Chapter 31: Act

Chapter 31: Playing a Role

From then on, Wei Mingxuan became a frequent visitor to Wei Mingjin’s courtyard.

Especially after learning that Xin He would come to Wei Mingjin’s courtyard around *sìzhèng* (mid-morning, 9-11 AM) every day to study reading and writing under his guidance, Wei Mingxuan made a point of arriving precisely then.

Once or twice might have been a coincidence, but after it kept happening, Xin He naturally became aware of it.

Wei Mingxuan was a good young man—the only person in the Wei family who treated her with sincerity.

Xin He was grateful for his kindness, but too many social barriers and circumstances stood between them. Moreover, although Wei Mingjin gave no indication of his stance, he noticed everything and made it clear that he intended to remain an observer, leaving her to handle the situation on her own.

Wei Mingxuan was at the age of youthful infatuation, and Xin He didn’t want him to become too deeply involved.

Besides, she dared not offend Wei Mingjin.

So, after realizing that Wei Mingxuan was synchronizing his visits with hers, Xin He began going to Wei Mingjin’s courtyard at unpredictable times, sometimes even avoiding Wei Mingxuan altogether when possible.

Though Wei Mingxuan’s affection was unrequited, he quickly noticed that Xin He was deliberately avoiding him.

The once vibrant young man became as crestfallen as a wilted plant, his entire demeanor exuding dejection.

Only after Wei Mingxuan had left would Xin He go to see Wei Mingjin.

At first, it was indeed a matter of one teaching and the other studying diligently, but somehow, it had evolved into the current situation.

The tall, broad desk obscured the lower bodies of both. Wei Mingjin sat in the armchair, while Xin He leaned over the desk, still maintaining the posture of writing.

But the brush in her hand had long since fallen somewhere unknown. Ink stains dotted the desk, and Xin He’s slender fingers clutched a piece of calligraphy paper helplessly, crumpling it in her palm.

Wei Mingjin’s hand rested on Xin He’s waist. His fingers were long and pale, like cool, polished jade, moving leisurely over her.

“M-Master,” Xin He tilted her head, biting her lip, her voice soft and laced with clear pleading.

Wei Mingjin, however, remained unmoved. He leaned in from behind, embracing Xin He, his chin resting on her shoulder, his palm covering her warm softness as he asked unhurriedly, “When Second Young Master came by earlier and saw you weren’t here again, he seemed quite disappointed!”

“This concubine’s heart and eyes belong only to the Young Master.” As she spoke, the flustered Xin He turned her head and sought to please Wei Mingjin with a kiss.

Satisfied with her answer, Wei Mingjin finally dropped his arrogant pretense. Taking charge, he met her in a deep kiss while wrapping an arm around her waist, turning her to sit with her back against his knees.

Their robes tangled and overlapped, the friction of fabric emitting soft rustling sounds, faintly interspersed with breathy moans that made cheeks burn.

But Wei Mingjin still felt unsatisfied.

Though he presented himself as gentle and refined, deep down, he preferred bold and unrestrained passion.

That time at Drunken Moon Pavilion, though influenced by drugs, he had truly enjoyed himself—one of the reasons he had been so determined to find Xin He.

But now, Xin He was pregnant.

Even though, after what happened last time, he no longer had to hold back and Xin He was willing to give herself to him, her condition meant he always had to restrain himself during their intimacies, leaving him never fully satisfied.

This frustrated Wei Mingjin greatly.

After their lovemaking, Xin He, like a contented cat, nestled in Wei Mingjin’s arms with slightly damp hair and cheeks flushed like blooming crabapple, breathing softly.

Wei Mingjin couldn’t get enough of her glossy black hair, twirling it around his fingers as he played with it.

Xin He nestled against Wei Mingjin’s side, savoring the rare moment of tranquility.

Suddenly, Wei Mingjin spoke out of the blue, “How about we terminate this pregnancy?”

