Chapter 48 - Furtive Plan (2) (1/2)

Chapter 48: Furtive Plan (2)

Xue Dongting held Wanqing’s hand and three fingers slipped to feel the pulse on her wrist, checking. She could tell Wanqing was already three or so months pregnant. She forced a smile. “Big Sis, don’t be upset, careful not to cry on New Years, it’s not good for your health.”

Wanqing smiled sadly. “I’m nothing more than a prop in this manor, what do I have to look forward to? My health has been bad for a while.”

Xue Dongting knit her brows. She already knew that Wanqing was currently unaware that she was pregnant. “Big Sis, don’t talk like that. Now we live so close together, I can see you more often. Don’t worry… As your little sister, I’ll never just stand by and watch you be mistreated!”

Wanqing stared blankly, feeling that these words from Xue Dongting’s mouth were rather strange. She just smiled and sighed. “Look at me, dawdling like this. Mother Zhang has invited you over.”

“Matron Zhang?”

“Yes, the matron is so kind, don’t be scared. She’s met your husband before… By the way she talks, she seems to like him.”

Xue Dongting smilled. “Then, lead the way, Big Sis, don’t keep the matron waiting.”

Wanqing hesitated. “You’ll see Madame in a moment. She has a sharp tongue. Try to bear it a bit and not put her in a predicament.”

Xue Dongting squeezed Wanqing’s hand and nodded. “I know, relax, Sis.”

Wanqing led Xue Dongting down the covered breezeway to the matron’s quarters. She parted the heavy brocade door curtain to the outer room and the warm scent of sandalwood wafted out. They passed a large marble screen with the character for longevity on it (壽) and entered the inner room. Xue Dongting looked up and saw Mother Zhang inclined on a long, narrow brocaded couch. She had a thin jacket of Suzhou embroidery in drifting cloud patterns draped over her, and a thin marten-fur blanket spread over her lap. She looked graceful and poised, her face covered with wrinkles, though one could still tell that she had been a beautiful young woman once. A woman in her thirties sat on a sandalwood drum stool beside the lounge. She was lavishly dressed and wore a severe look on her face. She no doubt was the primary wife, Lady Yu.

The matron smiled ingratiatingly. “This must be Lady Song?”

Xue Dongting promptly stepped forward. “I am Wanqing’s second sister, Matron addresses me too politely.”

Lady Yu smiled. “You’re the legal wife of that Fisherman Song, so that would make you Lady Song, right?”