Chapter 13 The Child Is Almost Here
The Eldest Young Master stopped targeting the Second Young Master.
During the day he studied diligently while I rested and nurtured the pregnancy in peace.
At night he quietly slipped into my room, bringing newly bought preserved fruits and telling me interesting things he had heard.
The Second Young Master and A-Yuan continued their sweet entanglement.
Unexpectedly, just before I was due, news of the Second Young Master’s Duanxiu preferences leaked out.
“It must have been the Eldest Young Master who did it!”
The Second Young Master was beaten dozens of times with the plank by the master and lay wailing on the couch. “I knew something was off when he suddenly stopped bothering me. Turns out he was holding back for something big!”
I thought to myself that it definitely wasn’t the Eldest Young Master. Lately he had no energy for such games.
He had told me he was preparing seriously for the spring examination, determined to win the right to speak through his own ability and give our little family a proper, open identity.
I gently stroked my belly, my eyes soft.
Soon our family of three would finally be together properly.
Before the Second Young Master finished speaking, a group of fierce-looking matrons rushed in and bound me.
“What are you doing? The child in Xu Aoyao’s belly is mine!”
“You wretched son! If it weren’t for that A-Yuan spilling everything, I would never have known my son has been wearing such a big green hat for so long!”
Madam’s eyes blazed red with fury. She had me tied up and dragged outside. “I must have been blind to think you were decent. Turns out you had the heart of a bear and the guts of a leopard!”
“I want to see exactly who that adulterer is!”
Everything was exposed. I collapsed like a puddle of mud.
Sharp needles pierced my back. I bit my teeth and refused to make a sound.
When another basin of cold water was thrown over my face, overwhelming fear crashed down on me.
Was I going to die?
Just one more month—only one more month—and I would be free.
How could it end like this… suddenly about to die?
Two burly matrons clamped my arms tightly and dragged me outward.
Before I passed out, one last thought remained.
Thank goodness he didn’t come.
Thank goodness.