The Useless Alpha’s Yandere Wife - Chapter 10

Jiang Yan stared at Jiaojiao, her brow furrowed in worry. The girl was like a hot potato, and she had no idea what the Original Host had intended for her. Now, this mess had landed squarely in her lap.

“Miss Jiaojiao, have you saved any money from your years at Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion?” Jiang Yan asked, her gaze intense.

“Sister Jiang, why do you ask? I only do odd jobs and occasionally send a little home. I’m practically penniless,” Jiaojiao replied, her voice apologetic.

Jiang Yan’s face fell further.

Though the Original Host had been frivolous and lazy, she had always been careful with money. When going out, the group took turns paying, and the Second Miss of the cloth merchant’s family often covered the expenses.

With a few dozen taels of silver, she could stretch it out for ages. Yesterday’s spending of over a hundred taels had already made her heart ache—that was her emergency fund! Jiang Yan felt deeply ashamed.

But then she remembered that Jiaojiao’s predicament was the Original Host’s fault. She reasoned that the money hadn’t really been her spending, so there was no need for guilt.

“On my way here today, I stopped by Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion to discuss your redemption fee with Aunt Xiang. She said it would cost at least eight hundred taels, or it’s impossible.” Jiang Yan poured herself a cup of cool tea to calm her rising temper.

“Eight hundred taels? Where am I supposed to find that much silver? Even if they sold me again, they wouldn’t get eighty taels. She’s truly heartless.” Jiaojiao pouted, utterly dejected. She had never dared to dream of being redeemed, but Sister Jiang’s kindness had stirred a flicker of hope.

The Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion’s top courtesan had a fixed redemption price of three thousand taels. Considering Jiaojiao’s above-average looks and young age, plus the fact that she was still a virgin, she would still fetch at least five or six hundred taels.

Eight hundred taels was no small sum for Jiang Yan. She wasn’t a saint; how could she spend such a fortune to save someone she barely knew?

Yet if she did nothing, Official Wu would be waiting at the pavilion’s entrance, ready to trap the girl the moment she returned.

The two factions had long been at odds, and that scoundrel was deliberately using the girl to provoke Jiang Yan.

“Sister Jiang, don’t trouble yourself,” Jiaojiao said, her gaze filled with gratitude. “Since I was sold to the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion, I’ve long accepted my fate. I’ve been safe under your protection for two years, and I’m content. I know my place in this world.”

Jiang Yan recalled when she first met Jiaojiao. The girl had been twelve or thirteen then, at an age when anyone could bully and abuse her.

Jiang Yan had spent nearly a hundred taels of silver on the young girl, hoping to make her life a little easier.

Seeing Jiaojiao’s resigned expression, Jiang Yan’s conscience pricked. Eight hundred taels was indeed a challenge for her, but not an insurmountable one.

“Stay here and rest for a couple of days. I’ll try to figure something out,” Jiang Yan said, rising to leave.

“Sister Jiang, don’t push yourself too hard,” Jiaojiao said anxiously, watching her go.

As Jiang Yan left the guest room, her gaze flickered, and a name came to mind: Jiang Xun.

Evading Madam Jiang’s watchful eyes, she headed to her younger sister’s room. Jiang Xun, the Original Host’s sister, was the complete opposite of Jiang Yan in both temperament and intellect—a precocious little adult.

Knock, knock, knock!

“Enter,” a clear, girlish voice called out.

Jiang Xun had inherited none of the Jiang Family’s flaws, only their virtues. She was the apple of the family’s eye, the very lifeblood of the old Jiang household.

If Prime Minister Tan were to demand Jiang Xun’s hand in marriage, Imperial Censor Jiang would undoubtedly throw down his official hat and fight him to the bitter end. Jiang Yan shook her head, gazing at the “heaven’s favored child” sitting ramrod straight.

“Eldest Sister, what brings you here?” the thirteen-year-old girl asked earnestly, her hair styled in twin buns.

“What? Can’t your eldest sister visit you just because she’s bored?” Jiang Yan envied children like this; she’d never had such privileges growing up.

“Eldest Sister never comes to the Three Treasures Hall without a reason. Spill it—what do you want this time?” The petite girl stood with her hands clasped behind her back, her gaze fixed steadily on Jiang Yan.

“Ah? Hehe, A-Xun, you’re so clever and quick-witted!” Jiang Yan felt awkward again, realizing she was fitting into the Original Host’s role quite well.

“It’s nothing much, really. I just wanted to borrow some silver from you,” Jiang Yan said, feeling a bit ashamed to be asking a child for money.

“Did Eldest Sister get into trouble again?” Jiang Xun’s small face, so similar to her sister’s, tightened with concern.

“How could I get into trouble? I was doing a good deed!”

“Then why not ask Mother?”

“Why are you so talkative for someone so young? Just say whether you’ll lend it or not. I’m not asking for a handout.” Jiang Yan adopted the Original Host’s tone, trying to communicate with her sister.

Jiang Xun pondered for a moment before saying, “Then let’s draw up a written agreement. How much do you want to borrow?”

