A Good Country Wife
Chapter 277 - 271: Walking Tall_1

Chapter 277: Chapter 271: Walking Tall_1

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.

"My lady, knowing that you enjoy tea, the old master specially sent over a pound of high-quality Maofeng only yesterday. I’ll brew some for you to taste," said the maid, who had recently been assigned to Concubine Zhou and didn’t quite understand her mistress’s thoughts, assuming that Concubine Zhou was upset over Concubine Zhao but didn’t wish to say so. By bringing up the tea leaves the old master had sent the day before, she seemed to be saying, you’re still favored, my lady, don’t worry.

Auntie Zhou didn’t pay attention to her maid’s little thoughts, as she was too lazy to explain anything. Some things were simply beyond what a little maid should know. She just took the tea and slowly savored it, falling into deep contemplation. In the past, he used to love tasting tea, and she found great pleasure in watching him do so, thinking him incredibly elegant.

Although the maid had only recently been assigned to Auntie Zhou’s side, she knew enough about Auntie Zhou’s temperament to understand that such moments were not to be disturbed. So, she stood quietly by her side, not even daring to make a loud movement.

Master Wei, seeing Zhao Lingxiang come over with a swaying gait, had an unhappy expression on his face, clearly impatient from waiting so long. "I sent a servant to call you, why have you only come now? Have I spoiled you these past few days that you’ve grown arrogant, not even listening to my words!" he said, his displeasure clear.

Zhao Lingxiang was just a woman with ordinary sentiments. Having heard that Master Wei wished to see her, she had taken extra time to dress and make herself up, which caused the delay. However, she couldn’t say that outright. If the master really thought she had grown proud from his favor, it would not bode well for her. Thinking back to her encounter with Auntie Zhou in the garden earlier, she used her as a shield.

"Master, how could I dare to do so? I happened to meet Auntie Zhou in the garden, and we hit it off, so I spoke with her a bit longer, which is why I came later. Please forgive me," explained Zhao Lingxiang sweetly, carefully observing Master Wei’s expression.

At the mention of Auntie Zhou, Master Wei’s frown deepened. "Auntie Zhou is someone who enjoys peace and quiet, and doesn’t like to be disturbed. You’ve been in the Wei Residence for years, so you should know that. Do not bother her serenity in the future."

Master Wei was not unaware of the petty jealousies and rivalries in the inner court, but he was too lazy to intervene. However, now that it involved Auntie Zhou, his favored concubine, he issued a warning to Zhao Lingxiang. In Master Wei’s heart, although Auntie Zhou might not be the most beautiful, she was the only woman in the residence who had ever shown him true affection—not for his wealth or property. She had always been the woman he held dear over the years.

Master Wei held these beliefs because Auntie Zhou had always been so indifferent, never having asked him for anything proactively, and always silently staying by his side. Even when other women entered the residence, she never fought with them out of jealousy but would simply wait for him quietly in her courtyard. Master Wei was thoroughly pleased with everything about Auntie Zhou. Of course, if he knew that her indifferent demeanor was only because she cared for another man, and that was why she did not mind his other women, he might well have been enraged to death.

Seeing Master Wei defend Auntie Zhou, a flash of jealousy crossed the depths of Zhao Lingxiang’s eyes. Although she knew that Auntie Zhou was the woman most favored by Master Wei in their residence, she still felt a bit resentful when it came down to it. It was only a casual chat she had in the garden, how could it have disturbed Auntie Zhou’s peace?

Zhao Lingxiang was only daring enough to be angry in her heart; she absolutely could not show it on her face. "Master, your concubine understands. I will not dare to bother Auntie Zhou again in the future. Please do not be angry," she said.