Chapter 59: Main Wife and Concubine

Proofread by : Mim

Old Madam Chu was stunned for a long moment after hearing the Old Princess Consort’s words. “What did you say?”

 

—-

 

Outside the hall, Chu Jinyao was stopped by Yang Qixia. “Fifth Young Lady, hold on.”

 

“What is it?”

 

Yang Qixia looked at Chu Jinyao with a strange smile. Her mood was so good that her eyes sparkled with joy, almost making others uncomfortable. “It’s rare to see Old Madam Chu leave the mansion. The last time she came was to celebrate the Old Princess Consort’s birthday. Fifth Young Lady, this time Old Madam Chu personally brought you all to the Prince’s Mansion—what could it be for?”

 

Chu Jinyao immediately understood. Yang Qixia must have caught wind of something and was now flaunting it in front of her. Chu Jinyao didn’t want to engage with her and turned to leave, but Yang Qixia wouldn’t let her go easily. She chased after her and said, “Fifth Young Lady, you haven’t answered me yet. Why are you leaving so soon? Oh, by the way, how are your foster parents? The love between your family is truly touching.”

 

If the mockery were only directed at herself, Chu Jinyao would have ignored it. But Yang Qixia had gone too far, bringing up Mr. Su and Mrs. Su with such a sarcastic tone. Chu Jinyao stopped in her tracks and turned back to glare at her, her eyes cold. “Miss Yang, when dealing with others, it’s wise to leave a bit of room. What you say today may come back to haunt you tomorrow.”

 

Yang Qixia laughed as if she’d heard the funniest thing. Her laughter was loud, her body shaking with glee. “Even now, you dare to threaten me? That’s truly hilarious. Chu Jinyao, do you still think you’re the future granddaughter-in-law in the eyes of the Old Princess Consort? Let me tell you straight—you and your family’s little schemes have all come to nothing. You tried so hard to take what belongs to others, but in the end, you can’t keep what’s not yours. Some things belong to certain people no matter what, and no amount of scheming will change that!”

 

Chu Jinyao chuckled, unable to hold back. “Miss Yang, you treat this marriage like it’s your lifeline, but others may not see it the same way. Instead of boasting in front of me, why don’t you read more books and learn something useful?”

 

“You—!” Yang Qixia was so enraged by Chu Jinyao’s words that her anger boiled over. Determined to make Chu Jinyao lose face, she sneered, “You’re only acting high and mighty now because, later on, you’ll have to serve me tea. Isn’t this the best time for you to act proud?”

 

Chu Jinyao frowned. “What are you talking about?”

 

Yang Qixia lifted her chin, drawing out her words deliberately. “Oh, haven’t you heard? The Old Princess Consort doesn’t think you’re fit to be the main wife, but she doesn’t want you to remain unmarried, so she’s planning to let you become a concubine to your cousin, the Heir.”

 

It felt as though thunder had struck next to Chu Jinyao’s ears, leaving her so shocked that she could barely stand. Seeing her pale face, Yang Qixia’s satisfaction grew, and she smiled smugly. “So, you’ll be a concubine from now on. Won’t you have to serve me tea? Oh dear, I suppose I’ll have to start calling you ‘Sister’—Fifth Sister?”

 

All the color drained from Chu Jinyao’s face. She hadn’t expected the Prince’s Mansion to be so outrageous. She had thought the matter was simple: either the Prince’s Mansion would accept the marriage, and the two families would joyfully become in-laws, or they would reject it, and everyone would move on, without either side being inconvenienced. But for them to treat her like this, offering her a concubine’s role? Calling it a “secondary wife” sounded better, but in the end, wasn’t it still just a concubine?

 

Chu Jinyao’s hands and feet went cold. She felt not only anger at being humiliated but also deep disappointment in the Prince’s Mansion and a sense of injustice. What had she done wrong? Mr. Su and Mrs. Su had come to slander her, and she was the victim. If the Prince’s Mansion was worried about their own reputation, they could simply refuse the match. Why did they have to insult her like this?

 

Her fingertips were freezing, whether from anger or the wind. Yet Yang Qixia continued to mock her. “Fifth Sister, why does your face look so pale? Is the wind outside too cold?”