Xin He froze, abruptly raising her eyes to meet Wei Mingjin’s deep gaze.

The proposition came out of nowhere, and she couldn’t process it immediately.

Incense smoke curled gently in the study, and the air grew cold and still for a moment.

Soon, Xin He came to her senses. She immediately pulled her garments together and sat up, pressing her lips together. Just as she was about to speak, Wei Mingjin cut in first, “What? Can’t bear to part with it?”

“I—” Before Xin He could say more, Chi Yan called out from outside the door.

“Young Master, Second Young Master is here again.”

Xin He was startled. Hadn’t Wei Mingxuan left? Why was he back?

In a panic, she scrambled into her clothes. Her legs were so weak that she staggered unsteadily as she stepped down, barely managing to steady herself by holding onto the desk.

Unlike Xin He’s panic, Wei Mingjin remained seated properly, watching her fluster with an amused smile. “What? Afraid he’ll see this and ruin your perfect image in his mind?”

Xin He was instantly furious.

Was Wei Mingjin out of his mind?! If someone saw the two of them alone in a room with their clothes disheveled, he might not care, but she could be drowned for it.

But she couldn’t confront him directly. Instead, she tearfully feigned hurt, “This concubine’s heart and body belong only to the Young Master. How could the Young Master still doubt me? Must I lay bare my heart to prove my loyalty?”

Wei Mingjin chuckled lightly just as Chi Yan’s voice came from outside again, “Young Master?”

His tone was clearly anxious.

“I was only joking with He Niang. Why are you so angry?” Wei Mingjin stood up and personally freed Xin He’s hair from her collar before saying, “Go hide inside.”

Xin He quickly smoothed out Wei Mingjin’s crumpled robes, then scooped up her shoes and stockings and hurried behind the bookshelf in the inner room.

Only then did Wei Mingjin respond, having Wei Mingxuan shown in.

When Wei Mingxuan entered, he saw Wei Mingjin tidying the desk.

“Elder Brother, what is this…” Wei Mingxuan’s gaze fell on the messy desk.

Hidden behind the layers of bookshelves, Xin He’s heart hammered.

Soon, Wei Mingjin’s voice came from the front, “The window wasn’t closed properly earlier, and a cat got in and jumped onto the desk. It’s nothing. Why have you returned, Second Brother?”

“After returning to my residence, I realized I left my paperweight here.”

Just a paperweight—was it really worth Wei Mingxuan making a special trip for it?

But Wei Mingjin saw through it without saying anything. He simply found the paperweight Wei Mingxuan had left behind and handed it to him. The two brothers chatted for a while longer before Wei Mingxuan left, his face full of disappointment.

Xin He remained behind the bookshelf for a long time, making sure Wei Mingxuan wouldn’t return unexpectedly, before finally emerging.

Now feeling sticky and unsettled, she naturally couldn’t continue her studies with Wei Mingjin.

Wei Mingjin didn’t press her further either and simply let her go.

After returning, Xin He immediately called for bathwater.

Hot water was brought in bucket after bucket. Qiong Hua tested the temperature before helping Xin He into the bathing chamber.

Knowing Xin He disliked having anyone nearby during her baths, Qiong Hua assisted her inside and said, "I'll be waiting right outside the door. If you need anything, just call for me anytime."

After saying this, Qiong Hua closed the door and withdrew.

Only then did Xin He remove her dress and step into the water to sit down.

As the hot water glided over every inch of her skin, Xin He sighed in comfort, but thinking of what had happened earlier, her expression fell.

Meanwhile, back at the Wei residence, Wei Mingxuan was lost in thought.

He hadn't seen Xin He for several days now.

Since realizing that Xin He was deliberately avoiding him, he felt sad but understood her difficulties.

As a young, pregnant, newly widowed concubine, having too much contact with an outside man like him would lead to gossip if spread by those with loose tongues.

Understanding was one thing, but the longing in his heart remained uncontrollable, like a flood.

