Chapter 2: Concern

Chapter 2: Concern

Wei Mingjin, having finished offering incense, sensed a presence and looked up.

Over the sea of sobbing concubines, he spotted the woman standing at the very end of the crowd.

She stood out like a crane among chickens.

While all the other women were covering their faces, either genuinely or falsely crying, she alone stood with her head bowed, making no show of mourning.

But at this moment, Xin He was too terrified and overwhelmed to even realize this.

"All of you, be quiet!" Second Master Wei said sternly, his face dark with annoyance. "When my elder brother was alive, you spent your days bickering and squabbling out of jealousy. Now that he’s gone, can't you just compose yourselves and let people have some peace and quiet?"

The hall full of weeping women immediately fell silent at his scolding.

"Follow the previous arrangements. Those scheduled to mourn today will stay; the rest of you, go back. What will the visiting mourners think if they see all of you crowded here like this?"

The concubines were deeply dissatisfied with Second Master Wei’s overstepping, but since Wei Mingjin said nothing, they naturally didn't dare protest. They could only leave reluctantly.

Xin He mingled into the crowd as she left but was stopped by Second Master Wei. "Concubine Xin, don’t rush off."

Countless eyes immediately turned toward Xin He, making her feel suffocated. Still, she forced herself to stay calm. "What else does Second Master require?"

"Now that Mingjin has returned, it’s time to tell him about the matter concerning you."

The three of them moved to the main hall. Second Master Wei took the seat of honor but began by discussing another matter.

"Changrong must have already told you about your father’s affairs."

Wei Mingjin nodded.

The Wei family had publicly claimed that Master Wei had died from a sudden illness, but that was not the case.

Master Wei had died of a stroke during intercourse.

"Later, I had someone investigate. It was that wretched Concubine Liu who, in her attempt to please, urged your father to take aphrodisiacs. That’s what led to your father’s…" At this point, Second Master Wei sighed deeply.

Although the Wei family were merchants, they still valued their reputation.

His elder brother’s cause of death was truly too shameful to speak of.

"I originally intended to hand that wretched woman over to the authorities, but if we did, the truth about your father’s death would inevitably come out. Not only would your father become the subject of gossip, but I’m afraid it would also sully your reputation."

Wei Mingjin nodded. "Second Uncle’s considerations are reasonable."

"At that time, you were still away in the provincial capital for the exams. I feared that delays might lead to complications. Besides, as a scholar, you might not know how to handle such matters. So, I took it upon myself and had that wretched woman strangled. Her family has also been properly compensated. As for those in the household who knew about this matter, I’ve taken care of everything—some were sold off, others were warned. I’ve handled it all for you."

It was true that Master Wei and Second Master Wei were biological brothers, but after their parents passed away, the two brothers had divided the estate and lived separately.

Moreover, Master Wei had a son. By rights, whether it was Master Wei’s funeral arrangements or the disposition of Concubine Liu, the decision should have been Wei Mingjin’s to make.

Second Master Wei had overstepped his boundaries far too much.

Hearing this, Wei Mingjin’s attendants showed clear dissatisfaction on their faces, but Wei Mingjin raised his hand and bowed courteously, his expression calm. "I appreciate your efforts, Second Uncle."

"Your father was my own flesh and blood, my elder brother. How could I dare neglect his affairs? I’m just glad you don’t blame me for acting on my own." Second Master Wei sat upright in the seat of honor, exuding the demeanor of an elder.

"Second Uncle, you speak too kindly."

As Xin He listened to the polite exchange between uncle and nephew, she felt as though needles were pricking her back. She wished she could bolt from the room but had no choice but to stay.

After sufficiently displaying his authority as an elder, Second Master Wei finally remembered Xin He and said to Wei Mingjin, "This is Concubine Xin, whom your father took as a concubine just last month. You hadn’t met her because you were busy preparing to leave for the provincial capital for the exams when she arrived."

Since Wei Mingjin had begun studying at the academy, he had been living there, only returning home on scheduled breaks or when necessary. It was rare for him to come back to the estate.

But every time he returned, there were always a few new faces in the household. He was quite used to such things.

"Last night, Concubine Xin fainted while keeping vigil for your father. The physician examined her and discovered that she is pregnant."

Hearing this, Wei Mingjin looked surprised and immediately turned his gaze to Xin He.

Xin He sat across from him, her hands tightly clutching a handkerchief. Whether out of timidity or nervousness, she kept her head lowered, making it impossible for Wei Mingjin to see her face clearly.

Wei Mingjin withdrew his gaze and said gently, "This is a blessing."

"Yes, when your father was alive, he always hoped the concubines would give him another son or daughter. Now, his wish has finally been fulfilled, but he…" At this point, Second Master Wei was overcome with grief and began to weep uncontrollably.

As the younger generation, Wei Mingjin had no choice but to offer some words of comfort.

After Second Master Wei’s emotions gradually settled, he spoke solemnly, "The child in her womb is your father’s flesh and blood, your own sibling. Now that your father is gone, you must take good care of her. If anything happens and people start gossiping, it will not only damage your reputation but also prevent your father from resting in peace."

The implied warning in those last few words was unmistakable.

Wei Mingjin, however, seemed not to notice and replied humbly, "Second Uncle, rest assured. Your nephew understands."

