Chapter 185: A Pleasant Surprise

 Chapter 185: A Pleasant Surprise

After returning to the mansion, Yan Zhigao went straight to Songhe Courtyard to greet the Old Madam. He then stayed to chat with her, telling several amusing stories from the Dragon Boat Festival banquet, particularly highlighting the performance of Yan Wenxiu and his companions.

Hearing that her grandson had done well, the Old Madam was naturally happy, but she also seemed somewhat distracted.  

Her son had brought home a young woman, and truthfully, she wasn’t pleased about it. However, she knew better than to interfere with her son’s personal matters—doing so would only cause friction.

It wasn’t just the Old Madam; the others in the room were also feeling out of sorts.

Although everyone was curious about Liu Shi’s background, Yan Zhigao didn’t elaborate. He simply mentioned that Liu Shi was a gift from his superior and told Madam Li to make the arrangements.

Daohua carefully observed her "father" and noticed that when he spoke of Liu Shi, his tone and attitude were casual, almost as if he didn’t care much about her.

The Old Madam knew that her eldest son and daughter-in-law would be busy arranging for the new concubine, so after a brief conversation, she dismissed everyone.

Main Courtyard

Concubine Lin, pale-faced, watched Liu Shi, who stood quietly waiting for instructions in the yard. The handkerchief in her hand had been twisted into an unrecognizable shape.

She had been overjoyed when she found out she was pregnant again the other day, but today, she couldn’t help feeling disturbed.

Yan Yishuang, noticing her mother’s discomfort, asked with concern, "Mother, should you go back to your room to rest? Father is at Grandmother’s, and he won’t be back anytime soon."

Concubine Lin shook her head. "No, I’ll wait here."

The most affected by the addition of a new person in the master’s quarters was Shuangxin Courtyard, so she couldn’t afford to ignore it.

Meanwhile, Liu Shi stood silently with her head lowered, not showing any curiosity about the conversation between Concubine Lin and her daughter. She was calm and still, but her mind was racing.

Mother? she thought, The concubine is called ‘mother’ by the legitimate daughter? It seems the Yan family’s rules are a bit unusual.

She wasn’t sure whether this was a good or bad thing. When she remembered Madam Li, she recalled a dignified, gentle, and graceful woman, not someone who seemed ruthless.

She hoped the Yan family wasn’t like other noble families, full of schemes and intrigues. If it weren’t, perhaps she could live peacefully here.

Just as Liu Shi was lost in her thoughts, Madam Li and Yan Zhigao entered the courtyard.

Yan Zhigao walked straight into the house without looking around, while Madam Li lagged behind, glancing at Concubine Lin and then at the modestly bowed Liu Shi. She said softly, "Everyone’s in? Come in then."

Concubine Lin immediately followed her in.

Liu Shi waited for Concubine Lin to pass before entering.

After everyone had gone into the room, Daohua sneaked into the courtyard. Unsure if this was something she should be listening to, she stood outside the door, peering in.

"Miss, what are you doing?"

Ping Xiao, who had come out to fetch tea, saw Daohua craning her neck to peek inside and couldn’t help but laugh. "Madam is waiting to drink the tea that Concubine Liu brought. I need to fetch more water. You can go in."

Daohua froze for a moment. "Can I go in?"

Ping Xiao smiled. "Of course, didn’t you see Third Miss is inside too?"

Daohua immediately peeked inside and saw Yan Yishuang sitting next to Concubine Lin. With that, she adjusted her skirt and straightened her back, walking into the room confidently.

When Madam Li saw Daohua enter, she wasn’t surprised. It would have been strange if the girl hadn’t come to join the excitement.

Yan Zhigao, however, was a little embarrassed when he saw his eldest daughter staring curiously at Liu Shi. He awkwardly scratched his nose.

Daohua found a seat and quietly waited.

Soon, Ping Xiao returned with the freshly brewed tea.

Liu Shi lowered her head and bent at the waist to receive the tea. She then walked to Madam Li and, just as she had outside the mansion gates, knelt respectfully in front of her. "Madam, please drink your tea."