After leaving Wei Mingjin's courtyard earlier that day, he had lingered around the estate for a long time, hoping to catch a glimpse of Xin He strolling in the garden, but she never appeared. In the end, he had to return home disheartened.

After returning, his servant noticed that his paperweight had been left in Wei Mingjin's study.

Wei Mingxuan's mood lifted immediately. He told himself he was going back to retrieve the paperweight, not to accidentally meet Xin He.

But when he arrived, he found Wei Mingjin's courtyard unusually silent, with none of the servants who usually were performing their duties in sight.

Though puzzled, Wei Mingxuan proceeded inside.

He had only taken two steps into the courtyard when Feng Mo appeared out of nowhere and stopped him.

Feng Mo casually engaged him in small talk while Chi Yan went to inform Wei Mingjin.

After a short while, Wei Mingjin invited him in.

When he stepped into the study again, he sensed that something was different from before.

Wei Mingjin explained the mess on his desk was due to a cat sneaking in. But Wei Mingxuan sharply noticed that although Wei Mingjin was wearing the same robe as earlier, it was more wrinkled and seemed to have some stains.

Wei Mingjin had always prized cleanliness—why would he receive him in such a disheveled state?

Moreover, while Wei Mingjin was fetching the paperweight for him, he accidentally spotted a jade hairpin near Wei Mingjin's desk.

He had seen that hairpin on Xin He's head a few days ago.

While Wei Mingjin wasn't paying attention, he quickly picked up the hairpin, tucked it into his sleeve, and brought it back with him.

"Xuan'er..." The voice of Lady Zou, Wei Mingxuan's mother, suddenly sounded.

Wei Mingxuan snapped back to attention and saw that Zou Shi had already reached his doorway. He immediately tucked the hairpin into his sleeve, stood up, and said, "Mother, what brings you here?"

Although Wei Mingxuan's movement was quick, Zou Shi had caught a glimpse of it.

Though it was only a fleeting moment, Zou Shi clearly saw that it was a feminine hairpin.

"My son, do you have a sweetheart? Tell your mother quickly," Zou Shi said with a smile as she entered.

Although Wei Mingxuan was only eighteen, he was already at a marriageable age.

Wei Jingyao believed his son should establish a career before starting a family, but Zou Shi, as a mother, hoped her son would marry first. Since the New Year, she had been quietly scouting the young ladies in the city. She had come today specifically to discuss this with Wei Mingxuan.

"No, Mother, don't let your imagination run wild," Wei Mingxuan refused to admit.

No? Zou Shi didn't believe it. Her son had always been cheerful, but these past few days, he had been as wilted as a frostbitten plant. At first, she thought it was because his father was pressuring him to study, but now it seemed that wasn't the case.

However, no matter how Zou Shi tried to question him, Wei Mingxuan refused to say anything.

In the end, Wei Mingxuan excused himself by saying he needed to study and retreated to his study.

Zou Shi had no choice but to leave.

After leaving Wei Mingxuan's courtyard, Zou Shi thought it over and still felt uneasy. She turned and instructed her personal maid a few words.

The maid repeatedly acknowledged the instructions and went off to carry out Zou Shi's orders.

Meanwhile, Xin He was unaware of the happenings in the Second Branch of the household. She had just finished her bath and was leaning against the incense warmer while Qiong Hua stood behind her, wringing out her hair.

Noticing Xin He's distracted expression, Qiong Hua asked, "Is something on your mind, Madam?"

"No," Xin He lowered her eyelashes. After a moment, she instructed, "I'm a little hungry. Have the kitchen make a bowl of botuo noodles."

Qiong Hua acknowledged and left.

Xin He leaned against the incense warmer alone, lost in reflection for a while longer before lowering her gaze to her abdomen.

She was now four months pregnant.

The child's fate had always been in Wei Mingjin's hands. Although she had been hoping he would make a decision soon, when she heard him say earlier, "What if we get rid of this child?" she didn't feel relief in that moment. Instead, her emotions suddenly became complicated.