Having said that, Wei Mingjin called the steward in and, in front of Second Master Wei, instructed, "Concubine Xin is now with child. Starting today, all provisions for her courtyard shall follow the same standards as those in mine. There must be no neglect whatsoever."

The steward acknowledged the order. Wei Mingjin then turned to Xin He, his expression gentle. "Concubine, if there is anything else you find unsatisfactory, you may send someone to inform me at any time."

Xin He stood up to thank him, still keeping her head lowered.

Seeing that Wei Mingjin had made such thorough arrangements, Second Master Wei could say nothing more.

Seeing that her role was done, Xin He asked to take her leave. Wei Mingjin also stood up. "Second Uncle, I will go change my clothes."

Second Master Wei nodded.

Hearing footsteps behind her, Xin He grew even more panicked. She walked quickly with her head down, trying to shake off Wei Mingjin, completely unaware of what was ahead.

"Be careful." A man’s voice suddenly came from behind.

Before Xin He could react, her arm was abruptly pulled backward. She stumbled back several steps, and a hard object pressed against her lower back, steadying her just in time.

Xin He instinctively looked up and met Wei Mingjin’s concerned eyes.

This time, Wei Mingjin got a clear look at Xin He’s face.

It was a face as soft as jade and as delicate as a flower, devoid of makeup yet radiant like morning glow on snow. But at this moment, her lucid, flowing eyes were filled with fear as she looked at him, and her face was frighteningly pale.

Wei Mingjin was momentarily stunned.

Xin He hurriedly lowered her gaze, struggling to stand on her own.

Qiong Hua, seeing this, quickly stepped forward to support Xin He. Wei Mingjin withdrew his hand in time and returned the blade he had used to steady Xin He in the emergency to his attendant.

"What happened?" Second Master Wei, hearing the commotion, hurried out from the hall.

Taking in the scene before him, Second Master Wei immediately understood. After confirming that Xin He was unharmed, he turned to scold the servant. "Walking so fast—are you rushing to be reborn? If you had bumped into Concubine Xin, how many lives do you have to make up for it?"

The servant bowed apologetically and added, "Second Master, Young Master, the county magistrate has come to offer his condolences."

As the county magistrate was the local official in charge, they naturally dared not show the slightest neglect.

Second Master Wei looked at Wei Mingjin.

Wei Mingjin understood. "Second Uncle, please go ahead. I will join you after changing my clothes."

"Alright, then be quick," Second Master Wei said before hurrying off toward the mourning hall.

Xin He did not want to be left alone with Wei Mingjin. After hastily expressing her thanks, she tried to leave but was stopped by him.

"Concubine, you are now pregnant. It would be best to exercise caution in all matters. After returning, it would be wise to call a doctor for another examination."

"Thank you for your kindness, Young Master," Xin He replied before quickly leaving with Qiong Hua.

Wei Mingjin stood under the corridor, silently watching Xin He's retreating figure for a long time.

His attendant, Feng Mo, stood nearby and asked in a low voice, "Young Master, the late master had many concubines in his household, yet none of them had gotten pregnant all these years. How is it that Concubine Xin, who has only been in the residence for just over a month, is already pregnant? This matter is very suspicious. Should I investigate?"

"Do I scare her?" Wei Mingjin asked instead, not directly addressing the question.

Feng Mo was taken aback. He did not understand why Wei Mingjin would say such a thing but answered truthfully, "Young Master, you are widely praised for your kind and humble nature."

Yet this Concubine Xin was afraid of him.

Earlier in the hall, he had thought she might simply be timid or nervous.

But during their recent exchange, he had clearly seen the fear in her eyes.

"She must have a guilty conscience," Feng Mo said indignantly.

Their young master was the only son of the Wei family. After the master's passing, the family estate should rightfully be inherited entirely by him. But now, this pregnant Concubine Xin had suddenly appeared, and Second Master was also making a big deal out of it. To those unaware, one might think he was the father of the child!

Suddenly, a horrifying suspicion arose in Feng Mo's mind. "Young Master, could the child in Concubine Xin's womb actually be Second Master's?"

If Concubine Xin was now pregnant, the family fortune left by the master would have to be shared with them. If the child was Second Master's, wouldn't that portion of the estate end up in Second Master's pockets?

Wei Mingjin gave a cold look at Feng Mo.

Feng Mo instinctively apologized, "I overstepped, Young Master. Please punish me."

Wei Mingjin lowered his gaze.

His second uncle, though greedy and self-interested, was always cowardly by nature. He would not dare to do something so risky.

But after a moment's thought, Wei Mingjin instructed, "Let Second Aunt know what you suspect, and also have someone check out this Concubine Xin."

"Yes," Feng Mo acknowledged. After a brief hesitation, he cautiously asked, "Then should we look further into the master's death?"

From the front courtyard, the sound of suona horns rose, mingled with women's mournful cries—clearly, the magistrate had already arrived at the mourning hall.

Wei Mingjin stood amidst the overwhelming sea of white mourning banners, his demeanor as gentle and refined as jade, like a noble, virtuous man. Yet his words were cold and detached: "He's already dead. What's the point of investigating further? Leave it at that."

His tone was light and casual, as if the deceased were not his father but some stray animal.

Feng Mo shivered, immediately lowering his head and too afraid to speak again.