Chapter 23: Just A Concubine

Han Jing thought about the odd relationship between her parents while she was on her way to the ancestral hall. Based on Su Yaozheng’s bossy attitude, Han Jing believed that she would not dismiss it after a few ridiculing words if it were anyone else. However, it was unlikely that her mother bore feelings for him. In fact, she did not seem to care about him at all.

As for Han Siju, he did not seem to have any feelings toward her mother.

It was indeed odd between them.

None of the servants dared to defy the princess’s instructions. They forced Madam Li and Han Yan to go to the ancestral hall to copy Buddhist scriptures on their knees, regardless of how unwilling they were.

The two were already in the ancestral hall when Han Jing arrived. Two strong-built servants were guarding the entrance. It was near impossible for outsiders to enter.

The servants greeted Han Jing and helped to open the door for her.

Han Jing entered alone after she asked her maid-servant to stay outside.

Han Yan’s eyes were red. Han Jing wondered whether it was because of anger or tears.

Han Yan was relentless when she noticed Han Jing. “Han Jing, come at me if you’re capable!” she shouted, “You shouldn’t have complained to the Princess! You are nothing without her protection!”

Han Yan was typically well-reserved, but she could no longer suppress herself. She did not expect Han Jing to act so arrogantly in front of her after what happened last night.

It was all Han Jing’s fault she got lucky and escaped death!

After getting her fingers injured and getting punished because of Han Jing, Han Yan could no longer keep herself together, no matter how strong her endurance was!

Li Shi, who was kneeling beside Han Yan, shushed her. “Shut up!”

She turned to Han Jing next, “Excuse us, my Lady. Yan’er is young and naive. Please don’t mind her crude words.”

Han Jing chuckled lightly, amazed at how shameless they were. She wondered how they forced those words out of their mouths.

“What position do you think you are in when you’re talking to me?” Han Jing asked with a devious smile as Li Shi’s expression froze.

Han Jing remembered that Li Shi was the daughter of an official and his first wife. She was fit to be Han Siju’s first wife, if not for Princess Yi Feng. It was a shame that she ended up becoming a concubine, although she obtained the title of Han Siju’s wife after their marriage.

Li Shi was merely Han Siju’s concubine whereas Han Jing was the daughter of Princess Yi Feng. She was awarded the title of Princess Chen Yu by the Emperor himself and she was specially permitted by him to take his surname. Therefore, Han Jing’s other name was Su Chenyu.

Han Jing’s words got to Li Shi and hit her deepest insecurity.

Princess Yi Feng never bothered about the matters in the household after getting married to Han Siju. Li Shi had to take over her responsibilities as a first wife, although she was only a concubine. Even so, she was still inferior—like a maid-servant—whenever Su Yaozheng and Han Jing were present.

“Han Jing! What makes you think that you can act all arrogant like this? How dare you talk to my mother like that? You are only a bastard with missing parents when my mother is the wife of a Qing’an official! Your background won’t change just because you are Princess Yi Feng’s favorite!”

She was irate that the hideous Han Jing received better treatment than her!