Chapter 161: It’s Feared That the Child in Miss Lin’s Womb Can’t Be Saved

Chapter 161: It's Feared That the Child in Miss Lin's Womb Can't Be Saved

More and more people arrived, including Miss Gao and Miss Liu, who had previously gone to Maple Gorge together. They were so enamored with Xingxing that they wanted to keep her close at all times.

This sight greatly irked Xiao Yueyi.

The plum blossoms of the Fan residence were in the woods at the northeast corner, quite a distance from the warm pavilion.

Since it was cold outside, the maids brought in vases with plum branches. Everyone enjoyed appreciating the blossoms while chatting, eating, and drinking, which created a pleasant atmosphere.

Xingxing sat next to Fan Pingfang, quietly holding a pastry and nibbling on it. Her fair cheeks puffed up with each bite, which made her appear even more adorable.

People couldn't help but be drawn to Xingxing, and the conversations mostly centered around her.

When someone asked Xingxing about her family, she counted them off on her fingers one by one. Everyone was charmed by how earnestly the little girl spoke about her family, finding it incredibly endearing.

Xiao Yueyi couldn't help but feel annoyed, thinking it was ridiculous how these people doted on a little country girl. It was embarrassing!

Xiao Yueyi furrowed her brows as she observed Xingxing. Noticing the small cloth pouch around Xingxing's neck, she suddenly laughed and interjected, "Come to think of it, what's that little thing hanging on your chest? It looks odd."

Initially, Xingxing didn't realize she was being spoken to as she wiped a few crumbs off her fingers with a handkerchief. It was Xiao Yueyi's maid who prompted Xingxing, and she finally responded with, "Ah?"

She cupped the small pouch hanging from her neck and said, "Are you talking about this, big sister?"

Xiao Yueyi said with a teasing smile, "Yes, look at you wearing it like that. It's quite strange. It must be some precious treasure... Let the sisters have a look."

Fan Pingfang shot Xiao Yueyi a displeased glance.

Xingxing didn't understand the underlying meaning in Xiao Yueyi's words and genuinely thought Xiao Yueyi wanted to see the pouch. She carefully removed the pouch, revealing a delicate copper hand warmer.

Xiao Yueyi, who had been ready to mock her, was left speechless; anyone with eyes could see how exquisite the hand warmer was, clearly not something an ordinary person could afford.

Xiao Yueyi was shocked and uncertain, her face turning red and then pale in turn.

Xingxing, holding the hand warmer with both hands, happily explained, "A big brother gave this to me. It's both beautiful and warm, and it's truly my treasure!"

Xiao Yueyi was left speechless and smiled to cover her embarrassment. "It does look very nice," she said.

Some of the other young mistresses, who were knowledgeable, exclaimed, "This hand warmer doesn't seem like something from around here. It's quite impressive."

Xiao Yueyi felt even more uncomfortable as she saw them gather around Xingxing and chat.

Fan Pingfang noticed but chose to ignore Xiao Yueyi.

Xiao Yueyi had a heart as small as a needle. Was she really bothered by a little girl like Xingxing?

After chatting for a while, Xiao Yueyi, perhaps finding the indoor setting dull, stood up and said, "The plum blossoms in the vase aren't as good as those in the woods. It's not too cold outside, so why don't we go and take a look?"

Everyone had been indoors for some time and was feeling a bit restless, so when someone made the suggestion, they all agreed.

Fan Pingfang took Xingxing's hand warmer, had the maids refill it with charcoal, and then allowed Yaocui to take Xingxing outside.

When they all went to the northeast corner where the plum trees were planted, they saw someone already there, appreciating the blossoms. That person had brought a maid with her, was dressed in a bulky cloak, and stood in the snowy woods, looking up at the red plum blossoms dotting the trees.

Upon hearing the sounds of people approaching, Lady Lin turned around in surprise and bowed to Fan Pingfang. “…Young Miss.”

Fan Pingfang slightly furrowed her brow. “…Lady Lin, you’re heavily pregnant and your body is heavy. It’s snowing outside and the roads are slippery. If you wish to admire the plum blossoms, you should have a maid pick some and bring them to your room. You must take care.”

It was clear that Fan Pingfang clearly had a high status in the Fan family. When she spoke, Lady Lin bowed her head carefully in agreement.

Curious, Xingxing peeked out from behind Fan Pingfang, her gaze falling on the belly of the woman, which was concealed beneath her cloak.

She wondered if this was the concubine that Brother Fan had mentioned during the carriage ride.

Although Xingxing had been to the Fan residence before, this was her first time meeting the pregnant Lady Lin.

She thought to herself, I wonder if her belly is bigger or smaller than the second aunt’s.

Sensing something was amiss, Xingxing couldn’t help but take a few more glances.

As she did, Xingxing felt that the maid behind this lady seemed odd… She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but something felt off.

Afraid of upsetting Fan Pingfang, Lady Lin carefully apologized and prepared to leave via a small path on the side.

Fan Pingfang frowned and told Yaocui to escort Lady Lin back. A slip on the road could be dangerous.

As Yaocui led Lady Lin away, Xingxing remained standing in place, her little brows furrowed, watching them leave.

Seeing Xingxing’s worried expression, Fan Pingfang couldn’t help but smile. “Xingxing, what are you looking at?”

Hesitating for a moment, Xingxing waved at Fan Pingfang, gesturing for her to lean down.

Xingxing whispered to Fan Pingfang, “Sister Fan, I don’t want to speak ill of anyone, but the maid behind the pregnant lady with the baby… she feels strange to me… I can’t quite explain it, but something feels off…”

Fan Pingfang was slightly startled.

She thought it best to be cautious in such matters.

She whispered to Xingxing, “Don’t tell anyone about this, little one. I’ll have someone keep an eye on it.”

Xingxing nodded and agreed.

Fan Pingfang then called over a maid and quietly instructed her. The maid left in a hurry.

Seeing how close Fan Pingfang and Xingxing were, Xiao Yueyi felt a twinge of envy. Her eyes brimmed with disdain.

“It seems you truly like this little sister, Pingfang,” Xiao Yueyi said with a pointed tone.

Fan Pingfang paid no mind to Xiao Yueyi’s sarcasm. She had made up her mind that the next time she had people over, she would definitely not include Xiao Yueyi.

How petty.

After admiring the plum blossoms, everyone had lunch at the Fan family and listened to a storyteller in the afternoon.

As the room grew comfortably warm, a hurried maid rushed in, her face pale, and whispered something to Fan Pingfang.

Upon hearing it, Fan Pingfang’s expression changed, and she barely managed to hold back a swear.

The banquet still hasn't ended. Fan Pingfang restrained herself and quickly gave instructions to the maid in a hurried tone. She sat there, taking deep breaths to calm herself.

When most of the guests had left, Fan Pingfang could no longer contain her anger and forcefully slapped the table.

Her fair and delicate hand turned red from the impact.

Feeling a bit distressed, Xingxing grabbed Fan Pingfang's hand. "Sister Fan, don't hit the table. You'll hurt your hand."

Upon hearing Xingxing's words, Fan Pingfang's expression softened a little.

She recalled that it was Xingxing who had noticed the unusual behavior of the maid attending to Lin Yi-niang. Her eyes burned intensely as she looked at Xingxing—if not for Xingxing's warning, the child in Lin Yi-niang's womb might not have been saved in time!