Concubine

The Mu family brought out their veiled daughter, helped her into the bridal sedan chair, and the hired musicians followed behind, playing festive tunes as they retraced the route back to the Yang residence. The entire process took less than two hours.

At this moment, the Yang household was overflowing with people—curious neighbors, congratulating friends and relatives—all crowded the entrance, their chatter making the doors creak. The event had happened so suddenly that Liu Motong, Shi Xiong, and Old Li rushed over by noon to help. Shortly after, Guo Zhonggong, the second-in-command of the Brocade Guard, and strategist Mei Rong arrived with their own stewards, claiming to lend a hand. However, after a quick glance around, the stewards told their masters there was nothing they could do— the house was too small and the crowd too big, any attempt to help would only add to the chaos.

Guo Zhonggong quickly sent his people away and started to grumble at Yang Zan, blaming him for not telling him earlier. “If you’d told me sooner you were taking a concubine, I’d have given you that idle house in Fengle Lane—for your new lady. That way, the little one wouldn’t be making a fuss with the main wife and disturbing the house rules.”

Mei Rong, hearing this, covered his mouth with a delicate hand and scolded with a laugh, “You think everyone’s like you, falling for every woman you meet, marrying one and discarding the last? With so many women, how could there not be quarrels? Yang is a man of feeling and honor—he takes in a concubine to share his life, not to stir up trouble. Scoundrels like you ought to marry a princess like Yudong, so she can keep you in check.”

Mei Rong’s hands were so fair and slender they surpassed a woman’s, and his slightly upturned fingers made his gestures all the more feminine. When he spoke to Guo Zhonggong, he would poke him from time to time, looking for all the world like a resentful wife chiding her unfaithful husband.

Shi Xiong quickly coughed, his face darkening, “You two lovebirds, go show off in the woodshed in the back. Today’s a joyful day—don’t make a fool of yourselves here.”

Guo Zhonggong just grinned, unconcerned. But Mei Rong was offended, his pale face flushing red. Suddenly, he shouted, “Damn you, Shi Xiong! How dare you mock me—I’ll settle this with you!” He jabbed a slender finger toward Shi Xiong, who dodged away, laughing. Not to be outdone, Mei Rong swung his fists, and the two sparred playfully.

Meanwhile, Guo Zhonggong sidled up to Li Xi, nudged his arm, and whispered, “This marriage happened so hastily—could she be with child?”

Li Xi replied, “I only returned to Chang’an the day before yesterday and spent the last two years on the northwest frontier. Tell me, Brother Guo, how could she possibly be pregnant? And with what?”

Guo Zhonggong bit his finger, shrank back his head, and slunk away.

Li Xi shook his head in exasperation, marveling at the intellect of the Brocade Guard’s second-in-command. Just then, music rose up outside—the bridal sedan he’d sent out to fetch his bride had returned.

In his previous life, Li Xi had married once, and all he remembered was exhaustion—exhaustion from the rituals, from entertaining guests, from the wedding night. He thought it would be the same this time, but to his surprise, it all felt remarkably light and easy. There were none of the tiresome ceremonies he’d imagined. It felt as if he’d simply acquired something valuable, with friends and family stopping by for a polite congratulations and a glass of wine. If not for Guo Zhonggong and Mei Rong leading the Brocade Guard in some rowdy antics, the whole affair could be called “quiet” if not cold.

When the last guests finally left and peace returned, Li Xi suddenly felt nervous. He dreaded seeing that woman—not out of fear that she would see through his disguise (after all, even Old Lady Yang, who spent every day with him, hadn’t guessed the truth; how could a woman who only met Yang Zan in secret a few times possibly know?)—but because of his own conscience. He’d taken on Yang Zan’s identity to comfort the old matron, and even if Yang Zan were watching from the heavens, he would surely forgive him. But Mu Yaxin loved Yang Zan, not the man pretending to be him.

