A Good Country Wife

After delegating the task to Chunxi, Zhao Lingxiang went back to the city with peace of mind. If she could obtain a few more secret recipes this time, the master would surely value her even more. Even if the lady of the house was displeased, she wouldn’t be able to do anything to her. In the inner courtyard, the lady might hold the most power, but the true master of the Wei Residence was the old master. As long as he protected her, even the lady would have to read her mood. It was just like the favored Concubine Zhou, who had been in favor for many years. No matter how much the lady hated her, Concubine Zhou still gave birth to a son and lived a peaceful life in the inner courtyard, all because she had the old master’s protection.

"Concubine Zhao, where are you off to? You look so pleased with yourself. Have you encountered some good fortune?" In the inner courtyard, the only one who still treated Zhao Lingxiang with any cordiality was Concubine Zhou. She was admiring the scenery in the garden when she saw Zhao Lingxiang passing by and greeted her with a smile.

"Oh, it’s Concubine Zhou. The master has called for me to attend to him, and I’m on my way to the back courtyard now, so I can’t stay and chat. Another day when I have the time, I’ll come and have a good talk with you, Concubine Zhou." When Zhao Lingxiang saw it was Concubine Zhou, she refrained from her usual haughtiness. She knew full well that in the old master’s heart, Concubine Zhou was more important than she was. Moreover, she had a smart and agile son. The old master’s current favoritism towards her was simply due to the tasks she could perform for him. She certainly had no advantage over Concubine Zhou, who was also amicable, and there was no point in being at odds with her.

Zhao Lingxiang considered herself to be very modest, yet in the eyes of Concubine Zhou’s personal maid, things did not seem that way, especially since Zhao Lingxiang made a point of saying she was summoned to serve the old master. The young maid, taking umbrage on behalf of her mistress, glared fiercely at Zhao Lingxiang’s departing figure, filled with indignant resentment.

"Concubine Zhou, look at Concubine Zhao, strutting about as if serving the old master is something so grand. She’s such a bumpkin. You receive so much favor, and the old master often visits your chambers. Concubine Zhao has only attended to the old master a few times more; what’s there to show off about? Seeing her frivolous manner, I just don’t believe she’ll be pleased for long. Right now, every woman in the courtyard would love nothing more than to drink her blood and eat her flesh. Once she loses the old master’s favor, her end won’t be good, and the lady of the house will surely be the first to not spare her."

Concubine Zhou glanced at her maid, who was upset on her behalf, and smiled nonchalantly, "Why get angry with her? Concubine Zhao is a pitiable person. After so many years, she hasn’t been able to bear a son or a daughter. She’s pinched by the lady like a maid, bossed around, standing on ceremony all day in the lady’s chambers. Now that she’s finally experiencing a few good days, it’s only because the old master needs her. What is there to be envious of?"

The old master’s affection for Concubine Zhou was apparent, even revealing some business matters to her. Concubine Zhou was well aware of why Zhao Lingxiang had recently been in favor. Therefore, she felt not an ounce of jealousy, and besides, her affection and infatuation with the old master weren’t as sincere as they appeared on the surface. He was nothing more than a man she had to rely on for the sake of living. As long as it didn’t affect her life, whom the old master favored was none of her concern.

"My lady, you really do have a good nature, no wonder everyone likes you so much and the old master cherishes you," said the maid flatteringly. "The old master even said that you are the kindest of all."

"Perhaps, there’s truly nothing worth fussing over," replied Concubine Zhou, her expression still calm.