C9 The Su Family

"You're due in about two months, right?" Changge glanced at Qinglan's rounded belly.

Qinglan lovingly touched her stomach and replied, "Yes, the doctor said two more months. Everything's looking good, and the delivery should go smoothly." Seeing the longing in Qinglan's eyes for her unborn child, Changge smiled softly.

"Do you hope for a boy or a girl?"

"Either is fine. As long as the baby grows up healthy and safe, I'll be happy. If it's a girl, and she's as sweet as you, Changge, that would be wonderful." Qinglan smiled, holding Changge's hand. Changge gently touched Qinglan's belly, feeling the baby move even through the thick fabric. The life growing inside was silent yet vibrant. Suddenly, Changge felt a pang of protectiveness. She remembered the child she lost before it even had a chance to see the world. Determined, she vowed not to let Qinglan lose her daughter.

"Please, take good care of the baby. She'll be a wonderful child."

Hearing Changge's words, Qinglan's eyes sparkled with warmth. She squeezed Changge's hand and said, "You're a good child too. I know you've had a tough life, but you don't need to be formal with me. I see you as my own. Now that the matriarch appreciates you, Xiao Yan will be even more determined to get rid of you. Life at the Phoenix Duke Mansion is tough, so be careful."

Qinglan was right. One wrong step, and Changge could end up with the same tragic fate as before.

"I understand and appreciate your kindness, Qinglan."

The white plum blossoms might fall again, but until they do, they stand proudly among all flowers.

With the new year approaching, the matriarch will surely have Changxuan invite Miss Su's family to the mansion to discuss the marriage proposal, aiming to settle the engagement by next year. Changge is always ready, prepared to strike when least expected.

Feng Changxuan had endured so much pain back then, and even if he only experienced half of it, it would still feel like losing an arm.

Feng Changge had been quietly observing. In five days, Feng Changxuan was absent from the mansion for three or four of them. When he did return, it was either at midnight or just before dawn, with the morning light barely breaking.

Everything was unfolding just as Feng Changge had anticipated. If Chu Qingqiu had any sense, she would know how to keep a man. However, Feng Changge wasn't worried in the slightest. If the top courtesan of Jinhuang couldn't hold onto a man, she might as well be a streetwalker.

**Dining Hall at Noon**

"Boss, I asked you to invite Mr. Su to the mansion. Did you send out the invitation?" Mrs. Jin inquired.

Xiao Yan replied, "I did. Mr. Su sent word back that he would visit with his family after lunch."

In Xiao Yan's mind, Miss Su, Su Xiuxiu, was undoubtedly the perfect match for Feng Changxuan's wife. She hoped this marriage would be settled soon, giving her peace of mind. Once Feng Changxuan had a family, he would surely act with more discretion.

Listening to the conversation at the table, Feng Changge was pleased with how things were progressing. Whether Xiao Yan could swallow this "peace of mind" depended on fate. Unfortunately for her, Feng Changxuan's luck was about to run out.

After lunch, Feng Changge arranged for Biying to leave the mansion. Before she left, Feng Changge specifically instructed her to pass a message to Chu Qingqiu through someone else, to avoid drawing attention.

The matriarch had the main hall meticulously prepared to welcome guests, ensuring the Su family wouldn't think poorly of the Phoenix Duke Mansion's hospitality. Just after noon, the Su family's carriage arrived at the mansion's entrance.

Feng Changge sat quietly in the main hall. Such opportunities to be in the spotlight were always seized by Feng Chang'an, so there was no need for her to bother. When Su Xiuxiu entered the main hall, she was truly stunning.

What made her unforgettable wasn't some unparalleled beauty. If you really compared, Su Xiuxiu's looks were a notch below Chu Qingqiu's. What truly captivated Feng Changge was Su Xiuxiu's extraordinary grace—gentle, captivating, and standing apart from the world. This kind of charm was ingrained in her very being, just like Chu Qingqiu's allure was part of her essence.

In her speech and demeanor, she was poised and elegant. Such a pure and lovely presence seemed wasted on someone like Feng Changxuan. In this light, Feng Changge felt she had done a good deed.

Sitting beside Su Xiuxiu was Feng Chang'an. Though she had a pretty face and was skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, she lacked the innate spirit of the Su family. Anyone with a bit of insight could easily see who was more exceptional.

Feng Changge remained silent, watching as Xiao Yan praised her spoiled son to the skies, likening him to a celestial being who had descended to inspire Feng Changxuan. But whether he was truly remarkable was yet to be seen. Bored, Feng Changge toyed with the coral bracelet on her wrist. In the room today were only the old lady, Xiao Yan, Feng Chang'an, and the real star of the show, Feng Changxuan.

Originally, Feng Changge could have been lazy and skipped the gathering, but now that the old lady had entrusted her with managing the household, and with an exciting scene about to unfold, how could she not be present? Even before the drama began, Feng Changge couldn't contain her excitement. She was eager to witness Xiao Yan's panic, fear, confusion, and embarrassment.