not so difficult. If you conceive a child before her, you will naturally regain the master's favor. The master currently has only one son. If you can bear him a young master, Madam Zhou will no longer be able to compete with you."

"Easier said than done," Concubine Mei retorted in frustration. "If I could have borne a child, I would have done so long ago. After all these years without success, where am I supposed to find a son?"

Jiao Meng glanced out the window to ensure no one was nearby, then lowered her voice: "I've heard there is a secret medicine in the palace that, once taken, can create the pulse of pregnancy in a woman. We are truly at our wits' end. If you take that medicine and pretend to be with child, we can bring in an infant from outside after ten months. If you happen to conceive during that time, all the better."

After hearing Jiao Meng's words, Concubine Mei did not show any sign of delight but instead asked: "Where did you hear this?"

Jiao Meng trembled slightly and said: "It was Xiao Hong from the laundry room who mentioned it while chatting with me. Xiao Hong has a sister who works in the palace and has seen many such things."

Seeing Concubine Mei remain silent, Jiao Meng added softly: "What do you think, Madam...""Allow me to think it over." Concubine Mei interrupted her, though she said this, her expression wavered slightly, as if she was truly beginning to consider the idea. Jiao Meng said no more and began cleaning up the shattered porcelain pieces on the floor.

Meanwhile, Ji Lan found Xiao Hong with a pouch of broken silver. The maid, dressed in servant's attire, looked panicked, wearing only a thin, yellowed jacket. Upon seeing Ji Lan, she quickly lowered her head.

Ji Lan placed the silver in her hand: "Remember, this matter must not be known to anyone else. Otherwise, if you lose your life, no one will save you."

The maid trembled at these words but still replied firmly: "Xiao Hong knows nothing."

Ji Lan nodded in satisfaction: "Hurry and take the silver to treat your father's illness."

Peaceful days passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was the eve of New Year's Eve.

On this day last year, her mother was still alive, but this year, everything had changed. The Zhuang residence, however, remained entirely unaffected by the mistress's passing. Instead, with Madam Zhou's involvement, it had become exceptionally lively.

Unlike the Dove Tree Courtyard, which was adorned with lanterns and decorations, the Clear Autumn Courtyard had nothing. The only pair of Spring Festival couplets was one Han Yan had written herself on red paper: "Spring rain threads embroider all things; Red plum blossoms dot the land, moistening the rivers and mountains." The horizontal scroll read: "Spring's vitality abounds."

Ji Lan thought the couplets were too vulgar, but Shu Hong quite liked them. Han Yan smiled without speaking. In the past, when her mother was alive, the couplets she wrote were always profound and elegant, yet tinged with a hint of sorrow. Han Yan knew her mother's heart was heavy. Now that she found herself in this dire situation, her own state of mind had changed. What profundity, what literary fame—it was all a lie. It was better to be an ordinary person, living each day happily and well.

But living happily and well was perhaps even harder. So many people were eyeing her position as the legitimate daughter, and Ming Ge'er was not favored by Zhuang Shiyang. It could be said that apart from her knowledge of the future, she had no bargaining chips.

For now, she would use her foreknowledge of the future to maximize her advantages.

Zhuang Shiyang sent a servant to summon Han Yan to the main hall. Han Yan brought Shu Hong with her, and as soon as they arrived, they saw Madam Zhou and Zhuangshan there as well. Seeing her enter, Zhuang Shiyang said gravely, "Yan'er, tomorrow Yu'er is going to the temple to offer incense and pray for blessings. Accompany her."

The exact same words, as if time had reversed, as if she had returned to that moment in her previous life when she was captured by bandits. Han Yan clenched her fists, feeling an inexplicable excitement and thrill. Tomorrow would be the turning point of this life—whether she could avoid it, whether it would bring fortune or disaster, depended entirely on her.

Han Yan looked up. Madam Zhou was watching her eagerly. Seeing that Han Yan did not answer immediately, she continued, "This humble one and the master must prepare for the New Year's banquet tomorrow and cannot accompany her. The master is truly uneasy about Yu'er, a young lady, going alone. If Fourth Miss could accompany her, it would be a great help."

Han Yan sneered inwardly. How had she replied in her previous life? As soon as Zhuang Shiyang made the suggestion, she had immediately agreed, even discussing preparations with Zhuangshan.

"So Yan'er is so capable that Sister Yushan feels at ease only with her accompanying her out of the residence, without even needing guards."

As soon as Han Yan spoke, Madam Zhou knew she had misspoken. The sarcasm in Han Yan's words angered her, but she had no way to refute it. She could only cast a pleading glance toward Zhuang Shiyang.Zhuang Shiyang's face darkened: "She is your elder sister, how can sisters not look out for each other? No more discussion, tomorrow morning you will set off together with Yu'er!"

Han Yan lowered her head and said: "I understand, Father."

Seeing this, Zhuangshan smiled triumphantly, exchanged a glance with Madam Zhou, then ran over to Zhuang Shiyang's side and began to act coquettishly. Recently, following Madam Zhou's advice, she had grown increasingly affectionate and ingratiating toward Zhuang Shiyang, earning his fondness and many rewards.