Silence fell over the main hall.

The program slowly clenched his fist inside his sleeve. He had intended to quietly send Lianfu away, but she seemed to have been instigated by someone. No matter how he tried to persuade her, she stubbornly refused to listen. Lacking cunning herself, her ability to come to the Duke of Ying’s mansion and obtain his calling card indicated someone was pulling strings behind the scenes.

If this were at the Cheng family home, he could immediately call guards to drag her away. But here in the Duke of Ying’s mansion, any suspicious moves would quickly draw attention.

Lianfu’s familiar face served as a constant reminder of his depravity. Yet he had already grown numb with despair, viewing everyone around him with the same indifference.

Lianfu had stopped crying. She hung her head, biting her lip, clutching her handkerchief tightly.

She hadn’t expected Cheng Lang to be so cold-hearted. Though aware his feelings for her weren’t deep, she thought they shared at least some affection. But now she fully witnessed his icy cruelty. It seemed that even if she truly bore his child, he would mercilessly force her to get rid of it. Compared to his usual demeanor, today he exuded an air of violent emotion.

Lianfu was only fifteen when she began following Cheng Lang. Back then, she was an unremarkable young courtesan at the pleasure house. He was a wealthy patron of the famous Fu Bailan. The entire establishment relied on Fu Bailan’s favor, and though haughty towards Cheng Lang, she depended on and liked him. How could Lianfu have dared to dream of someone like Cheng Lang then?

One day, as she sat by the window of a painted boat, playing her pipa and gazing at the rippling lake, she turned to find Cheng Lang leaning against the latticed window. His pristine white robes were slightly loose, a wine jug in hand. She didn’t know how long he had been listening. When she stopped playing, he softly asked, “What’s your name?” The young master was as handsome as jade, and Fu Bailan’s man no less.

Her heart suddenly raced as she quietly replied, “My name is Lianfu.”

He merely nodded and left without another word. The next day, the madam summoned her, beaming with joy: “Young Master Cheng has specifically requested your company.”

Lianfu felt both bewildered and delighted. When the madam brought her to Cheng Lang, she stood nervously clutching her pipa. He gestured to the daybed, telling her to sit and play. “Don’t be afraid,” he said coolly. “Just play as you normally would.”

She could hardly focus on her playing. After watching her briefly, he stood and walked over. His fingers slowly caressed her face, making her tremble.

As she looked up, Cheng Lang leaned in close and murmured, “This is your first time, isn’t it?”

Lianfu had only ever been with him, and he was the only one she cared for. Perhaps she always believed Cheng Lang held some affection for her. Now, in her dazed state, she finally saw reality in his cold, calm gaze. A chill ran through her body. She had likely angered him this time, and he would no longer keep her.

After a long silence, Luo Yining found her voice: “Miss Lianfu, I didn’t expect to see you again after our chance meeting on the painted boat. You say you’re carrying Cheng Lang’s child?”

Lianfu looked at the young noblewoman before her, recalling how intently she had listened to her pipa playing that day. She replied softly, “I am about three months along.”

Yining fell silent, then said, “I have a maid skilled in medicine waiting outside. She can quickly determine if you’re with a child. If you insist you’re pregnant, I’ll have her come check your pulse. There’s no need for explanations.”

Yining was certain Cheng Lang wouldn’t leave such obvious evidence of his dalliances. This woman must have been sent by someone to cause trouble, regardless of their motives. To protect Cheng Lang’s reputation and prospects, she would help conceal this matter. After all, she had raised him and still cared for him.

Lianfu’s eyes widened in panic. She grew flustered, having been swept up in the heat of the moment the previous night. The person who brought her had continuously coached her on how to soften Cheng Lang’s heart.

She hadn’t anticipated his heart would be so hard, nor that she would have no say in the Duke of Ying’s household.

“Young miss, I…” Lianfu began.

“Call Qingpu in,” Yining interrupted, calling out to those outside.

