When March arrives, the pleasant cold breeze in the capital slightly disappears, bringing the warmth that borders on heat. Time and tide wait for no man. In the blink of an eye, Yun Si approaches her second anniversary as part of the Lan family.

    She finds joy on her own as the Furen, overseeing the well-being of her husband’s other wives as the principal wife. Lan Qing consistently demonstrates his affection, concern, and esteem for her, maintaining a show of respect. The elderly Furen, Lan Qing's mother, also bestows her fondness on Yun Si, affirming that she possesses all the principal wives should have.

    Yun Si possesses both her husband's love and the authority she holds in their household, as well as from the mother-in-law's care and affection. Her frequent public appearances with Lan Qing elevated her status, evoking admiration, and envy from the other wives. However, she silently pities them,

    ‘believing they would not truly desire her full set of responsibilities and complications for overseeing a bunch of wives and concubines of her husband.’

    After Lan Qing inherited his father's role, enhancing their family's prominence in trade, his wealth and connections became so influential that even notable nobility regard him. His mightiness ensures he never lacks women beside him on his bed.

    In his manor, not only Yun Si but also the Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Furen, plus numerous concubines, surpassing the number her father had. This harem, augmented by the beauties continuously sent to please Lan Qing, sparks rumor that Lan Qing’s manor is loaded with the beauties, incomparable even to the royalties.

    While reviewing accounts, Yun Si relaxes in her chair, offering her practiced smile ready to please an important man. She flawlessly portrays the role as the Furen who tremendously admires and adores her beloved husband, ensuring she is worth Lan Qing's respect. Of course, Lan Qing was so satisfied when he saw the sweetest smile from his Furen. Her smile put him in a good mood.

    "Are you tired?" His slender fingers gently caressed her round-shaped forehead, adjusting a lock of her hair. The soft, tender voice, tinged with concern, asked.

    "If you're tired, let A-De handle it. You won't have any difficulties."

    A-De, whom he referred to, was the butler who took care of everything. She nodded with a smile, accepting without uttering a word. If she let others do the work, then she will have to revise it again. Not only did the workload not lessen, but it also increased, as she wasted her time, giving orders back and forth.

    Sometimes, she didn’t truly understand why, for some reason, her clever and competent husband would resort to such foolish actions. Were those displays of concern or did his other wives appreciate those fake displays of concern so much that they overlooked reason and reality?

    “Shouldn’t you be busy with your work affairs at Luo Yang?”  She raised her chin and glanced at the opposite side. A clear voice uttered teasing words.

    " I rush to do everything to come back and see you my dear. “

    Her beloved husband teased back sweetly. However, she recalled the words of servants whispered to each other several days ago. The new concubine sent by a nobility was indeed beautiful. 

    Rush to do everything to come back and see my beloved Furen... but, Which one?

    Was it the shadow of the man in the quarter of the new concubine who happened to pass by a couple of days ago that she mistakenly saw it?

    or did he have an identical twin brother?

    Even though she knew as much in her heart, Yun Si just smiled happily, not acting cleverly that she knew what the other side was hiding. He treated her with respect. In return, she would behave properly like the Furen.

    He strode in, holding his wife gently to move along before bending down and telling her to go to the dining room. He then instructed servants to set the table.  When arrived, a meal was meticulously prepared with her favorites.

    "I ordered the cook to prepare your favorite dishes. Si’ er, you've lost a lot of weight. It pains me to see."  

    Oh, her husband was excessively gentle. Even though he was supposed to serve so many demanding wives, he could handle it without any shortcomings. It's truly hard to find someone like him.  

    Moreover, he treats all his wives equally!

    ,

    After dinner, as she drowsily leans on him, feeling the wear of her responsibilities, especially with the upcoming birthday celebration of his mother that she must host.

     Lan Qing sat quietly beside his wife, enduring the numbness in his arm she caused by leaning on it. Seeing his handsome face close by, the young woman gently caressed his rough cheek.

    "If you're too tired, let A-De take care of it. Seeing you so worn out makes me worry even more," he said.

    Yun Si disregarded this word, "It's been almost a month now, hasn't it?"

    Whether he was overwhelmed by work or just pretend to do so, the truth was she hadn't been close to him for nearly a month. And when he came to offer comfort, she saw no reason to refuse, preferring his attention over anyone else's service.