To deceive her feelings under Yang Zan’s name—Li Xi felt base, a shameless thief.

This inner turmoil made his steps heavy as he walked toward the study in the back garden after bidding the old matron goodnight. Every step felt like a struggle.

“Ahem, watch where you’re going!” It was Madam Qi, who nearly collided with the downcast Li Xi. She held a whisk and began dusting around him, muttering as she worked.

Li Xi asked with a smile, “What are you mumbling about? I’m not dirty.”

She replied, lips curved, “This is called ‘sweeping off the green dust.’ We’re all fashioned from yellow earth by Mother Nuwa, covered in dust. Sweep off a layer, and you grow a bit. Sweep off this green dust and you’re a grown man, standing tall, worthy of heaven and earth, never forgetting propriety.” She finished, put away the whisk, and gave him a sidelong glance. “Go on, then. She’s waited for you two years—don’t let her down again.”

Li Xi replied, “Come now, do I look like the sort who can’t wait a moment longer?”

Madam Qi said, “You just keep up that tough talk. If you can get up at dawn tomorrow, I’ll lose you a string of coins.”

With that, she left. Li Xi gave a wry smile and stepped into the back garden. Since Mu Yaxin was only a concubine, her bridal chamber was set up in Yang Zan’s study—tidy and fresh, the bookshelves sealed, the lanterns under the eaves replaced with ones symbolizing lasting happiness, swaying gently in the night breeze.

Even now, Li Xi hadn’t decided how he would face the woman inside.

But in the blink of an eye, everything changed. Mu Yaxin pushed open the door and stepped out onto the porch, her voice timid, “It’s getting late—let me help you rest, my lord.”

One look, and Li Xi was utterly captivated. If before, “Mu Yaxin” had only been a name to him, now, with a living, breathing woman before him, speaking with such tender affection, all pretense melted away, leaving only instinct.

He drew her into his arms, her soft, trembling form melting against him like water.

He asked, “Have you been well these past two years?”

“All is well—except that longing is so exhausting.”

“You haven’t changed, still speaking so formally. But I have—now I can only speak in plain, rough words. I’ve no patience for flowery speech. You’ve changed too—grown beautiful as a flower—while I’ve grown dark and ugly. At sixteen I looked a boy, now I look almost thirty. Actually, you’ve changed as well—my memory didn’t have you this… well-endowed, or this soft.”

“I knew you’d turn crude like a bandit after joining the army. And here you are…”

“Don’t you like me as I am now?”

“No. I liked the gentle, scholarly Yang I once knew. I know you’ve suffered much these two years—forget those nightmares and be your old self again.”

“I can’t. The old Yang Zan is dead. Standing before you is not only a bandit but a fraud. Can you share your bed with a bandit and a liar? Perhaps such a man suits you more than your old Yang did.”

“Are you still my Yang? Can killing truly change a person completely?”

“Yes. The old Yang Zan is truly dead. I’m simply borrowing his name. If you care only for the man I was before… perhaps we should talk another day.”

“Where will you go? Will you vanish again like two years ago? That Yang—so gentle and refined—was a coward who couldn’t face consequences! Good riddance if he’s gone—I’ve long forgotten him.”

“That’s good, that’s good.”

“What’s good?”

“Nothing.”

“Maybe you were right to leave back then. The storms you’ve weathered have made you grow. Can I lean on you now?”

“You can lie in my arms if you like, but I’m tired. Let’s talk in bed.”

“No, I have so much to say… ah! What are you doing?”

“Time is precious—whatever you want to say, save it for tomorrow.”

“My Yang has grown up—he can carry me now.”

“Hush, someone might hear.”

“What does it matter? I’m already your concubine.”

“… I once promised to marry you properly.”

“Don’t be foolish. I never expected to enter your house as a proper wife. Being your concubine, I’m content. Just don’t forget the promise you made me.”

“What promise?”

“You! Liar! You said you’d never abandon me, for all our lives.”