Jiang Yan agreed with a wince, then asked, “How much do you have?”

The girl counted on her fingers. Over the years, she’d received about two to three hundred taels in New Year’s money from her mother, stepmother, and grandmother. Her grandmother’s family was wealthy, and she always received generous red envelopes during their annual visits home.

Recently, she had tutored two more classmates, earning a considerable sum.

“Three hundred taels,” Jiang Xun declared firmly.

“That much?” Jiang Xun was genuinely surprised.

“What’s so surprising? This is my entire savings from the past thirteen years. I’ll lend it to you, but you absolutely must repay it.” Jiang Xun still hesitated. After all, her sister didn’t exactly seem reliable. Maybe she should just forget about it?

But the words had already been spoken…

Jiang Yan rushed forward, hugging her sister tightly and planting a loud kiss on her cheek.

“Such boisterous behavior! Where’s your decorum?” Jiang Xun wiped away imaginary saliva with her sleeve.

“Go get the silver!” She gazed innocently at the child with bright eyes.

“Ah, I really can’t resist you!” The young girl sighed.

“Sister will definitely repay you!” Jiang Yan’s cheerful voice rang out from behind. Jiang Xun dared not reply, fearing she’d regret it the next moment.

Soon, the little girl emerged carrying a gilded box, casting a resentful glance at Jiang Yan.

Though Jiang Xun had promised a hundred taels in interest, she still felt uneasy. Yet, remembering their sisterly bond, she chose to trust her one last time.

An hour later, Jiang Yan arrived at the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion with the gathered five hundred taels of silver, ready to haggle with Aunt Xiang.

“Aunt Xiang, please consider this a good deed and release the girl for a lower price. I only want to help her because I pity her. You know my wife is as beautiful as a celestial being—I treat Jiaojiao like a younger sister. If the ransom is too high, I won’t be able to help.”

“But as the saying goes, ‘wildflowers smell sweeter than garden blooms.’ Even a true fairy becomes as plain as dogtail grass after a while. Still, Aunt Xiang sees how fond you are. If you truly want her, six hundred taels is the absolute minimum. Only you could get such a concession from me.” The Kunze, still attractive, reached out to stroke Jiang Yan’s cheek.

“Six hundred will do, six hundred will do,” Jiang Yan said hastily, blocking her hand, but Aunt Xiang seized her fingers.

“Jiang Yan, if you need silver, Aunt Xiang can provide it—as long as you’re obedient…!” The woman in her thirties gazed at Jiang Yan with a seductive, knowing look.

“Thank you for your kindness, Aunt Xiang, but I’m not looking to earn money right now,” Jiang Yan said, withdrawing her hand and stepping back.

“True, your wife is a walking treasure trove. Why not ask her for it? I’ve watched Jiaojiao grow up—six hundred is the lowest I can go.”

“Fine, six hundred it is,” Jiang Yan said, eager to escape.

As Jiang Yan passed the Fragrant Crisp Pavilion, she remembered how soft and dewy the Eldest Miss had felt in her arms the night before. She stopped, thinking to buy her a couple of boxes of pastries.

Fragrant Crisp Pavilion was the city’s finest pastry shop. Just the other day, Ming Shu had raved about their newly introduced milk skin pastries, calling them utterly delicious.

Stepping inside, Jiang Yan found the shop surprisingly spacious. Beyond the takeaway counter, there were private booths for enjoying tea and pastries, creating an elegant atmosphere perfect for dates.

“Miss, what would you like?” a shop assistant greeted her warmly.

“Oh, I’ll take two pounds of milk skin pastries.”

“Right away, Miss. Please wait a moment.”

Jiang Yan’s gaze drifted around the shop, when suddenly her eyes froze. She spotted a familiar figure.

Tan Qianyue. What was she doing here? And who was the female Qianyuan sitting beside her?

Jiang Yan studied the female Qianyuan. She was as thin as a telephone pole, with fox-like eyes that betrayed a sinister nature. The woman’s fingertips rested on Tan Qianyue’s wrist, yet Tan Qianyue didn’t pull away. The two were chatting and laughing together.

“Miss, your pastries are ready.”

“Oh, thank you.” Jiang Yan lowered her voice and hurried out of the pastry shop without looking back, her beautiful eyes now cold.

Inside Fragrant Crisp Pavilion:

“Qianyue, you must not stop taking the medicine for thirty days, even if you have to switch doctors. You must endure this month,” Doctor Lu reminded her sternly.

“I understand,” Tan Qianyue replied, her expression darkening slightly.

After a brief pulse reading, the pair left Lin Ji Shop.

After her evening bath, Jiang Yan tied her thick, long hair into a high ponytail with a red ribbon. The ponytail, like her current mood, stuck out behind her head as she nestled under the covers with Tan Qianyue.

Knock, knock, knock! A tapping sound came from outside the window.

“Come upstairs!” Tan Qianyue’s voice followed, audible through the open window.

Tan Qianyue glanced through the window, her expression as cold as the pale moon outside as she recalled Wu Ji’s words.

