C10 A Child Was in His Belly

In no time, Biying entered the room carrying several plates of fresh fruit. Feng Chang'an quietly sipped her tea, showing no reaction. After placing the fruit, Biying stood beside Feng Changge and whispered, "The message has been sent. We should see them soon."

"Good."

Feng Changge set down her teacup, pretending to listen intently to Xiao Yan's conversation.

Before long, a commotion erupted outside, marked by a woman's cries. A servant rushed in, breathless, and stammered, "Ma'am, there's a young woman outside, insisting on seeing the second young master."

"Who is she?" Mrs. Jin asked, puzzled.

The servant shook his head. "I don't know, ma'am."

"Tell her we're busy with important matters. If she wants to visit, she should come another day," Xiao Yan decided. With the Su family present, an unknown woman demanding to see Changxuan could jeopardize the engagement.

"Yes, ma'am." The servant left the room, but the noise outside only grew louder, drawing a crowd. What kind of scene was unfolding at the renowned Phoenix Duke Mansion?

Soon, the same servant returned. "Ma'am, the young woman refuses to leave. She insists on seeing the second young master. What should we do?"

Xiao Yan frowned and ordered sternly, "Throw her out. If she returns, call the authorities."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Wait." The servant was stopped by a gentle voice—it was Su Xiuxiu.

Su Xiuxiu stood, respectfully addressing Mrs. Jin and Xiao Yan. "This young woman has repeatedly asked to see him. It must be urgent. Let's invite her in and ask her intentions. Please don't worry about me."

Su Xiuxiu's understanding and graciousness surprised Feng Changge. She had assumed that no matter how much Chu Qingqiu caused a scene, the Su family visit would prevent her from entering. Yet, Miss Su's unexpected generosity was remarkable.

Just... I'm afraid the Su family might be in for some embarrassment soon.

"Guisan, bring the young lady in," the matriarch instructed. Xiao Yan naturally didn't dare to say more. Feng Changge kept watching Feng Changxuan. Although he hadn't spoken during the meal, the way he kept refilling his tea cup showed he was anxious.

Feng Changxuan, compared to the tricks you and Feng Chang'an used against me in the past, what is this? Just an appetizer, and you can't handle it?

Soon, Chu Qingqiu followed Guisan into the main hall. As she entered, Feng Changxuan's expression became quite uneasy. Chu Qingqiu noticed a graceful young woman sitting beside Feng Changxuan, and she couldn't suppress her anger. The reports hadn't deceived her; Feng Changxuan indeed had a new love.

"Changxuan, didn't you say you wanted to marry me, make me your wife?! And now... now what are you doing? Who is that woman?" Chu Qingqiu's eyes were fierce, her finger pointed directly at Su Xiuxiu.

Instantly, the hall was filled with whispers, with many maids standing by, gossiping.

Mrs. Jin frowned and scolded, "All of you, stop that gossiping! Such lack of decorum!" Her stern voice silenced the room. "Young lady, you haven't even introduced yourself, and I don't know who you are. How could our Changxuan marry you?"

Asked about her background, Chu Qingqiu was momentarily speechless, her gaze falling on Feng Changxuan, who frowned and gestured for her to leave the Phoenix Duke Mansion quickly. But how could Chu Qingqiu be willing? Seeing everything today, it was clear the mansion intended for Feng Changxuan to marry. If he truly found a good match, what would become of her? She had offended many by relying on Feng Changxuan and the Phoenix Duke Mansion's reputation. Because of Feng Changxuan, no one dared to touch her. If he abandoned her, her former glory would vanish.

“Answering the lady, my name is Autumn Chu. I come from a family that once thrived on literature, but we fell on hard times, barely surviving. Now... I've found myself at the Red Pavilion.”

The Red Pavilion is infamous, known even to the youngest children in the city. Women from there, no matter how exceptional, are never considered for marriage by respectable families. And Autumn Chu is aiming for a match with the Phoenix Duke's Mansion.

“What?! The Red Pavilion? You think a woman like you deserves to enter our Phoenix Duke's Mansion?” Xiao Yan spoke harshly, while Mrs. Su covered her nose with a handkerchief, looking uncomfortable.

“Mother, perhaps you're being too hasty. After all, Miss Chu is a close friend of my brother. There might be more to this story. My brother wouldn't defy you and Grandmother for a woman of such background without reason,” Feng Changge interceded on behalf of Feng Changxuan, though it was clear to anyone listening that this was a veiled reprimand.

He was criticizing Feng Changxuan for entangling himself with a woman of ill repute and bringing scandal into their home.

“I... I'm carrying Changxuan's child! I'm pregnant!” Autumn Chu fell to her knees, her voice breaking with sorrow.