Chapter 11 The Alluring Beauty

"Dear sister-in-law, what are you saying? Our Yao Niang is still young; she wouldn't be concerned with such matters." Lady Jie was unwilling to have her daughter's name linked so quickly with a young man's. She first distanced her daughter from the situation and then said to Lady Ming of the second house, "Even if it were about marriage, we would need the Zhou family to express interest first. Since he has just arrived, prying too much might make them think ill of us. It's better to take things slowly."

In Lady Jie's view, Lady Ming of the second house was relentless in achieving her goals. If she continued to oppose her, she didn't know what tactics Lady Ming might use privately, which could embarrass her own third house.

Lady Ming of the second house was not satisfied with this outcome, but seeing Lady Jie's attitude, she couldn't push too hard. Otherwise, Lady Jie might not only refuse to help but also obstruct her plans, which would be counterproductive.

Thus, she softened her tone and began to lament, "Second Sister-in-Law Qi, we've been sisters-in-law for years. I don't have your good fortune, with both a son and a daughter..."

"You're still young; don't speak so dishearteningly. I have some herbs here that can help nourish your blood and energy. If you don't mind, take them back and use them," Lady Jie interrupted her lament.

Lady Ming of the second house knew that Lady Jie was growing impatient and found an excuse to leave.

Lady Song came back in and took out a pair of jade bracelets from her sleeve: "These are from Lady Ming of the second house. She asked me to put in a good word for her."

Lady Song was Lady Jie's wet nurse. Lady Jie was originally a concubine-born daughter raised by the main wife. Although the main wife treated her well, she wasn't her biological daughter, so Lady Jie was very close to her wet nurse, Lady Song.

Lady Jie looked at the bracelets and smiled: "Since she likes to give gifts, you might as well accept them. Let her think she has bought your loyalty. We'll see what else she wants to find out and prepare accordingly."

Lady Song treated Lady Jie like her own daughter and started planning for her again: "Madam, I think that young Master Zhou is quite outstanding. Why not consider our Third Miss—"

"This matter mustn't be spoken lightly. Yao Niang is still too young. There's plenty of time ahead. Let's see what happens later," Lady Jie shook her head.

The weather was unbearably hot. Mr. Yu felt unwell due to the heat and allowed Yao Niang and the others to rest at home. In recent days, Yan Yingqi had returned to the main house. Yao Niang, fearing that her mother would feel sad, spent her days keeping Lady Jie company.

However, Lady Jie didn't seem to mind. She had been worried about being pregnant, but her menstrual cycle resumed, giving her a relief. Her mood naturally improved.

Yan Yingqi had responsibilities in both houses and couldn't neglect the main house, especially since his mother lived there. Lady Zhen saw Yan Yingqi return and showed no resentment. Lady Yu was pleased with Lady Zhen's attitude. As a woman, one shouldn't be too strong-willed, unlike her third sister-in-law, who always tried to assert herself, eventually leading to alienation.

At the dinner table, Yan Yingqi inquired about Yan Jingzhang and Yan Jingwen's studies. He was strict with his sons, causing them to be nervous. After answering his questions, they hurriedly sat down.

Lady Zhen knew that during Yan Yingqi's stay at the third house for over half a month, Lady Jie never arranged for any concubines. From this, Lady Zhen could discern Lady Jie's character. She still harbored hopes for a man's love and was unwilling to share her husband, even refusing to prepare a bed servant. Such a person was on a different level from her. Men everywhere were the same; what mattered most was wealth and power. Who would be upset or jealous over a man?

"Sir, try this dish of braised quail with bamboo shoots. The bamboo shoots are incredibly fresh. Please taste it," Lady Zhen said softly.

Yan Yingqi tasted it and smiled: "It's indeed excellent, just as you said. I heard you've been distributing porridge recently, and people are praising you."

The seated Ying Niang couldn't help but puff up her chest proudly. Her father's praise for her mother made her feel proud.

Lady Zhen smiled modestly and shook her head: "I merely led the effort; the other ladies did most of the work."

"You're too humble," Yan Yingqi said.

This was how Yan Yingqi and Lady Zhen interacted. Lady Zhen acted appropriately and fulfilled the role of a virtuous wife. However, she sought the position of a minister's wife, which differed from Lady Jie's approach. She performed flawlessly, without a single flaw.

After a brief conversation, according to custom, Yan Yingqi should go to Lady Zhen's room. This courtesy needed to be given.

However, upon entering the room, Lady Zhen smiled and said, "I always suffer in the summer, as you know. Let the new An'er serve you. She is well-versed in poetry and literature and is beautiful and gentle. Let her attend to you tonight."

She had spent eight hundred taels to buy this Yangzhou courtesan. Money was a minor issue; the benefit of securing Yan Yingqi's favor in the main house far outweighed the cost. However, she couldn't reveal that she had purchased the courtesan, only that she was a serving maid. Auntie Yin was getting old, and Auntie Feng, though clever, lacked literary talent.

Yan Yingqi, however, was not interested. In his youth, he was known as a talented scholar and often visited brothels with his classmates before exams. But after marriage, especially with two wives and the pressure of having children, he was often arranged for elsewhere. Now, he could finally make his own decisions.

"Since she's new, teach her the rules first. I have some matters to handle in the study," he said, leaving.

An'er, raised as a lady by a wealthy merchant, had initially admired Yan Yingqi for his tall stature and handsome appearance. At thirty-six, he was already a high-ranking official. However, his lack of interest in her left her feeling embarrassed and on the verge of tears.

Lady Zhen looked at An'er and maintained her smile: "Your living quarters have been prepared with two maids to serve you. If anything is lacking, let me know. When Sir has free time, seize the opportunity."

An'er hastily agreed, understanding that she was now like a pig raised by Lady Zhen, destined for slaughter if she failed to please the master.

Meanwhile, Lady Jie had barely enjoyed three days of peace when Yan Yingqi returned. During this period, Lady Jun of the third house, who rarely visited others, came to inquire about Zhou Lingguang, seemingly interested in matchmaking for her niece Zhao Fang.

Seeing her husband arrive, she said, "I want to discuss something with you."

"Go ahead. Don't call me 'Sir'; it sounds too formal. Call me as you used to," Yan Yingqi smiled.

Lady Jie touched her neck and called out, "Husband." Then she continued, "Ever since Young Master Zhou came to our house, Lady Ming of the second house and Lady Jun of the third house have been asking me about him, seemingly interested in a match. I've been evading their inquiries, as he is our guest, and it's not proper to pry."

Yan Yingqi, frustrated, said, "Didn't I teach you the strategy of sowing discord last time? Look how Jingzhao is starting to warm up to you. Now, let me teach you another tactic: killing three scholars with two peaches! If Zhou Lingguang is truly good, keep him for our daughter. Those others can be your test subjects."

Lady Jie widened her almond-shaped eyes and shook her head vigorously: "That won't do..."

"The timid starve while the bold thrive. Just follow my advice, or rather, just observe. You don't need to do anything," Yan Yingqi kindly added.

He thought he had successfully coached Lady Jie. Unbeknownst to him, as he lowered his head, Lady Jie's eyes sparkled with amusement.