WBSGVS Chapter 15

Zheng Yihan’s plan to take a concubine was quickly set in motion—faster than his previous suggestion to find Su Tingshuo a suitable husband.

Madam Zhang even rented a nice courtyard outside the family home, intending for Su Tingshuo to stay there a few days before the concubine ceremony. She made thorough preparations, including the arrangements for Su Tingshuo’s new status and position.

The issue of her rank had to be addressed. Madam Zhang humbled herself to speak to Qingli, holding her hand as she said, “Tingshuo saved Han’er’s life. With this bond between them, she can’t be treated like a mere concubine who could be bought or sold. She must be elevated to the status of a noble concubine. You, Ji Shi, are always generous. I’m sure you won’t mind.”

Qingli smiled as usual. “Of course, I don’t mind, Mother. You’ve made the decision.”

Her reply was so straightforward and decisive, without a hint of reluctance, that even though it was exactly what Madam Zhang had hoped for, something felt off.

Suspicious, she studied Qingli’s expression, feeling as though Qingli might be planning something in secret. However, after scrutinizing her further, Madam Zhang couldn’t detect anything amiss. Qingli wasn’t interfering with the concubine arrangements, nor was she making any moves—so where could the mischief come from?

Unable to figure it out, Madam Zhang eventually left. Shortly afterward, Zheng Yihan sent over a pile of gifts, likely because he felt guilty for wronging Qingli and wanted to win back her favor.

He even hoped to stay the night, but ever since he decided to take a concubine, Qingli had refused to let him stay, and this time was no different.

Zheng Yihan didn’t dare push further and left awkwardly, thinking that after the concubine was taken, A-Li would eventually come around.

Qingli didn’t refuse the gifts, though. After all, they were valuable, and no one would turn down silver.

As Wan Yue sorted through the gifts, her face remained dark. Once she finished, she carefully approached the resting Qingli and softly said, “Madam, please don’t be too upset.”

Qingli’s lips curled into a smile. “What makes you think I’m upset?”

Wan Yue scratched her head, confused but honest. “I don’t know, but with the master taking a concubine, I thought you would be.”

“You’re mistaken,” Qingli replied, her eyes still closed, a smile playing on her lips. She was quite pleased. Zheng Yihan’s decision to take a concubine had given her the perfect excuse to secretly feed him poison, helping him fulfill his promise of never having heirs—she thought she had done brilliantly!

Wan Yue studied her mistress again and realized she didn’t seem upset at all. If she wasn’t sad, then perhaps she didn’t care. In a low voice, Wan Yue suggested, “Why not ask for a divorce? Your father and mother will surely stand by you.”

Qingli glanced at her with a smile. “Noted.”

Wan Yue stopped her attempts to persuade further. Her mistress seemed different now—though still in the middle of the storm, she had distanced herself from it. The lack of sadness was proof enough that she had already been emotionally detached.

If that were the case, Zheng Yihan’s decision to take a concubine didn’t matter anymore.

So why hadn’t Qingli left yet? Wan Yue couldn’t figure it out, but in the end, it didn’t matter.

When news spread that the eldest son of the Zheng family was taking a noble concubine, and the Ji family’s eldest daughter, Ji Qingli, remained utterly indifferent, people became even more curious than usual. Many eagerly awaited the moment Qingli would demand a divorce.

Some gambling houses even placed bets on whether or not she would get divorced. Most people, knowing the Ji family’s long-standing principles, were betting on the divorce, with the results expected to come out three days after the concubine ceremony.

When Qingli learned about the bets, she discreetly had Ah Bin, who had just returned from an errand, place her own money on the divorce. The odds weren’t great, but she figured a little profit was better than nothing.

Meanwhile, invitations from those concerned for her well-being began pouring in, inviting her to go out.

Most of these came from close friends she had known for years, women who had married but maintained their friendship. Hearing that Zheng Yihan was taking a concubine, they worried Qingli might not take it well, so they sent invitations one after another.

One invitation stood out, though—it was from the Third Princess, Lady Song.

