Chapter 2 — I Refuse to Be a Concubine

It felt as if he truly wished to carve the very flesh from my bones.

“For the sake of a wretched beast, you dared to plot against the life of your own kin.”

“With a character so vile, how could you ever hope to bear the mantle of a matriarch?”

“You are only fit to be a concubine.”

That night, my elder brother, consumed by an infernal rage, had me cast away to a remote temple atop the mountains. He commanded that I dress in rags and live in penance, tending to my own cultivation. I remained there for three long months. Upon my return, I discovered that my brother had been tirelessly arranging marriage prospects for my sister. In the process, he had casually cast me aside with the words: “My second sister is selfish and sullen; it would be a blessing for her to serve as a concubine.” These words were overheard by the Noble Son, Gu Yan Yu. Consequently, he formed the intention to take my sister as his lawful wife, while keeping me as his concubine. It was only thanks to Xie Chen Liu that I had a lifeline. Now, under the shroud of a heavy, suffocating night, he raised his hand to shield me from the biting wind.

“Agreed.”

“Tomorrow, I shall enter the palace and petition for an imperial edict to seal our union.”

I encountered Gu Yan Yu at the gates of the estate. He and my brother had just concluded their discussions regarding the marriage and were preparing to depart. Catching sight of me, he paused, his voice softening into a feigned tenderness.

“Sui Sui, for many years, I have held true affection for you.”

“I had originally intended to grant you the position of my lawful wife, but I could not ignore the debt I owed for the life I was once spared.”

“Though you will be a concubine, in my heart, your status shall be no different from that of Cui Shu.”

I pressed a handkerchief to the corner of my eye. A bitter ache surged within my chest.

“I wish you and my sister a long and prosperous life, blessed with a house full of descendants.”

“But I shall not marry you.”

Gu Yan Yu let out a faint, condescending chuckle.

“Your words belie the true desires of your heart.”

“You have admired me for so many years; how could you possibly refuse to wed me?”

“The Honorable Official Cui is right; your character is truly lacking compared to Cui Shu. At the very least, she would never stoop to such hypocritical performances.”

I did not know when my brother had appeared at the threshold. He raised a fist to his lips, coughing softly. Once Gu Yan Yu had climbed into his carriage, he turned his gaze toward me.

“The marriage between Shu’er and the Noble Son is set.”

“Next, I shall begin scouting for a match for you.”

Scouting for a concubine’s match, are you? I raised my head, staring directly into his eyes.

“Do not trouble yourself, brother.”

“I have already found a man of good standing; he is willing to take me as his lawful wife.”

“There is no need for you to trouble yourself with calculating the logistics of my position as a concubine.”

Upon hearing this, his expression underwent a violent shift. He suddenly seized my wrist, his face taut with agitation.

“What did you say to the Noble Son just now?”

“Do you intend to snatch the position of the Noble Son’s consort from Shu’er?”

I offered a mirthless smile and shook my head.

“He has already resolved to marry my sister.”

“It is not as if I can simply take it just because I wish to.”

My brother exhaled a long breath, loosening his grip on me. “That is true.”

“Shu’er is gentle and virtuous, well-equipped to manage a household.”

“If it were replaced by you, the Marquis’s estate would surely descend into chaos.”

He arched an eyebrow, mocking me. “So then, tell me.”

“What blind fool has agreed to marry you?”

I quietly uttered the title of Xie Chen Liu. My brother was first struck with shock, then erupted into laughter.

“If you wish to weave a lie to deceive me, at least try to make it believable.”

“Everyone knows that the Prince of Su is disfigured and possesses a sullen, tempestuous nature; every noble lady in the capital avoids him like a plague.”

“He would not set his sights on you, and you would not dare to marry him.”

“Oh,” I said, rubbing my brow.

“He is dark and sullen, and I am wicked and cruel. It seems we are a pair made in heaven, perfectly suited for one another.”

“There is no need to spout such nonsense to provoke me. You are my own flesh and blood; I will find you a suitable household where you may serve as the mistress.”

My brother smoothed my hair. “The talk of making you a concubine was merely said in the heat of anger.” Hearing this, a small, hollow warmth bloomed in my heart.

No sooner had I returned to my room to rest than my sister emerged from behind the corridor, timidly calling out to my brother.

“Does Sui Sui truly intend to marry someone else?”

My brother nodded. “I have a colleague—a man of clean reputation and gentle disposition.”

“He has never taken a wife or concubine.”

“I intended for Sui Sui to meet him once.”

My sister tightened her grip on her handkerchief, her lips trembling as if she wished to say something but found it difficult to voice. My brother comforted her. “What is it?” My sister gritted her teeth. “In truth—”

“I cannot bear children.”

“When Sui Sui fell into the water as a child, I jumped in to save her. It was the heart of winter, and the physician said the cold had settled into my body. I fear that…”

My brother’s face turned deathly pale. “Does the Noble Son know?”

“He knows.”

“He told me that if I cannot bear children, he shall only take one concubine. One wife and one concubine will suffice for this lifetime. After much thought, I believe only Sui Sui is the most suitable.”

My brother grew contemplative for a moment. “Then let Sui Sui marry into the Marquis’s estate with you.”

“The two of you can look after one another.”

My sister bit her lip, appearing anxious. “But will Sui Sui be willing to be a concubine?”

“She owes you for her life; she is in no position to choose,” my brother said with a cold smile. “Besides, she has long admired the Noble Son.”

“That is why she feigned that debt of gratitude, harboring vain hopes of winning his favor.”

“She will agree.”

Inside my room, the candle flame flickered and popped like a blooming flower. On the table sat two jade pendants: one white, gifted by Gu Yan Yu; the other emerald, a gift from Xie Chen Liu. I picked up the green pendant and stroked it with care. I had met Xie Chen Liu at that very mountain temple. He had just returned to the capital and was staying there temporarily, claiming he needed to temper his murderous aura. As for me, I had been tossed there by my brother, with two matrons assigned to watch my every move with predatory eyes.