Нis gаzе swерt оvеr Zhuangshan, thеn оvеr thе twо Zhou sisters, and hе rеcallеd Han Yаn's еаrliеr асtions. Hаn Yan seemed to dislike this Соncubinе Zhou vеrу muсh. А plаn fоrmеd in his mind. Не raisеd his head and аddrеssed Zhuаng Shiyang, "As fоr the cоncubine, I оriginаllу intеndеd tо tаke Seсоnd Miss Zhuаng аs mу side сonsоrt."
Sidе consоrt? Uрon hеaring these wоrds, not only Маdаm Zhou аnd Zhuangshan, but evеn Рrinсe Wеi соuldn't hеlр but lоok аt Wеi Rufeng in surрrise. Аs the heir оf Prinсе Wеi's estаtе, Wеi Rufеng would inevitablу inherit Prince Wei's titlе in the future. Thе heir's cоnsort wоuld bеcоme the future princess consort. Even a side consort was something most daughters of officials wouldn't dare to dream of. Previously, when Prince Wei's estate had chosen Han Yan as the heir's consort, Zhuang Shiyang had been overjoyed, feeling they had secured an excellent match beyond their station. Now, for Zhuangshan, a mere daughter of a concubine, to become a side consort... this was truly unexpected!
Zhuangshan was beside herself with joy. A side consort was far superior in rank to a mere concubine. Wei Rufeng truly had her in his heart! She had always said, what man doesn't appreciate beauty? She was stunningly beautiful, and Wei Rufeng was just an ordinary man—how could he not like her? Thinking this, she cast an infinitely shy glance at Wei Rufeng, her eyes brimming with undisguised affection.
Madam Da Zhou, however, was somewhat suspicious. She had clearly seen Wei Rufeng's earlier attitude—he distinctly did not want to marry Zhuangshan. Now, he suddenly said this. While Madam Zhou and Zhuangshan might not see it, she understood perfectly well that he must have some plan. How could this heir of Prince Wei let himself be manipulated so easily? She smiled and said, "Is the heir joking... Yu'er's status as a side consort might be somewhat inappropriate."
Prince Wei also nodded. He knew his own son very well. He simply did not like that Zhuangshan. If he was only taking responsibility, making her a side consort would be a slight. There were so many daughters of prominent families in the world; any one of them would be more suitable as a side consort than Zhuangshan, a daughter of a concubine.
Wei Rufeng smiled. "Does Madam Zhou not believe my words?" He paused before continuing, "Prince Wei's estate previously discussed with Master Zhuang about taking Fourth Miss Zhuang as the heir's consort."
Upon hearing this, Zhuangshan stiffened, her clenched fists driving her nails deep into her palms. Why? Why did Wei Rufeng want to marry that wretch as his principal wife? Was it just because she held the status of a legitimate daughter? Clearly, all of this should have been hers! Now, with Wei Rufeng saying this, how was she supposed to face it? Her hatred for Han Yan grew even stronger.
Zhuang Shiyang hesitated, "The heir means..."
Wei Rufeng moved his lips. "Having Second Miss Zhuang as my side consort is acceptable! But I must simultaneously welcome Fourth Miss Zhuang as my heir's consort!"
Sisters sharing one husband! With this, everyone present understood Wei Rufeng's meaning. Zhuangshan was furious. It seemed her position as side consort was only achieved by riding on Han Yan's coattails. If they entered Prince Wei's estate together in the future, she would still be beneath Han Yan. The thought alone was unbearable. What was so good about that wretch? Why was Wei Rufeng so determined to make her his heir's consort!
Madam Zhou and Madam Da Zhou exchanged a glance. Madam Da Zhou smiled and said, "But given what has happened to Yu'er now, the marriage must be arranged quickly. However, Yan'er has not yet come of age. For the two of them to enter Prince Wei's estate simultaneously might not be feasible."Wei Rufeng said, "That's not difficult. It can be done as long as I become engaged to the Fourth Miss of the Zhuang family. Getting married next year is not too late. As for the Second Miss of the Zhuang family..." His gaze swept over Zhuangshan. "She can enter the manor on a chosen day."