    His sharp eyes briefly softened, reflecting a deep intensity; they both understood the significance of her words. His face lowered to hers, lips pressing gently against her slender shoulder, as his attire slipped away, nearly in tandem with his teeth grazing her tender skin. Then, he eased up, skillfully tracing patterns with his tongue where his teeth had marked.

    ...enticing and arousing.

    Yun Si felt a surge of sensation, a sharp pain in her shoulder morphing into intense excitement. She tilted her head to accept his fervent kiss, responding with intense feeling. Instinctively, their bodies intertwined, her slender figure pressed into the plush bed, their lovemaking so intense that she couldn't contain her moans. Her breathing became erratic, losing herself in the blur of pleasure, allowing herself to sink wholly into desire.

    In the following morning, Yun Si awoke feeling weary. She lay in bed for a moment, listening to the quiet breathing of the person beside her before carefully getting up to avoid making noise. Noticing that Lan Qing showed no sign of waking, she dressed herself and tidied up the scattered clothes on the floor.

    A sachet, the same color as the sky, fell from the pile of garments. She picked it up and examined it closely, noticing the intricately embroidered mandarin ducks. Reading the carefully stitched poem on it, Yun Si paused for a long moment:

     ‘Yearning for a love that’s steadfast and true, like waterfowl that mate for life, aging together too.’

    Such a poignant verse Lan Qing carried implied that the new concubine held a significant place in his heart. The young woman pondered silently before putting the sachet back and leaving the room as if nothing had happened.

    "Furen,"

     greeted Xiao ying and Xiao Yuan, her close maids, their faces laden with concern.

    "What happened?"

    "Lady Xiu and Lady Min fought, and in their scuffle, they broke the gift you prepared for the elderly Furen," they reported.

    The gift, a meticulously carved blessing goddess from precious crystal, was specially commissioned for her mother-in-law's upcoming birthday.

    Such a valuable item was stored with care, yet the two women had managed to damage it in their altercation, suggesting it was not just an accident.

    They might have heard from last night that Master Lan had returned and immediately rushed to spend a night with her, which must have spurred the conflict.

    "But, what about the gift, Furen?"

    Xiao ying asked, the birthday celebration is nearly coming.

    "No need to fuss. In my dowry chest, there's a Sandalwood-carved Bodhisattva. Clean it up; no more accidents,"

    She had been married into the Lan’s family for almost two years and her mother-in-law also treated her well, so Yun Si couldn't overlook her. "Xiao yuan, fetch A-De for me."

    Lan Qing used Yun Si to divert attention from Lady Xiu and Lady Min. It was clear he aimed to shield his new wife. She may not retaliate directly against his sky-high status, but she wouldn't be the one who suffered in silence.

    Soon, A-De stepped into the room, bowing respectfully, and inquiring about the purpose of his summoning with utmost politeness. Even in the presence of the Master and the elderly Furen, Yun Si might act demure, but A-De was well aware that her true nature was as complex as that of his master.

    "As I mentioned, how do you think we should punish them?" she asked.

    After hearing the question, A-De felt a chill. Being just a butler, he dared not overstep his bounds with his master's women, but evasiveness could incite the Great Furen’s anger. Although Yun Si had not shown her wrath in nearly two years, the butler wished not to witness it.

    "According to family rules, fighting and creating chaos warrant twenty lashes," he proposed.

    Yun Si's beautiful face frowned in disapproval. "They are the wives of my husband; such a harsh punishment seems overly pitiful. Women are like delicate flowers, easily bruised," she insincerely voiced her disagreement.

    The butler bowed his head, swallowing dryly, sensing her insincerity.

    "Let's settle on this: flogging might be too severe. With the elderly Furen’s birthday nearing and these women daring to cause such turmoil, especially damaging the birthday gift, it's an ill omen.

    Announce that Lady Xiu and Lady Min have behaved inappropriately, causing significant damage. They should observe a two-month vegetarian retreat at a temple to atone and bring blessings to the elderly Furen."

    Having goosebumps, the butler accepted the orders and retreated. The Furen was indeed formidable. While twenty lashes seemed harsh, given the choice, the two ladies would prefer it over the extended temple stay. After two months, it's uncertain if the master would remember their existence, but they had no option to refuse, especially with the Furen framing it as a matter of fortune and merit for the elderly Furen.

    Ultimately, the fault lies with those who bold enough to challenge the one they shouldn't have. They must now reflect on their own actions.

    However, it might already be too late...

    They should never forget that the person they chose to provoke was the Furen.