Chapter 15

That day, Pei Huai fled in panic.

But what use was running away?

The facts were already set.

I shut myself in my courtyard and did not go out. Even when I walked, it was only a few steps within the courtyard.

This day, I suddenly heard the lively sound of suona from the main courtyard, and only then did I remember-

Today, Pei Huai did not secretly come to see me.

So it turned out Zhao Yao was about to enter the household.

At first, Pei Huai was naturally unwilling. No matter how many times Old Mrs. Pei threatened her own life, it was useless.

But one night, Zhao Yao actually tried to hang herself. By the time she was rescued, she was barely alive. Pei Mingnan even knelt for a long time outside Pei Huai’s study, refusing to get up.

Pei Huai was hard-hearted toward everyone.

But toward Pei Mingnan, this child, he was soft.

So he compromised.

Actually, I was not surprised by his choice.

Today was the wedding banquet. He did not invite me, and even if he had, I would not have gone.

I did not wish to see him, and even less did I wish to receive Zhao Yao’s concubine’s salute.

But I truly did not expect Zhao Yao would come to seek me out herself.

“Madam, I am already four months pregnant. Old Mrs. Pei said that once I give birth, she will promote me to equal wife.”

She was adorned in gold and silver, her brows and eyes full of pride, no longer the timid and gentle look from before.

This was probably her true face.

Indeed.

How could a woman capable of ensnaring Pei Huai truly be a simple-minded little white rabbit?

I looked at her and did not respond to her words.

She continued to ask, “Madam, what do you think?”

“This is your Pei Family’s business. If you want to ask, go ask Pei Huai.”

My tone was calm as I took a sip of hot tea. “Is it because Pei Huai refused, so you’ve come to beg me?”

These words seemed to pierce her false pride, and her expression twisted slightly.

“What exactly did you say to the Marquis? Though he married me, he refuses to touch me. Even though I am pregnant, he shows not a hint of joy. Did you do something behind his back?”

“Shen Niao, do you think that just because you have his body, you can keep his heart? Let me tell you, the Marquis-”

Before she could finish, I raised my hand and slapped her across the face.

She was stunned by the blow.

“You hit me-”

At that moment, Pei Huai slowly walked in.

Zhao Yao immediately put away her anger, her eyes reddening as she threw herself at him, on the verge of tears: “Marquis, I don’t know how I offended Madam, to make her strike me…”

Pei Huai did not even glance at her, only stared at me in a daze.

“If she hit you, just take it. You deserve it.”

She froze for a moment, then lowered her head.

“Yes…”

I looked at Pei Huai from across Zhao Yao.

But there was no more heartache.

Only utter disappointment remained.