child
At the end of May, Song Mingyan finally left. A letter from the Marquis of Anyang's residence said that the mistress was seriously ill and urgently summoned him back to the capital.
Even though he was reluctant, he started making preparations.
Since their conversation that day, Song Mingyan had said he wanted to leave, but he hadn't moved an inch. Jiang Mian didn't know how to persuade him, so she usually avoided him.
Today he has finally made up his mind. Jiang Mian is afraid that if he stays here, she won't be able to handle the gossip that will spread from all around.
"If you need anything, just send me a message."
Song Mingyan was reluctant to part with her, and even after he got into the carriage, he was still thinking about her.
As Jiang Mian watched the person walk away, her mood was not as relaxed as usual. Although she said that people should look forward, when the day actually came, she remembered the farewell at the long bridge a few years ago. Now, as time passed, it felt like she had returned to that day.
However, we still have to move forward.
Jiang Mian returned to her room. A few days ago, a letter came from Jeju saying that her maternal grandmother was very excited to hear the news about her and had sent someone to pick her up.
However, Jiang Mian had no intention of going.
She planned to continue living in Yangzhou once things calmed down, and perhaps she could find someone who wouldn't look down on her and get married.
In any case, she has completely severed ties with that person.
Jiang Mian doesn't ask for anything.
He said such hurtful things that day, which shows that he had truly let her go.
That's fine too.
To prevent her from having a jumbled mess of thoughts.
“I’ve noticed you’ve been distracted these past few days, is something wrong?” Yunniang asked worriedly in the embroidery workshop.
"It's nothing." Jiang Mian shook her head. She had just been a little tired these past few days and had been able to sleep a bit more. Perhaps it was because the weather was getting warmer, and she would feel better in a few days.
Seeing this, Yunniang didn't ask any more questions. She changed the subject and suddenly mentioned, "I heard that a distinguished guest has come to the prefect's mansion. The young master is extremely handsome. As soon as he appeared, all the women in Yangzhou were like they had lost their souls."
Jiang Mian listened absentmindedly, only half-listening. Yunniang was saying that most of the country had already turned against the government, leaving only the imperial city, which was determined to resist to the death, but she felt that it was only a matter of time.
For ordinary people, the change of dynasties is not unusual.
What they were talking about was that the current emperor had actually plotted a rebellion and killed the Crown Prince Yong'an.
Jiang Mian felt extremely tired. After staying in the embroidery workshop for half a day, she used feeling unwell as an excuse to go home first.
As soon as she entered the house, she felt thirsty, and in a daze, the scene before her seemed to become a blur.
When he regained consciousness, he saw Yunniang's face full of surprise: "Thank God, you've finally woken up."
"I..." Jiang Mian had a headache and didn't realize what had happened. Yunniang said impatiently, "It's a good thing I came to your house, otherwise I wouldn't have known you fainted."
"The doctor said you are two months pregnant!"
Jiang Mian's mind went blank; she couldn't hear a word Yunniang was saying. Her fingertips involuntarily touched her abdomen, her voice trembling, "The child..."
Yunniang was worried: "You just got pregnant, and the father of the child has already left. That Song family brat is really something, he didn't even know how to hold a wedding banquet. You two are so confused..."
Jiang Mian was caught off guard, her thoughts drifting...
Two months...that was the night she was kidnapped...
This child is calm and composed.
He never came before, but this time, he came... It was really bad timing.
Seeing her confused expression, Yunniang couldn't help but give her a few more words of advice, specifically instructing her to stay home and rest during her pregnancy, and not to think about anything else.
The embroidery workshop was busy with many affairs, and Yunniang didn't stay long before leaving.
Jiang Mian was all alone and had never felt so helpless.
The child came too suddenly, just when she had made up her mind to start a new life. Jiang Mian lowered her eyes and looked at her flat belly. It was hard to imagine that there was a little life inside.
For the next few days, she had mixed feelings, until one day, Jiang Chong suddenly led his men into her courtyard.
Jiang Mian became alert, looking at the group of ill-intentioned people in front of her, and couldn't help but feel afraid.
"Jiang Chong, I'm your older sister!"
"Sister?" Jiang Chong scoffed. The unruly boy from back then had grown up and inherited his father's bad habits. He did nothing but gamble all day long.
"When you plotted against me, you never considered that I was your brother, did you?" With that, the young man looked obsequiously at the man beside him: "Look, isn't this the woman you tied up back then?"
Jiang Mian then noticed that the fierce-looking man next to Jiang Chong was the one who had kidnapped her.
The big man was missing an arm, but had a scar on his cheek.
"Little wench, I've finally found you!" The burly man approached, his face full of scars: "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been crippled."
“I don’t know you…” Jiang Mian stepped back, trying to avoid him.
However, the man pressed closer and grabbed her hair: "Don't you recognize me?"
"Look for yourself, this arm of mine was crippled by the magistrate's men. How come I didn't notice you were so beautiful the day I tied you up? Perfect, now that I can't do anything else, I'll sell you into a brothel to raise money for drinks for my brothers."
Jiang Chong was fanning the flames from the sidelines; he had now completely become a drug addict.
Only with capital could he continue gambling.
He will definitely win back.
