While Ji Junye braved the wind and snow to offer sacrifices to the ancestors at the ancestral temple, Shen Qing was still sound asleep in her bed.
However, she wasn't allowed to sleep until she woke up naturally, for the Xu family was also going to offer sacrifices to the ancestors today, and as the nominal mistress, she had to go.
When Shen Qing woke up, the place beside her was already cold. Yingxiu's voice was ringing in her ear, but she just didn't want to get up.
She remembered that Ji Junye seemed to have taken her to watch fireworks last night?
In her excitement, she had actively hugged and kissed him. But why couldn't she remember what happened next?
When did she fall asleep?
Moreover, she had a dream. In the dream, she really did something to Ji Junye, and Ji Junye, like a chaste man, turned his face away, his face flushing red as he said that she was improper.
She was improper?
How could Shen Qing tolerate this? Immediately, she chased after him and asked how one could be proper.
In the dream, Ji Junye was like a bullied rabbit, only blushing but not fighting back.
He ran, and she chased. Just when she thought she could avenge her past humiliation in the dream, the little white rabbit suddenly turned into a big bad wolf. He turned around and devoured her completely, asking her again and again, "Did I serve you well?"
Instead of pushing him away, she even thought... it was wonderful.
The scene in the dream came back to her, and Shen Qing felt a rush of heat to her face. She grabbed the quilt and covered her face.
She actually had such a dream...
"Miss, miss, get up quickly. If you don't, we'll be late..."
"Miss..."
Yingxiu's voice became more and more urgent. Shen Qing sighed and took the quilt away. She cleared her throat and said, "Come in."
The maids filed in, carrying hot water for washing and various other items. Yingxiu helped Shen Qing get dressed.
As her belly was getting bigger and the winter clothes were thick, it was a bit difficult for her to dress herself.
Yingxiu picked out a silver - red squirrel - fur jacket with a circle of rabbit fur on it for her, which could keep her well - warm.
After having breakfast, when Shen Qing slowly arrived at the ancestral hall, most of the clan elders were already there.
"My body is getting heavier and it's inconvenient for me to move. Please forgive me, uncles."
The clan elders of the Xu family were reasonable people and said one after another, "It doesn't matter. Offspring are of the utmost importance."
Xu Yanchi's face darkened. He suddenly looked at Shen Qing.
It was true that offspring were important, but the child in Shen Qing's belly wasn't his.
"Thank you, clan elders, for your understanding." Shen Qing calmly met Xu Yanchi's gaze. She wasn't afraid that Xu Yanchi would expose her. From the moment he was unwilling to divorce her, he had implicitly acknowledged this child, especially in front of so many clan elders.
Today, Shen Qing was wearing a silver - red jacket with a circle of white rabbit fur on it. The patterns on her skirt were all embroidered with gold thread, and she was holding a delicate hand - warmer. This outfit made her look elegant, proper, and charming.
If it weren't for her round belly, it would be almost impossible to tell that she was already six months pregnant.
Xu Yanchi stared at her in a daze and couldn't help but think of the first two years after their marriage. She had always been busy with the affairs in the mansion and hardly dressed up. In contrast, Ji Junye had really taken good care of her.
Realizing this, Xu Yanchi felt as if there was a lump of cotton in his heart.
But so what?
As long as he didn't divorce her, Shen Qing would always be his wife, and Ji Junye could only be an underground lover!
The clan elders had just heard about what happened last night. It was really inauspicious to have such a thing happen during the New Year.
"Since such a thing has happened to the concubine in the mansion, Chi'er, you must take good care of your wife. The population in the marquis's mansion is too sparse. A harmonious couple is the way to a prosperous family. You must never let such things happen again."
Xu Yanchi could only grit his teeth and nod, "Yes."
When the time came, it was time to open the ancestral hall, inform the ancestors, and offer sacrifices and incense. This was a huge project.
Just going through the whole process made Shen Qing a bit exhausted. Unfortunately, Yingxiu and Zhuxing couldn't come in here. During the break, she reached out her hand towards Xu Yanchi.
