My wife is a concubine - Chapter 15

The east, west, and south of the Yongding Dynasty were bordered by Nantang, Zhongruo, and Chu. For many years, these countries maintained a delicate balance with Yongding. The reason was simple — their own politics were unstable, filled with internal conflicts and struggles. Each had too many problems to handle within their borders, so none had the strength to provoke or attack others.

Because of this mutual restraint, the Yongding Dynasty, located at the center, was able to recover and strengthen itself. Outwardly, it maintained friendly relations with the neighboring nations, but in private, it quietly built up its military power and encouraged the people to produce more and serve the country.

Within Yongding, the princes of the Three Palaces and Six Academies were proud and ambitious. Each had great dreams of seizing the throne, unwilling to serve under anyone else. They formed factions and plotted openly and secretly, doing countless things that went against morals and humanity — all for the dragon throne.

If the current emperor treated these sons unfairly, the Yongding Dynasty would soon fall into chaos and become like the other three kingdoms — weakened and unstable. Even if it weren’t conquered by another country, its downfall would only be a matter of time.

“How could the crown prince be wandering outside?” Bergman wondered. “Don’t tell me this is another old drama of brothers fighting for power.”

“He’s not interested in worldly affairs,” someone explained. “He just wants to live quietly. But his imperial brother refuses to believe he has no ambition and sees him as a threat. Endless tests and temptations have worn him down. He’s been branded as greedy and lustful, having given up his position to help me manage my business, earning a reputation for being weak and indulgent. But no one knows his true nature better than I do.”

“Greedy and lustful?” Bergman frowned. “How could you introduce such a person to my sister? If my sister won’t even agree, I’d be the first to refuse.”

“Ahem, he’s actually clean at heart,” came the defense. “Whether it’s women or worldly games, he only plays along to protect himself.”

A man once thought to be cold and uninterested in marriage finally falls for a woman — how could Wu Liang not be moved? And as his friend, he couldn’t just ignore it.

“Let’s ask my sister first,” Bergman said. The couple had discussed it thoroughly, but the person concerned — Bao Si — knew nothing yet.

If Bao Si agreed, then everything would be fine. No one could force her if she didn’t want it.

Since it was a lifelong matter, Bergman quickly sent a message inviting her sister into the palace.

Bao Si had been entering the palace frequently, so she immediately felt that something was off. Still, since the palace carriage came to fetch her, she thought, Once I step inside, I’ll be safe — nothing to worry about.

But she hadn’t expected her sister to summon her for a marriage proposal.

Bao Si remained calm from the start — typical of her. Even as everyone enjoyed bird’s nest porridge, she didn’t lift an eyebrow, showing no reaction at all.

Bergman sighed inwardly. It seemed Wu Liang had little chance of becoming her brother-in-law.

In truth, Bao Si did remember the man she had passed a few days ago. There weren’t many men who could freely walk around the palace, so she had taken note of him.

But she couldn’t understand — what exactly about her caught his attention? How could he fall for a woman wearing a gauze veil? Was it just because she was the sister of a concubine? That seemed absurd.

Still, judging from his first impression, he didn’t seem like the kind of man who clung to power. Why would someone so proud want her?

“I want to meet him,” she suddenly said. “Sister, please arrange it.” She wasn’t usually quick to speak, but this time, the words came out before she could think.

Bergman blinked in surprise, then quickly nodded. “Of course! Of course!” After all, men and women must meet before deciding anything.

But Bao Si didn’t really want to meet Wu Liang for romance. She was just curious — what exactly did this man like about her? She hadn’t thought that far about love or marriage yet.

Since Wu Liang had already expressed his intent to marry the eldest daughter of the Bao family, he readily agreed to meet.

To please his wife, Du Yu arranged the meeting in a warm pavilion near Changle Courtyard — cool in summer and warm in winter.

Of course, it still required the approval of Dr. Wu. If Dr. Wu disapproved, even Bergman’s charm and pleading wouldn’t work.

Dr. Wu didn’t say yes or no — but he was bedridden.

Du Yu, the devoted husband, ordered a soft feather bed that could be moved easily. He then carefully carried Bergman himself from her bed to the soft couch. In just a few gentle motions, she was out of bed and ready to go.

Surely this wasn’t against the doctor’s orders?

Twenty attendants carried the bed to the pavilion, ensuring Bergman felt not even the slightest bump. The warm area was screened off with embroidered panels depicting rain-washed blue flowers — providing privacy while letting Bergman observe from behind if she wished.

