The Useless Alpha’s Yandere Wife - Chapter 12

“Shall I assist my wife with her bath?”…

Tan Xue’er, accompanied by two women, “coincidentally” passed by the teahouse and spotted her elder sister, Tan Qianyue, chatting amiably with the County Princess. A look of feigned grievance instantly appeared in her eyes.

“Hey? Isn’t that Eldest Miss Tan with your County Princess? What are they doing here?” A woman in pink pointed sharply toward Tan Qianyue.

Tan Xue’er’s companions were her two closest confidantes. They had long rejoiced over the County Princess’s rejection of Eldest Miss Tan.

Tan Qianyue, emboldened by the Noble Consort’s favor, had always looked down on others and frequently bullied the daughter of her father’s concubine. The Second Miss Tan’s modest attire clearly reflected her precarious position within the household.

Fortunately, the County Princess possessed discerning eyes and recognized Tan Qianyue’s superficial beauty masking inner decay. She chose the virtuous Tan Xue’er as her bride.

The women of the city avoided Tan Qianyue like the plague. Her dazzling beauty, combined with her aloof and unpopular nature, made her the target of both envy and resentment among the Kunze. Tan Qianyue, never one to seek social connections, naturally made no effort to ingratiate herself with anyone.

Moreover, her entire focus was devoted to managing her business ventures, leaving her no time for the elaborate social maneuvering expected of noble ladies.

Combined with the deliberate efforts of the mother and daughter, Tan Qianyue had cultivated a poor reputation in the eyes of outsiders.

“Don’t spread rumors,” Tan Xue’er said, her voice trembling with indignation as she glanced at the two women. “Eldest Sister has always been loyal and righteous. She would never do anything improper. You’re misunderstanding.”

“Since she’s already married, she shouldn’t be meeting Qianyuan alone in private,” the girl in blue declared loudly, ensuring Tan Qianyue could hear. “The County Princess truly doesn’t know how to distinguish between public and private matters.”

The County Princess’s face darkened when she saw Tan Xue’er following her out. They had exchanged only a few casual words before she left, yet Tan Xue’er had clearly distrusted her enough to bring outsiders along for the spectacle.

The County Princess maintained a stony silence.

Tan Qianyue didn’t even spare them a glance, continuing to sip her tea.

Seeing herself ignored, Tan Xue’er’s cheeks flushed crimson.

Still newly married, the County Princess felt a pang of sympathy for Tan Xue’er’s embarrassment.

“Why did you follow me?” the County Princess asked, her tone exasperated as she looked at the rabbit-like Tan Xue’er. “I only had business to discuss with Qianyue.”

“Xue’er was merely accompanying the two Misses to Yongxing Street to choose some hairpins and jewelry,” Tan Xue’er retorted, her voice a mix of grievance and defiance. “She had no intention of following the County Princess. Does the County Princess truly see Xue’er as such a petty, small-minded person?”

“Exactly! Some people cling to their childhood friendships and refuse to let go of others’ Wife-Masters, treating our Xue’er as one of their own kind. Could it be they’re coveting what belongs to others just because they married a useless man?” The pink-clad girl was sharp-tongued and quick to defend her friend, eager to support the pitiful illegitimate daughter.

Tan Qianyue’s eyes, usually calm as still water, turned cool and languid as she glanced at the fool Tan Xue’er had incited.

“Ignorance breeds prejudice. If you lack understanding, go read more books. Don’t think having a mouth entitles you to condemn others. If we’re talking about stealing, no one surpasses my dear younger sister. Xue’er, why don’t you explain to everyone how the County Princess went from being your elder sister’s betrothed to becoming your Wife-Master?”

“This way, those two illegitimate daughters scheming for better prospects can learn from you. After all, birds of a feather flock together, wouldn’t you agree?” Tan Qianyue’s icy gaze softened into an indifferent smile as she posed the question.

Sima Jing, upon hearing the pink-clad girl’s words, immediately looked at Tan Qianyue, her heart wavering slightly.

“What are you implying? Who are you talking about?” Though Tan Qianyue was the daughter of the Prime Minister’s Residence, they weren’t without their own backing. The pink-clad girl even took a step forward, ready to confront Tan Qianyue.