At first, she had only wanted to use this child as a means to secure wealth and stability for the latter half of her life.

Later, after discovering that Wei Mingjin was the one who had been with her that night, she thought about quickly getting rid of the child, obtaining the Concubine Release Letter, and fleeing far away.

Then, she wanted to use this child as a protective talisman.

But after their secret was uncovered, whether this child stayed or went was no longer her decision to make.

Wei Mingjin had never made his position clear, so she could only carry the child with caution and anxiety.

But perhaps because she no longer had to decide the child's fate, since the truth between her and Wei Mingjin came out, her attitude toward the child had grown more resigned.

Occasionally, in spontaneous moments, she would act like an expectant mother looking forward to the birth of her child, personally embroidering a small garment for it.

But after finishing, she would feel melancholy.

This child might not even be born—why bother with such pointless labor?

So she hid the little clothes she had secretly made, along with the faint glimmer of hope in her heart.

And today, the decision about the child was finally approaching.

"Ah, Madam, why do you cry?" Qiong Hua, who had entered carrying the botuo noodles, was startled.

Xin He came back to her senses and instinctively touched her face, only to find it damp with tears.

"I'm not crying. The wind irritated my eyes," Xin He lowered her gaze and quickly wiped away her tears.

When Qiong Hua placed the steaming bowl of botuo noodles in front of her, Xin He turned away. "I've lost my appetite now. I want to rest for a while. You eat it."

After saying this, Xin He went straight to the inner chamber.

A pregnant woman’s appetite can change quickly, so Qiong Hua didn’t think twice about it. She glanced at Xin He’s retreating figure, then looked at the steaming bowl of botuo noodles in front of her. She licked her lips, trying to restrain herself, but in the end, she couldn’t resist the temptation.

The botuo noodles wouldn’t taste as good once they cooled down, and Xin He had explicitly told her to eat them.

If Xin He woke up feeling hungry later, she could simply ask the kitchen to prepare another portion. With this thought, Qiong Hua immediately dug in.

Meanwhile, back in the inner chamber, although Xin He lay on the bed, she was wide awake. Instead, her mind was exceptionally clear.

She had to find a way to protect this child.

Men were fickle by nature. Right now, she had managed to spare her life by pretending to be weak and pitiable in front of Wei Mingjin.

But in the future, once Wei Mingjin grew tired of her, and given that their affair must not be known to outsiders, his selfish and cold-hearted nature would undoubtedly lead him to kill her to tie up loose ends.

Her only bargaining chip was the child in her womb.

If this child could be safely born, it would not only serve as a restraint on Wei Mingjin but also be her safety net for the rest of her life.

She had to find a way to make Wei Mingjin agree to let her keep the child.

That night, Xin He had a restless night, and the next morning, dark circles were clearly visible under her eyes.

While doing her makeup, she initially intended to cover them with powder, but after a second thought, she had a change of heart.

After breakfast, Xin He went to Wei Mingjin’s courtyard as usual to check in and study her characters.

But after teaching her a few characters, Wei Mingjin noticed that Xin He was distracted today. He simply took the book from her hand and said indifferently, "Since your mind isn’t on studying, there’s no point in forcing it. Go back."

Wei Mingjin was being unusually considerate today.

Hearing this, Xin He curtsied and turned to leave.

But after taking just two steps, she suddenly stopped. Hesitating for a long while, she finally worked up the courage to turn back and look at Wei Mingjin, asking softly, "Has the young master truly decided to get rid of this child?"

Wei Mingjin, who had been tidying the books, paused and looked up.

Xin He stood a few steps away from him. Today, she was wearing a pale green embroidered áo qún (a traditional jacket and skirt) with peony and lotus patterns. The fluffy collar set off her delicate features, but the dark circles under her eyes were prominent, suggesting a sleepless night. At that moment, her dark eyes gazed at him timidly, filled with conflict and unwillingness.

