Chapter 22: Expecting a Child (2)

As the words fell, the room was plunged into silence.

Pan Yueyang was stunned at first. Wanwan was pregnant? He had never considered that things might stray from his expectations. He had a fondness for Wanwan, perhaps because she was so beautiful, or so innocent, or maybe he was simply tired of the women around him and wanted something new. But what was absolutely impossible was for him to fall in love with this woman, to want her to bear his children.

Xueqing felt dizzy—pregnant! How absurd life was: a moment ago there had been hope, and the next, dreams collapsed. Yueyang, my Yueyang… Xueqing painfully closed her eyes. No matter how strong her heart, she was still a woman. What woman could bear to watch the man she loved ignore her feelings, father a child with another woman, and then face the foolish girl who loved him every single day?

Baili Mubai had his head turned away, facing where neither of them could see his expression. Wanwan—such a girl, who for the first time in twenty-three years, dazzled him, who made him smile even in sleep, whose awakening feelings led to the first tears of love slipping from his eyes.

“Go and check on Wanwan.” Pan Yueyang was the first to emerge from his own silence, rising and heading outside.

Xueqing and Mubai, each lost in their thoughts, moved forward with heavy, slow steps.

“General.” Fenghe, seeing her master at Wanwan’s bedside, hurriedly bowed, still dazed with worry.

Pan Yueyang raised his hand. “How is she?”

“Master Yin said the young lady is not in danger, she should wake in an hour or two.” She straightened the blanket, clearly devoted to serving Wanwan.

“How did she suddenly faint?” Pan Yueyang’s voice was soft, not wanting to wake her.

“It was my fault, I didn’t attend her properly. The young lady stumbled and twisted her ankle, then began to vomit. I called for help, not daring to leave her side. Luckily, Master Yin and Miss Fu heard and rushed over. Please punish me, General!” Fenghe knelt.

“Go. Take special care these next few days. Any further slip, I will not forgive!” Pan Yueyang waved her off.

Fenghe, knowing her place, withdrew.

Draping his robe aside, Pan Yueyang sat quietly at the bedside, gazing at Wanwan. The girl’s face was pale, her lashes pressed tightly against her cheeks. Sleeping, her lips were slightly pursed. Pan Yueyang covered her delicate hand with his own; though it was the height of summer, her hand was icy. Instinctively, he wrapped her small hand in his warm palms.

He did not know how much time passed; gradually, her hand lost its chill. Pan Yueyang traced her cheek with his fingers, a satisfied smile curling his lips—so subtle he did not notice it himself.

“Wanwan hasn’t woken.” Exiting the bedroom, he found Xueqing and Mubai waiting outside, his voice gentle.

Xueqing forced a smile. Yueyang, Yueyang, you have feelings for Wanwan, though you do not realize it! Twenty-eight years I’ve known you, followed you; never have I seen you indulge any woman so.

She lowered her head, bitterly smiling to herself. From the moment Pan Yueyang entered, questioned the maid, and up to now when he informed them Wanwan had yet to wake, he had moved with utmost care—even his breathing was light, fearful of disturbing her. Yueyang, in twenty-eight years, she had never seen him like this.

“If Wanwan isn’t awake, I’ll leave first.” Xueqing, exhausted, just wanted to escape, afraid she might break down and cry.

Pan Yueyang ignored her, instead taking a seat.

Fenghe started to prepare tea, but Pan Yueyang stopped her: “No need, lest the noise wakes her.”

Fenghe smiled knowingly and withdrew, leaving Pan Yueyang and Baili Mubai alone.

Baili Mubai, who had just vied with Pan Yueyang for Wanwan, had not spoken a word since, quietly sitting.

Time slipped by, and there was still no sign of Wanwan waking.

Pan Yueyang grew anxious; several times he checked on her, finding her peacefully sleeping, her complexion no longer as pale as that morning, her steady breathing reassuring him she slept well. Perhaps she was simply exhausted, he thought.

“Let Zong Yinyang come check on her.” Baili Mubai finally spoke, his voice hoarse.

“He’s already come.” Pan Yueyang’s face darkened.

Outside the door.

“Master Yin?!” Fenghe, delighted, forgot to bow, then quickly corrected herself. Seeing her master waiting for Wanwan to wake, she felt anxious—after all, he was her employer.

“How is Miss Wanwan?” Zong Yinyang smiled toward the two men inside, but did not step in.

“Master Yin, Wanwan has not woken. You’re a miracle doctor—please check on her.” Baili Mubai was clearly less composed than Pan Yueyang.

“I’ll take a look.” Entering the room, he purposely waited for an invitation. As he passed Pan Yueyang, he flashed a sly grin.

Pan Yueyang gripped the chair fiercely, leaving five deep marks in the wood as he left.

“How is my beloved concubine?” He deliberately emphasized those words—she was his woman, after all.

“She’s doing well. Seems my medical skill has improved.” His voice was low but enough to make the other men bristle with anger.

He, Zong Yinyang, was doing this on purpose! Anyway, more sleep was good for a pregnant woman, especially one as frail as Wanwan.

“I hope Master Yin can let my beloved concubine rise for supper soon.” Pan Yueyang’s eyes were aflame; he especially stressed ‘Yin’ and ‘supper.’

“Oh, I think it’s about time—Miss Wanwan can wake now.” You can emphasize, so can I. He deliberately stressed ‘can,’ spreading his hands innocently.

“Fenghe, prepare supper.” His tone was still gentle, but the anger was unmistakable.