“Did I?”

“You did! On the thirteenth of September that year, you said it, leaning on the wall. You also said if you broke your vow, heaven would strike you down.”

“Did I? I don’t recall. And what were you doing then?”

“Swinging on the swing, eating osmanthus candy.”

“Ah, maybe it’s true. But I just wanted to trick you for your candy… Just kidding. I remember. Never abandon you, for all my life—no problem. I swear by heaven: I, Yang Zan, will never forsake Mu Yaxin as long as I live. If I break this oath, may thunder strike me down. All sworn. Now, where’s the candy?”

“There’s none left… it’s hidden under the blanket.”

“… So much candy. Open your mouth.”

“What for?”

“I want to see if you still have all your teeth. One, two, three… not a single one missing. There’s something wrong here—that much candy and not a tooth lost? It doesn’t add up.”

“Nonsense! Our family’s osmanthus candy is made with real malt, the best ingredients. Try it—see how fragrant and crisp it is?”

“Still eating? Confiscated. From now on, no more sweets before bed.”

“Why not?”

“No reason. New rule in the Yang household—I made it. If you sneak sweets, I’ll punish you every time.”

“Then I won’t eat them, but you’d better not either. If I catch you, I’ll punish you.”

“A concubine daring to punish her husband? You’re getting bold… Let’s see how I deal with you.”

“Wait, the test handkerchief isn’t in place yet.”

“What test handkerchief? Let me see.”

“You can’t look… wait until morning.”

“No cheating.”

“Bandit, liar, bully, tyrant…”

Morning came and Li Xi was still fast asleep, but Mu Yaxin was already up, having prepared hot water and everything needed to serve her husband upon waking. The handkerchief stained with a spot of blood was folded neatly on the dressing table, awaiting his inspection, though the sight embarrassed her so much she covered it with her own handkerchief.

Bang, bang, bang! Someone knocked urgently at the door.

“Who is it?”

“It’s me, Liu Wan. There’s something from Prince E’s estate—ah…”

“Yang adjutant, it’s me, Zhao Xiao. We’ve met before. Ah, you’re…”

Zhao Xiao, Prince E’s eunuch steward, barged in like his hair was on fire, saying the prince urgently needed to see Yang Zan, couldn’t wait a moment longer. Liu Wan sent word to inform the old lady, while leading Zhao to the study.

Before he’d finished speaking, Zhao Xiao went right in. Seeing a woman in new bridal robes, he realized he’d intruded, but it was too late to back out now. He could only pretend not to notice and said to Mu Yaxin, “Madam, Prince E requests Yang adjutant at his residence for a matter of urgency. Please allow him to come with me.”

Mu Yaxin replied, “Please wait, I’ll fetch him at once.”

As she turned to go inside, her steps were unsteady and Zhao Xiao, noticing, snickered to himself and craned his neck for a look. Just then, he saw the handkerchief on the dressing table. The old eunuch, sharp-eyed, thought to himself, “What a fool this adjutant is. She’s no maiden—why go to such lengths?” He stole a glance at Mu Yaxin and shook his head. “And what a foolish girl too. If you can’t produce blood, don’t you know to prick your finger? Or your thigh, if you can’t bear to bite your finger. Must I teach you everything? A pair of idiots…”

Li Xi, deep in dreams, was suddenly shaken awake and was just about to grumble when he saw Mu Yaxin’s lovely face—half his annoyance melted away. Hearing Prince E had summoned him, he shot up, barefoot, and greeted Zhao Xiao with a bow. “Sorry to keep you waiting. Let’s go at once.”

Zhao Xiao said sternly, “Don’t be reckless—you can’t go like that! Wash and dress properly. There are eight princes waiting for you today.”

Li Xi’s heart skipped—what trouble had he landed in now? He dared not ask further, hurried Mu Yaxin to help him dress, and was about to reach for his official robes when Zhao Xiao grabbed his sleeve, saying, “No time—just go as you are.”