Madam Li didn’t immediately accept the tea. Instead, she spoke sternly, “Now that you’ve entered the Yan family, you must follow our rules. I don’t care where you came from, but if I ever learn that you’ve done anything to dishonor the Yan family, I’ll make sure you’re dealt with cleanly.”

On the way back, Yan Zhigao had already informed her that Liu Shi was a gift from Du Canji, presented in front of the Prefect Magistrate and all the officials, meant as an apology for past misunderstandings.

Madam Li knew that Du Canji was the one who had been suppressing her husband all these years.

Thus, she harbored a deep suspicion toward Liu Shi.

Liu Shi trembled, spilling some of the scalding tea onto her fair hand, causing a large red mark. Yet, she gritted her teeth and still held the cup steady.

“I would never have any improper thoughts, please, my lord and madam, judge me fairly,” she said.

Madam Li glanced at her hand but didn’t press the issue further. She accepted the tea, took a sip, set the cup down, and said, “Get up. As the master’s concubine, remember your place.”

“Ahem~”

As soon as Madam Li finished speaking, Yan Zhigao cleared his throat uncomfortably, then pulled out a piece of paper from his chest. “This is Liu Shi’s contract of servitude. Madam, please take it. If Liu Shi serves improperly, she can be sold off.”

At this, Liu Shi’s face drained of color, and her heart was filled with terror.

She knew that because she had been given by Du Canji, Yan Zhigao had deep misgivings about her. She also knew that life in the Yan household would be difficult, but she hadn’t expected that Yan Zhigao would show her no mercy whatsoever.

Madam Li calmly accepted the contract, took a quick glance at it, and handed it to Ping Tong to be kept safe.

Daohua, watching the scene, glanced between Madam Li and Yan Zhigao, then at the trembling Liu Shi.

Sent by someone else? she thought. I knew it. Although my father might not be entirely reliable, he’s not foolish enough to engage in affairs at such an important occasion like the Prefect Magistrate's banquet. He wouldn’t risk his future for a beautiful woman.

Just as she was thinking this, Concubine Lin took a deep breath, her expression improving significantly. She was about to announce that she was pregnant when she heard Madam Li speak.

“Master, the house is already full. Since Liu Shi is your concubine, please arrange for her to stay in Shuangxin Courtyard.”

At these words, Concubine Lin’s expression changed, and she immediately stood up. “No!”

Yan Zhigao hesitated for a moment, but seeing Concubine Lin’s reaction, he furrowed his brow. “We’ll do as Madam says.” 

“Master!” Concubine Lin quickly called out. Seeing the displeasure on his face, she immediately softened, “Master, I’ve just found out I’m pregnant, and I’m worried that adding more people to the courtyard might affect the baby.”

Yan Zhigao was momentarily stunned. “You’re pregnant again?”

Concubine Lin nodded eagerly, looking at him with pleading eyes, hoping he would reconsider his decision.

Yan Zhigao’s face lit up with joy, but when he saw Liu Shi standing there, he suddenly felt a headache coming on.

At this, Madam Li leisurely picked up her tea and began sipping it slowly.

When there was only one concubine, it was acceptable for Concubine Lin to occupy an entire courtyard. But now that there was a new addition, and with limited space, it was only natural that they would have to share a courtyard.

Madam Li glanced at Liu Shi and thought, Adding another person isn’t such a bad thing. It will help Concubine Lin realize her position.

Yan Zhigao, seeing Madam Li’s indifference, scratched his nose awkwardly, then, with a quick glance at Liu Shi, said, “Since Concubine Lin is pregnant, once you settle into Shuangxin Courtyard, be sure to keep it quiet and not disturb her.” With that, he hurriedly left the room, almost as if fleeing.

Watching him leave, Concubine Lin couldn’t believe it.

Madam Li, however, set her cup down with a smile and looked at Concubine Lin. “Concubine Lin, you can go back and tidy up. You’ll need to decide whether to vacate the East or West Wing for Concubine Liu.” 

At this, Daohua smiled sweetly, her legs swinging playfully as she watched Concubine Lin’s dissatisfaction. She was thoroughly pleased.

End of Chapter