The Useless Alpha’s Yandere Wife - Chapter 40

“Did I kiss you too hard?”

“Get lost!”

Jiang Yan was tidying up the chaotic battlefield, her gaze darting nervously toward the Eldest Miss sitting nearby.

The woman’s long hair cascaded down like a waterfall, slightly disheveled at the crown. Her cheeks flushed with an unusual blush, as if painted with rouge. Wrapped in a white tank top and a blanket, her exposed skin bore a patchwork of marks.

Her expression remained dazed, the lingering afterglow of their intimacy refusing to fade. The refreshing scent of lush grass permeated the air, invigorating her senses, yet the tender soreness in her ravaged body created a conflicting sensation.

Jiang Yan scurried over to help Tan Qianyue dress.

Tan Qianyue looked up, her gaze meeting Jiang Yan’s alluring face framed by casually gathered hair.

“I can dress myself. Don’t bother,” Tan Qianyue said, implying Jiang Yan should go “clean up” herself instead of flaunting her presence so brazenly.

But Jiang Yan, mistaking her wife’s annoyance for genuine anger, obediently stayed by her side, pressing her cheek against Tan Qianyue’s in silent affection. In that moment, she truly resembled a docile seventeen-year-old.

“Go clean up quickly. They’ll be back soon,” Tan Qianyue urged weakly, pushing her away.

“Okay,” Jiang Yan replied reluctantly, leaving to light charcoal to temper the tent’s grassy aroma before cracking a vent for ventilation.

She rolled up the cloth curtain, turned the sleeping bag around to free up a small space near the entrance, and went outside to fetch water. After washing everything that needed cleaning, she soaked a towel to wipe the Eldest Miss’s face and hands.

Once finished, she tucked the Eldest Miss back into the sleeping bag.

“It’s cloudy today, so nothing should happen. I’ll cook while you sleep,” Jiang Yan said, wrapping her wife up like a zongzi.

“Don’t you usually cook at night? Why during the day?” Tan Qianyue asked, retreating into the warm sleeping bag, which was far more comfortable than half a quilt.

Jiang Yan turned to look at her, her gaze carrying a suggestive, slightly mischievous glint.

“I don’t want you to get tired,” she replied after a moment, her lips curving into a playful smile.

In her hand, she held the undergarment Tan Qianyue had been using as a cushion, warming it by the fire.

“Hmph!” Tan Qianyue couldn’t bear to see that item in her hand and buried her face in the sleeping bag, her feigned resistance looking rather endearing.

Jiang Yan first went outside to scout the area. Finding nothing amiss, she began preparing the meal. Twenty to thirty officers were still patrolling outside the courtyard, and Lord Miao’s carriage remained parked outside. The two captains had gone to stay at the post station, leaving Lord Miao to guard the area alone.

The two or three families in the courtyard rarely caused trouble for her. Ever since she’d beaten up those two reckless fools, they’d kept their distance.

Without food, they couldn’t leave, so today should be safe.

The team’s food supplies were running low. Before noon, they’d likely receive only a small cornbread bun. Jiang Yan didn’t want her wife to wait for that meager ration, so she quickly set up the small iron pot.

She placed the cutting board down, first chopping the cabbage, then the pork. She rendered the fatty parts of the pork to extract lard, then tossed in the last bit of dried scallions she’d scavenged to infuse the oil with their aroma.

As the lard sizzled, its fragrant steam filled the tent, enhanced by the scallions. She added the sliced pork belly, stir-frying it until it browned and coated in oil, then tossed in half a head of cabbage.

Finally, she added water, sweet potato noodles, and a generous pinch of coarse salt, then slammed the lid on the pot.

Tan Qianyue watched her from behind, her eyes the only visible part of her face. What would have happened if they hadn’t made that mistake back then?

She didn’t even want to consider that possibility.

Unable to steam rice, Jiang Yan grabbed three large steamed buns and stuck them around the edge of the pot, pretending they were rice. After all, as long as it filled their bellies, it didn’t matter.

She secretly added a touch more seasoning. She had to use the spices she’d nearly bankrupted herself to obtain last time—two dried red chilies and a splash of dark soy sauce. This pork and cabbage stew with sweet potato noodles was already deeply flavorful. The steaming stew was the perfect match for the freezing weather.