It wasn’t that she wanted to meddle, but she was uneasy. Their father was a man, their mother was about to give birth, and her sister wasn’t yet married — how could she let Bao Si meet the man alone?

Of course not!

To Bergman, Wu Liang was a tall, handsome young man — the kind who turned heads wherever he went. Women of all ages would sneak glances and look back for another.

If he became her brother-in-law, Bergman would be satisfied. But when she looked at Bao Si sitting beside her, she noticed her sister’s shy, blushing face, head bowed in a daze.

“Everyone’s here,” Bergman said cheerfully. “Go out and meet him. Don’t be shy — if anything goes wrong, just call. Your brother-in-law and I are here.”

If Wu Liang dared to misbehave, Bergman thought, she’d beat him into the ground herself.

Bao Si didn’t hesitate. She stepped out from behind the screen and politely greeted Wu Liang.

Wu Liang rose and returned her greeting with equal grace.

Then he shot Du Yu a meaningful look.

Du Yu saw it and cursed silently — This guy! The moment he sees a woman, he forgets his friends.

He stood still, but Wu Liang’s eyes had already turned sharp, signaling for him to leave.

Fine. “I’ll go — it’s awkward for me to stay anyway. The pavilion is yours,” Du Yu said and left.

Neither Wu Liang nor Bao Si stopped him. Clearly, both felt his presence unnecessary.

Du Yu carried Bergman out — literally, in his arms.

“They—” Bergman began to ask.

“He won’t dare do anything improper,” Du Yu reassured her. “Go rest. By the time you wake up, they’ll have talked things through.”

He was strict about her rest, worried that even a little lost sleep might tire her or affect the baby.

After returning to their quarters, he fed her ginseng chicken soup, handed the empty bowl to Lilac, tucked her in, and quietly left.

When Bergman woke up later, Bao Si was sitting on a stool, head bowed, nervously twisting a handkerchief in her hands. Her face was flushed.

“You’re awake,” Bergman said.

Before she could move, Lilac and Ah Ru entered, helped her sit up with pillows, put on her coat, and asked if she wanted a drink.

“Don’t fuss,” Bergman waved them off. “I just want to talk to my sister.”

The maids obediently stepped aside, giving the sisters space — though they didn’t leave entirely. The prince had ordered them never to leave the princess’s sight, even if told to go.

“Sister?” Bergman asked. “Why haven’t you looked up?”

Bao Si finally lifted her face. There was no sadness in her eyes — only calm and a faint relief.

“How did it go with Young Master Wu?” Bergman asked eagerly. “What do you think of him?”

Bao Si’s cheeks turned redder. She turned her head, silent for a moment, then softly said, “He said he can protect me completely.”

Was her heart moved?

Bao Si knew she was at the right age for marriage. The reason she’d stayed single was simple — she hadn’t met anyone suitable, and she feared her looks might bring misfortune to those close to her.

Because of this, she’d always held back — and so had others.

He had seen her before, and when he first met her in a clothing store in Tong’an County, he realized she was different from any of the famous ladies in Beijing.

Even though the lady was terribly shy and others wondered why she kept her face covered, she was patient and explained with a smile that she wasn’t good-looking and feared she might frighten others, so she hid her face behind a veil.

Wu Liang didn’t believe a word of it—especially when he saw her eyes, cold yet familiar, giving him a strange mix of recognition and mystery.

He thought that although her face was hidden, her visible eyes were simply beautiful—exactly what his dream wife should look like.

Over the years, Shen Jie had married and had children, and even Prince Du Yu had found love. But what about him? Though he’d had plenty of chances to socialize and meet women, he had no desire to get involved with shallow ones who only played games. He had been waiting for someone like Sister Bao—a woman his age who matched his taste—someone he could grow old with in love.

Now that the woman he liked stood before him, how could he not do everything he could to express his feelings?

He told Nantang openly about the messy struggle for the crown prince’s position and that he himself was the second prince. He made it clear that if she truly married him, she would have to endure hardship in the future.

Still, for her, he decided he would no longer avoid the emperor’s pursuit or the trouble it brought. He wanted to face everything and, once the political situation was stable, marry Bao Si in the grandest way possible.

Bao Si smiled and told Bergman that she must have lost her mind, but in truth, she had already decided to marry this man. She didn’t need him to win the throne or give her supreme glory—she just wanted to marry him.

Though she was gentle and delicate, she wasn’t weak. She was thoughtful and clever, and even if she entered Wu Liang’s complicated household, she believed she could handle herself well.

