"Becoming a concubine..."
Jiang Xun felt a dull ache in his chest. As a member of an aristocratic family, he had been raised from childhood to believe that concubines were merely playthings, never to be held in high regard. Yet, with the rumors outside now growing rampant, Lingyuan’s reputation was well and truly ruined. If she did not become Xiao Yan’s concubine, death was her only remaining path.
Jiang Lingyuan looked up at him, tears streaming down her face like broken strings of pearls. "I do not blame Sister Lingzhi. As long as she is happy, that is enough. I owed her this from the start."
"It... it was not her," Jiang Xun instinctively explained. "I went to investigate today. This matter had nothing to do with her. You must not misunderstand her."
Jiang Lingyuan froze. Her second brother was actually defending Jiang Lingzhi? But then, a wave of guilty panic washed over her. Her brother had investigated? Did that mean he already knew the rumors had been spread by their mother?
No, that was impossible. Mammy Fang was dead. With no witness to confront, there was no way the trail could lead back to her or her mother.
Reining in her thoughts, Jiang Lingyuan quickly adjusted her expression. "I knew Sister Lingzhi wouldn't do such a thing. After all, you are so kind, Brother, and since you and she are born of the same mother, how could she have a wicked heart?"
She sighed. "It must be my own stupidity. I don't even know when I offended someone to make them hold such a grudge against me."
Jiang Xun felt a pang of heartache. "Lingyuan..." He had doubted Lady Chu in his heart, but he had never for a second doubted Lingyuan, whom he regarded as an incredibly understanding and kind-hearted woman. Seeing her caught in such a predicament truly pained him.
"It’s alright, Second Brother. Besides, Xiao Yan treats me well. He will protect me in the future," Jiang Lingyuan said, forcing a lighthearted smile.
Jiang Xun breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed Lingyuan was stronger than he had imagined. With Xiao Yan’s protection, her life at the Duke Estate shouldn't be too difficult.
Jiang Lingyuan bit her lip, putting on a look of hesitation. "Second Brother..."
Jiang Xun pressed, "What is it, A-Yuan? Tell me."
After much pretense of shyness, she finally revealed the purpose of her visit. "Second Brother... I really like that shop, Lancui Pavilion. Could you... give it to me?"
As far as she knew, Lancui Pavilion was the most profitable shop in Jiang Xun’s possession. She reasoned that since Lady Lu loved a generous dowry, if she offered Lancui Pavilion as a token of filial piety, perhaps Lady Lu’s anger would dissipate more quickly.
"Lancui Pavilion?" Jiang Xun looked troubled. "That shop is no longer in my hands."
"Not in your hands?" Jiang Lingyuan was surprised, then looked at him in disbelief. "Brother, you didn't give it to my sister, did you?"
For some reason, Jiang Xun felt a flash of guilt. He gave a faint "mm" and found he couldn't quite meet her eyes.
Jiang Lingyuan was shocked beyond measure. Since when had Jiang Xun become so kind to Jiang Lingzhi that he would give her Lancui Pavilion? But she had always been good at masking her emotions; she quickly forced a smile. "Then you and I thought of the same thing. I was just thinking that since you’ve given me so many shops, but Sister has nothing, I wanted to ask for that shop to give to her."
"Lingyuan, you are always so kind-hearted," Jiang Xun sighed. "You must take care of yourself. It’s getting late, go back and rest."
"Yes, you too, Second Brother."
The moment she turned away, the smile vanished from her face like a receding tide. She gripped her fists so tightly she nearly shattered her own teeth.
*That bitch Jiang Lingzhi! Coming to snatch my things again!* She swore that once she was married, she would make her pay.
***
Having eaten two extra bowls of rice, Jiang Lingzhi felt full of vigor. Noticing her condition, the servants tactfully withdrew.
Jiang Lingzhi sighed. She wanted to be active too, but she had overexerted herself last time and hadn't quite recovered... Fine, she would just talk to him. Even if he couldn't hear her, the more she spoke, the more familiar she felt with him, which made things easier.
She ordered Yunrou to prepare hot water. After her bath, the exhaustion faded. She changed into her sleeping robes and walked to Xiao Jingyi's bedside. "Husband, I’ve come to keep you company."