“Sister Rong, she didn’t mean it that way. Don’t take it to heart. I apologize on behalf of my eldest sister,” Tan Xue’er said earnestly, pulling her friend back with a show of magnanimity. She even adopted a self-sacrificing expression, as if prioritizing the greater good, before turning to the County Princess.

“I meant exactly what I said. No need for your fake concern, little sister. Sima Jing, take your people and leave my estate,” Tan Qianyue said, glancing at the group before turning sharply to the County Princess.

“Tan Qianyue, what do you mean by this? Your arrogance is beyond belief! No wonder even that useless Qianyuan at home despises you!” The two women, having been ordered to leave in front of the County Princess, lost face and began to lash out.

“You needn’t worry about us. We’re doing just fine,” Tan Qianyue replied with a wide smile, making the woman look even more unhinged.

“Hmph! Only you know if that’s true. Don’t put on airs! Everyone knows Jiang Yan is a good-for-nothing wastrel.” The woman remained unconvinced that the couple could be happy.

“Oh? Who’s gossiping about this Miss?” Jiang Yan asked the gatekeeper, having inquired about the Eldest Miss’s whereabouts. He was thinking of fetching his wife home—a chance to show some initiative, at least.

Before she even stepped inside, she heard her name called out.

Curiously, she glanced at the Kunze woman, her face a mask of confusion. Given the tense atmosphere, it was clearly nothing good.

Jiang Yan met the woman’s gaze with a half-smile, her eyes clear and innocent, as if asking, “What’s wrong?”

The woman in pink suddenly flushed crimson as Jiang Yan approached, lowering her head in bashful silence.

Jiang Yan surveyed the scene, understanding dawning in her eyes. Turning to Tan Qianyue, she said solicitously, “Wife, I’ve come to take you home.”

“Alright!” Tan Qianyue replied with a gentle smile.

As she rose, she swayed slightly, losing her balance. Jiang Yan swiftly moved to steady her.

“No, my head aches. Carry me to the carriage,” Tan Qianyue murmured, leaning softly against Jiang Yan, her voice dripping with coquettish sweetness as she gazed up at her like a clinging vine.

“As if I wouldn’t be delighted to carry you all the way home, Wife,” Jiang Yan replied, lifting her into her arms with a show of deference.

“Farewell, everyone,” she said, carrying the Eldest Miss out of the noisy teahouse.

Tan Qianyue buried her face in Jiang Yan’s shoulder, but not before flashing a triumphant smile at the others, like a smug little fox.

The sharp-tongued Kunze woman had secretly cursed under her breath. Though Tan Qianyue was useless, she was undeniably beautiful. If she were more refined, she might not be so bad after all. Damn it, Tan Qianyue stole her away again!

“Aren’t you leaving yet? Are you waiting for an eight-carriage sedan chair?” The County Princess’s expression turned frosty, her displeasure palpable.

Tan Xue’er had no choice but to return to the County Princess’s residence, leaving her two friends behind.

Jiang Yan helped Tan Qianyue into the carriage. As dusk fell, she thoughtfully tucked a small blanket around her wife.

But once inside, Tan Qianyue completely ignored her…

The carriage grew darker. Jiang Yan sat opposite Tan Qianyue, who closed her eyes to rest, oblivious to Jiang Yan’s furtive glances.

“Um, I’ve already sent Jiaojiao away,” Jiang Yan blurted out, eager to explain today’s events. “She’s gone to the Brocade Workshop to learn a trade. She’ll be able to support herself just fine. She has nothing to do with me anymore. Really.”

Though the future of their marriage remained uncertain, Jiang Yan believed in doing her duty for the day. She didn’t want Tan Qianyue to misunderstand.

“Mmm,” Tan Qianyue murmured, curled up in a corner of the carriage beneath the blanket, her voice languid and soft.

“Did they bully you just now?” Jiang Yan frowned, recalling the incident at the teahouse.

“No one can bully me!” Tan Qianyue retorted after a moment.

Jiang Yan took her words with a grain of salt. If no one could bully the County Princess who was betrothed from childhood, how did someone manage to replace her?

