Chapter 4: Seizing the Leverage

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Seeing Little Die still hesitating, Zhao Han directly pressed a handful of silver coins into her palm.
“You went out of the mansion today to sell charcoal without permission. If someone with ill intent finds out, you might be falsely accused.”

Hearing this, Little Die frowned. Now, all affairs in the back residence were under Mistress Lin’s control.

The maids around her guarded her like a thief. If they discovered this matter, they would surely make a big fuss about it.

She clenched the heavy silver in her hand and said, “Thank you, Young Master. I hope you might leave your name and residence, so I can personally return the silver one day.”

“My surname is Zhao, and my given name is Han. I live not far away at the Zhao residence.”

With that, Zhao Han smiled lightly and strode away along the Evergreen Path.

Little Die watched his figure from afar, lowering her eyes. Noticing the sky had darkened, she quickly returned to the Sheng Mansion through the east side gate after buying the charcoal.

The Sheng Mansion’s back residence was a remote and inconspicuous little courtyard.

This was where Mistress Wei lived.

Just as Little Die stepped into the courtyard with the charcoal, a delicate young girl with bright eyes and pearly teeth poked her head out from the house and ran over.

She rubbed her hands together and chirped, “Sister Little Die, did you manage to get the charcoal? Did any of the maids see you when you left the mansion?”

“Rest assured, Miss, I never make mistakes in my tasks.”

Little Die smiled gently and carefully lifted the coarse cloth covering the bamboo basket.

Minglan tiptoed to peek inside and exclaimed, “Where did all this gray flower charcoal come from?”

Little Die made a shushing gesture and led Minglan inside. After lighting the charcoal in the stove, she approached Mistress Wei and took the remaining silver from her sleeve.

Mistress Wei frowned. “Little Die, where did you get this silver?”

After Little Die explained everything, Mistress Wei quickly rose and took out her dowry bracelet.

“No reward without merit. Tomorrow, you must pawn this bracelet and use the money to repay Young Master Zhao.”

Mistress Wei was originally from a respectable family, but after the family fell on hard times, she had to sell herself into the Sheng Mansion as a concubine to pay for her mother’s medical treatment.

She was aloof and proud, and hated owing favors, especially to a young master she had never met.

“This is your only dowry, you can’t sell it!”

As she spoke, Minglan’s eyes reddened, and she snatched the bracelet, clutching it tightly to her chest.

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Little Die fell to her knees before Mistress Wei.

“Miss, winter has only just begun, and the kitchen maids are already skimping on charcoal.”

“When the bitter cold comes, if we return the silver now, we’ll have no charcoal to burn. What if you and Little Tao freeze? Will Mistress Lin even hire a good doctor?”

“Besides, Miss, you’re carrying a child. You can’t even eat enough now. If you catch a chill, what then?”

Minglan’s heart ached, and she hugged Mistress Wei, her voice trembling with tears. “One day, when we have money, we’ll return it to Young Master Zhao. Miss, I’m not afraid of the cold—I’m only afraid you and the little brother in your belly will suffer.”

Mistress Wei gently stroked her swollen belly and gazed thoughtfully at the young Minglan and Little Tao.

After a moment’s contemplation, she exhaled softly.

“Very well, Little Die, keep the silver for now. We must return it to Young Master Zhao no matter what in the future.”

Little Die nodded repeatedly. “Your servant understands.”

Minglan wiped her tears and looked up. “Miss, why don’t we ask Father for help? If he knew, he would surely stand up for us.”

Mistress Wei’s expression darkened slightly. She knew her plight was orchestrated by Lin Qingshuang.

But Sheng Hong doted on Lin Qingshuang so much that even if he knew, he’d only scold lightly and then let it go.

In the future, Lin Qingshuang might only become more malicious toward them.

For now, Mistress Wei just wanted to close the doors and live quietly.

“Your father is busy with official duties and neglects the back residence. If you feel wronged, go to the old madam.”

“I heard they use silver bone charcoal there and are well supplied with meals.”

Not long ago, the old madam had a serious illness and nearly lost her life. The doctor advised Sheng Hong to find a well-behaved child to keep her company, both to stave off loneliness and to help her recover faster.

Learning this, Mistress Wei wanted Minglan to serve the old madam. She knew she was an unloved concubine, and Minglan’s future would only be secure there.

“No, I won’t go!”

Minglan rejected loudly. She never wanted to leave Mistress Wei.

“If you won’t go, then don’t stir up trouble.”

Minglan lowered her head, dragging Little Tao out of the room, and sat on the steps of the corridor.

Little Die looked at Mistress Wei and sighed softly. “Miss, she’s only feeling wronged for you.”

“If this child is a boy, Miss might one day be no less than Mistress Lin.”

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In terms of looks and talent, Mistress Wei far surpassed Lin Qingshuang.

Mistress Wei shook her head. “Boys or girls don’t matter. If the master truly cared for us, he would have come by now.”

“Right now, I only hope this child will be born safely.”

Little Die’s eyes shone with determination. “With me protecting you, Miss, it will be.”

Mistress Wei took Little Die’s hand and smiled warmly.

Elsewhere, at Lin Qingshuang’s residence.

The candle flickered, silk curtains hung low, and freshly added silver bone charcoal crackled in the bronze brazier. A screen embroidered with eight treasures and peonies separated the room.

Lin Qingshuang sat before a bronze mirror, dressed in a peach-pink embroidered brocade gown. Her hair was loosely pinned at the back with several delicate hairpins. Her slender brows and fine features were beautiful, her eyes flickering with softness and calculation.

Her personal maid, Zhou Xueniang, stepped into the inner chamber and bowed her head. “Just as you predicted, they couldn’t endure any longer.”

“Lin Xiaodie just carried charcoal out through the side gate. I sent someone to spy on their courtyard—they’re burning gray flower charcoal in the stove.”

Hearing this, Lin Qingshuang’s lips curled upward. Softly, she said, “Now we have her flaw in hand.”

“If we don’t get rid of Liu Xiaodie, it won’t be so easy to make a move against Wei Shu.”

Zhou Xueniang nodded in agreement. “Mistress is right. Liu Xiaodie is not one to suffer losses quietly.”

“She even caused a scene in the madam’s chamber over charcoal today. Luckily, I arrived in time. Otherwise, Lady Guan wouldn’t have been able to deal with her.”

Lin Qingshuang’s eyes turned cold as she snorted. “Let her thrash around for a few more days.”

She pinched her brow and continued, “This Wei woman’s belly is really stubborn. The doctor says the fetus is stable every time he checks. In just two months, she’ll give birth. We must devise a way to ensure both mother and child perish.”

Zhou Xueniang nodded enthusiastically. “Mistress is wise. I’m ready to serve you loyally.”

“I know your loyalty. There will be rewards once this is done.”

“It’s late and the master hasn’t come. Looks like tonight we’ll rest in the madam’s chamber.”

Lin Qingshuang glanced outside at the darkening sky. A trace of loneliness crossed her eyes as she thought, Once Wei Shu is gone, I can finally wrestle with Wang Ruofu for control.