There hadn’t been much interaction between Qingli and Lady Song, beyond formal greetings at social events. However, from Qingli’s memories, she recalled that Zheng Yihan had a good relationship with the Third Prince. In her previous life, when Qingli had refused to allow Zheng Yihan to take a concubine, Lady Song had repeatedly sent letters advising her to come to terms with it, claiming no man could avoid taking concubines.

Though Qingli’s predecessor had never dared to offend someone of royal status, her attitude had been cold, and after a few tries, Lady Song had stopped intervening, though her gaze remained peculiar.

With this history in mind, Qingli looked at the invitation with a new perspective.

Why was Lady Song inviting her now of all times? The letter only mentioned that Lady Song had recently obtained some delicious crabs and invited her to come and taste them, revealing nothing out of the ordinary.

Qingli picked up the letter and said, “Wan Yue, reply for me. I’ll go.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Wan Yue took the letter and left.

The timing of the event was tight. Normally, invitations allowed for five to ten days of preparation, but this one was set for the very next day.

Fortunately, since her recovery, Qingli has been having new clothes made for herself. Although her soul had traveled from another time, her taste differed from the original owner’s. The original Qingli had dressed plainly to please Madam Zhang, but the current Qingli preferred vibrant and bright colors.

With plenty of new clothes at her disposal, Qingli only had to choose one. She had also acquired new jewelry, allowing her to put together a look that was striking but not overly showy.

The next afternoon, Qingli arrived at the residence of the Third Prince on time.

Lady Song had invited more than just Qingli; many noble ladies of similar status were present, though most were married women.

Upon seeing Qingli, the women greeted her warmly, but many subtly probed for her thoughts on Zheng Yihan’s decision to take a concubine.

Qingli deflected all their questions with vague responses.

At the crab banquet, the main attraction was, of course, the crabs. Qing Li sat with a group of ladies, and everything proceeded without a hitch.

The crab meat was delicious, and she enjoyed eating it.

As the banquet came to an end and guests began to leave, a maid appeared in front of Qing Li. She was the head maid of the Song family: “Mrs. Zheng, the prince’s consort has requested your presence. Please follow me.”

“Alright.” Qing Li nodded with a smile and followed the maid.

Song Shi, the third prince’s consort who had just finished seeing off the guests, was waiting in the hall of a side chamber. Upon seeing Qing Li, she warmly greeted her: “It’s been a while. I heard you were ill recently, but you seem to be in good spirits now. Have you recovered?”

“Almost fully,” Qing Li responded gently.

Song Shi was a perfect example of a refined lady. She always spoke with a smile, but her eyes were sharp and her actions methodical. She was someone with strong opinions and held a high position. At times, like now, she could be quite assertive, pulling Qing Li to sit beside her without regard for their previous unfamiliarity.

“I’m relieved to hear that. I was thinking of calling a physician to check on you,” Song Shi said reassuringly.

Qing Li quickly thanked her and declined the offer.

After the pleasantries, Song Shi looked at her kindly and said, “I’ve heard about the Zheng family’s situation. It must have been hard on you, suffering for over half a year only to end up with this result. It seems like fate has played a cruel joke.”

Fate?

It’s human hearts that matter.

Anyone could see that if Zheng Yi Han truly didn’t want this, there were a thousand and one ways to resolve the issue with Su Tingxue!

This was the first time Qing Li heard such words directly. Observing Song Shi subtly, she echoed, “Yes, it seems fate has been unkind…”

After hearing this, Song Shi seemed to relax slightly, as if what was once a difficult matter had become less so. She smiled wryly, “What’s your view on this situation?”

Qing Li cooperated with her thoughts, shaking her head, “What can I say? The matter of him taking a concubine is already on the agenda, and it has been officially recorded with the authorities.”

Song Shi relaxed even more, her eyes curving into a smile as she patted Qing Li’s shoulder, “It’s good that you understand this. After all, which man doesn’t take concubines? Your situation is a bit weak. After five years of marriage without a child, the Zheng family is naturally anxious. Having no heir is the biggest concern for a man. But don’t worry, I’ve always admired how Zheng Da Shao feels about you. Even with others, you will surely remain the most important in his heart.”

“Do you think so too?” Qing Li lowered her eyes with some uncertainty and a hint of sadness. “If I’m truly so important, then why does he want to take a concubine?”

