Chapter 8.1

As Yuhu’s belly grew day by day, her mood also became increasingly heavy. There was no news! No one knew Ice Yan’s whereabouts! Qi Tianlei had traveled to Chang’an three times and was busy with the business of the trading firm. He couldn’t find more time to go to Chang’an again, so he sent people to look for her.

Meanwhile, Yangzhou remained silent. After being accused by the Du family, Yuhu dared not step foot in Yangzhou, and no major news came from there. Qi Tianlei hadn’t sent anyone to Yangzhou because he believed it was the Du family’s territory, and if Miss Du was there, the Du family should be the ones to find her. Previously, he had sent a letter to the Du family to comfort them, but they did not respond. Moreover, the last incident had almost caused Yuhu to miscarry, and Qi Tianlei was mindful of this, thus refraining from deliberately maintaining contact with the Du family. All they could do was their best.

In no time, Yuhu’s belly was over five months pregnant, resembling a small ball. She no longer had morning sickness, her appetite was back to normal, but everyone treated her as fragile, fearing any mishap regardless of her sturdy health. Especially now, the Old Madam, no longer involved in business, and her mother-in-law chased her around all day with supplements.

Who would let her go out now with such a heavy and urgent heart, still needing to prioritize the child? The Qi family had been longing for this child for many years! She couldn’t selfishly gamble with the child’s life.

Nearly half a year had passed! Where had Ice Yan gone?

A sense of fear gathered in her heart. Especially after receiving the latest news from Chang’an, she could no longer pretend everything was fine.

It was said that the emperor intended to marry a princess to the victorious General Yuan Buqu. While the nation celebrated, General Yuan’s double success made him the envy of all. This confirmed that Ice Yan had indeed not married Yuan Buqu. If Ice Yan hadn’t met a mishap, she would return home eventually. If she did return to the Du family, they would certainly insist that Ice Yan should marry into the Qi family again. No matter what, Ice Yan had the rightful claim. What would she do if that happened?

She didn’t want Ice Yan to meet with any misfortune but was equally afraid of the inevitable outcome if she didn’t.

She was such a selfish woman! She thought she was broad-minded and righteous, but in the end, she was self-centered and selfish!

Early in the morning, she sat on the steps, supporting her head and looking at the sky with no energy. The weather was somewhat gloomy today—an annoying day! Tianlei had gone to inspect the business. His performance in the past two or three months had shocked the experts! She first had to face her own heart—could she be magnanimous enough to hand over Tianlei to someone else?

No, she couldn’t! She had thought she could, but she couldn’t! Yet this selfishness would gnaw at her conscience for the rest of her life, causing her great pain!

Alas! The most painful thing now wasn’t about love but her long-held belief being shaken! She realized she wasn’t as kind and generous as she had imagined. She could be despicable and hateful! When had she become such a person?

“Madam, the Old Madam requests your presence in the front hall.”

The maid’s call brought Yuhu back to her senses a bit; she nodded, got up, and let the maid help her. She wondered what rare and exotic items the Old Madam had found for her this time!

But she was wrong; there were no rare and exotic items, just a scene identical to three months ago.

The Old Madam, herself, and the three Du family members.

The difference was the expressions on the faces of the three Du family members, showing a hopeful look. While Yuhu was clueless, her heart sank to the deepest depths. She had a premonition—it wouldn’t be good news…

“Come, Yuhu, greet Mr. Du. He has come specifically to apologize to you,” the Old Madam said with a smile.

Yuhu slightly bowed and softly asked, “Mr. Du, is there any news about Miss Bingyan?”

Du Zhixiang sighed, “I have brought her back.”

“Really? Is she well?” Regardless, knowing she was okay gave her some peace of mind.

Du Zhixiang lowered his head, sitting silently with a look of sorrow and guilt; his already old figure appeared even more haggard.

Du Zhongchuan, the eldest son, spoke up, “She has now become a laughingstock in Yangzhou.”

“How could that be? Who started such rumors?”