"What, you can’t bear to part with it?" Wei Mingjin asked.

He had asked Xin He the same question yesterday, but due to Wei Mingxuan’s sudden return, Xin He hadn’t had a chance to answer.

Today, Wei Mingjin asked again.

This time, Xin He clenched the hem of her dress, mustered her courage, and gave him her answer: "I cannot bear to part with it."

Wei Mingjin said nothing.

Xin He’s eyes reddened. Though she appeared extremely timid, her gaze was filled with deep reluctance and pleading: "Young master, this child has been in my womb for four months. I have nurtured it with my very life every day. Four months—even if it were a cat or a dog, one would develop feelings for it, let alone a child who shares our blood. Young master, I cannot bear to lose it. I beg you, can we keep this child?"

As she spoke these last words, her knees bent as if to kneel before Wei Mingjin.

But he grabbed her wrist to stop her.

"Young master, I beg you," Xin He looked up at him, tears falling like broken pearls, her dark eyes filled with a desperate plea.

Wei Mingjin stared at her face for a long moment, his gaze sharp and penetrating: "He Niang, do you truly want to keep this child, or are you using it to secure your future?"

Xin He’s heart sank, but she showed no trace of it on her face.

She only looked up at him with even more sorrow and sincerity in her eyes: "This is your child and mine. I cannot bear to part with it. Moreover, for the rest of my life, I am destined to live in darkness. I’m afraid of being alone. I want a child who shares my blood to keep me company. Young master…"

Before she could finish her plea, Wei Mingjin interrupted her.

"If you want a child, you can have one later, but not this one." As he spoke, his gaze fell on Xin He’s abdomen, his expression mocking. "If this child is born, should it call me brother or father?"

The color drained from Xin He’s face, but she still wanted to make one last effort.

"Young master…"

"He Niang, haven’t you always said you would do everything I say? What, are you refusing to listen to me now?"

Wei Mingjin’s voice was calm, but Xin He knew that pushing further wouldn’t change anything, and it would likely anger him, which would be counterproductive.

Though unwilling, she knew better than to push her luck.

Xin He lowered her head, her face pale: "I will obey the young master."

Wei Mingjin was satisfied with her docile demeanor. He reached out to wipe the tears from her face before placing his palm over her slightly rounded belly.

This was his child.

But Wei Mingjin had never tried to feel its presence before.

Even when they were together, he deliberately avoided touching there.

Today was the first time he touched it—and also the last.

Wei Mingjin had always been indifferent to familial bonds. Even though this was his child, he felt no attachment to it. But seeing Xin He’s defeated look, he still said a few comforting things before returning to the topic of the child.

"It’s already four months old. If we delay any further, aborting it will harm your body." His hand still rested on her abdomen, but his words were cold and emotionless. "We can’t put this off any longer. Tomorrow, I will have someone prepare the abortion medicine. You…"

Wei Mingjin’s words abruptly trailed off.

He felt a kick against his palm pressed against Xin He’s belly.

Xin He felt it too.

The two looked at each other, both fell silent.

After a moment, the ever-knowledgeable Wei Mingjin finally looked at Xin He with confusion: "What is kicking me?"

As soon as he spoke, his palm was kicked again.

The sensation was both strange and novel. Wei Mingjin pulled his hand back and stared at Xin He’s belly.

Even if one hasn’t eaten meat, one has seen pigs run. During her years in Shili Village, Xin He had seen many pregnant women. After a moment of confusion, she exclaimed joyfully, "It’s fetal movement."

"Fetal movement?" After a brief moment of bewilderment, Wei Mingjin recalled reading somewhere that "when a woman is pregnant, the fetus begins to move at four months."

Finding it novel, Wei Mingjin placed his hand on Xin He’s abdomen again.

But this time, after waiting for a long while, there was no movement.

Wei Mingjin looked at Xin He and asked, concerned, "Why isn’t it moving anymore? Is it dead?"

