Wei Rufeng’s expression shifted, seemingly catching something in the Seventh Prince’s words. He hesitantly raised his head: “Your Highness…”
The Seventh Prince tapped his wine cup: “You’re one of my people, naturally I can’t let others bully you. Prince Wei tells me you’ve always been reluctant to participate in court factions.”
This was true. Wei Rufeng, considering himself a scholar, disapproved of court factionalism. Although Prince Wei had aligned himself with the Seventh Prince, Wei Rufeng had simply turned a blind eye, never explicitly stating his position. But now things were different. Fu Yunxi had become a thorn in his side, and if he wanted to bring down Fu Yunxi, he would need the Seventh Prince’s power.
With this in mind, he knelt: “This subordinate will forever follow Your Highness, never harboring thoughts of betrayal.” By using the term “subordinate,” he lowered his status while elevating the Seventh Prince’s position, simultaneously declaring his loyalty. The Seventh Prince smiled with satisfaction, personally helping him up: “Rufeng needn’t be so cautious. Since we’re on the same side, there’s no need for such formalities.” His hand tightened, shattering the wine cup: “Actually, there’s still a way for you to marry the Zhuang family’s Fourth Miss.”
Upon hearing this, Wei Rufeng seemed to find hope in his despair, immediately brightening: “What way?”
The Seventh Prince spoke leisurely: “Since His Majesty has decreed the marriage, Miss Li is destined to be your Young Mistress. While you can’t marry Fourth Miss Zhuang as your primary wife, you could take her as a concubine.”
A concubine? Wei Rufeng was stunned, instinctively refusing: “No…”
“She’s merely the daughter of a fifth-rank official, while you’re the noble heir to a Prince.” The Seventh Prince’s voice deepened: “Is she not worthy even of that?”
Wei Rufeng absorbed the Seventh Prince’s words, remaining silent for a long while. The Seventh Prince didn’t rush him, slowly pouring and drinking from another cup. After a long time, Wei Rufeng finally responded darkly: “Entering the Wei Prince’s household would be her good fortune.”
“Excellent!” The Seventh Prince laughed heartily: “Come, drink heartily with me!”
When Madam Zhou learned this news, she was shocked. With the Emperor’s marriage decree, Han’yan surely had no chance to enter the Wei Prince’s household, but what about Zhuang Yushan’s chances? What could be done?
Thinking of this, she grew increasingly resentful of Han’yan, whose affairs were now affecting her Yushan – truly a harbinger of misfortune! Elder Madam Zhou comforted her, saying there was no need to worry, as no one had anticipated the Emperor’s decree, and they should wait to hear Wei Rufeng’s next move – perhaps there was another way.
Sure enough, the next day, Elder Madam Zhou received Wei Rufeng’s message: while he couldn’t take Han’yan as the Young Mistress, he could take her as a concubine.
Not a secondary wife, but a concubine!
If this succeeded, Zhuang Yushan would outrank Han’yan – a concubine’s daughter would have higher status than a legitimate daughter, what irony! Elder Madam Zhou’s heart stirred, guessing that Han’yan must have offended the Young Master somehow. Otherwise, why would the insult be so pointed? Once Han’yan became a concubine, Zhuang Yushan alone could torment her endlessly, not to mention the Right Minister’s daughter who had always disliked her!
No one was happier than Zhuang Yushan. Though sharing a man with Han’yan displeased her somewhat, Han’yan would be a concubine while she would be a secondary wife. No one had anticipated this turn of events. They had thought Han’yan would become the Young Mistress, but heaven had eyes – that worthless woman had fallen to such a fate. She couldn’t help but laugh out loud: “What does it matter if she’s the legitimate daughter of the Zhuang family? She’s still unfavored! What does her higher status matter when she’s still just someone’s concubine!”
Elder Madam Zhou stopped her: “Don’t celebrate too early. I doubt she’ll agree.”
Madam Zhou glared: “It’s not up to her. As long as the master agrees, she’ll have to marry regardless of her wishes.”
When Wei Rufeng first made this proposal, Madam Zhou hesitated, only because she didn’t want Han’yan to marry a Young Mistress and look down on her Yushan. Now that Han’yan would be a concubine, how could she not be delighted? It felt as though all her past grievances had finally been avenged. She immediately resolved to facilitate this marriage by any means necessary.
Ji Lan reported all the information she had gathered to Han’yan, deeply worried: “Young Miss, they’re abusing their power. How can they make you a concubine… This is too much!”
Mama Chen was also furious. She had previously thought well of Wei Rufeng, never expecting him to propose making her Young Miss a concubine. What a humiliation for Han’yan, and more infuriating still that Zhuang Yushan could become a secondary wife.
Shuhong shook her head: “What can we do? The master and Prince Wei are discussing it now, it seems likely to happen – they’re even about to check their birth charts for compatibility.”
Han’yan gave a cold laugh: “They’re moving quickly, thinking I’m such an easy target?” She stood up: “Come, let’s go meet these shameless people.”
Zhuang Shiyang smiled broadly at the wooden chest on the ground – these lavish betrothal gifts must be worth quite a sum. The Wei Prince’s household was indeed overwhelmingly wealthy. The Zhou sisters repeatedly praised what a good match this was, while Wei Rufeng sat to the side, his expression somewhat disdainful.
Just then, Madam Zhou said: “Truly a perfect match of talent and beauty, they’ll surely live in harmony.”
“Is Sister Yushan getting married? How quick indeed.” A clear voice rang out from outside. Everyone turned to look – it was Han’yan.
Today she wore a deep purple gauze brocade gown, her black hair styled in a flowing bun, revealing her smooth forehead. Water-drop jade earrings hung beside her ears, and on her wrist was the bracelet previously bestowed by the Empress Dowager, with its milky white luster. Though her smile was faint, her presence was imposing, unlike her usual innocent and lovely demeanor – sharp and unfamiliar.
Wei Rufeng looked at her, somewhat dazed.
Seeing no response, Han’yan smiled and repeated: “Is Sister Yushan getting married?”
Zhuang Shiyang coughed lightly: “Those are betrothal gifts from the Wei Prince’s household to you.”
“What?” Han’yan exclaimed in surprise: “Han’yan has no intention of marrying. Why send betrothal gifts?”
Elder Madam Zhou smiled: “Master Zhuang and Prince Wei have already arranged your marriage to the Young Master. You’ll enter the Wei household after coming of age next year.”
A normal girl hearing of her marriage might have fled to her room in embarrassment. But Han’yan smiled ambiguously: “Oh? Then may I ask Young Master, are you taking Han’yan as your Young Mistress?”
Madam Zhou gloated, beaming: “Wrong, hehe, the Young Master is taking you as a minor concubine.” She covered her mouth and giggled: “When Yu’er becomes the secondary wife, she can help look after you. You two sisters must get along well in the Wei Prince’s household.”
Han’yan smiled at the corners of her lips, looking steadily at Wei Rufeng: “So that’s how it is. Sister Yushan becomes the secondary wife, while Han’yan becomes a concubine. Young Master’s intentions truly humble me.”