 

Chu Jinyao had reached her limit. She glared icily at Yang Qixia and said, “If I were you, I wouldn’t be saying things to provoke me right now. I’d find a place to hide and laugh quietly to myself.”

 

Yang Qixia was startled by Chu Jinyao’s piercing gaze, but she quickly raised her chin defiantly. “What’s there to hide? I’ve done nothing wrong. Why should I be afraid?”

 

“Since you refuse to shed tears until you see the coffin, let me remind you of a few things,” Chu Jinyao said coldly, abruptly changing the subject. “Miss Yang, do you remember the plum blossom banquet at the end of last year? What you and Lanze did?”

 

Yang Qixia’s heart skipped a beat. She pretended not to understand and tried to brush it off. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

 

“When Chu Jinmiao and the others tricked me into changing clothes, the servant they ran into at the door was one of your people, wasn’t he? I wondered why I couldn’t find him anywhere in the Prince’s Mansion—it’s because he wasn’t a servant here in the first place. Do you want me to continue?”

 

Yang Qixia fell silent, biting her lip. Chu Jinyao glanced at her and said indifferently, “If you’d been sensible from the start, you wouldn’t have embarrassed yourself. I didn’t want to expose you, but you insisted on flaunting yourself in front of me. Let me warn you—if you provoke me again, I’ll tell the Old Princess Consort everything. You know better than I do what she hates the most. When that happens, I’ll be the first to congratulate you on becoming the Heir’s concubine.”

 

With that, Chu Jinyao cast a cold glance at Yang Qixia and turned to leave. Linglong quickly followed, her voice trembling with anxiety and fear. “Miss, if what she said is true, what should we do?”

 

“Do what needs to be done,” Chu Jinyao said, walking swiftly, her expression cold and calm. “Where’s Grandmother?”

 

Seeing Chu Jinyao’s expression, Linglong felt a chill in her heart. Not daring to delay, she quickly answered, “Old Madam is speaking with the Old Princess Consort up ahead.”

 

Chu Jinyao nodded and headed straight for the main hall.

 

Old Madam Chu was furious after hearing the Old Princess Consort’s words. She knew that losing her temper now would only make things worse, so she suppressed her anger and continued to reason with the Old Princess Consort. “We’ve known each other for over ten years. Zhu’er gave birth to your grandson and granddaughter. In all these years, has anyone ever found fault with her behavior?”

 

The Old Princess Consort squinted and smiled. “Second daughter-in-law has been wonderful.”

 

“First there was Zhu’er, now there’s my Fifth Granddaughter. You know the girls in my family are of good character. We’ve been in-laws for over a decade, and Zhu’er is still here, serving you with all her heart. Is this how you repay us by insulting our family?”

 

“Old Madam Chu, you’re mistaken,” the Old Princess Consort replied. “We know Fifth Young Lady is a good child, but there’s still no clarity about her relationship with her foster parents or that shopkeeper. Our Prince’s Mansion values proper conduct. How can we be at ease with so much uncertainty?”

 

Old Madam Chu wanted to keep persuading the Old Princess Consort to restore Chu Jinyao’s position as the main wife, but before she could think of the right words, the door suddenly burst open. The maids’ voices rang out, as if they had tried to stop someone but failed. Both Old Madam Chu and the Old Princess Consort paused and turned toward the entrance.

 

The expensive wooden door had been forcefully pushed open. The maids followed behind, repeatedly advising, “Fifth Young Lady Chu, the Old Madam and Old Princess Consort are speaking inside. You can’t disturb them!”

 

Chu Jinyao ignored the servants trying to block her. Her gaze fixed firmly on Old Madam Chu and the Old Princess Consort as she stepped forward, undeterred. “Grandmother.”

 

Old Madam Chu, sensing something, stood up and asked, “Why are you here?”

 

One of the maids tried to stand in Chu Jinyao’s way, but she impatiently pushed the girl aside and strode toward Old Madam Chu. “Grandmother, marriage should be a matter of mutual consent. I have no desire to marry into their family. Let’s leave!”

 

The Old Princess Consort was furious upon hearing this. “How dare you! What did you just say?”