Xin He: "..."

Before Xin He could answer, Wei Mingjin had already ordered someone to quickly fetch a doctor.

Just as Xin He was about to stop him, Chi Yan had already dashed a good distance away, so Xin He had no choice but to close her mouth again.

When Doctor Wu was hauled in, he looked pale and gasping. The moment Chi Yan released him, Doctor Wu slumped into the armchair, gasping for breath.

Wei Mingjin frowned and scolded Chi Yan, "How could you be so rough with Doctor Wu? Go and receive your punishment now."

"No, it's fine," Doctor Wu spoke up for Chi Yan, barely catching his breath before saying, "I should first check Yiniang Xin's pulse."

Xin He sat opposite Doctor Wu, and Qiong Hua stepped forward to pull up Xin He's sleeve, allowing Doctor Wu to place his fingers on her wrist.

Doctor Wu had been overseeing Xin He's pregnancy, so he came to the Wei residence once every ten days to check on her.

And just yesterday, Doctor Wu had visited.

But today, Chi Yan suddenly rushed to find him in a panic, saying that Xin He was unwell and urging him to come to the Wei residence immediately.

Poor Doctor Wu, over fifty years old, was hauled along by Chi Yan like a sack of grain, half-exhausted. But after checking Xin He's pulse, he found no issues.

Since her pulse was normal, he could only ask the patient: "Is Yiniang feeling unwell anywhere?"

"Nowhere, it's just that earlier, earlier..." Xin He stole a glance at Wei Mingjin and took the blame, "It's just that I felt a sudden movement in my belly, and I was afraid something might be wrong with the child, so I panicked and sent for you, Doctor Wu. It seems it was a false alarm. Sorry for the trouble."

Doctor Wu's mouth twitched wryly. "Yiniang, you're too kind."

Afterward, Doctor Wu discussed some matters related to pregnancy with Xin He. Wei Mingjin showed no intention of leaving and quietly sat nearby, listening.

A quarter of an hour later, Doctor Wu was respectfully escorted out.

Xin He intended to use the child's movement as a reason to make a case for keeping the baby.

But before she could speak, Wei Mingjin raised his hand and rubbed his temples. "Yiniang is with child and should not overexert herself. Let's end today's lesson here."

Xin He had no choice but to rise, thank Wei Mingjin, and return to Cuwei Yard supported by Qiong Hua.

After Feng Mo returned from his duties, he learned of the day's events. Seeing that Wei Mingjin seemed somewhat conflicted, he thought it over and finally mustered the courage to advise Wei Mingjin once more.

"Young Master, if you truly cannot bear to part with her, you can keep Yiniang Xin, but the child in her womb must not remain." If this child were to stay, it would cause endless problems.

Wei Mingjin was lounging in an armchair, shooting a sidelong glance at Feng Mo kneeling on the ground, his expression indifferent. "Who says I’m attached to Xin He?"

Feng Mo fell silent.

If you can bear it, then get rid of her!

But such words, even with ten times the courage, Feng Mo would not dare say to Wei Mingjin's face.

"What do you think the consequences would be if this child is born?" Wei Mingjin suddenly asked again.

Hearing this, Feng Mo thought Wei Mingjin was considering his advice and immediately said, "Young Master, if this child is born, it will be ironclad proof of your illicit relationship with Yiniang Xin! Once this comes to light, your reputation and future will be completely ruined. Moreover, by then, a father wouldn’t be a father, a brother wouldn’t be a brother. If you marry and have children in the future, the generational lines would become even messier..."

Feng Mo went on and on, making Wei Mingjin extremely annoyed.

"Shut up and get out."

Feng Mo looked wronged, but seeing Wei Mingjin's dark expression, he dared not say more.

Besides, Feng Mo thought to himself, their Young Master had always been wise and level-headed. Even if he was temporarily bewitched by Xin He's beauty, as long as he clearly explained the pros and cons, he would surely make the right choice.