Half an hour later, the entire tent was filled with the tantalizing aroma of food, enough to make anyone want to eat two extra bowls of rice.

Ying Hong returned at the perfect time, just as the meal was ready.

“Come in quickly! Where have you been in this freezing weather?” Tan Qianyue asked, her head bowed shyly, avoiding Ying Hong’s gaze. She felt a pang of guilt, afraid Ying Hong might see through her.

Ying Hong was equally anxious. Was it alright for her to return at this hour?

The mistress and servant exchanged awkward pleasantries.

“You’re back just in time! Let’s eat!” Jiang Yan extinguished the fire and moved the small iron pot back to the center.

In the courtyard, only they and the Su Family were present. If the Su Family didn’t come, no one else would. Still, they had to eat properly, not dawdle like they would at home.

Lifting the lid, the aroma of meat filled the air. The sweet potato noodles had absorbed the stew’s broth, turning a deep brown. The cabbage and pork were equally savory.

The cabbage stewed with the meat tasted worlds apart from the bland cabbage soup in the communal pot. Everyone ate with gusto.

Looking at the pork and cabbage stew in her bowl, Ying Hong thought it would have been worth squatting for another two hours. It was too delicious, too fragrant. She took another bite of meat, her cheeks bulging like a hamster’s.

“Miss, you have some! The meat is so good, the cabbage is so good, the noodles are so good…!” Ying Hong rambled excitedly, her words tumbling over each other.

Jiang Yan carefully selected a piece of lean meat and placed it in his wife’s bowl, urging her to eat more.

The fresh pork filled their mouths with savory flavor. The three of them ate in focused silence, savoring each bite.

After finishing their meal, they leaned back, resigned to their confinement. What else could they do?

This routine of eating and sleeping, sleeping and eating, had only lasted two days, but Ying Hong was already growing restless, her body aching with boredom.

“Miss, shall I comb your hair?” the young maid offered, eager to find something to do.

“A headscarf will do. No need to comb my hair,” Tan Qianyue replied, rolling up her sleeping bag. She sat on the cotton quilt, dressed in newly made padded clothes. Though the cold would eventually seep through, she was far better off than the others.

Her only goal was to reach the Northlands discreetly, though she couldn’t imagine what awaited them there…

Jiang Yan, his back turned to Ying Hong, stared intently at Tan Qianyue, the air crackling with unspoken tension.

A blush instantly colored the Eldest Miss’s cheeks. Though the dim tent concealed it, her flustered expression betrayed her unease.

She bit her lip, her eyes still carrying a hint of resentment. She even shifted backward slightly, as if Jiang Yan’s gaze still held her captive. Deliberately turning her back, she tried to ignore his presence.

Seeing her flee, Jiang Yan smiled indulgently. The monk may run, but the temple remains. Sooner or later, she’ll fall into my hands!

Ying Hong remained oblivious to the sparks flying next door, absorbed in fiddling with the small trinkets she had crafted.

“This is for you!” After a moment, Tan Qianyue produced a pair of cotton gloves. Jiang Yan was always working outdoors in the bitter cold, and without proper protection, his hands would quickly crack and freeze.

Jiang Yan took the gloves and examined them closely. They were a deep blue pair of cotton mittens, thick and warm, with a rough exterior and a soft, plush lining.

“These are perfect! I love them. Anything my wife gives me is precious to me,” he declared, ignoring the awkward presence of their “third wheel” and immediately expressing his affection.

“Flatterer!”

The young maid next door had long mastered the art of feigning deafness and blindness, maintaining an impassive expression throughout.

As Jiang Yan admired the mittens, it was time for the evening meal. The trio bundled up and joined the queue.

By coincidence, Maternal Uncle Tan’s family ended up lining up right behind Tan Qianyue.

“Qianyue, here for dinner?” Aunt Wang greeted her warmly.

“Mm-hmm,” Tan Qianyue nodded. She wasn’t close to her maternal uncle’s family. Although he was her mother’s younger brother, Xiao Concubine had been in the household longer, and Tan Qianyue spent most of her time busy at the family shop.

Xiao Concubine still managed all affairs in Tan Manor, large and small. Moreover, she maintained a flawless facade, and no one had ever spoken ill of her in all these years. Only Tan Qianyue knew the true nature of her smile.