Xiao Jingyi pricked up his ears. *What is she going to say? I’ll listen.*
She climbed onto the bed, kneeling beside him, massaging his arms while imagining the romantic scenes from the storybooks she had read, trying to step into her role:
"I went out this afternoon to see the shop the Second Young Master gave me... Well, he insisted I take it, so I had no choice but to accept. I’ve never done business before, but when I have time, I’ll learn how to manage it."
"The night of our wedding, the Duke said that if I could give you an heir, he would grant us some fields and shops for our support. Husband, I’ve decided that even if you never wake up, I will take our child and live a good life."
Xiao Jingyi: "..." *Pah! Who are you cursing?*
Still, hearing this village girl worry so far ahead for a child that didn't even exist yet, and seeing her run herself ragged, he found it somewhat laughable. *What a worrywart.*
After finishing with his arms, she moved to his shoulders. "I’ve been thinking, let's share a bed every three days? I really can't keep up with more than that."
As she massaged, she found the posture uncomfortable, so she simply lifted his head and placed it on her lap. "Actually, every two days would work too, since the heir is important... Wait, Husband, why are you blushing?"
Xiao Jingyi didn't want to blush. But he couldn't move, and he was lying against her soft body. When he couldn't see, his senses of smell and hearing became hypersensitive. He could smell the rose-scented soap from her bath, and with her saying such provocative things, it was hard not to blush.
Jiang Lingzhi touched his face and found it slightly feverish. Thinking he was just overheated from leaning against her, she apologized quickly: "Sorry, Husband. I shouldn't be holding you. Let me put you back on the pillow."
She supported his head with both hands, slowly shifting her legs out from under him while kneeling. Perhaps she had used too much force, but her arm suddenly went limp. "Oh, no!" she whispered.
She tumbled onto him, her lips colliding with his with a soft thud.
Jiang Lingzhi scrambled up, flustered. Then, she thought, *He can't move anyway, what does a little kiss matter?* Thinking this, she leaned down and kissed him again.
She made excuses to herself: "Look, Husband, you’re just too handsome, I couldn't help but want to kiss you. Don't feel like you’ve been taken advantage of—I’m quite pretty myself. When you wake up, I’ll let you kiss me back."
Xiao Jingyi: "..." *I really want to seal this village girl's mouth shut!*
At that moment, Jiang Lingzhi felt a very slight movement against her finger. She widened her eyes in astonishment. "Husband! Your finger just moved!"
She excitedly reached for his hand, but whether she squeezed his fingers, tickled his palm, or tapped his nails, there was no further reaction, as if what she had seen were a hallucination.
Xiao Jingyi didn't realize his finger had twitched; he only felt hotter from being hugged, kissed, and touched all over.
After testing him for a while and seeing no further response, Jiang Lingzhi sighed. Seeing he was sweating from the heat, she got up to dampen a cloth and carefully wiped his face and neck.
Afraid he might feel discouraged, she comforted him while she worked: "I really did see your finger move, even if it was just a tiny bit. I know you want to wake up. Doctor Mu said you might be unconscious due to deep psychological tension. A great general like you must have faced massive challenges; consider this a time to rest and recharge. When you wake up, you’ll be able to crush them with one punch!"
Xiao Jingyi found it increasingly absurd—how was it that, in her eyes, even the most insurmountable problems seemed as easy as flipping one's palm? He didn't know where she got such blind confidence. Yet, amidst the amusement, he felt a wave of depression. He was clearly worried about his wrongly accused soldiers, eager to bring them justice, yet he could not open his eyes or control his own body.
Once she felt the sweat on his head had cooled and his face wasn't as hot, she finally relaxed. The watchman’s gong sounded outside—it was the second watch.
She bid him goodnight: "Husband, it’s late. Rest well. I’m a bit tired today, so I’ll come back tomorrow to make babies with you."
Xiao Jingyi: "..." *Could you be a little more reserved? Don't be so shameless!*
...Though it wasn't necessarily bad. She was just a bit wild, and it made his heart itch.
***
The next morning, Doctor Mu came to take his pulse. "Doctor Mu, how is the General’s pulse today?"
