Third Concubine, upon hearing Madam Lin's words, inwardly rejoiced, thinking, "What are you saying, Sister? How could I be qualified?"
"Of us three sisters, both Fourth Sister and I come from humble backgrounds. If any of us is to become the main wife, it can only be you, Sister," Madam Lin said, her face sincere, but inwardly sneering, *You, a main wife? You think you're worthy?*
Third Concubine's thoughts became active. "If the General intends to remarry, even I would have no choice."
Madam Lin entwined her arm with Third Concubine's. "Sister, it's not that I'm speaking ill of you, but you are aligned with Eldest Young Lady. If you were to become the main wife, it would bring nothing but benefit to Eldest Young Lady. Our General also dotes on Eldest Young Lady the most. As long as Eldest Young Lady speaks to the General on your behalf, wouldn't the position of main wife fall into your lap?"
"I fear Eldest Young Lady might not agree."
"How could Eldest Young Lady disagree?" Madam Lin said disapprovingly. "If you become the main wife, you can legitimately manage the General's mansion. Who would benefit then, if not Eldest Young Lady? Moreover, your relationship with Eldest Young Lady is far closer than ours. Sister, you have all the advantages of timing, location, and people. As long as Eldest Young Lady doesn't show favoritism to outsiders, this position of main wife is yours for the taking."
Third Concubine's heart swelled with delight. "Really?"
"Of course," Madam Lin stated decisively. "When the time comes, Sister, and you become the main wife, don't forget to take care of your sister."
"Sister, rest assured, if I truly become the main wife, I will not forget you." Third Concubine, full of joy, returned to her courtyard, her mind already lost in dreams of becoming the main wife.
"My Lady, can Third Concubine truly ascend to the position of main wife?" Yu Chai asked doubtfully.
Madam Lin touched the bejeweled hairpin on her head, her smile becoming even gentler and more amiable. "Do you think the one in Moon Water Pavilion is a fool? The main wife of this General's mansion represents the General's family's honor. Have you ever seen the main wife of a powerful and noble family who was a concubine elevated?"
"Then why did my Lady speak that way?"
"I have my own plans," Madam Lin said softly. "This General's mansion has been stable for a long time. That He Qingyi still carries suspicion of conspiring with the Old Madam to harm Eldest Young Lady. If the General truly cares for Eldest Young Lady, he would never marry her as a successor. But if Eldest Young Lady were to mediate, then it's uncertain."
"Why would Eldest Young Lady help He Qingyi?"
"Who knows," Madam Lin chuckled dismissively. If Eldest Young Lady helped He Qingyi, it would mean He Qingyi had long ago sided with Eldest Young Lady. Perhaps He Qingyi even contributed to the Old Madam being sent away!
If He Qingyi entered the General's household, and Third Concubine wholeheartedly supported Eldest Young Lady, then this General's mansion would truly become impenetrable. At that point, He Qingyi, as the matriarch, would not even need an excuse to deal with them, the concubines!
To take a step back, even if Third Concubine did secure the position of main wife, it would still be quite advantageous for her. After all, Third Concubine was not very intelligent and easily manipulated. But He Qingyi was different; her cunning and methods were not to be underestimated!
Third Concubine happily returned to her courtyard and, pulling Second Young Lady along, went out.
"My Lady, where are you rushing me to?"
"To Eldest Young Lady's place," Third Concubine said, her face beaming.
"Is there good news?"
"Your concubine is about to become the main wife. Aren't you happy?" Third Concubine said with great animation.
"Concubine is going to be the main wife? Who said so? Eldest Sister?"
"Think about it. Your father cherishes your Eldest Sister the most, and we are Eldest Sister's people. If I become the main wife, it benefits Eldest Sister in every way. If an outsider comes in, Eldest Sister's life will not be as smooth. Wouldn't Eldest Sister support me as the main wife?"
"Did Eldest Sister say she would support Concubine as the main wife?"
"She didn't say, which is why I need to drag you along to mediate. You go and persuade your Eldest Sister to speak on my behalf to your father. Once Concubine becomes the matriarch, you will be the legitimate daughter, and then let's see who dares to look down on us mother and daughter."
Xiao Xiang immediately pulled her hand back. "If you want to go, go by yourself. I will not go."
"If I go, I won't even get to see Eldest Young Lady. You accompany Concubine. Our mother and daughter's day of prominence is just around the corner."
"I advise Concubine to go wash her face and sober up." Xiao Xiang turned and entered the room.
"Xiao Xiang, what do you mean? Are you saying I'm not worthy of being the main wife?"
"My Lady, the main wife of the General's mansion will never be a concubine elevated!" Xiao Xiang understood in her heart that in noble families, there was a clear distinction between嫡 (legitimate) and 庶 (illegitimate). A wife is a wife, and a concubine is a concubine. Once a concubine, there was no hope of advancement.
Even if they, mother and daughter, worked for Xiao Man, Xiao Man would never support Third Concubine as the main wife. Moreover, Third Concubine was short-sighted and easily instigated and manipulated. If she truly became the main wife of the General's mansion, the stable situation Xiao Man had painstakingly maintained would collapse instantly.
Third Concubine failed to persuade Second Young Lady to accompany her to lobby Xiao Man. For the sake of the title of main wife, she went by herself. This time, the maids did not block her.
"I heard Eldest Young Lady was drunk last night. I specifically went to the kitchen to brew some ginseng soup. Eldest Young Lady, drink some quickly." Third Concubine solicitously served Xiao Man a bowl of ginseng soup.
Xiao Man accepted it. "Thank you, Concubine."
Third Concubine sat by her side, smiling broadly, watching Xiao Man drink the soup. "I saw Madam He from the He family visit today."
Xiao Man nodded while drinking the soup. "She just came to see me."
Third Concubine toyed with the silk handkerchief in her hand. "Eldest Young Lady, it's not right for this General's mansion to be without a mistress for so long. I wonder what the General intends."
Xiao Man finally caught on, but she didn't say much. "This matter is ultimately Father's own business; others cannot make the decision."
"Others certainly cannot make the decision, but Eldest Young Lady is different," Third Concubine said quickly. "The General cherishes Eldest Young Lady the most. If Eldest Young Lady were to speak about it, I believe the General would consider it."
Xiao Man's smile remained unchanged. "Concubine has someone in mind?"
Third Concubine's heart rejoiced. "I just feel that people from outside are not as well-known as those within the mansion. If someone from outside comes in as the main wife, who knows if she will be easy to get along with. If the new main wife is from within the mansion, the General's mansion will remain under Eldest Young Lady's control."
Xiao Man looked at Third Concubine with a half-smile. "Within the mansion, Concubine doesn't know who you are referring to?"
Third Concubine leaned closer. "Eldest Young Lady, you see, we, mother and daughter, respect Eldest Young Lady above all else. If I become the main wife of the General's mansion, won't this General's mansion still be in your hands? Xiang'er's status will also be higher, and she will be able to marry better. What do you think?"
"If Concubine wishes to be the main wife of the General's mansion, she can go and recommend herself to Father," Xiao Man said gently. "Who becomes the main wife of the General's mansion will ultimately be decided by Father. Concubine speaking to me is likely futile."