Her maternal uncle’s family had always relied on Madam Tan for their livelihood, keeping a low profile. But as Tan Qianyue’s own uncle, his failure to speak up for her in Tan Manor made her view them as allies of Xiao Concubine.

Why, then, had they separated from Xiao Concubine’s group during their exile? Was it because Xiao Concubine no longer offered them any benefits?

Tan Qianyue’s guess was likely accurate. Now that they were prisoners, Xiao Concubine and her group had become a burden. The Tan uncle’s family, ever opportunistic, wanted nothing to do with them. Though they kept quiet, they never suffered any losses.

Having sided with Xiao Concubine, they had always avoided contact with Tan Qianyue. They probably hadn’t anticipated that she would grow up and eventually seize control of Tan Manor’s finances. By the time they tried to switch sides, it was too late.

“Qianyue, I noticed you and Jiang Yan moved into a tent. I hope you’re comfortable there?” Her maternal aunt inquired, feigning concern.

“It’s tolerable,” Tan Qianyue replied casually. “Freezing cold, though. My hands and feet are numb.”

“But your hands look so delicate and smooth, unlike my old, rough ones, which have only gotten worse on this journey. Jiang Yan must be taking good care of you, right? She seems incredibly capable, always busy!” Maternal Aunt Tan followed Tan Qianyue through the entire queue, from the beginning to when they received their cornbread buns.

“My hands were always like this,” Tan Qianyue replied calmly, neither warm nor deliberately distant. “Why are you comparing yourself to someone younger, Aunt? Even if A-Yan is capable, she can only get us a couple more fruits than others.”

Maternal Aunt Tan continued to scrutinize her, then said hesitantly, “Qianyue, I wanted to ask you something…”

Seeing the woman’s timid demeanor, Tan Qianyue cut her off. “Aunt, you’re under exile now. There’s nothing I can do.”

Maternal Aunt Tan froze, stunned by Tan Qianyue’s blunt, merciless rejection. Though displeased, she kept her expression neutral.

“But… your sister is being crushed at the entrance of the big tent. She’s been coughing and weak for days, and I’m afraid she’s seriously ill. I’m worried she won’t make it to the Northlands. I may not have been the most attentive aunt in the past, but you’re still bl00d relatives. You wouldn’t want to see her die, would you?” Maternal Aunt Tan clung to Tan Qianyue, pouring out her concerns.

“So, what exactly do you want, Aunt?” Tan Qianyue asked, her patience wearing thin. Shouldn’t you be checking on your own daughter? What gives you the confidence to come here and negotiate with me?

“I was wondering if your two younger sisters could stay with you?” Tan Qianyue’s maternal aunt asked cautiously.

“There’s only enough room for three people. If they stay, where am I supposed to sleep?” Tan Qianyue had no desire to waste time arguing.

“They don’t take up much space. You can all squeeze in together!” Her aunt persisted.

“I refuse. I won’t sleep with strangers!” Jiang Yan, who had been listening from ahead, interjected firmly, her expression cold.

“Besides, how can you possibly be comfortable letting young Kunze girls stay with a Qianyuan?” Jiang Yan continued, pouring cold water on the idea. This woman had been clinging to Tan Qianyue like a leech the entire journey.

“But their Big Sister will be there! And of course, I trust you completely!” The aunt’s smile was sickeningly ingratiating.

Jiang Yan’s eyes darkened as she stepped in front of Tan Qianyue. This family had always been insignificant, but that didn’t mean they were necessarily harmless. The maternal uncle and aunt, who should have been close to Tan Qianyue, had never once been present in her life—their relationship was clear.

“Qianyue, if it were any other time, I wouldn’t come to you. But your sister’s condition looks dire. Can’t you just help her?” Aunt pressed, her gaze fixed on Tan Qianyue, even reaching out to grasp her sleeve.

“The tent is mine. Her consent means nothing, even if she agrees!” Jiang Yan declared firmly.

Tan Qianyue immediately understood her meaning, casting an apologetic glance at her aunt. She then looked timidly at Jiang Yan, conveying her awkwardness.

“You’re the Tan Family’s son-in-law. Decisions in this household should be made by your wife. Don’t forget your place,” Aunt finally shifted her gaze to Jiang Yan.

