A woman’s intuition told her that this Zhou shi would become her greatest threat. Han Yan and Concubine Wan weren’t worth worrying about, but this one had already won Master’s favor upon entering the household. Last night he hadn’t even stayed in Furong Garden—how could that cheap woman compare to herself!
Han Yan lowered her head, feigning sadness: “Father likes Sister Yu-Shan. Yesterday when I went to pay my respects, he scolded me because of her.” She pouted childishly, “Father has never had breakfast with me.”
Hearing this, Concubine Mei’s gaze grew colder, her eyes fixed on Zhuang Yu Shan with hatred. Her greatest shortcoming over these years was not bearing a son for Master. Wasn’t that cheap woman in Master’s favor simply because she had raised a daughter for him? With her beauty, if she had a son, the position of main wife would be secure! How could it fall to that woman? Thinking this, her hands moved to her abdomen, as if there was a little life growing there.
Han Yan observed all this, lowering her head to hide her smile. When she looked up again, Zhuang Shi Yang and the Zhou mother and daughter had entered. Han Yan quickly rose to pay her respects.
Concubine Mei and Concubine Wan also paid their respects. Han Yan stood up and smiled, “Concubine Wan, Concubine Mei, this is Concubine Zhou who just entered the household yesterday, and this is Sister Yu Shan.”
Zhou shi was startled—how had she become a mere concubine? With this, her dream of immediately becoming the Zhuang family’s main wife turned to smoke.
Zhuang Shi Yang hadn’t expected Han Yan to say this, but after a moment’s thought, he considered that Zhou shi had entered as an outside companion, not even qualifying as a concubine. Elevating her directly to the main wife probably wouldn’t work now; better to appease her as a concubine first and promote her later. So he nodded at Han Yan: “No need for such formality.”
Seeing Zhuang Shi Yang didn’t object, Zhou shi secretly clenched her fists. Han Yan noticed but said nothing, waiting for Zhuang Shi Yang to sit before taking her seat.
Zhou shi wanted to become the main wife immediately upon entering—where in the world could things be so easy? She would deliberately block Zhou shi’s path, but given Zhuang Shi Yang’s regard for Zhou shi, being a mere concubine was impossible. Better to follow his wishes and make her a concubine—first, it would ease Zhuang Shi Yang’s displeasure with her, and second, placing her at the same level as Concubine Mei would let them see who could outmaneuver whom.
Madam Chen instructed the kitchen to set out bowls and chopsticks. Concubine Wan ate with a lowered head, while Zhuang Qin kept her eyes straight ahead, every movement proper and correct. Zhuang Yu Shan, probably never having experienced such an elaborate breakfast before, looked around with wonder. Then Concubine Mei rose gracefully, her willow waist swaying, her voice bewitchingly sweet.
“Master, let me serve you.”
Today Concubine Mei wore a deep indigo double-breasted dress. Due to the mourning period, it bore no bright patterns, only some dark winter plum blossoms. Yet this simplicity didn’t diminish her beauty—rather, it reduced her usual alluring charm and added a touch of elegance. Her black hair was casually arranged in a falling horse-tail bun, with several slightly curled strands hanging by her fair ears. As she bent to serve dishes, her slender neck showed, and the plain clothes made her skin appear even more like cream, her beauty like jade.
Even if Zhuang Shi Yang were made of stone, his mind would wander now, his gaze suddenly growing deep.
Meeting Zhuang Shi Yang’s gaze, Concubine Mei gave him a sweet smile, her words intimate and submissive: “Master, this lotus pastry is newly made by the cook. You must try it.”
Concubine Mei had always presented herself as a bold and alluring beauty—when had she ever been so docile and gentle? While Zhuang Shi Yang enjoyed this novel approach, he left the Zhou mother and daughter forgotten to the side.
Han Yan took a bite of shrimp dumplings, observing Zhou shi’s darkening expression, and suddenly found today’s breakfast particularly delicious.
Unexpectedly, she didn’t need to fan the flames—these two were already at odds. Yet in this fight between the snipe and the clam, who would ultimately benefit remained to be seen.
After breakfast, Zhuang Shi Yang prepared to leave for court. Seeing him depart, Concubine Mei glared at Zhou shi, snorted, and left the room. Han Yan wiped her mouth and also stood. Zhou shi caught Zhuang Yu Shan’s eye, and Zhuang Yu Shan immediately stood, saying ingratiatingly to Han Yan: “Sister Yan’er, do you have any plans?”
Han Yan glanced at Zhou shi, saw her smiling over, and after brief consideration replied: “No plans.”
Zhuang Yu Shan immediately came over and grabbed Han Yan’s arm: “Since you’re free, let’s go walk in the garden together.”
Madam Chen looked disdainfully at the Zhou mother and daughter—barely in the household and already putting on airs like the mistress. Anyone who didn’t know better might think Zhuang Yu Shan was the Zhuang family’s legitimate daughter.
Han Yan showed no annoyance, smiling as she patted Zhuang Yu Shan’s hand: “Since Sister is entering the household for the first time, you’ve presumably never seen the estate’s scenery. I’ll show you around to prevent you from taking wrong turns and entering places you shouldn’t.”
Casually glancing up, she saw as expected Zhuang Yu Shan’s face alternating between pale and flushed before forcing a smile: “Then I’ll trouble Sister.”
Han Yan responded indifferently: “In this household, except for Father, everyone calls me Fourth Young Miss. Sister Yu Shan and Concubine Zhou should do the same. Other forms of address sound strange.”
“You!” Zhuang Yu Shan hadn’t expected Han Yan to say this and pointed at her.
“What about me?” Han Yan asked puzzled. “Why is Sister pointing at me? Pointing at others isn’t proper behavior for a young lady of good breeding.”
“Yu-Shan!” Zhou shi suddenly spoke, her deep gaze fixed on Han Yan, saying slowly: “Fourth Young Miss is right—young ladies of good breeding don’t point at others. It seems we need to find someone to teach you proper manners.”
Han Yan raised an eyebrow at this. A young lady of good breeding? How could Zhuang Yu Shan, a concubine’s daughter, be called that? It seemed they had designs on entering the main hall from the start, planning to usurp the position of legitimate daughter. What a truly ambitious mother and daughter. Zhuang Yu Shan’s eyes reddened with grievance, but not daring to defy Zhou shi’s command, she forced out through gritted teeth: “I was just joking with Fourth Young Miss. Let’s go quickly.”
“Third Sister should come too,” Han Yan turned to Zhuang Qin, and seeing her uncertain expression, said to Concubine Wan: “Concubine Wan, it’s been a while since I’ve talked with Third Sister. May I borrow her for today?”
Concubine Wan started, then smiled: “Fourth Young Miss is too polite. Qin’er, go enjoy yourself with Fourth Young Miss today.”
Only then did Zhuang Qin step forward, still hesitant. But Han Yan simply took her hand and walked ahead, leaving Zhuang Yu Shan behind.
“Mother—” Zhuang Yu Shan looked at Zhou shi, then at Han Yan and Zhuang Qin ahead, angrily stamping her foot.
Zhou shi frowned: “Hurry and follow them.”
After Zhuang Yu Shan reluctantly left, Zhou shi glanced at Concubine Wan standing with lowered head to one side and smiled: “Sister, would you like to sit in my courtyard for a while?”
Concubine Wan gently shook her head: “Another day perhaps. I have a headache today and want to rest. Xing’er, come help me.” Her maid hurriedly came forward to support her. Concubine Wan nodded to Zhou shi: “I’ll take my leave.” Without waiting for Zhou shi’s response, she departed.