 

Old Madam Chu felt secretly pleased hearing Chu Jinyao’s words, but she still had her reservations. After all, they were already in the Prince’s Mansion. If they negotiated calmly, there might still be a way out.

 

Chu Jinyao approached and took Old Madam Chu’s hand. Her voice was calm but resolute.

 

“Grandmother, I have no interest in marrying into a family that lacks integrity. Let’s go home.”

 

Old Madam Chu looked into her granddaughter’s determined eyes, and suddenly, a sense of peace washed over her. With her granddaughter’s beauty and character, who could possibly be out of her reach? In Old Madam Chu’s eyes, even the position of Empress was within Chu Jinyao’s grasp!

 

Old Madam Chu firmly held Chu Jinyao’s hand and said, “Alright, let’s go home.”

 

The Old Princess Consort had just been helped to stand, but hearing these words, she was so furious that she almost couldn’t catch her breath. Pointing her trembling finger at Chu Jinyao and Old Madam Chu, she stammered, “You… you…”

 

Old Madam Chu had never felt so vindicated. She turned back to the Old Princess Consort and said, “To break off an engagement that was already agreed upon, and even suggest degrading a wife to a concubine—what an honorable practice the Prince’s Mansion follows! Our Marquis of Changxing simply cannot match such ‘standards.’ This marriage is off.”

 

After speaking, Old Madam Chu didn’t wait for the Old Princess Consort’s response and left with Chu Jinyao and the maids. The Old Princess Consort, finally realizing what Old Madam Chu had said, became even more furious. Clearly, it was their mansion that didn’t want Chu Jinyao, so how could the Chu family claim they were the ones calling off the marriage? It was as if their Prince’s Mansion had been rejected!

 

Leaving aside the Old Princess Consort’s rage, Old Madam Chu, after exiting the Prince’s Mansion, immediately sent a maid to order the other girls to pack up and prepare to go home.

 

Chu Jinmiao was carefully flattering the County Princess, hoping that once the princess became the Crown Princess, she would help her rise in status. Suddenly, she received the news that they were leaving, which disrupted her plans, making her very angry. “What’s going on? Why are we leaving so suddenly?”

 

“Fourth Young Lady, you’d better hurry. The Old Madam seems to be in a bad mood today.”

 

With a long face, Chu Jinmiao grumbled as she left. When she reached the second gate, she noticed that she wasn’t the only one feeling bewildered—Chu Zhu also looked surprised.

 

“Mother, are you leaving already? Weren’t you just speaking with my mother-in-law? Why are you leaving now? I haven’t even had a proper conversation with you yet.”

 

Chu Zhu looked completely baffled. Old Madam Chu, feeling heartache for her daughter, hardened her heart. After all, a married daughter belonged to her husband’s family now. “You should go back. We’re leaving now.”

 

“But, Mother…”

 

The carriage from the Marquis of Changxing sped away, leaving Chu Zhu standing there, confused and uncertain.

 

Lin Xiyuan had been preoccupied with this matter for days, even sending someone to investigate Mr. Su and Mrs. Su. The report wouldn’t come back for a few days, so he had no choice but to wait anxiously. Today, he heard that Chu Jinyao was at the mansion, so he rushed to the back courtyard, but by the time he arrived, only Chu Zhu was left standing there with her maid, gazing longingly in the direction they had gone. Lin Xiyuan glanced around and asked in confusion, “Second Aunt, why are you the only one here? Where’s everyone from the Marquis’ household?”

 

Chu Zhu, clearly annoyed, replied, “They just left. If you had come a cup of tea earlier, you would have seen them.”

 

“They’ve already left?” Lin Xiyuan was taken aback. “Why did they leave so quickly?”

 

“I don’t know,” Chu Zhu said irritably. “Forget it, let’s go ask Grandmother.”

 

When Lin Xiyuan heard everything from his grandmother, the Old Princess Consort, he almost thought she was joking.

 

“Grandmother, what are you talking about? She was to be formally married as the heir’s wife—how could she now become a concubine?”

