A youth in blue cloth clothing sat by the stone table in Qing Qiu Yuan’s courtyard. Hearing footsteps, he turned and smiled: “Sister!”
Han Yan smiled: “Why are you sitting in the courtyard? Aren’t you afraid of catching a chill? Mother has lit the stove inside – come in. Ji Lan, brew a pot of yesterday’s Tian Shan Silver Needle tea for Young Master.”
Zhuang Han Ming rose with a smile, saying sweetly: “Sister always takes care of me.”
Back in the inner room, Han Yan had Shu Hong give Han Ming an iron hand warmer. Seeing him take a sip of hot tea and his face warm up, she asked: “Madam Zhou visited you yesterday?”
At the mention of Madam Zhou, Han Ming’s expression changed instantly. He snorted coldly: “They’re up to no good. I feel sick just seeing them.”
“You didn’t clash with them, did you?” Han Yan asked worriedly. Her brother was still young and unfamiliar with the schemes of grand households. Given his youthful temperament, she feared he might conflict with Madam Zhou. If people gossiped, they might think this disgraced son was harsh to the new concubine, and Master Zhuang would be displeased.
Han Ming shook his head: “I did as Fourth Sister said – just stayed cold toward them. They left after delivering the gifts.”
Han Yan’s lips curved in mockery: “Gifts indeed – she certainly knows how to give them!”
Last night when Ji Lan returned with the information, she told Han Yan that the Zhou mother and daughter had visited Young Master Ming, claiming the gifts were welcome presents for entering the manor. They’d given many items, many reportedly quite precious.
She didn’t believe the Zhou mother and daughter could be so kind – their actions must have some purpose. That evening, Han Ming had a maid deliver one item – the bird in this cage.
Madam Zhou had told Han Ming the bird was quite interesting, and fond of beautiful women – upon seeing a beauty, it would fly to her showing affection. The capital’s young masters often kept birds as pets, and given Han Ming’s young age, he’d naturally be interested in such novelties. However, Han Ming already despised the Zhou mother and daughter, so he didn’t welcome their bird either, simply having it sent to Han Yan, since girls typically liked such creatures. Unexpectedly, Han Yan was shocked upon seeing the bird, immediately recognizing its resemblance to the Hao Peng described in ancient texts. Combined with what Madam Zhou had told Han Ming, she confirmed it was a lust bird.
What a vicious scheme from Madam Zhou! An ordinary youth, seeing such an unusual bird, would surely find a beautiful woman to test it. When the Hao Peng saw beauty and became aroused, releasing its Mian Ling – just smelling that aphrodisiac would make one lose their senses, leading to relations with that woman. Over time, they’d become a wastrel consumed by lust. Han Ming was only eleven – Madam Zhou intended to destroy his health!
Few in the capital could recognize a Hao Peng – even today’s experienced Shopkeeper Fang hadn’t identified it, let alone anyone in the manor. Madam Zhou’s move was both subtle and secure. If anything happened to Han Ming later, no one would suspect the bird! In her previous life, Han Ming was imprisoned over a brothel courtesan – perhaps this was why. Thinking this through, Han Yan’s expression darkened – so Madam Zhou had planned everything from the start!
Seeing Han Yan’s gloomy expression, Han Ming guessed something: “Is something wrong with that bird?”
Han Yan didn’t want to tell him about such filthy matters, only saying: “That bird is poisonous – it can’t come near you.”
“What?” Han Ming raged upon hearing this: “How dare they! They dare plot against me right here in the manor! Sister, let’s tell Father!” He started to rise.
Han Yan grabbed him: “What are you doing? If you tell Father now, those two will grow suspicious and keep adding things to your room. Better to keep quiet and let them settle down for a while.”
Han Ming looked at her: “Sister, that bird’s in your room now – what about your health?”
Han Yan smiled: “Don’t worry, I went to the pawnshop today and pawned the bird, cage and all. If they want to keep giving, we’ll just turn everything into silver and spend it as we please!”
Han Ming’s eyes widened: “Sister, you snuck out of the manor?”
“Shh!” Han Yan glared at him: “Want the whole manor to hear?” After a pause: “No one knows about this, don’t worry.” She pulled out a banknote: “This is from today’s pawning – keep it.”
Han Ming shook his head, pushing the note back to Han Yan: “I don’t need much silver day-to-day – you keep it, Sister. Oh right,” he suddenly remembered something: “Madam Zhou also gave me many clothes and trinkets. The clothes all look fine and valuable, and the trinkets are rare – why don’t you pawn those too, Sister?”
Clothes? Trinkets?
Han Yan’s eyes narrowed, her lips curling in a cold smile.
Fine clothes and precious trinkets – they wanted Han Ming to grow lazy, becoming an unlearned young master who only knew pleasure. Seeing this, Master Zhuang would think his son was superficial and wasteful. Well played with this false praise, Madam Zhou!
“Sort through them when you’re free. Besides the clothes, I’ll pawn the other items – mustn’t waste Aunt’s thoughtfulness.”
“Sister.” Han Ming held her hand, saying seriously: “I’m usually at the Imperial Academy, not in the back courtyard, and being male, Madam Zhou is somewhat cautious with me. You’re different – please be careful in everything.”
His words showed clear concern and worry. Han Yan was touched, looking at the youth before her – without her noticing, Han Ming had grown as tall as her. His delicate face showed some manly determination now, less childishness. Since Mother’s death, Han Ming had matured considerably overnight. Her heart softened further.
Matron Chen watched the siblings, feeling emotional. Blood siblings indeed shared true feelings. This manor was full of traps and ill-intentioned people – what a pity for these brilliant young ones. Fortunately, Young Miss had grown wise, her cunning and intelligence worthy of praise – at least she wouldn’t be easily victimized in this manor.
Meanwhile, Master Zhuang and Madam Zhou had just finished their passionate encounter. Madam Zhou’s unclothed body leaned softly against him, her voice intoxicatingly sweet: “Master, for the upcoming palace night banquet, officials must bring their womenfolk…”
Master Zhuang, having just satisfied his desires, wore a content expression. Hearing this, he smiled knowingly: “Of course I’ll bring you, my enchantress. You’re my darling – who else would I bring?”
“I’m just a concubine,” Madam Zhou’s eyes brimmed with tears, showing infinite charm: “And Yu’er is just a concubine’s daughter. Following Master, we fear some might gossip.”