A golden needle pricked her, and Wanwan slowly opened her eyes. After sleeping all afternoon, she looked much better than that morning. “Eh? Master, Mubai, benefactor, why are you all here?”

Those who feign ignorance are clever; those truly foolish are blessed.

Seeing the three men staring at her, Wanwan laughed, tilting her head to look past them at the sky. “It’s not yet midnight, another round of needles? I’m so hungry.”

“From now on, eat properly. I suspect that while my needlework helps others, it may not work for you. You should gradually regain your memory, but you’re still like this. Ah.” Zong Yinyang shook his head, wanting to pat Wanwan’s little head.

“Ah? I can eat? No more starving every day?” Wanwan’s eyes almost sparkled as she looked at the three men as if they were roast lambs.

“Yes, Wanwan. From now on, you must eat and sleep well! If anyone bullies you, come and tell me!” He ended his words facing Pan Yueyang.

“Mm! Mm? Mubai! Where are you going?”

“Alright, Wanwan, get up and have something to eat.” Pan Yueyang was annoyed; since Wanwan had awakened, she hadn’t even glanced at him!

The three men left, and Fenghe helped Wanwan freshen up.

“Fenghe, why does today feel so strange?” Wanwan felt something was off.

“What is it, miss?” Fenghe pursed her lips, unable to contain her joy.

“Nothing. Fenghe, did something good happen today? You’re so happy.” Even if she was slow, Wanwan could see Fenghe was in high spirits, nearly humming.

“Fenghe is happy for you, miss.” Fenghe straightened Wanwan’s collar and helped her up.

In the dining hall, Pan Yueyang, Baili Mubai, and Zong Yinyang were seated, waiting for Wanwan. Xueqing, of course, deliberately stayed away, having instructed the servants and disappeared.

“Master Yin, where is your home?” Pan Yueyang feigned ignorance.

“A small place, not worth mentioning.” He played along.

“You’ve been away long; your family must worry?”

Best not let me see you again!

“My parents passed away, no one to worry for me.” I won’t leave!

“Then you should stay and tend the ancestral estate.” Go back to court!

“The steward is diligent; I need not personally attend to affairs.” Someone manages for me; why should you care?

“The womenfolk at home must miss you.” Go check on your wives, lest you end up with a green hat!

“Haha, General, you worry too much.” What if I do? It’s not your wife; I’m not concerned—why should you be?

“Seems you have yet to find a true love.” Don’t covet my Wanwan!

“Searched the world over, beneath the lantern light, my beloved is in my heart.” So what if she’s yours? The one I choose is my true love—do you dare?

Baili Mubai listened bored to their back-and-forth, rolling his eyes. “Why isn’t Wanwan here yet?”

Just then, Wanwan strolled into the dining hall.

“Wanwan? Why so slow?” Baili Mubai saw she had changed into new clothes.

“I wanted to come quickly, but Sister Fenghe kept telling me to be careful, to walk slowly.” Wanwan smiled and sat down between Pan Yueyang and Baili Mubai.

Pan Yueyang, proud, raised his brows at Zong Yinyang: See? She’s mine! Then he wrapped his arm around Wanwan’s shoulders.

Zong Yinyang wasn’t angry; instead, he smiled: Don’t forget you still have your little junior brother—I’ll sit back and watch the tigers fight!

“Sister Fenghe is strict now. I told her I only fainted from hunger a few days ago, so I felt unwell, but she doesn’t believe me!” Wanwan pouted to Baili Mubai.

“I think Fenghe is absolutely right!” Baili Mubai didn’t side with Wanwan this time.

“Mubai~” Wanwan furrowed her brows.

“Aren’t you hungry? The dishes are all here, but you haven’t eaten.” Pan Yueyang ignored Baili Mubai, picked up his chopsticks, and fed Wanwan.

“Mmm…” With her mouth stuffed with chicken, Wanwan chewed hungrily—it was delicious.

Baili Mubai wasn’t bothered by being ignored, and started eating.

Wow—

Wanwan had barely eaten a few bites before she turned and vomited.

Though the chicken was tasty, Xueqing had instructed the kitchen to keep flavors mild from now on—no strong tastes, just light dishes. The chicken, naturally a bit gamey, with little spice, tasted odd once chewed, and the smell intensified. Pregnant women have all sorts of peculiar reactions; anything uncomfortable could trigger nausea.

“Wanwan!”

“Miss!”

All four cried out at once, the three men anxious.

The meal was ruined; two bites in, and it was all vomited onto the floor. Wanwan’s tears welled up, ready to fall as she looked like a child caught in wrongdoing.

“What’s wrong? If you don’t like it, have them change the whole table.” Pan Yueyang, unusually, wasn’t annoyed by the mess, instead gently wiping her mouth.

The other two men could only watch helplessly.

“Master, am I stupid? I made you angry by not eating properly.” Her voice was barely audible, head bowed in fear.

“No, who says you’re stupid? If you don’t like these dishes, tell the servants not to make them again. Whatever you want, tell Fenghe. As you please, Wanwan.” Pan Yueyang, you’re spoiling her too much!

“It’s normal for pregnant women to vomit.” Zong Yinyang said, indifferent to the meal.

“Pregnant? What?” Wanwan’s eyes widened.

“You’re pregnant. Didn’t your master tell you? You’re going to be a mother.” Zong Yinyang spoke to Wanwan, but looked at Pan Yueyang.

Knew you hadn’t told her. Look at you, so proud—serves you right!