“Matchmaker Zhang. When we rushed back to Yangzhou from Quanzhou, we naturally went to question Matchmaker Zhang. But she tearfully claimed that Bingyan was greedy to become the general’s wife, and after the mistaken identity, she resolutely refused to change back. Everything then went wrong from there…”

“No! Bingyan is not that kind of person! Matchmaker Zhang must have blamed Bingyan to avoid criticism!” Yuhu jumped up and shouted. She herself had been one of the mistaken identities, and the situation wouldn’t be much different! Moreover, Bingyan had already understood from her how terrifying Yuan Buqu was, so why would she insist on going and suffering abuse? Those matchmakers deserved to die! They probably forced Bingyan into the general’s residence, hoping to fool everyone, but anyone with half a brain knew the truth would come out eventually!

Du Zhongchuan nodded. “We also believe my sister was framed, but now the rumors have become even worse. Because General Yuan is about to marry the royal princess, and although Bingyan had entered the door, she never formally married Yuan Buqu, yet foolishly consummated the marriage with him. Initially, it was rumored that Bingyan didn’t want to marry and become a widow, greedy for wealth and glory! Now people are mocking her for failing to climb the ranks and instead becoming a prostitute used by Yuan Buqu!”

Yuhu’s face turned pale! Had Bingyan really borne Yuan Buqu’s anger in her place? Yuan Buqu, unable to tell right from wrong, had grabbed an innocent woman as a scapegoat, leading to Bingyan’s ruin!

That was the humiliation Yuhu should have endured, but it had fallen upon the pure, elegant Bingyan! Oh heavens! Her cowardice and selfishness had harmed a good girl! And she was happily enjoying the happiness that rightfully belonged to Bingyan! She deserved to die! She was a sinner! Although there was surely some fearsome purpose behind the Du family’s words, she couldn’t help but fall into deep self-blame. Bingyan’s misfortune was largely her responsibility because she had a good life while Bingyan didn’t. That alone was enough to make her feel guilty for the rest of her life!

Du Zhixiang looked at her pleadingly. “Miss Li, I hope you can save Bingyan; she can’t bear more harm! The rumors in Yangzhou are almost driving her to death! She can’t take it any longer!”

“What…can I do?” Yuhu clutched her chest, her voice choking. The ominous shadow entirely engulfed her heart; she could almost foresee their purpose.

The Old Madam answered for Du Zhixiang, “Yuhu, Mr. Du hopes you can let Tianlei take Miss Du as a concubine, so you can be sisters and serve Tianlei together.” The Old Madam didn’t oppose this; she almost welcomed it. More children and grandchildren were her wish. More people meant more hope. Moreover, the rightful fiancée was Miss Du, so bringing her in as a concubine was appropriate. It would also be beneficial for the family’s business. Thus, the Old Madam’s answer was a definite agreement, not a consultation.

Yuhu was speechless. Though she had expected it, hearing it was another matter! She had to share a husband with Bingyan? Bingyan was to become a concubine? Yuhu, the intruder, had no right to let Bingyan suffer. And…she couldn’t tolerate sharing her husband with anyone else! It felt like it defiled love, making it dirty!

She’d rather…return what rightfully belonged to someone else!

“Miss Li, what do you think?” Du Zhongchuan pressed for her answer impatiently.

“I’ll talk to Tianlei and will treat Bingyan well.” She said hoarsely, forcing herself not to let any pain in. She had no right to feel pain! How could her pain compare to even a fraction of Bingyan’s suffering?

“Thank you, Miss Li. The Du family will be forever grateful!” Du Zhixiang said to her, then turned to the Old Madam with another request—”Madam Qi, because my daughter has suffered from these rumors, I hope for a grand wedding to dispel the rumors in Yangzhou, giving my daughter a proper send-off. The Du family will cover all expenses—” “No need! The Qi family will handle it properly, so rest assured, Mr. Du.”

And so, the details shifted to discussing the grand wedding arrangements, finally deciding that once the Qi family was ready, they would go to Yangzhou for the ceremony.

Yuhu quietly retreated to the back courtyard, unnoticed.

Suddenly, she felt very cold. It was late summer, but was the weather changing?

Yes! It was time for a change!