Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Upon hearing Ming Tang’s words, Madam Chen was overcome with joy, utterly surprised by her easy agreement. The two conditions proposed perfectly aligned with Madam Chen’s wishes; she had never intended for Ming Tang to bear the sole responsibility of raising her future grandchild.

Just as Madam Chen was about to give her immediate consent, Chen Wenyao stopped her with a look.

Madam Chen, having rarely ventured beyond the family gates and with the Chen household never having taken a concubine, was unfamiliar with such matters. Chen Wenyao, however, understood the profound implications of the "concubine contract" Ming Tang had mentioned.

The common understanding of "taking a concubine" usually involved little more than a change in address or title within the household, signifying merely that the woman was the master’s intimate companion. Yet, under the laws of the Great Xia Dynasty, such a concubine’s status remained that of a household servant, making her easily disposable by the master.

However, a concubine contract, once filed, was officially recorded in the government archives. To make a bold comparison, it was akin to an emperor bestowing a formal title upon a favored woman. Thus, concubines with such contracts held a distinctly different status, commonly known as "legitimate concubines." Children born to these women typically enjoyed a higher standing within the family than ordinary illegitimate offspring.

Ming Tang hailed from a prominent family. Although the Ming household itself had no tradition of taking concubines, she would undoubtedly be well-versed in these intricate social nuances.

Chen Wenyao was deeply perplexed and uneasy, wondering why she would proactively suggest this, a premonition of ill-fortune unsettling him.

"What’s wrong, husband? Shouldn’t you be delighted to have your wish granted? Are my conditions unsatisfactory? Is a mere contract insufficient—must I abdicate my position for her?" Ming Tang’s voice dripped with sarcasm.

Ming Tang had always been composed and soft-spoken. Chen Wenyao had never heard such a tone from her, and it immediately displeased him.

Yet, acknowledging his own wrongdoing, he merely furrowed his brow slightly. "You Niang, why speak such angry words? I only thought bringing her into the household would suffice—she carries my child, after all. A concubine contract is quite unnecessary."

He looked at her earnestly. Ming Tang observed him for a moment, confirming his sincerity. She found it bitterly ironic: Miss Ya had schemed so hard, and now, on the verge of entering the household, her lover wouldn’t even grant her a proper title.

To prevent Miss Ya from realizing, once she entered, that she had missed the chance at a legitimate concubine’s status, Ming Tang had a thought and decided to lend her a hand.

"That child was conceived outside the household. Are you certain you want to bring her in without formalities?" Ming Tang kept her gaze on her nails, subtly guiding him. "I fear some gossips will spread unpleasant rumors."

A formal title would change that—at least it would clearly demonstrate the Chen family’s absolute certainty regarding the child’s lineage.

Chen Wenyao suddenly understood Ming Tang’s intention. His guilt deepened, and for the first time, he felt a pang of shame.

He had been torn between joy and anxiety upon learning of Ya Yun’s pregnancy, even fearing Ming Tang might use her influence to harm her. Now, it was clear he had misjudged her; he had wronged Ming Tang, yet she was still considering his reputation despite knowing everything.

His cheeks flushed with shame. Chen Wenyao’s voice became thick with emotion: "You Niang, I’m touched you’d consider me so deeply. Rest assured, you will always be the principal wife of this household—no one will ever surpass you."

Watching his expression, Ming Tang believed that with this display, her position would be unshakeable for at least a decade. If Miss Ya grew presumptuous due to her pregnancy, Chen Wenyao would certainly take measures to suppress her.

But—wasn’t this her rightful due? A wife was an equal. Chen Wenyao was merely affirming her rightful power and status as a wife.

To treat what was rightfully hers as a reward and guarantee... Ming Tang scoffed inwardly. Did he truly take her for a fool?

"Then I shall take you at your word," Ming Tang said, a perfectly measured smile gracing her lips.

"Since the matter is settled, why delay? Let’s bring her in today. Before the contract, I should meet her first."

Chen Wenyao had no objections. He stood immediately.

His legs, numb from kneeling, caused him to sway momentarily before he regained his balance. He immediately looked at Madam Chen, reassuring her, "I’m fine—just a bit stiff." He seemed to fear Madam Chen might seize the opportunity to make a fuss.

Slowly, he walked to the doorway and waved to Shu Ma, who was sitting outside. Chen Wenyao’s voice was calm: "Take a few people to Huai Tree Lane and fetch Ya Yun. Tell her the young mistress wishes to see her—it’s good news, so she needn’t worry."

Shu Ma was taken aback. The young mistress had agreed so easily?

Well, with her mother-in-law and husband pressuring her, and the woman already heavily pregnant and waiting to give birth, it was inevitable. Shu Ma muttered to herself and departed to carry out the order.

Chen Wenyao stood under the eaves, watching Shu Ma’s retreating figure. In the beautiful spring light, he felt as if a great weight had been lifted from his heart, replaced by a surge of joy. Even the courtyard, which he had always found cramped, now seemed more spacious.

The future stretched wide before him. The greatest obstacle had been overcome. He was only twenty-three, with boundless prospects ahead.

Led by Shu Ma, Ya Yun slowly entered the main courtyard, one hand supporting her lower back. Seeing Chen Wenyao, his weariness visibly eased, her eyes flickered with a hint of hope that her wish had indeed come true.

She walked with remarkable steadiness, showing no overt excitement even upon seeing Chen Wenyao. Only when she reached him did she slowly kneel, every movement emphasizing her profound care for the child she carried.

Ya Yun knew Chen Wenyao harbored little genuine affection for her; his regard was solely for the child in her womb. Thus, she consistently presented herself as one whose priority was the family’s lineage. This strategy, she found, was unfailingly effective with Chen Wenyao.