“What Tan Family? I was exiled because of them, and I haven’t even settled accounts with them yet. Now that they’re prisoners, they come here spouting nonsense? Get lost!” Jiang Yan waved impatiently, pulling Tan Qianyue away.

“Qianyue! Qianyue!” Aunt called after them, her voice grating like a broken horn, though she quickly lowered her voice, fearing it would attract the officers.

Tan Qianyue followed Jiang Yan without looking back. The idea of living with her sisters was a pipe dream.

Tan Qianyue could barely remember what her two younger sisters looked like.

“Living together is impossible,” Jiang Yan said, turning to remind her. “But if they’re truly ill, you can send them food or medicine—whatever you want. Just be careful!”

“Mm, I know!” Tan Qianyue replied, holding a cornbread bun as Jiang Yan led her by the hand, her expression unreadable.

Back in their tent, Tan Qianyue sent Ying Hong to gather information about her maternal uncle’s family. If not for Xiao Concubine’s duplicity—acting one way in public and another behind closed doors—Tan Qianyue, as the eldest legitimate daughter, would have felt obligated to care for the Tan family.

Though Tan Qianyue might appear willful and headstrong on the surface, she was actually quite level-headed when it came to serious matters. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to manage the shops her mother left behind.

That was the principle, but now that she was entirely dependent on Jiang Yan for support, she couldn’t possibly take care of others, let alone that family.

Ying Hong returned quietly after her reconnaissance.

“The eldest daughter of your uncle’s family looks truly unwell,” Ying Hong reported. “Her face is pale and sickly. The whole family is crammed into a tent on someone else’s property—their days must be hard.”

“They’re suffering, but it’s their own fault. If they’d stayed with Xiao Concubine, they might have squeezed into a tent with the others. But they saw her as useless and rushed to separate, thinking it would save their family from being dragged down. Little did they know, there’s strength in numbers, no matter the circumstances!” Tan Qianyue knew her maternal uncle’s family all too well.

“Miss is right!” Ying Hong replied. She only cared about staying by her mistress’s side; the rest didn’t matter much. Having grown up together, her sole purpose was to be a loyal attendant.

After pondering for a while, Qianyue packed two cornbread buns, two handfuls of peanuts, a few dates, and a bundle of dried medicinal herbs, instructing Ying Hong to deliver them.

It wasn’t about being stingy; these were all she could spare without causing trouble. She didn’t want to burden Jiang Yan. In these desperate times, even a small gesture of goodwill was enough. Whether they survived or not was now up to fate.

Ying Hong, ever resourceful, secretly summoned her aunt.

“Aunt, Miss stole these from Mistress Jiang’s supplies to give you some food. If you appreciate her kindness, please accept them quickly. It’s not much, but if they’re discovered tonight, we could all be punished. After all, there’s barely any food left in the house—these were saved from our own rations!” Ying Hong solemnly pressed the bundle into her aunt’s hands.

The aunt’s eyes lit up as she examined the small cloth bundle in her hands. She hadn’t expected to get anything at all and thanked them profusely.

“What? Jiang Yan actually dares to hit people?” The aunt was surprised to hear that Tan Qianyue might be beaten.

Her niece was hardly the submissive type.

“Ah, even if Miss is strong-willed, how can she stand up to Mistress Jiang’s fists? She just has to swallow her pride and act humble! Don’t resent her too much—it’s not easy for Miss when she doesn’t have authority in the household. Besides, there really isn’t any room!” Ying Hong said with a bitter expression.

“Then thank her for me. It must be so hard for her!” The aunt looked genuinely concerned, like a caring elder.

“Ah, who can deny it?” Ying Hong sighed in agreement.

Meanwhile, Tan Qianyue, who might be beaten, was huddled in a corner wrapped in a thick blanket, like a baby bird waiting to be fed by its mother.

“Come on, open wide!” Jiang Yan held out a silver spoon—one she had specially bought for her wife. The other two didn’t need such niceties; they could eat straight from their bowls.

Amidst the pile of seasonings, Jiang Yan had discovered a treasure: a can of yellow peaches. I knew we must have raided some restaurant’s kitchen, she thought. How else would we have canned peaches? Maybe we even cleared out their hotpot buffet!

Desperate for Gold Coins lately, Jiang Yan decided to start a livestream showcasing their affectionate moments.