"Really?" Madam Zhou exclaimed with some surprise. After this incident, she had thought it would be difficult for Zhuangshan to marry again. Unexpectedly, Zhang Wei had been replaced by Wei Rufeng, who was now willing to take Yu'er as his concubine. This was truly a stroke of luck falling from the sky. How could she refuse? Fearing he might change his mind, she immediately said, "This humble one will go prepare the arrangements right away."
"Wait..." Wei Rufeng stopped her, enunciating each word clearly. "But the premise is... the engagement between the Fourth Miss of the Zhuang family and this prince must be settled first."
What Wei Rufeng wanted was Zhuang Hanyan. Although he had failed to ruin Hanyan's chastity this time and had to marry Zhuangshan, he was still unwilling. Thus, he came up with the idea of having the sisters serve the same husband. Hanyan's words had ultimately struck a blow to his pride, and her recent cold indifference toward him had fueled his resentment. Thinking that Hanyan despised Madam Zhou the most, he believed that taking Zhuangshan as his concubine would be a great humiliation for Hanyan. It would also serve as punishment for her disregard of him.
Although Madam Zhou was displeased, she dared not show it. After exchanging a few polite words, the matter was settled. On the eighth day of the next month, Zhuangshan would enter the Wei Prince Manor as the prince's concubine. Before that, Hanyan and Wei Rufeng's engagement would be finalized.
After Wei Rufeng left, Zhang Wei also returned, claiming only that he had been knocked unconscious and knew nothing of what had happened. Zhuang Shiyang cheerfully ordered the servants to attend to their duties, while the two Zhou sisters and Zhuangshan returned to Dove Tree Courtyard. Madam Zhou asked Zhuangshan what had truly happened that day. After Zhuangshan recounted the events truthfully, Madam Da Zhou's expression changed slightly. "It seems we underestimated her." Previously, she had thought Zhuang Hanyan was merely somewhat clever, but now it appeared she could not be allowed to remain.
"But she is about to become the prince's consort," Zhuangshan said resentfully. "Once she enters the Wei Prince Manor, I will still be beneath her. I really can't swallow this injustice."
Madam Zhou patted her hand, comforting her. "Mother will think of a way for you. It's only an engagement for now. There is still a year before she comes of age. Who knows what might happen in that year? Don't be afraid."
Madam Da Zhou also smiled and said, "Even if she enters the manor, it doesn't matter. In fact, it might be better if she does. Without her supporters by her side, won't she be at your mercy? Just be clever about it. She's only a young girl, nothing to fear."
Only then did Zhuangshan feel somewhat reassured. However, Madam Zhou remembered something and looked at Madam Da Zhou. "Sister, why didn't Grand Tutor Zhang take you back to the manor?" It was somewhat unexpected that Grand Tutor Zhang had returned alone. After all, she was his most beloved concubine, yet he allowed her to stay at the Zhuang residence, which was truly strange.
Madam Da Zhou's expression flickered slightly as she smiled. "My lord said I should spend more time with you, as you need company these days. There's no hurry to return to the manor." She glanced outside. "Besides, looking at your current situation, how can you contend with that Fourth Miss? If I stay here, I can still help you."Hearing her words, Madam Zhou thought of the child she had lost in her womb and felt another wave of heartache, temporarily setting aside her suspicions of Madam Da Zhou. Zhuangshan comforted her a few words before hurrying off to purchase more jewelry for her upcoming wedding. In her actions, there was not a trace of sorrow, as if the one caught in adultery today was not her at all. She even seemed somewhat smug.
In the Clear Autumn Courtyard.
"You say she was rummaging around everywhere?" Han Yan frowned.
Seeing no one around, Ji Lan cautiously leaned close to Han Yan's ear. "The maids in Dove Tree Courtyard have seen it several times—she was going through Concubine Zhou's boxes."
Han Yan rested her chin in her hand. Why would Madam Da Zhou be going through Madam Zhou's boxes?
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