Doctor Mu stroked his beard, his fingers resting on Xiao Jingyi’s wrist, nodding occasionally. "It is better than before."
Jiang Lingzhi was delighted. *Get well soon!* Once he was healthy, she could finally set her mind at ease. She grinned. "Then... would you mind checking my pulse as well?"
Doctor Mu naturally understood that the Fourth Madame was hoping for an heir. He also understood the situation—the General was in such a state, and as a woman, she naturally wanted a child to rely on. "Of course, Madame!"
He took her pulse, but his expression changed instantly; he frowned and sighed.
Jiang Lingzhi’s heart skipped a beat. "Doctor... what is it?"
Doctor Mu looked at her with sympathy. "Madame should consume less cold food recently."
Jiang Lingzhi touched her chin. That sounded like it had a deeper meaning. The weather had been getting warmer, and the meals sent from the kitchens always included a bowl of iced dessert—she had eaten every one of them. But what did that have to do with anything?
By noon, she finally understood what the doctor meant. Jiang Lingzhi was close to tears. Yesterday, she had been boasting to Xiao Jingyi about having the strength to conceive, and today, her period had started!
*How annoying. I can't be reckless now.*
***
Having grown up with little food or clothing, Jiang Lingzhi had a weak constitution and suffered greatly during her period. She lay limp on the bed, not wanting to move an inch, wishing she could even be fed by Yunrou.
Since they lived in the same room, Xiao Jingyi was well aware of her condition. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity. The little village girl, though raised in the countryside, was slender and frail; she must be in a lot of pain right now.
Yunrou came to report: "Fourth Madame, Auntie Yuan is outside asking to see you. Will you see her?"
Her tone was hesitant, as if she weren't sure if she should have brought the message at all.
Jiang Lingzhi’s spirit surged, and she sat up immediately. "Jiang Lingyuan?"
"Yes. She was brought in through the side gate in a small pink sedan last night." Yunrou giggled. "The Eldest Young Master was kneeling in the ancestral hall all evening, so he didn't even see her. Now that he’s been taken off confinement, the First Madame immediately raised Mammy Wang’s daughter, Shuiyun, to the rank of 'good concubine' to look after him."
"Auntie Yuan is pregnant, after all," Xueying added fairly. "And that Concubine Shui was a bed-warmer in the Eldest Young Master's rooms before; raising her to a concubine isn't much of a stretch." She sighed. "The First Madame used to watch the Eldest Young Master like a hawk, but this time, she’s had a change of heart—she took in two at once!"
The way she relished the drama made Jiang Lingzhi want to laugh. She instinctively glanced toward the inner room. *The General is better; being unconscious makes him much more docile, which saves me the trouble of dealing with concubines.*
"Tell her I’m feeling unwell and am not seeing guests."
"Yes."
***
After lying in bed for two days, Jiang Lingzhi grew restless. She had Xueying read her a storybook, but as she listened, a thought occurred to her. She sat up.
If she was this bored after only two days, how much more agonizing must it be for the General to lie on that bed for so long? She thought that since Xiao Jingyi had been a commander on the battlefield, perhaps reading him military texts would provide encouragement and stimulation to help him wake up faster.
"Stop reading. Come with me to the General’s study to find a military book," Jiang Lingzhi said with a smile. "I’ll read it to him."
Xueying was surprised. "Madame, can you read?"
Jiang Lingzhi blinked. "Oh, I learned a little from the village schoolteacher when I was a child."
Xueying looked at the book in her hand, then at Jiang Lingzhi, and understood. "You find reading a chore yourself, yet you’re willing to put in the effort to read to the General. You are truly kind to him."
Jiang Lingzhi: "...If you say so."
Xiao Jingyi’s study, "Tuihan" (Retreating Coldness), had been off-limits to everyone, but he was in no position to stop her now.
"Tuihan?" Jiang Lingzhi wondered aloud.
Di Qing explained from the side, "This was a scholarly name given to the General by his cousin, Princess Lingshu. She said the General was always too cold, and that wasn't good."
*Princess Lingshu? Cousin?* Jiang Lingzhi felt an inexplicable prickle of discomfort. She paused, turned away, and stepped over the threshold.