 

The Old Princess Consort, with her eyes half-closed, lay on the reclining couch as a maid gently fanned her. “Xiyuan, you are the family’s treasure. Your wife should be the best woman in the world. Not only in appearance and virtue but also in her nature—she must be gentle, humble, and flawless. The Fifth Young Lady of the Marquis of Changxing doesn’t have that fortune.”

 

“How do you know she’s not the best woman in the world?” Lin Xiyuan struggled to suppress his anger. “In my heart, she is the best woman. What you’ve done today is absurd! How can our Prince’s Mansion stand tall after this gets out? Since it’s my marriage, it should be my decision.”

 

With that, Lin Xiyuan stormed out.

 

The Old Princess Consort was furious, propping herself up and yelling at his retreating figure, “Come back! Marriage is determined by the elders. Do you intend to decide your own marriage? You may not care about your reputation, but do you not care about that woman’s life?”

 

Lin Xiyuan was seething but stopped in his tracks, forced to listen. “No…”

 

“Then, if you don’t intend to ruin her, go back. Your mother and I will handle this.”

 

“But, Grandmother…”

 

“I understand,” the Old Princess Consort said, softening her tone. “I hadn’t considered things thoroughly before. Now that I know your feelings, I will take this matter seriously.”

 

For many years after this, Lin Xiyuan would deeply regret not asking more questions at that moment. If only he had pushed a bit further…

 

Looking into his grandmother’s kind and reassuring eyes, he finally relented. “Very well, I’ll leave it to you, Grandmother.”

 

—

 

Old Madam Chu had fiercely rejected the Old Princess Consort in the heat of the moment and stormed back to the Marquis of Changxing. But after she sat down in Rongning Hall and calmed herself, she began to regret it.

 

She had vented her anger at the Old Princess Consort, which felt satisfying at the time, but what now?

 

The engagement between Chu Jinyao and the Prince’s Mansion had been known by many, and their close relations had made it seem like a done deal in the eyes of outsiders. Now, suddenly, it would be announced that Chu Jinyao was not engaged. What would people think of her?

 

Even if Old Madam Chu no longer cared about the marriage, and even if she could tell others that it was the Prince’s Mansion that had gone back on their word, what good would that do? People might express verbal sympathy for Chu Jinyao, but would that change anything? The heir of the Prince’s Mansion would have no trouble finding a new match, while Chu Jinyao might struggle to find a suitable husband.

 

Moreover, Chu Zhu was still the daughter-in-law of the Prince’s Mansion. Old Madam Chu couldn’t afford to completely sever ties with the Old Princess Consort.

 

After pondering it for an entire night, the next day, Old Madam Chu asked Madam Zhao to bring over the betrothal cards from the families who had expressed interest in Chu Jinyao so that she could review them personally.

 

Previously, many ladies had inquired about Chu Jinyao’s marriage, but back then, Old Madam Chu had been certain that Chu Jinyao would become the Heir’s wife, so she hadn’t paid those families any mind. But now, with the position of the Heir’s wife no longer an option, Old Madam Chu was suddenly anxious. As she looked over the betrothal cards again, none of the families seemed good enough.

 

Old Madam Chu remained silent for two days before finally calling Chu Jinyao to her. “Fifth Young Lady, what do you think about the matter with the Prince’s Mansion?”

 

Chu Jinyao was surprised. “Isn’t it already settled? They insulted me by suggesting I become a concubine. It’s simply a dream.”

 

Old Madam Chu looked at Chu Jinyao as if she were a rebellious child. “It’s admirable that you have such strong resolve, but you can’t live on pride alone. We’ve spent so much time dealing with the Prince’s Mansion that we’ve delayed your other marriage prospects. Now, many families know about the situation with the Heir. If word gets out that the engagement has fallen through, it could damage both your reputation and the family’s.”

 

Chu Jinyao was stunned, her eyes widening in disbelief. “But, Grandmother, they wanted me to be a concubine, not the main wife! Aunt is still a second wife in their household. If I stoop so low and become a concubine, what will happen to Aunt and my cousins?”

 

“A concubine in the royal family isn’t the same as a concubine in an ordinary household.”

 

“But they’re not part of the imperial family! Even if they were, why should I be reduced to a concubine?”

 

“Enough!” Old Madam Chu was almost frightened by Chu Jinyao’s bold words. “It doesn’t matter whether they’re imperial or not! Who taught you to speak this way?”

