Lin Youning was with Mrs. Liu Sr. and the others, and most of the people sitting in this hall were advanced in age. There weren’t many of Youning’s age, and these old ladies seldom left their mansions. Meeting today made for a rare lively gathering.

Lin Youning sat beside her grandmother, her hand resting on her belly. Although she was showing now, she felt it important to display her pregnancy to make others considerate and disregard anything else.

The ladies chatted without looking directly at Youning, yet there were subtle, furtive glances. Both Mrs. Liu Sr. and Mrs. Gu Sr. noticed but didn’t address it. The atmosphere was harmonious.

The young ladies’ side was less lively, gathered in threes or twos. Sisters Hong and Hui clustered together, while Sister Yue sat alone. She was brought in by Princess Yuanhua, but the princess had gone off to meet others, leaving Sister Yue by herself.

Zhang Xian, who was straightforward, also attended today. Seeing Sister Ran and the others, she naturally wore an unfriendly expression, remembering the embarrassment from last time. But spotting Sister Yue sitting alone, she went over to sit next to her.

Sister Yue glanced up at Zhang Xian without acknowledging her. As the daughter of the Assistant Minister’s family, Yue still saw herself as a girl from the Marquis Mansion.

Seeing this attitude, Zhang Xian coldly chuckled. "Just someone from the second house separated from the Gu family, now with blood ties severed, yet still looking down on others."

Wu Xueqin sat above; today Zhou Yuyan was marrying into the Prince Mansion. These days Zhou Yuyan had been close to her, so naturally, she attended.

Yet lately, due to the entanglements with Wang Wen, wherever Wu Xueqin went, she was pointed at. Some noble family girls, mindful of their reputations, avoided her. Wu Xueqin appeared pale and spiritless.

Only Wu Xueya talked to her, though from afar, no one could hear clearly, seeing the sisters seemed well. Yet in reality, the atmosphere was quite tense.

"Sister, your complexion isn’t good, looking like you’ve been seriously ill. Haven’t you seen the Imperial Physician? You’re an officially appointed Lady by the Holy Emperor now, so you must take care of your health," said Wu Xueya with a smile.

But her demeanor was not one of concern, rather intentional mockery.

In the Capital, everyone knew of the entanglements between Wu Xueqin and Wang Wen. Now, with Wang Wen resigning, the gossip was even louder.

Understanding Wu Xueya’s intent, Wu Xueqin smiled slightly, "I’ll certainly see the Imperial Physician, though it’s not yet time. No need to worry about my health; I know my own condition well. But sister, I heard General Xu is returning soon. When will you go back to Xu Mansion? General Xu has been away for years, and sister hasn’t been fulfilling filial duties. Such a daughter-in-law might be hard to accept."

Both sisters had their own quips.

Recently, due to Wang Wen’s actions, Wu Xueqin was in poor spirits and had a miscarriage, so naturally, her health was weak, and she wasn’t in the mood to engage with Wu Xueya.

Upon hearing Xu Mansion, Wu Xueya’s face darkened, but with so many watching, she forced a smile, "No need to worry about this, sister. Yuxian is at the border, and I can’t stay in the mansion alone in the Capital. Besides, Xu Mansion wronged me; who dares speak against me not staying there?"

Wu Xueya turned to Wu Xueqin, "But sister, living alone these days can’t be easy, right? Previously, you had Mr. Wang for company, but unfortunately, Mr. Wang resigned for unknown reasons. Sister, who will the Holy Emperor send next? Will it be a woman?"

"Sister, if you’re curious, next time I face the Holy Emperor, I’ll surely ask for you." Wu Xueqin saw Wu Xueya’s expression change, so she slowly averted her eyes, "Sister just needs to take care of her own matters; no need to worry for me. Lately, assisting with water channels for flood control has been tiring." 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Wu Xueya did not reply further, knowing Wu Xueqin would do as she said. With family ties already neglected, Wu Xueya dared not speak up.

Wu Xueqin was tired of feeling scrutinized and stood to leave. Once she exited, the gossip inside grew louder.

Wu Xueqin, with a cold smile, saw Lin Youning approaching along the corridor. Thinking for a moment, Wu Xueqin walked over. Lin Youning was just returning from a convenience when they met, and she nodded at Wu Xueqin, ready to pass by.

"Madam is pregnant, looking much more spirited now," Wu Xueqin remarked, eyes shifting from Youning’s belly, "I heard recently Miss Dong visited, but madam didn’t see her? Have you been in contact since?"

Youning looked up, "Mr. Wu, do you have something to ask?"

Youning had heard about Wu Xueqin’s matters.

She disliked Wu Xueqin’s ways and believed with her status, finding someone of similar background shouldn’t be hard.

Yet Wu Xueqin chose a different path.

Youning admired Wu Xueqin’s ingenuity but found her ideas shockingly different from other women.

"Seeing madam pregnant, I’m envious. Unfortunately, I met an irresponsible man. My poor child... who became an accomplice behind my back?" Wu Xueqin said, eyes fixed on Youning.

Youning smiled, "Mr. Wu, I don’t know why you’re telling me this, but I think it’s your issue, unrelated to me. Are you implying I’m an accomplice?"

"I thought since we once shared time together, I’d speak since I met you today. Madam, just listen without minding it." Wu Xueqin held her chin up as she walked on, "One doesn’t always have bad luck, nor always good."

"It’s outrageous. Clearly, they’ve embarrassed themselves but blame the young lady instead," Shanmoi spat from the side.

This time, Hailan did not stop her, feeling Wu Xueqin only bullied the soft-hearted. Had it been anyone else, they wouldn’t have let her leave so easily.