Still, she kept her thoughts to herself, not daring to provoke the Eldest Miss.

The carriage fell silent again as Jiang Yan secretly studied Tan Qianyue’s face in the dim light.

The curtains, swaying in the breeze, cast faint streaks of light across the Eldest Miss’s fair, smooth complexion, though her expression remained stern.

Jiang Yan shifted closer, nudging against her side.

Tan Qianyue, unsure of her intentions, took a slightly deeper breath.

“If you’re tired, why not rest your head on my shoulder?” Jiang Yan murmured, subtly closing the distance.

Tan Qianyue kept her eyes closed, feigning sleep.

Undeterred, Jiang Yan’s eyes flickered with mischief as she reached out and wrapped an arm around Tan Qianyue’s neck. Leaning in, she whispered against the Eldest Miss’s ear, “Shall I assist you with your bath tonight, Wife?”

Tan Qianyue’s heart had already leaped at Jiang Yan’s sudden embrace, but this whispered suggestion sent a jolt of electricity through her veins.

Yet she stubbornly suppressed the fluttering in her chest, maintaining her icy demeanor as she glared at Jiang Yan with her commanding phoenix eyes.

Jiang Yan could only sheepishly withdraw her arm, her innocent eyes pleading for forgiveness.

Tan Qianyue averted her gaze, a faint smile hidden in the shadows.

That night, Jiang Yan’s shameless suggestion of a bathhouse play was, of course, rejected by the Eldest Miss. However, the beauty seemed to be gradually warming up, no longer frowning in confusion. Jiang Yan was slowly learning how to please her.

At dawn, the two sat together for their first proper breakfast, fully dressed.

On the small octagonal table, six exquisite dishes were arranged: crystal buns, milk cakes, almond tofu, shrimp congee, sparerib and winter melon soup, and cold mixed vegetables. Jiang Yan’s heart bubbled with joy, feeling as if she were being pampered.

Tan Qianyue wore a pale blue gauze robe over a strapless long dress, embroidered with vibrant blue butterflies poised to take flight. The embroidery was so meticulous that it shimmered, and the slightest breeze made the butterflies flutter like living creatures, as if they had landed on this rose blossom.

Her hair was styled in a high bun, with a few stray strands framing her forehead. Silver tassels hung from either side of her bun, swaying gently with her movements, making her look like a celestial being descended to earth. The beauty-obsessed Jiang Yan stared in stunned silence.

Jiang Yan cleared her throat, pretending not to look. Coincidentally, her own clothes were also a shade of blue, creating a somewhat matching couple’s outfit with the Eldest Miss.

Tan Qianyue glanced at her from the corner of her eye. Jiang Yan stared intently at the breakfast before her, focused solely on eating… or so it seemed!

After the meal, Jiang Yan slunk back to her storeroom. Tan Qianyue didn’t detain her; she had her own matters to attend to.

Jiang Yan had been too busy to stream these past few days, so she made sure to close all the doors and windows tightly.

With a snap of her fingers, she started the livestream. But the room that had once held dozens of viewers now had only two or three.

Looks like I can’t rely on myself alone, she thought. I need to earn money quickly—I still owe a fortune.

Curious about what five gold coins could buy, she clicked the exchange button.

Instantly, nine large doors appeared on the screen, each accompanied by a yellow progress bar. Jiang Yan wasn’t sure what these meant.

But observing the doors, she noticed they were distinct, seemingly categorized by era or location.

These must be the mission locations of my predecessors, she surmised. Since they’re displayed here, I should be able to exchange for them.

Jiang Yan wanted to see what one gold coin could buy, so she entered “1” in the quantity field and selected the modern-looking security door.

The door swung open, and a sanitary pad flew into the center of the screen…

The progress bar on the security door immediately changed to 99.5%.

Jiang Yan glanced at it. Looks like there’s not much left inside. The purchasing power of a gold coin is about the same as a dollar or two.

With a swipe of her finger, a tenth wooden door appeared in the empty space—her current “home.” The sanitary pad instantly teleported to her new home, and the yellow progress bar dropped to 0.1%.