"Since you know that messing with me will cause trouble, aren't you afraid that your other arm will also be crippled?" Jiang Mian felt a sharp pain in her scalp. She was scared and desperately thinking of a solution. No one could save her right now, so she could only save herself.
As I have done countless times before, I saved myself.
"Don't waste your breath on her, sir. You don't know my sister. She's a master of deception. Let's sell her while it's still light out. That's the real money we'll get."
"Jiang Chong!" Jiang Mian couldn't help but shout at him.
However, Jiang Chong's eyes held no trace of his former tenderness, only ruthlessness and selfishness.
Jiang Mian was desperate and could only avoid touching her stomach. She was restrained and walked out with them. Just as they stepped out, a strong force suddenly knocked the person next to her over.
A painful scream could be heard.
Blood streamed past her eyes, and she looked up in a daze, seeing a face that wasn't quite familiar.
"Miss Jiang, your subordinate Xiao Quan is late."
Xiao Quan sheathed his sword and coldly ordered, "Take all these people away."
The change happened in an instant. In that short moment, her heart went through heaven and hell. She ran behind Xiao Quan and watched Jiang Chong and the others being taken away before she finally felt at ease.
"Miss Jiang, the master has ordered me to bring you back."
go back?
Jiang Mian was somewhat doubtful, wondering if she had misheard. He was Shen Ji's man, so why would Shen Ji want to take her back?
Jiang Mian's mind was in turmoil, and she was still somewhat dazed even after getting into the carriage. However, Xiao Quan was not like Yun Qing; he didn't say a word, leaving her completely clueless.
Throughout the journey, she kept having thoughts of turning back.
However, the next moment, a sense of resentment swept over her. Returning to that small house would only bring endless trouble, but by Shen Ji's side, perhaps she could find another way out.
She is not alone now.
She was pregnant, and she had to protect the baby.
The journey wasn't long, and it wasn't until she got off the carriage that Jiang Mian realized this wasn't Prefect Song's residence, but another house.
It seems the owner has been living here for some time.
"Has he always been here?" After hesitating for a while, Jiang Mian finally asked the question that had been bothering her.
Xiao Quan nodded without saying a word.
"But there's a war going on outside right now..."
"The world has been recovered, only the palace remains. Master is waiting for an opportunity." Xiao Quan explained briefly, seemingly unwilling to reveal too much to her.
Jiang Mian understood, and walked forward until she reached the garden. Suddenly, she saw the dignified and elegant man in the pavilion... and many women surrounding him.
Jiang Mian suddenly stopped in her tracks.
Xiao Quan frowned, also surprised that this scene would unfold.
"Commander Xiao, did he specifically ask me to look at this?" Jiang Mian pursed her lips. To be honest, if Shen Ji really became emperor in the future, with his looks and talent, there would definitely be many women who admired him. What confidence did she have in keeping him?
Fortunately, she realized it early.
I won't waste my time, but why do I still feel a little uncomfortable?
Xiao Quan didn't know what to say. Just then, the man surrounded by the crowd suddenly glanced in their direction.
Cold-hearted, indifferent.
He had the exact same expression as when he said those words that day.
Jiang Mian turned around. She should have seen through him sooner. Fortunately, her goal now wasn't him, but the benefits he could bring her. Thinking of this, she smiled at Xiao Quan and asked, "Where do I live?"
*
At night, after tidying up, Jiang Mian blew out the candle and prepared to rest.
Suddenly, footsteps sounded outside the door.
The person who came in naturally pushed open the door and saw her at a glance.
Jiang Mian was surprised that Shen Ji would come so late at night, especially without any prior notice.
She stared at him without saying a word.
Even though she faked her death to deceive him, she never regretted it.
Moreover, now that they are even, Jiang Mian doesn't know what reason Shen Ji would have to come at this moment.
"It's been so long, you've forgotten how to greet people?"
"What did I call you?" Jiang Mian retorted. With so many people around him, why did he bring her back? Could it be that he wanted to show her how carefree and happy he was living, so she could see for herself?
That's ridiculous.
Unexpectedly, the young man was not annoyed, but instead smiled. He sat down on the soft couch as if he were in his own room: "Mianniang, you've been naughty again."
"Shen Ji, you're not welcome here." She hated his arrogant attitude.
It was as if it was reminding her how foolish she had been.
As soon as he finished speaking, the young man approached, his gaze burning. He hadn't seen her in a long time and missed her terribly: "Everything here is mine, including you."
He wanted to get close to her.
I'm going crazy thinking about it.
Shen Ji lowered his head and gently kissed her lips.
Unexpectedly, he received a solid slap in the face.
The girl's eyes were bloodshot as she said fiercely, "I'm pregnant, but it's not yours!"
Before he could react, she pushed him away. Shen Ji's gaze shifted to her lower abdomen, his eyes instantly darkening like a black mist, his face even more terrifying, as if he wanted to devour someone.
Jiang Mian felt a little guilty, her eyes darting away. Just now, she had done it on purpose, deliberately saying she was pregnant, and then deliberately saying it wasn't his.
Seeing his gloomy expression, she was afraid, but she still held her head high and said loudly, "Cousin, speaking of which, the child in my belly can call you uncle in the future."
"Shut up!" The man's face was dark as he grabbed her wrist and pressed down on her. "The child isn't mine, but you are!"
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