The study was large, divided into three sections. The center was for receiving guests, the left held weapons, and the right was the study proper, featuring a large desk and rows of shelves filled with books. Beyond military manuals, there were history books, their corners yellowed from use, a testament to his literary and martial prowess.
For a moment, she felt as if she could see him sitting there, studying intently.
Di Qing asked, "Madame, which military text would you like?"
She snapped out of her trance. Looking at the *Zuo Zhuan* on the desk, she smiled. "No military books. Let's take this one. I imagine the General read it often."
Di Qing agreed, "You are right, Madame."
As she left the study, Jiang Lingzhi thought that her visit had helped her learn a bit more about him. Returning to the bedroom, she touched his face. "Husband, I’m going to have someone push you outside so I can read to you."
Di Qing and Di Hong watched from the side, deeply moved. *The Madame is so thoughtful. Even when she’s bored, she thinks of ways to keep the General entertained.*
"Let’s take the General to the Pavilion in the Lake; the scenery is beautiful there."
"Yes."
Xiao Jingyi felt a warmth in his chest. This little village girl was truly considerate. He couldn't help but think: *If she hadn't been the one swapped in to marry me, perhaps I would be lying here in total agony. No one else would think to let me catch the breeze or read to me.*
The pavilion stood by the edge of Shun Garden, overlooking the lotus pond. It was a serene spot. Jiang Lingzhi held the book and began to read, one word at a time.
She didn't know how much time had passed. Her throat grew dry, so she put the book down, took a sip of tea, and continued.
From a distance, Old Madame Xiao watched the scene. Her eyes grew misty. She reached out and patted the young woman beside her. "Come, Jingxi, let’s go greet your fourth sister-in-law."
"Yes, Mother."
The young woman was the daughter of the house, Xiao Jingxi, titled Princess Funing by the Emperor.
The servants quickly bowed as they approached. "Old Madame, Princess."
Xiao Jingxi had been raised in luxury and tutored by Empress Ning herself; her manner of life was little different from that of a palace princess. Yet, she showed no arrogance toward Jiang Lingzhi. She gave a proper, respectful bow and called out sweetly, "Fourth Sister-in-law."
In her eyes, her fourth brother was unconscious and paralyzed, yet her sister-in-law took such diligent, loving care of him. As his younger sister, how could she not respect her?
In his wheelchair, Xiao Jingyi was filled with emotion. He had been away from home for so long; in his memory, this sister had been a little tot, but now she was a proper young lady, well-mannered and sensible.
"Princess," Jiang Lingzhi replied hastily. She had only spoken two sentences to her on the day of the tea ceremony and hadn't known her disposition. Seeing her kindness now, she felt relieved.
Old Madame Xiao’s gaze fell on Xiao Jingyi’s face, and she felt another wave of sadness. She turned to Jiang Lingzhi: "You are reading to Jingyi?"
Jiang Lingzhi felt a bit shy. "Yes, Mother. I heard he used to enjoy this book, and I was afraid he would be bored lying here all day."
Old Madame Xiao nodded, smiling. "Good child."
Everyone in the estate thought the fourth son was as good as dead, yet this Jiang Lingzhi was so open-hearted and delicate, spending every day either crafting a wheelchair for him or finding ways to read to him, as if she were absolutely certain he would wake up. It brought a mother much comfort.
After a pause, she didn't say anything more. She simply took the book from Jiang Lingzhi’s hands, sat down beside them, and began to read.
In Xiao Jingyi’s memory, there were few such quiet, warm moments with his mother. Since childhood, he had been taught to be dignified and upright. Whether it was the bitter winter or the scorching summer, he was always studying or practicing martial arts. His mother, like his father, rarely used soft, gentle words. But now, her voice was right beside him—warm, melodious, and infinitely loving, even gentler than the spring breeze.
Xiao Jingyi lingered in the enjoyment of this moment.
When she finished a chapter, Old Madame Xiao’s voice was choked with emotion. She set the book down and reached out to touch him. "You will get better. Mother will come to see you again tomorrow."
Xiao Jingyi called out "Mother" silently in his heart.