Qingpu quickly entered. Yining pointed at Lianfu: “Take her to check her pulse and examine her thoroughly.”

Cheng Lang had remained silent since Yining first saw Lianfu. Seeing Yining handle the situation, he closed his eyes and let her proceed. The earlier trembling sensation gradually subsided. He didn’t dare let this incident spread, as it would surely end his engagement to Yining. But now that she knew… One look at that face told her everything.

Whether Lianfu was truly pregnant didn’t matter to him anymore.

Lianfu’s eyes flashed as she saw a tall maid approach. She immediately stood up. Qingpu swiftly grasped her wrist and covered her mouth to prevent her from speaking out of turn. With the help of a manservant, they half-escorted and half-dragged Lianfu to a side room.

After she left, a deathly silence fell over the room. Yining slowly stood up, unsure how to face Cheng Lang.

At that moment, she realized some deeply hidden secrets. Yet it remained an unconfirmed suspicion. This speculation made her palms sweat. She looked out the window, trying to calm herself. But as she turned, someone embraced her from behind!

Luo Yining was startled as strong arms tightened around her, nearly embedding her in his chest. She could feel his breath on the top of her head.

“What are you doing?!” Yining struggled to break free.

But instead of letting go, he lowered his head to her shoulder and said, “You saw everything.” He had long wanted to hold her like this, keeping her all to himself. The earlier fear gradually transformed into an impulse. She knew now… so what if she knew? Let her know then! There was no other way. He said hoarsely, “That girl was a substitute for you, Yining. She resembles you about 40-50%. Ever since you died, I’ve missed you terribly. I’ve always wanted… I had no choice!”

“I don’t want to know what just happened. Let me go and we’ll talk!” Yining sensed something was off with him and ran for the door after pushing him away. This Cheng Lang who normally obeyed her every word and treated her gently seemed like a different person. He caught up in a few strides, grabbing her waist and pressing her onto the nearby daybed. Yining landed with a thud, unable to move. She couldn’t even sit up!

Cheng Lang’s eyes were slightly red as he lowered his head to kiss her face.

He dared to do this!

In desperation, Yining raised her hand to slap him, but pinned down by his larger frame, she was powerless to resist. She couldn’t cry out for help without causing a scandal, as she was bound to marry none other than Cheng Lang.

She had been completely off guard, never imagining he would do such a thing!

Her palm connected with his face in a crisp slap! Yining panted, “What… what are you trying to do? Are you using this method to force me to marry you? Cheng Lang, don’t be foolish!”

Cheng Lang looked at her face, so familiar with her expressions. She was afraid, but her temperament made her put on a brave front, never letting others see her fear.

He could go further, using force against her. When the guards outside came in, Yining would be unable to explain herself. But how could he be so despicable to her? This was Luo Yining – the one who had held him as a child, taught him to read and write, and protected him!

Cheng Lang held her motionless, burying his face in her chest. He began to tremble. This sharp pain of unrequited longing made him gradually choke up, but he still refused to let go, holding her tightly.

Yining felt him seemingly choking up and was a bit surprised. She pressed her lips together.

“What happened to you these past seven years…” she said in a calmer tone. “Get up. Let’s talk properly.”

She sat up and tidied her disheveled clothes. Cheng Lang knelt beside her, holding her hands as he asked, “If I were to propose marriage now, you wouldn’t agree anymore, would you?”

She hadn’t wanted to agree in the first place, which was why Cheng Lang had planned to deceive her into marriage. But now, she likely wouldn’t agree even to that deception.

Yining leaned against the small table and laughed softly. “Cheng Lang, why are you doing this?” Her smile held a hint of dejection. “I’ve already died once. Why do you keep pining for me? I can’t even figure myself out. I can’t even avenge my murder, and no one can shake his position. See? There’s nothing worth liking about me.”

Cheng Lang gripped her hands tightly. “That may be true for others, but for me… I’ve lost and regained you. I can’t give up. I’m sorry.”