True happiness, she thought, came from mutual affection and support. Still, Bergman put herself in Bao Si’s place and tried to persuade her again. “Wu Liang is talented and has good manners, but you’ve only met once—you don’t know him well yet. Most importantly… Sister, Nantang is far away, and I’ll miss you.”

Bao Si patted Bergman’s hand seriously. “Even though North Vietnam’s customs are open, it’s rare to even meet face-to-face. We shouldn’t ask for more.”

She kept to herself the fact that Wu Liang had seen her before in Tong’an County. It was a subtle and private thing she didn’t want to share, even with her closest sister.

Though she couldn’t make any firm judgments after only a glance or two, her intuition told her that this man would be her destiny.

Bergman looked at her sister’s firm expression—it was clear Bao Si was truly taken with Wu Liang. Since both seemed to feel the same way, she had no reason to interfere.

Even if it made her sad, Bergman comforted herself: every good man finds his match. A capable man like Wu Liang was surely meant for a woman like her sister. This marriage seemed right.

When Bao Zhengtao learned his eldest daughter’s marriage was arranged, he wasn’t happy. Thinking of his daughter marrying far away to Nantang, a place he didn’t know, he suddenly found nothing around him pleasing.

Seeing her husband’s reluctance, Ba Shi, heavily pregnant, gently persuaded him. “Our daughter’s grown up—she’d have to marry sooner or later. While I can still move around, hurry and prepare her dowry. Once I give birth, you’ll have to handle things on your own.”

Bao Zhengtao agreed and looked at his wife tenderly. “Our child will be born soon. Don’t tire yourself.”

Wu Liang’s wealth was impressive, and everything he brought was exquisite.

But the only incident was that on the day of Bao Si’s wedding, just as the bridal sedan left, Ba Shi went into labor. Bao Zhengtao, who had been feeling sentimental about his daughter’s departure, heard the news and immediately rushed to the birthing room, leaving all the guests in Du Yu’s care.

Ba Shi gave birth quickly—within two hours, she delivered twins safely.

Together with his daughter’s marriage, the Bao household had triple blessings that day.

Bao Zhengtao laughed and cried at once—he had gained another child, two at a time! It was a day full of mixed emotions, one he would never forget.

Wu Liang’s status was extraordinary, and even though he would soon leave for Nantang with his wife, the new house he prepared was still magnificent.

Among everyone, the most melancholy was the pregnant Bergman. She couldn’t take part in any of the festivities, couldn’t help, couldn’t join the fun, and couldn’t even show her face at her sister’s wedding.

The only thing she could do was add as much as possible to Bao Si’s dowry—she gave her 100,000 silver taels, and even that felt too little.

When Du Yu returned and heard that Ba Shi had given birth to twins, Bergman’s gloom lifted. Her little face, tense all day, finally softened. She held Du Yu’s hand and wondered aloud what gift they should send.

It was her first time being an aunt, after all—she had to show proper courtesy.

Surely her father must be overjoyed, she thought—he had gained a son and twins in one day!

Du Yu, usually quiet, found himself talking more than usual, describing both sides of the wedding banquet in detail. He had to stand in for his wife at her family’s side while also representing the groom’s family—a busy day indeed.

Seeing the sweat on his forehead as he tried to make her smile, Bergman’s heart melted. Her baby would be born soon, yet she still couldn’t resist his awkward tenderness.

She reached for Du Yu’s hand and leaned her now-rounded body against his chest.

The child’s third-day bath coincided with Bao Si’s return visit, and the Bao family celebrated again. Beneath the joy lingered a touch of sadness—Bao Si would soon return to Nantang with her husband.

Who knew when the sisters would meet again?

They held hands tightly, cherishing the moment, promising they wouldn’t wait too long before their next meeting.

Bao Nen tried to stay positive. “As long as we live well, there will always be a day when we meet again.”

The sisters embraced tightly and said their goodbyes.

Meanwhile, the emperor, with his rebellious sons distracted by their own rivalries, was able to recover his strength and stabilize the nation. He rewarded farmers, built roads, and worked to ensure the people could live peacefully.

He also strengthened the military, determined to make North Vietnam invincible. As prosperity grew, so did the population and the army’s discipline.

Now, with another child on the way, what more could he want?

Yet the only thing that unsettled him was the growing scent of bl00d in the capital.

Du Yu’s ability was undeniable. Once he regained his title as crown prince, he no longer hid his arrogance. Like a lion guarding his den, he couldn’t tolerate others near the throne. He ruthlessly targeted his brothers, consumed by power struggles while ignoring the empire’s needs.

