Duft erhebt sich zum Tanz

Kapitel 50

Seeing Huan'er so favored, Yu Niang was filled with joy. Although she had noticed her daughter's personality had changed drastically since arriving, becoming lively and cheerful, this was a good thing. Seeing how the entire Shi family, from masters to servants, genuinely loved Huan'er, even she herself felt elevated. She had no regrets for the rest of her life! Yu Niang had never known she would be so fortunate to experience happiness in this lifetime. Her eyes habitually glanced at Leng Ziyang, who was talking to the accountant outside the door. He was a good man, but his appearance was so terrifying. He had arranged for his servants to take care of all her needs, providing meticulous care. Knowing she was afraid of men, he never entered her sight. He was burly and strong, his power must be frightening, yet she had never seen him hit anyone. He would correct the servants' mistakes without scolding them… How could one person have such extreme contrasts between their outward appearance and inner self? How could someone be so terrifying on the outside yet so gentle and considerate on the inside? Yu Niang couldn't understand... In her thirty-seven years, she had never encountered a kind person, much less a man as bewitching as Leng Ziyang. Oh! How shameful! How could a woman like her constantly think about a man, a completely unrelated man...

Seeing that Yu Niang's expression was uncertain, Huan'er approached her and whispered:

"Mother, are you feeling unwell?"

"No...no...I'm going back to my room!" Yu Niang's cheeks flushed red as she hurriedly tried to escape and fled.

Huan'er deliberately paid attention to Leng Ziyang outside the door. She saw him glance at Yu Niang indifferently, without any lingering affection, and then lower his head to talk to the accountant. Huan'er was quite disappointed, but unexpectedly, Shi Wuji gave her a knowing look, and her eyes lit up instantly.

Seeing their flirtatious exchange, everyone assumed the two were having an affair and quickly moved away.

After Leng Ziyang left, Huan'er couldn't wait to ask:

"How about it?"

"I'll double-check tonight, and then I'll have a clear answer. Don't ask yet."

Huan'er obediently nodded and had no choice but to wait.

4126_11.txt

Chapter Ten

Autumn is a good season for hunting.

Shi Wuji led all the servants of Aolong Fortress up the mountain, leaving only a small team to guard the fortress. This large-scale hunt was to prepare for their southward journey three days later.

Huan'er, of course, was unaware that because nothing distracted her today, all the symptoms of morning sickness had appeared. She slept until her husband left, unaware that he was even out of bed. Even late morning, she lay there, feeling utterly exhausted, her legs weak at the thought of the eight more months of suffering she would endure. The thought of her belly rolling into a ball filled her with terror! She had never seen a pregnant woman who still looked beautiful with such a large belly. The joy of bearing children for one's beloved, the unwavering happiness of growing thinner with age, was an ideal of fulfillment and contentment. But in reality, childbirth wasn't so glamorous. A large belly meant dry, brittle hair, wrinkled skin, damaged teeth, and most importantly, a deformed figure. How many wives had been abandoned because of their changed bodies? She only hoped that Su Huan'er's body was naturally beautiful, like Yu Niang, and that even after childbirth, her figure would remain like that of a young girl…

Just as I was lost in thought, the maid, Xiaofei, knocked on the door and came in.

"Young Madam."

"What is it?" She opened her eyes.

Xiao Fei hesitated for a moment, then stammered:

"Some people insist on seeing you! Steward Leng can't get rid of them."

"Who is it?" She didn't really know anyone in the North.

"It's Ma Shengwen, the young master of the Ma family, and that famous courtesan Ma Xianmei. Steward Leng wouldn't let them see you, but they've been lingering for half an hour, so I took the liberty of coming to tell you." Xiao Fei was completely impressed by the young mistress's sharp tongue and hoped that she could drive away Ma Xianmei, whom she thought was firmly in the second wife's position in the Shi family.

The name Ma Xianmei was truly legendary! She knew of her existence, but had somewhat forgotten about her since they had never met. Her sudden, extravagant visit must have been a deliberate attempt to intimidate her, having discovered that her husband was not home.

“Instead of doing her business properly, she’s barging in! And that Ma Shengwen… isn’t he the number one womanizer in the North? If Wu Jie sees him, he’ll definitely beat him to death. Alright! I’ll go meet these two big shots. Xiao Fei, help me comb my hair and change my clothes.”

"yes."

That's great, having something to do makes most of my discomfort disappear.