Old Madam Deng recalled what Qiao Zhao had said over a month ago. At the time, she had found it somewhat strange but hadn’t thought deeply about it. Now, reflecting on it, it truly had the flavor of prophetic foresight.

“Have Third Miss come here,” Old Madam Deng instructed.

“Old Madam, Third Miss isn’t here at this time,” Qing Yun reminded her.

Only then did Old Madam Deng remember that at this hour every day, Qiao Zhao would go to the Marquis Guanjun’s residence.

“Never mind. Go tell the gate guards that as soon as Third Miss returns, she should come to Qingsong Hall immediately.”

Liu perked up upon hearing this: “Old Madam, did Third Miss say that? How did she say it?”

Old Madam Deng recalled and repeated Qiao Zhao’s words from that time. Liu slapped her thigh: “Old Madam, Third Miss knew something!”

Old Madam Deng glanced toward the west room where He Shi was resting and couldn’t help frowning: “Know something? But at that time, He Shi hadn’t conceived yet.”

Liu was stunned: “That’s right—at that time, eldest sister-in-law wasn’t pregnant yet.”

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law became increasingly puzzled, both staring eagerly at the doorway.

Time seemed to pass especially slowly.

Under their anxious gazes, Qiao Zhao finally returned.

“Third girl, come quickly.”

Qiao Zhao walked lightly to Old Madam Deng, paid her respects to both Old Madam Deng and Liu, and smiled: “Grandmother looks so well today. Did something joyful happen?”

Indeed, something joyful. Zhaozhao, your mother is with child.” Old Madam Deng smiled, her eyes fixed intently on Qiao Zhao.

Qiao Zhao smiled: “That’s wonderful! I’ll go see Mother.”

Old Madam Deng held her back: “Your mother is resting here at Grandmother’s. Zhaozhao, the joyful news you mentioned some days ago—was it referring to this?”

Qiao Zhao didn’t answer immediately. Her eyes shimmered as they met the curious gazes in the room, then she smiled brightly: “Yes.”

“Third Miss, can you possibly predict the future?” Liu asked with fervent curiosity.

She didn’t believe in fortune-telling, but Third Miss understood medicine—perhaps she had given He Shi some soup that aided conception?

It must be said that Liu had guessed the truth.

Qiao Zhao gave Liu a charming smile: “Second Aunt jests. How could I predict the future?”

“Third girl, then why did you say that at the time?” Old Madam Deng pressed.

The young woman’s thick, curled lashes fluttered, but her expression remained relaxed: “At that time, I saw Father and Mother getting along harmoniously, so I guessed there might be a little brother coming.”

Fortune-telling was nonsense, and the fact that she could prepare fertility-enhancing medicines was even less suitable to spread around. Otherwise, the trouble would be considerable—she didn’t want to be chased by a crowd of women seeking children.

Old Madam Deng’s heart skipped a beat: “Little brother?”

Qiao Zhao smiled sweetly at Old Madam Deng: “Yes, little brother.”

Mother was impulsive by nature. She hoped that after she left, for the sake of the baby in Mother’s belly, the family would show Mother more patience and tolerance.

“Grandmother, Second Aunt, I’ll go see Mother.”

After Qiao Zhao went to the west room, Old Madam Deng looked dazed. Liu grabbed Old Madam Deng’s wrist, her voice trembling: “Old Madam, Third Miss she—”

What did she mean? Could she even know whether the child in He Shi’s belly was a boy or a girl?

Liu first thought she was being delusional, then reconsidered—this was Third Miss, after all, the Third Miss who brought misfortune to anyone who crossed her. Having some miraculous abilities seemed acceptable.

Old Madam Deng gently patted Liu’s hand but said nothing more.

When Qiao Zhao entered the room to see He Shi, He Shi was wearing a silly smile, her hibiscus-like face radiant as spring dawn, seemingly glowing.

“Mother.”