Feng Mo had great confidence in their Young Master.

The next day, after Xin He had breakfast, Qiong Hua brought the pregnancy tonic as usual.

Recalling that Wei Mingjin had said he would prepare an abortifacient for today, Xin He thought what Qiong Hua brought was exactly that.

She hesitated, holding the medicine bowl for a long time, and only after constant prompting from Qiong Hua did she reluctantly bring it to her lips.

But after just one sip, she realized it was her usual pregnancy tonic, not an abortifacient.

Could it be that Wei Mingjin had suddenly changed his mind?!

Xin He was uncertain. But Wei Mingjin's temperament was unpredictable, and she dared not probe rashly, so she could only wait anxiously for Wei Mingjin's decision.

However, since that day when Wei Mingjin accidentally felt the baby kick, whenever they met, he would always steal glances at her stomach, and sometimes even touch it.

After several such instances, though Wei Mingjin still hadn't stated his position, Xin He faintly guessed his decision.

Feng Mo was also quietly observing Wei Mingjin.

Seeing his Young Master progress from initial indifference to now occasionally staring at Xin He's stomach, Feng Mo knew that his previous advice hadn’t made him see reason.

Gritting his teeth, Feng Mo risked a beating and knelt before Wei Mingjin to advise once more: "Young Master, please reconsider!"

Wei Mingjin, however, leaned by the window feeding fish. He scattered a handful of crushed taro cake crumbs and said carelessly, "I've thought about it, but when have I ever cared about things like the Three Bonds and Five Constants, or rites, righteousness, integrity, and shame?"

Feng Mo: "..."

The Three Bonds and Five Constants, along with rites, righteousness, integrity, and shame, were the foundation of society, yet Wei Mingjin said he had never cared about them.

Feng Mo knew Wei Mingjin was telling the truth.

But if these words were to spread, the scorn of society alone could drown Wei Mingjin.

"Young Master, please be careful what you say!"

Hearing this, Wei Mingjin slowly smiled. "I've seriously considered what you said before, but why should I be afraid?"

Feng Mo's expression turned horrified.

Society did not care about causes, only results. Their illicit affair was socially unacceptable, and a child born under the guise of the master's posthumous child would be an outrage.

Once discovered, both of them would face devastating criticism.

But Wei Mingjin said, what is there to fear!

"There is no shortage of dirty and despicable things in this world. Not to mention elsewhere, just in our own residence, how many vile things have you witnessed over the years?"

Feng Mo dared not answer, only bowing his head deeply.

Wei Mingjin scoffed, not needing an answer, and continued, "If one only knows how to follow conventions, they are doomed to be ants crushed at will. She is now my father's nominal concubine, and she carries his 'posthumous child'—so what? This world is full of painting white as black and black as white. If I wish, I can remain the noble and flawless gentleman in the eyes of society, while also protecting both of them, without letting anyone dare to gossip about us."

If others heard Wei Mingjin's words, they would think him extremely arrogant.

But only Feng Mo knew that Wei Mingjin never spoke idly. If he said it, he could absolutely do it.

Seeing that the matter was settled, Feng Mo knew further words were useless. He kowtowed to Wei Mingjin and withdrew.

Wei Mingjin stood alone by the window, looking down at the strangely shaped fish in the pond.

He knew that although Xin He claimed she was reluctant to give up the child, she actually had ulterior motives.

But so what!

Wei Mingjin dismissively scattered a handful of cake crumbs—

She was merely a dodder that could only survive by clinging to him; could she possibly escape his grasp?

At this moment, Wei Mingjin had no idea that one day in the future, he would pay the price for today's arrogance.

It was only then that he realized Xin He was not a dodder—she was actually a strangler vine.

She pretended to be fragile and played pitiful, gently and slowly entangling him, trapping him bit by bit in a web of emotions. Yet, once he was ensnared, she pulled away without a trace of attachment.