Xu Yanchi was a bit flattered. Although he didn't know what she meant, he still reached out his hand, ready to hold hers.
Shen Qing frowned and her hand took a detour, resting on his forearm.
The veins on Xu Yanchi's forehead throbbed. Did she take him for a eunuch?!
But he was afraid that if he made too big a movement, someone would notice them, so he had to endure it and let Shen Qing hold on to him.
After the main sacrifice was completed, Shen Qing excused herself on the grounds of feeling unwell and left. All the miscellaneous things that were originally handled by the mistress were now piled on Xu Yanchi.
Shen Qing went back to her room and planned to have a good sleep. She still had to go and pay New - Year greetings to her master in the afternoon. How could she be held back by these messy things?
Jiang Chan was lying on the bed in Mingyue Pavilion, listening to the music outside. Her heart was as dead as ashes.
Her child had struggled for most of the night. After inviting many doctors, it still couldn't be saved.
Moreover, she would never have a child again.
Tears welled up in Jiang Chan's eyes.
Why, why had it come to this?
Clearly, she was her cousin's childhood sweetheart. They had grown up together. All these things should have been hers. She just wanted what belonged to her. What was wrong with that?
Shen Qing had a nice nap and then went out in the afternoon.
In the Jing Kingdom, teachers were highly respected. Once a teacher, always a father. Usually, disciples would go and pay New - Year greetings to their teachers after offering sacrifices to the ancestors on the first day of the Lunar New Year. Even if Shen Qing went out today, no one would say anything.
When Shen Qing arrived at San Gu Zhai, she happened to meet her senior brother, Han Yuanjing.
"Senior brother, may you have a peaceful and happy New Year, and may your joy last forever."
Han Yuanjing's gaze lingered on Shen Qing's belly for a moment, then he gave a gentle smile and said, "Little junior sister, may you have a peaceful and happy New Year, and may your joy last forever."
Shen Qing was almost dazzled by his smile. She thought to herself that he really lived up to being the legitimate son of the Han family in Yangzhou. At such a young age, he already had the bearing of a prime minister.
In her previous life, she didn't know Han Yuanjing. She only vaguely remembered that after King Jin ascended the throne, he wanted to invite Han Yuanjing into the cabinet. After Han Yuanjing politely declined, he returned to Yangzhou. She wondered what would happen in this life.
"Little junior sister?"
Seeing Shen Qing staring at him in a daze, Han Yuanjing couldn't help but speak up.
Only then did Shen Qing come to her senses. "Sorry, senior brother. I was just lost in thought."
"It doesn't matter. Let's go in."
"After you, senior brother."
Han Yuanjing nodded and didn't stand on ceremony. He walked in front, and Shen Qing followed one step behind.
After entering the door, the others hadn't arrived yet, but Shen Yan was already there. When he saw Shen Qing, his eyes lit up.
"Sister!"
Shen Qing nodded at him with a smile. Then she looked at the little old man blowing his beard and glaring on the upper seat. Supported by Zhuxing, she slowly knelt down.
"Your unworthy disciple comes to pay respects to master. I haven't been able to come and see master since I returned to the capital. I'm here to plead for forgiveness."
The little old man gave a heavy snort. "You still remember that you have me as your master!"
"Please forgive me, master."
Old Chen didn't say a word, and Shen Qing just knelt there quietly.
"Can't you get up by yourself if I don't tell you? What does it look like with your big belly!"
Old Chen couldn't scold Shen Qing, so he glared at Zhuxing. "Hurry up and help her up. Let her sit aside!"
It didn't even take the time to drink a cup of tea.
Zhuxing supported Shen Qing and was about to let her sit on the small stool beside. Old Chen was dissatisfied again. "That stool is so low. Can't you change it to a higher one for her?"
The servant quickly went to move a high stool.
Han Yuanjing couldn't help but smile. Master was really like this. Clearly, he was reluctant to be harsh on the little junior sister, but he still had to pretend to be angry.
Zhuxing even couldn't help but mutter to herself. What a temperamental little old man.
A warm current flowed through Shen Qing's heart. Although Old Chen had a strange temper, he was one of the few people who really cared about her.