Eliminating rivals became his top priority.

To speed up his rise, he acted brutally—the second prince was imprisoned, the eldest was exiled for secretly keeping the dragon robe and jade seal, and even the queen was implicated and confined for a hundred days.

Perhaps too pleased with himself, thinking victory was his, Du Yu relaxed his vigilance. With no more rivals, he no longer hid his careless behavior.

Concubine Shu, devastated by these blows, lost her mind.

The throne had been within reach—how could her foolish son throw it all away? Now, only the third prince remained.

And who was the third prince?

The eldest son of Concubine Mu—Du Yu’s brother.

Yes, Prince Gong Du Yu had a brother, though they had grown up almost as strangers.

There was no suspense now—the throne would belong to the third prince.

Concubine Mu’s star rose quickly. Her son had no more rivals, and as long as he could win the emperor’s favor, he would surely become the next ruler.

To her, this was divine justice after years of humiliation. Soon, she would be the most powerful woman in the Yongding Dynasty—the emperor’s mother. The years of being oppressed by the queen and Concubine Shu would finally be avenged.

She wanted those who once looked down on her to understand what it meant to fall from grace.

The queen, she couldn’t touch for now—after all, she was the empress and had the emperor’s support.

But Concubine Mu had learned from years of palace battles: if you want to defeat your main enemy, unite with your secondary one.

So she exploited the queen’s hatred for Concubine Shu and struck an alliance with her.

He had seen her before, and when he first met her in a clothing store in Tong’an County, he realized she was different from any of the famous ladies in Beijing.

Even though the lady was terribly shy and others wondered why she kept her face covered, she was patient and explained with a smile that she wasn’t good-looking and feared she might frighten others, so she hid her face behind a veil.

Wu Liang didn’t believe a word of it—especially when he saw her eyes, cold yet familiar, giving him a strange mix of recognition and mystery.

He thought that although her face was hidden, her visible eyes were simply beautiful—exactly what his dream wife should look like.

Over the years, Shen Jie had married and had children, and even Prince Du Yu had found love. But what about him? Though he’d had plenty of chances to socialize and meet women, he had no desire to get involved with shallow ones who only played games. He had been waiting for someone like Sister Bao—a woman his age who matched his taste—someone he could grow old with in love.

Now that the woman he liked stood before him, how could he not do everything he could to express his feelings?

He told Nantang openly about the messy struggle for the crown prince’s position and that he himself was the second prince. He made it clear that if she truly married him, she would have to endure hardship in the future.

Still, for her, he decided he would no longer avoid the emperor’s pursuit or the trouble it brought. He wanted to face everything and, once the political situation was stable, marry Bao Si in the grandest way possible.

Bao Si smiled and told Bergman that she must have lost her mind, but in truth, she had already decided to marry this man. She didn’t need him to win the throne or give her supreme glory—she just wanted to marry him.

Though she was gentle and delicate, she wasn’t weak. She was thoughtful and clever, and even if she entered Wu Liang’s complicated household, she believed she could handle herself well.

True happiness, she thought, came from mutual affection and support. Still, Bergman put herself in Bao Si’s place and tried to persuade her again. “Wu Liang is talented and has good manners, but you’ve only met once—you don’t know him well yet. Most importantly… Sister, Nantang is far away, and I’ll miss you.”

Bao Si patted Bergman’s hand seriously. “Even though North Vietnam’s customs are open, it’s rare to even meet face-to-face. We shouldn’t ask for more.”

She kept to herself the fact that Wu Liang had seen her before in Tong’an County. It was a subtle and private thing she didn’t want to share, even with her closest sister.

Though she couldn’t make any firm judgments after only a glance or two, her intuition told her that this man would be her destiny.

Bergman looked at her sister’s firm expression—it was clear Bao Si was truly taken with Wu Liang. Since both seemed to feel the same way, she had no reason to interfere.

Even if it made her sad, Bergman comforted herself: every good man finds his match. A capable man like Wu Liang was surely meant for a woman like her sister. This marriage seemed right.

When Bao Zhengtao learned his eldest daughter’s marriage was arranged, he wasn’t happy. Thinking of his daughter marrying far away to Nantang, a place he didn’t know, he suddenly found nothing around him pleasing.

Seeing her husband’s reluctance, Ba Shi, heavily pregnant, gently persuaded him. “Our daughter’s grown up—she’d have to marry sooner or later. While I can still move around, hurry and prepare her dowry. Once I give birth, you’ll have to handle things on your own.”

