The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 160 - Concubine Guo

Second Madam Wang never opposed Second Master Lin's orders. She nodded and replied, "Don't worry, Husband. I understand."

"Good. Then take some rest. I have matters to attend to, so I'll be going now." With that, Second Master Lin hurriedly left.

After he was gone, Shusui brought over warm water and comforted her, saying, "Please don't be upset, Madam. Second Master likely has urgent business to handle; that's why he left so quickly."

"Hmph, urgent business? More like he's rushing off to see that Concubine Guo and that little vixen Lin Jingshu," Second Madam Wang scoffed. "Both mother and daughter know how to use their charms to capture his heart!"

Shusui stood by, attending quietly, not daring to say much. For one, she was a cautious person by nature; and for another, she hadn't been serving Second Madam Wang for very long and wasn't yet familiar with her temperament. Saying too much might bring trouble.

Second Madam Wang grew angrier the more she thought about it, yet there was nothing she could do.

Watching the fading figure disappear beyond the door, she was left to grieve in solitude.

Her guess was correct. After leaving the main courtyard where the Second Madam resided, Second Master Lin went straight to the quarters of his favored concubine, Concubine Guo.

When he arrived, he found one of Concubine Guo's maids applying a moisturizing lotion to her skin. Her complexion was like snow, smooth and glowing.

The sight left Second Master Lin momentarily entranced, his mind wandering as his eyes glazed over.

A couple of coughs later, both the mistress and her maid realized someone had entered.

"Master, what brings you here?"

Startled, Concubine Guo hurried to dress herself, though her hair remained loose, cascading down her back in a way quite unlike the usual neat style of a married woman.

Concubine Guo's beauty was renowned, even beyond the household.

In her younger days, she had been a celebrated courtesan, known for her exquisite looks and masterful pipa playing, which had captivated audiences. She caught Second Master Lin's eye during one of her performances, and he wasted no time redeeming her freedom, keeping her outside the family estate for a few years. When she became pregnant, he brought her into the household as a concubine.

Now, their daughter was nearly nine years old, yet Concubine Guo seemed unchanged, as if untouched by the passage of time. She also hadn't suffered mistreatment from the main wife, a fate not uncommon for concubines.

"Feeling annoyed, so I came to sit with you," Second Master Lin said, brushing off the maid Xianglian's silent exit as she lowered her head and left.

Second Master Lin seated himself on the bed, pulling Concubine Guo into his arms. With her soft form nestled against him, the tension in his chest began to ease.

"That foolish Wang Shi ruined a perfectly good situation. If it weren't for Lin Guifei and Guang Zhi, I would've divorced her ages ago! She's an eyesore."

Concubine Guo had heard these words countless times since entering the household, but she never took them seriously.

To be frank, she had no interest in the position of main wife.

The role required managing in-laws, raising children, maintaining social connections, and balancing authority within the household—all while tolerating a husband who might bring home more concubines. She couldn't show jealousy or resentment, and if one of those concubines bore children, she'd have to take responsibility for raising them under her own name.

It was a thankless position, one she had no desire for.

Her current life was far more comfortable.

Second Master Lin favored her, ensuring she had the best in clothing, food, and other comforts. Their daughter, once raised in her own quarters, had already formed a strong bond with her and was now being educated in Ronghe Hall without fear of future estrangement.

Moreover, she hadn't borne any sons, which meant she wasn't seen as a threat by the main wife.

Her days were spent refining her pipa skills and maintaining her beauty, making her quarters a haven for Second Master Lin whenever he needed to relax. Each visit ended with their intimate moments, deepening his affection for her over time. As a result, he hadn't taken any new concubines in years.

"The main wife is struggling too. She toils daily for this household's sake. Master, let me play you a new tune to ease your mind," Concubine Guo suggested gently.

Though she didn't actively seek gossip, news of the first branch's division of assets often reached her. She knew Second Master Lin's anger likely stemmed from that.

Still, certain matters were beyond her purview as a concubine. Her role was better summarized by the old adage: "The singing girl doesn't mourn a fallen kingdom; she plays 'The Flowers of the Rear Garden' across the river."

Soon, the sound of the pipa filled the courtyard, alternating between soft murmurs and clear, graceful melodies.

The music stirred Second Master Lin's heart, leaving him restless with longing.

Not long after, muffled sounds of passion could be heard outside the room. Xianglian, having grown accustomed to this, glanced toward the inner chambers and then retreated to her own room.

Only after Second Master Lin left, visibly satisfied, did Xianglian return with a basin of warm water.

As soon as she entered, the room was filled with an unmistakable, lingering intimacy. The bed was in disarray, and Concubine Guo reclined with flushed cheeks and half-lidded eyes, exuding allure.

"Where's the medicine?" Concubine Guo asked.

"First, allow me to wipe your hands, my lady. I'll fetch it right away."

"Mm."

Xianglian handed her a cloth and walked to the cabinet, retrieving a porcelain bottle hidden in a secret compartment. She carefully poured out a single pill, restoring the setup before returning.

The pill dissolved quickly when stirred into water. Concubine Guo drank it down in one gulp, her expression calm as she instructed:

"Next month, when Qiu Momo returns from her visit, get some more."

"Yes, my lady. But... we've been taking this medicine for several months now. Are you certain it works?"

"Don't worry. I trust Qiu Momo's skills. She promised results, so I believe it will help me achieve my goal."

Her eyes gleamed with excitement.

Her inability to conceive again was, in truth, deliberate—a result of taking contraceptive herbs over the years. It had taken a toll on her body, but now, with her daughter older and well-regarded by Princess Rongkang, and with the main wife losing favor with both the princess and Second Master Lin, she saw an opportunity.

If the timing was right, having a son would secure her position further.

Rumor had it the first branch received a hefty share of silver during the division. Though her child might be illegitimate, he would still be entitled to a portion of the family inheritance.

The more she thought about it, the calmer she became.

The tranquil life in the western wing, which had lasted for so many years, was about to stir with waves.

In Yaotai Pavilion, Lin Guifei's life wasn't exactly dire, but it was far from comfortable.

Her authority had been stripped, and though her subordinates didn't dare act out, the loss of her former position of power—overseeing and commanding the other consorts—left her with pent-up frustration.

Qinhe and Qinliu served her with utmost care, not daring to relax for even a moment, lest they become the next to bear the brunt of her temper.