Dragged to the door, Li Xi heard Mu Yaxin call after him. He turned to ask what she wanted but she only blushed, biting her lip in silence. Zhao Xiao shouted, “Enough! The bloodstained handkerchief can be checked later—if it’s real, it can’t be faked; if it’s fake, it can’t be real!” He felt quite pleased with his clever double meaning.

Out of the study, Li Xi turned and called back to Mu Yaxin, “Don’t wait for me to eat.”

She pursed her lips in a smile, her eyes curving into crescent moons.

Prince E had summoned Li Xi early for one reason: thanks to the collective efforts of everyone at Wanchun Troupe, the new play “King Wen of Zhou Leads His Colt to the Wei River in Search of Jiang Ziya” was ready for Li Chun’s birthday celebration. Prince E was very pleased, and after inviting several uncles and brothers to watch, everyone agreed it was well-executed—though the concept was uninspired, the content shallow, and the title possibly erroneous, the scenes were grand, the props exquisite, and the plot lively. Presented at the Christmas banquet, it would surely please the Emperor and might win generous rewards.

Prince E was delighted—this was exactly the effect he wanted. Grand scenes, lavish props, a large cast—these explained the funds he’d extorted from the Taiji Palace. As for the content, liveliness was enough; who would scrutinize it closely? The title? It was given by that Yang Zan fellow—summon him to come up with a new one. If it was still wrong, punish him before letting him try again.

Prince E said this offhandedly, but the eunuchs took it as a matter of utmost importance. They knew the prince’s temper: he might forget what he’d just said, or remember a year-old remark and punish as he saw fit. No one dared slack off with such a master.

If he wanted Yang Zan, they’d fetch him, even if it meant a wasted trip.

Li Xi, following Zhao Xiao in a rush to Prince E’s mansion, arrived just as Prince E and his brothers were coming out. Some were full brothers, some cousins—some much older, some so young they had to be carried. Though Prince E was only seven, he led them all with an air of authority. As he laughed and chatted, he suddenly saw Li Xi, sweating and weak-kneed, approaching.

He asked in surprise, “Aren’t you Yang Zan? Why are you here?”

Li Xi was struck dumb. Zhao Xiao panicked—he knew the prince’s spells of forgetfulness were not uncommon, and it was best not to remind him or risk a scolding. He’d learned to play along.

So Zhao Xiao said, “Yang adjutant has come with a new play for Your Highness, and begged to see you especially.” He gave Li Xi a meaningful glance. Li Xi could only follow along, saying, “Last night, inspiration struck and I thought of a new play to present to Your Highness.”

Prince E was pleased. “Good—rare to have you thinking of me. But I’ve already got a play lined up… um, the one you named… what was it…”

Li Xi prompted quietly, “King Wen of Zhou Leads His Colt to the Wei River in Search of Jiang Ziya.”

“Yes, that one. But what a mess—you even got the name wrong. Go find Master Zhu and come up with something better. If you mess up again, I won’t let you off. Ah, it’s my thirteenth uncle’s birthday, I must go pay my respects. I won’t keep you.”

With that, Prince E led his brothers away on foot—the thirteenth uncle he spoke of was Prince Guang, the thirteenth son of Li Chun, who also lived at the Prince’s compound. Counting them, Li Xi noted there were nine princes in all. He thought, If you don’t like “King Wen of Zhou Leads His Colt to the Wei River in Search of Jiang Ziya,” how about “Nine Dragons Playing with a Pearl”? I wonder if that’s auspicious or not.

Zhao Xiao, bowing low, waited until the nine princes had gone before saying, “Don’t blame me—His Highness is just like that.”

Li Xi replied, “Such is the nature of imperial scions—a little temperament is to be expected. No harm done.” Then he said, “Since His Highness is busy, I’ll take my leave. To tell the truth, I’ve pressing matters today.”

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