Song Shi hurriedly said, “Isn’t this a special situation? It’s also fate’s doing. If he hadn’t lost his memory, this wouldn’t have happened. Lord Yu is too straightforward, and by revealing this matter, he’s left no room for negotiation. If he doesn’t marry his savior, his reputation might suffer and affect his career. Don’t you want him to earn a title for you?”

Qing Li thought to herself that given Zheng Yi Han’s current state, not to mention a title, even the Emperor might not want to see him.

And Zheng Yi Han’s abilities, unless they surpass extraordinary achievements or save countless lives, are unlikely to be favored.

But the next moment, she simply focused on Song Shi, as if she had realized something.

The current Emperor may not favor him, but the next one might not care about this!

Seeing that Qing Li understood, Song Shi smiled briefly, “Why look at me like that? Don’t worry, as the main wife, I can understand you. But in this world, you have to consider your husband’s heirs. It’s just that Miss Su should be able to bear children well, so there’s no need to take another woman for that.”

Qing Li bit her lip and remained silent.

Seeing her expression, Song Shi guessed she had been persuaded, and thought, that even the proudest woman values her husband above all once married. It’s unlikely she would want a divorce unless necessary.

After all, what’s a concubine?

Which man doesn’t have concubines?

Qing Li had endured so much humiliation from the Zhang family and lacked the stubbornness of her aunt; divorce was unlikely.

Confident that she had completed her task, Song Shi’s tone softened further, “The matter of the concubine is settled, so you need to think ahead. The most important thing now is to hold your husband’s heart tightly. If you don’t mind, I can teach you a few tricks.”

Qing Li, thinking of the third prince’s harem of beauties, put on a humble and seeking demeanor, “May I ask, how should I proceed?”

Song Shi, pleased with her vanity being stroked, said earnestly, “For men, career is the most important. Once they achieve success in their careers, they will care more about their family. Those extra ‘little cats and dogs’ are insignificant. If you help him in his career, he will naturally be more inclined towards you…”

“Qing Li understands.” She nodded obediently, appearing to trust Song Shi.

However, Song Shi didn’t let her leave immediately but continued to instruct her on various ways to capture a man’s heart, such as satisfying his appetite, adding a touch of warmth to his life, and occasionally letting him stay in another room when feeling unwell, and giving extra attention to the maids to assist in keeping the husband.

Qing Li’s smile grew rigid throughout the lecture, and by the end, she couldn’t respond anymore.

Song Shi had been so brainwashed, firmly placing her husband above all, that Qing Li couldn’t muster any arguments.

It wasn’t just the teachings—it was distasteful to mold someone into such a person.

Finally, Song Shi finished her discourse.

Qing Li, fearing that Song Shi might say more, quickly got up and took her leave.

Perhaps due to this conversation, Song Shi’s warmth towards her increased. She even personally saw her in the outer courtyard. On the way, they encountered the third prince, who praised her generously, telling her not to worry about the “little cats and dogs.”

The couple’s sentiments were perfectly aligned.

Sitting in the carriage, Qing Li leaned against the wall, reflecting on Song Shi’s attitude and the more than an hour Zheng Yi Han had been gone before the concubine issue came up. She had a vague suspicion.

Perhaps Zheng Yi Han’s decision to take a concubine was related to the third prince. Did he know Su Tingxue’s identity and want to win over Prince Yu to make the power struggle smoother?

But that didn’t fit. Although Prince Yu had some influence, it wasn’t substantial, especially since he had fled after losing the power struggle with the current Emperor.

His return was due to the Emperor’s sixtieth birthday celebration, a major event, and he had been specially invited. Moreover, her father had warned her before going to war that even if Prince Yu came, she should avoid too much interaction, as the Emperor would eventually curtail the fief.

And then there was the matter of the assassination at the nunnery—who would want her dead without angering the Ji family?

A certain person came to Qing Li’s mind—The third prince!

This made everything seem to fall into place.

As she pondered, the realization became clearer when suddenly a sharp pain struck her head, and a flood of information came through.

After reading it, she could only exclaim, “Good heavens!”