Jiang Yan rose silently, slowly dressed in layers of clothing, and leisurely ascended the stairs.

Pushing open the door, she lit every candle and lamp in the room, bathing the opulent chamber in a brilliant glow.

Tan Qianyue turned to look at her, startled. Jiang Yan was dressed in a high-collared orange tunic, a dark blue cloak, and a flowing, water-blue skirt that trailed on the floor—a grand, formal attire befitting someone about to embark on official business.

“It’s June. Why are you dressed like this?” Tan Qianyue raised a delicate eyebrow.

“One should never leave the house improperly dressed,” Jiang Yan replied, settling onto the Noble Consort’s couch, maintaining a distance from Tan Qianyue.

Tan Qianyue stared at Jiang Yan’s lifeless demeanor, her fingers itching to confront her. Must I beg her every night for the next thirty days?

A long silence hung between them before Jiang Yan finally spoke.

“Did Eldest Miss summon Jiang Yan for a reason?” Her tone was polite, yet distant.

“Where did you send the woman from the pleasure district?” Tan Qianyue asked, her red lips parting slightly, her expression unreadable.

Jiang Yan startled. Though she had nothing to hide, she knew no one would believe her. She was merely cleaning up the mess left by the original host.

Tan Qianyue sneered. “The ransom for Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion isn’t cheap, is it? What, are you running out of silver already?”

Jiang Yan fell silent, her guilt palpable.

“Here’s a proposal,” Tan Qianyue continued, her tone softening. “Serve me here for twenty-nine days, and I’ll pay the ransom. A month from now, we’ll divorce, allowing you to leave with her without worry. Whether you flee to distant lands or keep her hidden away, it’s your choice. What do you say?” Tan Qianyue gazed at Jiang Yan with feigned warmth.

The candlelight cast her in a bewitching glow, yet her beauty carried a sharp edge.

Jiang Yan’s anxious heart plummeted. Her delicate features seemed to frost over, her thin lips pressed into a tight line.

“Believe it or not, I have no designs on that girl,” Jiang Yan said, her voice cool and distant in the night.

Perhaps even without Jiaojiao, Eldest Miss Tan had already secured her escape route.

“I don’t care about your feelings for her,” Tan Qianyue said, lifting her gaze with a hint of arrogance.

“Mother initially claimed she only pitied Xiao Concubine,” she added lazily, her tone indifferent.

Tan Qianyue sat on the edge of the bed, her face partially obscured by the gauze curtains, making it impossible for Jiang Yan to discern her subtle expressions.

“Why twenty-nine days?” Jiang Yan asked, her intuition telling her there was something Tan Qianyue wasn’t revealing.

“That’s not something you need to know. After a month, we’ll part ways, each free to pursue our own happiness,” Tan Qianyue replied, her tone dismissive. She had already ruled out Jiang Yan as a suspect; her reactions simply didn’t fit the profile.

Jiang Yan was genuinely infuriated by the Eldest Miss’s arrogance. Recalling the Qianyuan at the pastry shop, she seemed to grasp something, her gaze lowering as she pondered.

“What if I refuse?” After a long silence, she looked up at Tan Qianyue, who was leaning against the bed.

“Refuse what?” Tan Qianyue’s eyes flickered with surprise.

“Refuse everything.” Jiang Yan stood up and took two steps forward, meeting her gaze.

“Then it’s simple. I’ll find someone else!” Tan Qianyue’s tone remained casual, as if Jiang Yan were merely a disposable acquaintance.

Jiang Yan’s hand clenched in her sleeve, a smile playing on her lips, but her eyes held a dangerous glint.

“Fine, I agree!” This Eldest Miss refuses to drink the toast, so she’ll have to swallow the penalty cup! What was she waiting for?

Raising her slender, well-defined hand, Jiang Yan swiftly unfastened the cloak’s clasps and began stripping off her clothes, tossing each garment onto the carpet.

Dressed only in a pale-colored bra and underpants, she stepped forward.

Tan Qianyue’s breath seemed to freeze in her chest…

Jiang Yan glanced down at Tan Qianyue from above, then reached for Tan Qianyue’s nightgown. With a sharp tug, the smooth fabric loosened slightly, but the meticulously crafted sunflower-shaped clasps remained firmly fastened.

Bending down, Jiang Yan grasped the nightgown and began carefully unfastening each clasp, one by one.

Tan Qianyue, caught off guard by this directness, was terrified out of her wits. As Jiang Yan drew closer, she found herself unable to resist, whether due to the Harmony Powder or sheer panic.

The nightgown slid to the floor, leaving Tan Qianyue sitting before Jiang Yan in nothing but a pale apricot-colored bellyband, her fingers gripping the carved bed frame in nervous anticipation.

Absurd as the situation was, the arrow was already nocked and ready to fly.

Jiang Yan took a deep breath, forcing herself to focus on Tan Qianyue’s creamy jade waist rather than the urge to bite into it.

She straightened slightly, wrapped one arm around Tan Qianyue’s slender waist, and effortlessly lifted her, tossing her onto the center of the large bed.