Yining pulled her hands away. His grasp closed on empty air.

Outside, a commotion arose as Wei Ling arrived with his men.

Given the situation, Pearl couldn’t keep this from Wei Ling.

Upon seeing Lianfu, Wei Ling’s brows furrowed deeply. Without a word, he immediately took Cheng Lang aside to speak privately.

Qingqu came to inform Yining: “Young miss… what a mess this has turned into. And just when you were about to be engaged to Young Master Cheng…” She sighed regretfully.

Yining asked her, “Is Miss Lianfu stable now?”

Qingqu nodded. “She’s stable, just very frightened. The child in her womb is in an unstable position. She’ll need to be careful not to miscarry. She’ll need proper care when she returns… These girls don’t take care of their bodies, always drinking things that harm the womb. Getting pregnant even once isn’t easy for them.”

Yining’s brows furrowed. She thought she had misheard. “What did you just say?”

“That girl is truly with child,” Qingqu said. “Less than three months along. She seemed quite shocked herself… She said she always took contraceptive medicine after being with Young Master Cheng. But herbal remedies aren’t always reliable. It’s not uncommon for women to get pregnant unexpectedly even after taking contraceptives. When I used to follow Madam Zheng to Liushu Alley in Zhending, some didn’t even know they were pregnant until they miscarried unexpectedly…”

Liushu Alley in Zhending was home to famous opera performers, often kept by wealthy young masters and officials.

Yining was at a loss for words. What a coincidence! She had thought it was just someone coming to extort money, but the pregnancy turned out to be real. Now Lianfu would have to be dealt with by Cheng Lang himself. Since there was a child involved, it became a matter for the Cheng family.

Shortly after, Old Madam Wei hurried to the East Garden, supported by Mama Song.

Wei Ling emerged and informed the old madam coldly, “I’m afraid this marriage can’t proceed. I didn’t mind Cheng Lang’s previous indiscretions… but for his mistress to show up at our door, I have reservations. No matter how good he may be otherwise if something like this happens again in the future, Yining will have no recourse.” Wei Ling didn’t mention to Old Madam Wei that the courtesan was truly pregnant. That was now Cheng Lang’s matter to handle.

Old Madam Wei sighed. “I had such concerns from the beginning, but seeing you so pleased with your plans, I didn’t say anything.”

She beckoned Yining to her side. Looking at the girl’s still somewhat childish face, she stroked her head. “This child has been through so much hardship. Now with one option after another falling through, I don’t know what to do.” The old madam’s voice grew heavy with emotion. “Yining, are you upset?”

Yining smiled at her. “Grandmother, I’m fine.”

Wei Ling glanced at the girl, thinking of how she had no mother and yet faced so many tribulations. He said, “His Majesty has been busy lately with the aftermath at Pingyuan Fort and the river embankment repairs. He hasn’t had time to address this matter, but the Empress sent word asking about Yining’s marriage. She said that once a date is set, she will certainly prepare gifts.”

Old Madam Wei’s expression darkened upon hearing this. “The Empress is reminding us…”

Wei Ling nodded. “I’m afraid this won’t end here.”

He sighed heavily. “If it comes down to it, you should discuss Young Master He with Madam He. I saw him from afar last time – his manners seemed decent. Though he can’t compare to Cheng Lang, as long as he treats Yining well, we can help him advance his career in the future.”

Old Madam Wei nodded, planning to visit the He family the next day.

Yining gazed at the distant lake. She had just informed Cheng Lang about Lianfu’s pregnancy.

Cheng Lang remained silent for a long while before laughing. “A child… she is having a child!”

His eyes were cold, showing no joy at becoming a father. Instead, they held an indescribable chill.

What was nearly settled had been completely derailed by Lianfu’s interference. Now filled with rage, Cheng Lang was certain someone had put Lianfu up to this. He was determined to find out who.

What did he need someone else’s child for? He would not forgive those who had caused him to lose what he desired most.