Bao Zhengtao agreed and looked at his wife tenderly. “Our child will be born soon. Don’t tire yourself.”

Wu Liang’s wealth was impressive, and everything he brought was exquisite.

But the only incident was that on the day of Bao Si’s wedding, just as the bridal sedan left, Ba Shi went into labor. Bao Zhengtao, who had been feeling sentimental about his daughter’s departure, heard the news and immediately rushed to the birthing room, leaving all the guests in Du Yu’s care.

Ba Shi gave birth quickly—within two hours, she delivered twins safely.

Together with his daughter’s marriage, the Bao household had triple blessings that day.

Bao Zhengtao laughed and cried at once—he had gained another child, two at a time! It was a day full of mixed emotions, one he would never forget.

Wu Liang’s status was extraordinary, and even though he would soon leave for Nantang with his wife, the new house he prepared was still magnificent.

Among everyone, the most melancholy was the pregnant Bergman. She couldn’t take part in any of the festivities, couldn’t help, couldn’t join the fun, and couldn’t even show her face at her sister’s wedding.

The only thing she could do was add as much as possible to Bao Si’s dowry—she gave her 100,000 silver taels, and even that felt too little.

When Du Yu returned and heard that Ba Shi had given birth to twins, Bergman’s gloom lifted. Her little face, tense all day, finally softened. She held Du Yu’s hand and wondered aloud what gift they should send.

It was her first time being an aunt, after all—she had to show proper courtesy.

Surely her father must be overjoyed, she thought—he had gained a son and twins in one day!

Du Yu, usually quiet, found himself talking more than usual, describing both sides of the wedding banquet in detail. He had to stand in for his wife at her family’s side while also representing the groom’s family—a busy day indeed.

Seeing the sweat on his forehead as he tried to make her smile, Bergman’s heart melted. Her baby would be born soon, yet she still couldn’t resist his awkward tenderness.

She reached for Du Yu’s hand and leaned her now-rounded body against his chest.

The child’s third-day bath coincided with Bao Si’s return visit, and the Bao family celebrated again. Beneath the joy lingered a touch of sadness—Bao Si would soon return to Nantang with her husband.

Who knew when the sisters would meet again?

They held hands tightly, cherishing the moment, promising they wouldn’t wait too long before their next meeting.

Bao Nen tried to stay positive. “As long as we live well, there will always be a day when we meet again.”

The sisters embraced tightly and said their goodbyes.

Meanwhile, the emperor, with his rebellious sons distracted by their own rivalries, was able to recover his strength and stabilize the nation. He rewarded farmers, built roads, and worked to ensure the people could live peacefully.

He also strengthened the military, determined to make North Vietnam invincible. As prosperity grew, so did the population and the army’s discipline.

Now, with another child on the way, what more could he want?

Yet the only thing that unsettled him was the growing scent of bl00d in the capital.

Du Yu’s ability was undeniable. Once he regained his title as crown prince, he no longer hid his arrogance. Like a lion guarding his den, he couldn’t tolerate others near the throne. He ruthlessly targeted his brothers, consumed by power struggles while ignoring the empire’s needs.

Eliminating rivals became his top priority.

To speed up his rise, he acted brutally—the second prince was imprisoned, the eldest was exiled for secretly keeping the dragon robe and jade seal, and even the queen was implicated and confined for a hundred days.

Perhaps too pleased with himself, thinking victory was his, Du Yu relaxed his vigilance. With no more rivals, he no longer hid his careless behavior.

Concubine Shu, devastated by these blows, lost her mind.

The throne had been within reach—how could her foolish son throw it all away? Now, only the third prince remained.

And who was the third prince?

The eldest son of Concubine Mu—Du Yu’s brother.

Yes, Prince Gong Du Yu had a brother, though they had grown up almost as strangers.

There was no suspense now—the throne would belong to the third prince.

Concubine Mu’s star rose quickly. Her son had no more rivals, and as long as he could win the emperor’s favor, he would surely become the next ruler.

To her, this was divine justice after years of humiliation. Soon, she would be the most powerful woman in the Yongding Dynasty—the emperor’s mother. The years of being oppressed by the queen and Concubine Shu would finally be avenged.

She wanted those who once looked down on her to understand what it meant to fall from grace.

The queen, she couldn’t touch for now—after all, she was the empress and had the emperor’s support.

But Concubine Mu had learned from years of palace battles: if you want to defeat your main enemy, unite with your secondary one.

So she exploited the queen’s hatred for Concubine Shu and struck an alliance with her.