Chen Wenyao, who had initially seemed indifferent, softened his gaze. He even helped her up with his own hands, whispering, "Don’t worry. The young mistress has an excellent temper; as long as you don’t cross her, she is always very amiable."

Ya Yun bowed her head obediently. "This unworthy one will respect the young mistress above all."

Following him slowly into the main room, Ya Yun saw two women seated in the hall, one elderly and one young.

The elder, seated in the place of honor, wore a sapphire-blue gown, her hair adorned with glittering gold ornaments, and a flat gold bracelet as wide as a thumb on her exposed wrist. She was looking at Ya Yun’s belly, her face beaming with unconcealed delight.

The younger woman, seated to the left, wore no visible ornaments save a strand of lustrous pearls dangling by her temple, gently trembling.

Ya Yun’s gaze flickered, already knowing the identity of this person. Her eyes involuntarily fell upon Ming Tang’s face, meeting her gaze. Those eyes were clear and piercing, and their opening and closing seemed even more dazzling than the pearls by her temple. Startled, Ya Yun quickly lowered her head, not daring to look again.

This mistress, she thought, would likely be difficult to serve.

Fortunately, the Chen household was not solely ruled by this mistress. At least Madam Chen was easily managed. And since she was allowed to enter, this difficult young mistress would likely be unable to harm her—at least not before the birth.

Ya Yun took small, mincing steps forward. Shu Ma, Madam Chen’s most trusted servant, had already brought two cups of hot tea and was waiting by the side.

On the floor in front of Madam Chen, a soft cushion had even been prepared.

Ya Yun, protecting her belly, slowly knelt on the cushion, took the teacup, and respectfully and submissively presented it: "Madam, please have some tea."

No sooner had she spoken than Madam Chen immediately took the cup, took a sip, and then slipped off the gold bracelet from her wrist, handing it to Ya Yun: "Good child, quickly get up."

"Thank you, Madam."

Ya Yun obediently rose. Just as she was about to offer tea to the principal wife, Madam Chen took her wrist and examined her closely.

"What a truly good child, and so comely. The child is five months along, isn’t it? From now on, just settle down and live comfortably here. By my reckoning, your delivery should be in early autumn—neither too cold nor too hot, a perfect time, and confinement won’t be difficult."

Ya Yun had an oval face and almond eyes, and despite being five months pregnant, she showed no signs of swelling. When she lowered her eyes, she had a rather delicate, pitiful look that instantly evoked sympathy.

At this moment, she softly answered Madam Chen’s questions one by one, her respectful and adoring demeanor evident. Madam Chen, experiencing such admiration for the first time, grew even fonder, her voice becoming gentler. If an uninformed person were to enter at this moment, they would surely exclaim, "What a harmonious mother-in-law and daughter-in-law!"

Ming Tang, seated to the side, did not rush them. She merely observed Miss Ya closely, her gaze lingering on her protruding belly, a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing on her lips.

After a long while, Madam Chen finally realized it wasn’t the time for prolonged conversation and signaled Ya Yun to offer tea to Ming Tang.

Ming Tang showed no intention of making things difficult for her. She smoothly accepted the teacup, which, surprisingly, filled the anxious Ya Yun—who had been bracing herself for a challenge—with a strange sense of disappointment.

She had already planned how to respond if she were to be put on the spot.

Just as she was about to rise, Ming Tang said, "Wait a moment."

Ya Yun’s heart tightened: Here it comes, here it comes.

But then, Ming Tang took a silver hairpin from her hair, leaned slightly forward, and placed it in Ya Yun’s hair: "Since Mother has given you a gift, I shouldn’t try to outdo her. Take this for your amusement. As you’ll be living with Mother from now on, please serve her well on my behalf."

Ya Yun was momentarily stunned, forgetting to rise. She involuntarily glanced at Madam Chen, who was seated in the main seat, and saw her nod, clearly already aware of the arrangement.

Ya Yun was incredulous.

Why would she live with Madam Chen?

Shouldn't she be living with the principal wife?

What kind of concubine lives in her mother-in-law’s courtyard? If they shared quarters, wouldn’t she be under constant surveillance? How could she possibly entice the master to visit her then?

If she stayed with the principal wife, even now while pregnant, Ya Yun had ways to ensure Chen Wenyao would spend the night. But now, was she supposed to share a bed with the master in Mrs. Chen’s courtyard?

Bonds form through time spent together. She still had several months before the birth, and the master wouldn’t frequent the main residence often. Once the child was born, who would even remember her existence?

Ya Yun glanced at Ming Tang, only to find her still smiling sweetly. She burned with resentment—no wonder she hadn’t made any trouble earlier, she had already planned everything!

Yet, in front of the master and Mrs. Chen, Ya Yun dared not show the slightest defiance. She lowered her head meekly. "Yes, this humble concubine will obey."

Just as she was about to rise, Ming Tang wasn’t finished speaking.

"Since you’re joining the household now, we should have held a small banquet to mark the occasion. But given your condition, we’ll forgo that. However, we'll need to formalize the concubine papers."

A concubine contract? Ya Yun felt as though she were dreaming.

With such a document, she would be a proper concubine with status. She was just an outsider who got pregnant, not some maid the wife groomed for this. Did Ming Tang truly understand what she was saying?

This wife was so unpredictable—every move took Ya Yun by surprise. Though she couldn’t discern any hidden motive behind the contract, it was undoubtedly favorable for her. Hesitantly, she replied, "This concubine will obey the mistress’s orders."

Could it be that the mistress knew she couldn’t bear children and was thus trying to curry favor with her?