Volume One, Chapter 16: Is She Jealous?

“Second Sister-in-law, how can you tolerate such a shameless woman becoming my brother’s concubine?”

Second Miss Cheng Yi strode into the room.

Though her words were addressed to Chu Yao, her eyes were fixed disdainfully on Cheng Jinxi.

Their last unpleasant quarrel over the brocade had yet to be resolved, and now new grievances had arisen.

“This was arranged by the Old Madam and your second brother.

She is both your cousin and your second brother’s concubine.

From now on, second sister, refrain from uttering words like ‘shameless,’ lest you offend your second brother without cause.”

Cheng Yi was proud and arrogant, always boasting that the Cheng family was a marquisate and that her second brother was an imperial official.

Now, because of Cheng Jinxi, the marquisate had suffered public disgrace, and her second brother had been demoted, leaving her ashamed before the young ladies.

Naturally, her mood was sour.

She certainly would not show Cheng Jinxi any kindness.

Hearing Chu Yao’s words, she did not restrain herself but sneered and glared at Cheng Jinxi.

“Calling her shameless is flattering her!

A curse upon both father and husband!

Our marquisate took her in out of kindness, yet she does not behave properly and even seduces my brother!

A cousin serving as a concubine to her own cousin—not afraid of becoming a laughingstock?

She alone has disgraced the entire marquisate!

If I were her, I wouldn’t have the face to live; I’d rather find a pillar and dash my head against it!

Some people’s faces are thicker than the city walls!”

“Second Miss!”

Cheng Jinxi retorted angrily.

“Why do you have to use such words to humiliate me?”

“Me humiliate you? Don’t you find your own actions humiliating?

I merely spoke the truth, and you can't bear it?

Is it my words that are harsh, or your deeds that are disgraceful?

It takes two hands to clap!

If you hadn’t deliberately seduced my second brother, how could he have taken a fancy to you?

A widow, rejected by her in-laws, well past her prime.

Yet she can’t take a step without being drawn to my brother!

Well, now you have your wish.

Madam Cheng!”

“You!” Cheng Jinxi was so angry her chest heaved.

“Enough, second sister, say no more.”

Chu Yao’s tone was calm as she spoke to Cheng Jinxi, “Madam Cheng, if you have no business here, you may leave.”

“Yes, Young Mistress.”

Cheng Jinxi turned and left the room.

Elsewhere, Cheng Wenyuan knelt sullenly before the Old Madam.

“You! Look at the mess you’ve made.

I told you to cut ties with that fox Cheng Jinxi quickly.

But you wouldn’t listen and insisted on bringing her back.

Now see what’s happened—you’ve lost a prime promotion opportunity and been demoted.”

“Grandmother, it’s my fault.”

Cheng Wenyuan sighed deeply, feeling heavyhearted.

His scandal had stirred the entire capital, drawing much criticism from the court.

He sensed that someone was stirring trouble behind the scenes to escalate the matter to the court.

Otherwise, how could a private affair of a fifth-rank junior minister be dragged into official deliberations?

He racked his brain but could not identify who was targeting him.

Regaining his former position anytime soon seemed unlikely.

His frustration deepened.

“Brother Yuan, you’ve taken Cheng Jinxi as a concubine, so at least your heart is settled.

But now, you should focus more on Chu Yao.”

Hearing his grandmother mention Chu Yao, Cheng Wenyuan was puzzled and looked up at her.

“You don’t have to remind me.

Chu Yao is backed by the family of the first-rank General Xuanwu.

With their support, your future is boundless.

Besides, I see she is acquainted with many prominent families in the capital.

Last time, she seemed quite close with the young mistress of the Duke’s residence.

Now, if you want to turn things around quickly, you must rely on Chu Yao.

You can’t keep treating her coldly.

I noticed she was quite submissive and gentle during her first six months at the marquisate.

I suppose it’s your continued coldness that has chilled her heart.

If you keep this up, she may truly drift apart from you.

Since you’ve taken Cheng Jinxi as a concubine, Chu Yao will likely harbor resentment.

You should visit her often, appease her, and consummate your marriage soon.

Women, after all, only give their hearts when their bodies are theirs.

If you secure her heart, then with the backing of the General’s household, won’t she help you plan your future?”

Her words struck a chord deep within Cheng Wenyuan.

With the General’s household to rely on and Chu Yao’s connections, how could he waste such an advantage?

Moreover, he had indeed noticed that Chu Yao was different from when they first met.

She was clear and cool, radiant in spirit, yet with a unique charm.

Especially her eyes held an indescribable sharpness and grace.

Unlike the usual affected posturing of other women.

Besides, she was truly striking in appearance.

Her face like a lotus, her brows like spring ink.

A pair of almond-shaped eyes like the bright moon on a spring night, gleaming with life.

Her lips red and tender, like a budding begonia…

At that thought, Cheng Wenyuan’s Adam’s apple moved involuntarily.

A strange flutter stirred in his heart.

…

At dusk, the sky was painted with rosy clouds.

Chu Yao was reviewing the accounts in her room when Qiuyue joyfully called out,

“Young Mistress, the heir has arrived.”

Chu Yao frowned.

Looking up, she saw Cheng Wenyuan striding through the gate of Yao Guang Pavilion.

Counting their encounters over two lifetimes, his visits here were few indeed.

His steps were always measured, his back straight, his posture tall and firm like a pine tree.

He wore a pale blue long robe.

The robe’s hems swayed gently with his steps, like a cool mountain breeze brushing through bamboo groves.

Even with all her resentment toward him,

Chu Yao had to admit that Cheng Wenyuan was remarkably handsome.

His skin was clear, his eyebrows strong and defined, eyes bright, exuding a heroic spirit.

His facial features were sharp and masculine.

He paid great attention to his demeanor, his words and actions exemplary.

His refined and elegant aura seemed innate.

He truly had the power to stir a woman’s heart.

No wonder many women in the capital secretly admired him.

When Chu Yao first saw him, she regarded him as a celestial being.

She thought that appearance mirrored the heart.

Yet she did not realize some are hollow within, their souls vile and selfish beneath a charming exterior.

Behind the graceful, jade-like young gentleman’s face hid a soul utterly deceitful, selfish, and filthy.

At that moment, he had already entered, his eyes gentle as water upon meeting Chu Yao.

“Madam.”

He spoke, his voice low and carrying a trace of unhidden melancholy.

Chu Yao knew well of his recent career setbacks.

Rumors about the marquisate had spread widely throughout the capital.

He must have faced much ridicule and cold mockery outside.

But who else was to blame?

He had brought this trouble upon himself.

Had it been the old Chu Yao, she would have pitied his current humiliation.

Now, she could only gloat.

Her face expressionless, she said, “The heir just took a new concubine. Why come here instead of accompanying her?”

Cheng Wenyuan looked at her with surprise.

He had taken the initiative to visit her at Yao Guang Pavilion.

Shouldn’t she be pleased?

Hadn’t she always openly admired him?

Why did she greet him now with such indifference and those words?

He quickly realized she must be jealous because he had taken a concubine.

Smiling faintly with a hint of apology, he said,

“Madam, taking my cousin as a concubine was not my wish but a necessity of circumstances. I hope you can understand.”

Chu Yao did not look at him, her tone flat.

“It matters not. Men having three wives and four concubines is common.

Whomever the heir chooses to take, Chu Yao does not mind.”