Qiao Zhao called softly, and only then did He Shi come to her senses, speaking excitedly: “Zhaozhao, you’re going to have a little brother or sister.”

“Congratulations. Does Mother want a little brother or little sister?”

He Shi answered without hesitation: “Mother hopes for a little brother.”

She reached out to gently stroke her daughter’s black, smooth hair: “That way, when he grows up, he can protect his big sister.”

Qiao Zhao rested her head on He Shi’s knee, quietly reddening around the eyes: “Mother will get her wish.”

The news of He Shi’s pregnancy somewhat lightened the atmosphere of separation that had enveloped the West Residence due to Third Miss’s upcoming journey. Qiao Zhao secretly breathed a sigh of relief while finally learning what reason Shao Mingyuan would use to leave the capital for the south.

He was going to pay respects to his father-in-law’s family. After proactively requesting permission from his superiors, they nodded in approval and even provided some condolence gifts.

Regarding this, Qiao Zhao had to admit it was an excellent excuse.

On the day of departure, Qiao Mo saw Shao Mingyuan off outside the residence.

Ye Luo, tanned by sea winds, stood there holding horses.

Shao Mingyuan stopped: “Brother-in-law, please return.”

Qiao Mo gazed steadily at Shao Mingyuan: “Take care, Marquis.”

The man before him had promised to stay with big sister, so if he was safe, big sister would be safe.

“I will. Brother-in-law, don’t worry.” Shao Mingyuan nodded, cupped his hands toward Qiao Mo, then turned and strode toward the white horse.

“Marquis—” Qiao Mo called from behind, catching up.

Hearing this, Shao Mingyuan stopped and turned: “Does brother-in-law have other instructions?”

Qiao Mo took a brocade pouch from his chest and handed it over.

Shao Mingyuan accepted it, lowering his eyes to examine it carefully. Qiao Mo’s voice sounded: “Marquis, if one day you encounter something very difficult or confusing because of Miss Li, then open this and look.”

“Very well.” Shao Mingyuan put away the brocade pouch, mounted his horse, and said to Qiao Mo: “Brother-in-law, rest assured and stay in the residence with Wanwan. I will bring her back safely.”

After speaking, he gently spurred his horse. The white horse’s hooves lifted lightly as it galloped toward the distance in the morning light.

“Brother-in-law—” A girl child rushed out from the residence. Seeing the white horse already far away, she bit her lip and began crying pitifully.

“Wanwan, why are you up? Usually at this time, Qiao Wan would be sleeping soundly.

Qiao Wan tugged at Qiao Mo’s sleeve: “Big brother, brother-in-law is going on a long journey. Why didn’t you wake me?”

On the broad bluestone street, not even a single figure could be seen. Qiao Mo led Qiao Wan back while walking and saying, “Didn’t you say goodbye to your brother-in-law yesterday?”

“But I wanted to personally see brother-in-law off.”

Qiao Mo smiled: “The Marquis was afraid of disturbing your sleep. Children who don’t sleep enough won’t grow tall.”

Hearing that Shao Mingyuan was thinking of her rather than forgetting her, the little girl pursed her lips and smiled: “I see. Then I’ll go back and take another nap. When brother-in-law returns, I might be even taller than Sister Li.”

“Go on.” Qiao Mo pinched Qiao Wan’s nose. Watching his little sister’s bouncing figure, he thought of his big sister.

He wondered what expression the Marquis Guanjun would have when he saw the note in the brocade pouch, and how he would treat big sister.

Imagining that scene, Qiao Mo couldn’t help smiling.

No matter what, with Shao Mingyuan accompanying big sister on this southern journey, he felt much more at ease.

At the Li Residence, the escort party sent by the Empress Dowager was already waiting in the front courtyard—exactly ten people, no more, no less.

Thinking that these people would take his daughter away, Li Guangwen’s heart felt like it was being carved up. He cast a critical eye over them and suddenly spotted a familiar face.