For a long time, Song Ming was bothered by Qing Ya's marriage to Wang Shoucheng.
He often wondered if Qing Ya would have married him if he had realized his feelings for her earlier. However, this hidden sentiment could not be revealed, not even to his closest friend, his boss.
Because Qing Ya was already married.
This world was harsh to women, especially in the capital. He could not cause Qing Ya any trouble; otherwise, they wouldn't even be friends.
A man might lose love, but he still had his career.
Song Ming buried this secret affection deep within, but he still sent Qing Ya a portion of any good things he acquired. They had known each other for a long time, and his martial arts were taught by Qing Ya herself. Their bond was deeper than that of ordinary people. Qing Ya, being straightforward, didn't notice anything unusual. She accepted Song Ming's gifts, and when she acquired something good, she would send some to Song Ming as well.
Under the guise of: "Courtesy demands reciprocity."
Brothers, after all, treated each other this way.
But that scoundrel Wang Shoucheng was quite the dog. Every time Song Ming went to see Qing Ya, he guarded her as if Song Ming were a thief, filled with jealousy.
Long after Qing Ya was married, Song Ming happened to see Miss Han on the street. She was a completely different kind of girl from Qing Ya. After just one glance, he decided he wanted to marry her. When he had people inquire, lo and behold, this young lady was the daughter of one of his subordinates.
At that time, Song Ming was already a fourth-rank official and considered a promising young talent in the capital. Matchmakers were practically trampling the threshold of his home.
The marriage was a natural progression, and Song Ming was very satisfied.
Unlike Qing Ya's personality, Miss Han was a typical demure young lady, gentle, considerate, and attentive.
Song Ming genuinely intended to live a good life with her.
After the wedding, everything was wonderful, until Miss Han was diagnosed with pregnancy.
Song Ming was in his early twenties by then. Most children his age were already in school. Song Ming, a first-time father-to-be, was overjoyed and got drunk that night.
Upon waking, he found a naked woman beside him.
This woman was none other than Chun Yuan, Miss Han's chief maid.
Song Ming was furious and kicked her off the bed. He was convinced that Chun Yuan, disregarding the master-servant relationship, had taken the opportunity to climb into his bed. To his surprise, Chun Yuan tearfully explained that it was the madam's own arrangement.
Song Ming was stunned.
Hearing the commotion, Miss Han rushed over and asked, "Is Chun Yuan not serving you well and displeasing you, master? Please don't be angry with her. If Chun Yuan doesn't please you, how about Qiu Yi?"
Song Ming was somewhat bewildered: "Are you truly so magnanimous?"
Miss Han stroked her belly and wiped away tears: "Master, since I am pregnant and cannot attend to you, I naturally must consider your needs. Or, if you have someone you like outside, I can help you bring her into the household."
Truly the epitome of virtuous and benevolent.
Song Ming, having handled so many cases, had seen and experienced much in his career. Miss Han wasn't genuinely magnanimous; she was merely trying to prevent other women from stealing his affections by making the first move and offering her own maids.
After all, their indentured servitude contracts were in her hands, so they could never truly defy her.
He thought Miss Han loved him wholeheartedly, but at that moment, he began to doubt.
Even though his boss had become a prince, he hadn't seen the princess offering her maids to solidify her favor.
Chun Yuan had already collapsed on the floor in fear, daring not to plead for mercy. Song Ming looked at Miss Han's face and suddenly realized he didn't truly know the woman beside him. He curled his lips into a smile and said, "Chun Yuan is fine. Let it be her."
And so, his household gained a wife and a concubine.
Miss Han, thinking she had truly pleased him, took the opportunity to request some favors for her father and brother.
Frankly, in the past, he would have done it without a second thought. After all, they were his in-laws; having married their daughter, it was only right to support them. But from that day on, a rift formed in his heart, and he felt their love was no longer pure. He went to find Qing Ya to drink and complain, and Qing Ya scolded him for being foolish.
Isn't a virtuous and magnanimous wife a good thing? Did love truly only exist when the household was in chaos?
He asked Qing Ya, "Would you take a concubine for Wang Shoucheng?"
Qing Ya's eyebrows shot up: "If he dares, I'll castrate him."
Song Ming drained the fine wine in his cup and thought, this is the difference between love and not loving. In this world, which woman would be willing to share her husband with others?
Yet Miss Han had been so magnanimous when she pushed herself aside, even offering both maids, acting as if he could choose freely. Then, asking for favors later, wasn't that like paying for a prostitute after being forced to use her services?