A small piece of canned peach trembled on a spoon as it was brought to the Eldest Miss’s lips.

“Ah, open your mouth!”

Tan Qianyue took the bite, her beautiful eyes instantly lighting up. Her smile was even more radiant than spring blossoms.

“What is this? It’s so delicious!” Though it resembled the pear soup made at home, the flavor was far superior.

“It’s something good I found at someone else’s place. Just enjoy it,” Jiang Yan said. She wasn’t lying; it was indeed someone else’s stockpiled treasure.

Using the spoon, Jiang Yan divided a large yellow peach into four pieces for easier feeding. She even alternated between bites of peach and sips of the sweet syrup, making the viewers in the live stream drool with envy.

That thing in the streamer’s hand looks so good! I want some too!

The streamer’s partner looks so sweet and lovely when she eats! I want one too!

Jiang Yan glared at the screen. Wanting everything will only get you into trouble!

“It’s frozen yellow peaches cooked in sweet syrup. If you like it, I’ll make more later!” Seeing Qianyue’s delight, Jiang Yan fed her with renewed enthusiasm.

The sound of Gold Coins pouring in filled the air, but Jiang Yan still felt it wasn’t fast enough. She steeled her resolve and prepared to dive back into the fray.

After finishing the entire peach, she set the empty bowl aside, the air thick with the sweet, cloying aroma of canned peaches.

“Is it sweet enough?” Jiang Yan leaned in closer.

Tan Qianyue suddenly remembered something, clutching the blanket tighter in fright and lowering her gaze to avoid Jiang Yan’s eyes.

“Mmm… sweet!” she murmured softly, her face flushing crimson.

“Then let me have a taste too!” Jiang Yan said, gently tugging the blanket toward herself, pulling Tan Qianyue over with it.

Jiang Yan removed the obstructive headscarf, letting Tan Qianyue’s smooth, long hair cascade down like seaweed across the blanket. The sight of the beauty’s flustered eyes shimmering with panic, her lips moist and soft, looked utterly kissable.

The clattering sound of Gold Coins pouring into Jiang Yan’s ears gave her the giddy feeling of sudden wealth. Who else gets to flirt with a beauty and earn Gold Coins at the same time? Just me!

Jiang Yan thought smugly, yet she made no further move, leaving everyone in suspense.

“What are you doing?” Tan Qianyue’s face burned under Jiang Yan’s gaze as she squirmed, trying to escape.

“Th-this… this… we can’t just do whatever we want!” she stammered, still burrowing deeper into the blanket, her eyes trying to project a stern warning.

But to Jiang Yan, she looked like a bluffing kitten, utterly harmless.

Seeing the chat preparing to shower Gold Coins, Jiang Yan finally cupped Tan Qianyue’s exquisite face and bit down on her moist, sweet lips.

Tan Qianyue never expected Jiang Yan to bite her directly. Frozen in place, she could only close her eyes, hoping to block out the sensation.

Denied the peach, Jiang Yan instead devoured the Eldest Miss’s tender, crimson lips as if they were the fruit itself. The clattering of Gold Coins in her ears only fueled her passion, making her lose all restraint.

Gently nipping at Tan Qianyue’s lower lip, Jiang Yan soon sealed their mouths together completely, her tongue probing deeper for hidden sweetness.

Tan Qianyue heard footsteps approaching outside. Torn between anxiety and the relentless kisses that pinned her against the wall, she felt her body grow weak and numb. A burning heat surged through her, making her writhe in discomfort.

If this woman doesn’t let go, we’ll both die! Tan Qianyue thought, her body limp, desperate for a mutual end to this madness.

Outside, the voices of officers and prisoners mingled. They must be taking advantage of the sunlight to stretch their legs in the courtyard.

Whether Jiang Yan was bewitched by the Gold Coins or by her beloved wife, she had clearly gone too far.

Only when she sensed the Eldest Miss’s strength waning did she finally release her.

“Next time… next time, don’t feed me that… I don’t want peaches!” Tan Qianyue glared at her, her luminous eyes wet with tears.

“Alright, no peaches, no peaches! I have hawthorn berries and apples too!” Jiang Yan carefully wiped her wife’s mouth.

“Get lost!” But it seemed he had touched a sore spot…