 

“No one taught me,” Chu Jinyao replied, biting her lip.

 

Old Madam Chu finally felt a sense of relief, and she sighed deeply, her voice softening. “Jinyao, life is full of compromises. If there were a better option, I wouldn’t be saying this. I also want you to marry gloriously and make the Prince’s Mansion lose face. But, unfortunately, things don’t always go as we wish.”

 

Her voice trembled as she continued, “This must be fate. You are an outstanding young lady, but you just can’t seem to meet the right match. I was the same when I was young, and now it seems to be happening to you.”

 

The light in Chu Jinyao’s eyes slowly dimmed. She understood what Old Madam Chu was saying—the old lady had tried everything, but the situation was unfair. The ones who broke the engagement suffered no consequences, while she was left with no prospects. Seeing that Chu Jinyao understood, Old Madam Chu continued, “Don’t worry, the Prince’s Mansion knows they’re at fault. They’ll send someone to negotiate in a few days. When that happens, you just cry and look as pitiful as possible, and I’ll help you get justice. Even if you become a concubine, you’ll be treated no less than a main wife.”

 

The more Chu Jinyao listened, the more unreasonable it seemed. She couldn’t help but say, “Grandmother, after all, they’re just a prince’s household. While their rank may be higher, how much higher could it be? We’re a proper marquis household, and my father holds military power. Why should we lower ourselves and let our daughter become a concubine?”

 

“If this were the old Prince’s Mansion, and the Old Princess Consort had suggested making you a concubine, I wouldn’t have entertained the idea. I might have even cut ties with them. But times have changed for them—they’re about to take flight.”

 

Old Madam Chu continued, “Since you’re asking, I might as well tell you. The Lin family spent a great deal of money to have someone speak with the Old Madam of the Zhenbei Marquis household. She was so pleased that she promised to speak to the Empress on behalf of the County Princess. Do you know what the Zhenbei Marquis household represents?”

 

“I do,” Chu Jinyao said softly, almost in a trance. “The Zhenbei Marquis is the Empress’s brother, the Crown Prince’s uncle.”

 

Old Madam Chu was surprised. “You know? Well, that saves me the trouble of explaining. Since you know the background of the Zhenbei Marquis household, you should understand that even though we’re both Marquis households, we can’t compare. The Zhenbei Marquis household is the Empress’s natal family and the Emperor’s in-laws. Princes and princesses must step aside for them. Their servants are more prestigious than a fifth-rank official in the capital. If the Lin family managed to win over the Old Madam of the Zhenbei Marquis household, then the County Princess’s position as Crown Princess is nearly guaranteed. The Empress’s mother rarely goes against her, and the Emperor always listens to the Empress. Once the Empress agrees, the matter will be settled. That’s why the Old Princess Consort and the Princess Consort are acting so arrogantly—they’re about to have a crown princess in their family!”

 

Chu Jinyao almost spoke but held back. She knew that the Crown Prince had a strained relationship with the Empress due to the late Empress Wenxiao, and even had issues with the Zhenbei Marquis household. Was the Prince’s Mansion really looking to marry into the Empress’s family?

 

They might be making enemies instead.

 

But these thoughts were too far removed from her world. Even if the County Princess had miscalculated, she would still likely secure a good marriage, perhaps as an imperial consort or a princess. The County Princess would do fine. The one truly at risk was Chu Jinyao herself.

 

Old Madam Chu sighed, “The Prince’s Mansion asking our legitimate daughter to be a concubine is indeed an insult. But if the Crown Princess’s family makes the same request, how could we refuse?”

 

Of course, they couldn’t refuse. While the Prince’s Mansion was a mere noble household, if the County Princess became the Crown Princess, the Lin family would rise to the level of the Zhenbei Marquis household. For a middling Marquis household like theirs to offer a daughter as a concubine would be more than enough.

 

Chu Jinyao closed her eyes, her heart sinking into despair. “Grandmother, must it really be like this? Can’t I simply not marry?”

 

Author’s note: New characters from the Zhenbei Marquis household and the royal family will soon make an appearance. Chu Jinyao is about to update her social connections!