In the main seat, Fukang'an and Yan Ning sat upright. The glory of the legitimate wife shone upon Delin once more. Xi Ying pondered for a moment, then bowed her head, her voice filled with sorrow, "I am deeply aware of my sins. The General's refusal to divorce me is already an immense favor! I am so guilty that I dare not raise Delin any longer. I only beg that Madam may adopt Delin. I do not seek the glory of the legitimate wife, but only that he grows up safely!"
Fukang'an's arms, which were holding Delin, froze. He looked at Yan Ning beside him. Yan Ning also looked at Xi Ying with surprise, not understanding what she meant. Fukang'an had already softened and wouldn't divorce her again, so why did she still send Delin to her side? Wouldn't that mean she had no one left to rely on?
Xi Ying still bowed her head, her jet-black hair scattered on the ground, making her blue and white cheongsam look cold and aloof.
Half a day later, Fukang'an frowned and handed Delin to Yan Ning. He then instructed Zhao Xing, "Move Concubine Ying to Zuixia Studio!"
Zhao Xing knelt down and bowed, "Yes, sir!" Then he ordered several maids to help Xi Ying up and walk towards Zui Xia Zhai.
Xi Ying's last glance fell on De Lin in Yan Ning's arms. That was her last hope. As long as De Lin lived up to expectations and inherited Fu Kang An's title, she could endure the loneliness and hardship year after year!
Delin was puzzled as to what had happened. His innocent and clear eyes had turned from sorrow to joy as he looked at Yan Ning and smiled innocently.
Yan Ning held De Lin tightly in her arms. Not leaving the manor was already the greatest leniency Fu Kang An could show Xi Ying. She dared not plead for her, also fearing that Xi Ying's behavior would corrupt the innocent and pure De Lin in her arms.
Qiu'er volunteered to serve Xi Ying at Zui Xia Zhai, while Xia'er wanted to be assigned elsewhere. Fu Kang'an was exhausted both physically and mentally, and entrusted the entire matter to Zhao Xing for arrangement.
Wu Chun, citing Xia'er's virtuous and upright character, ordered her to serve him. Xia'er was originally a maidservant who came with Xi Ying's family as part of her dowry and should have gone to Zui Xia Zhai with Xi Ying. However, since Wu Chun had already spoken, Zhao Xing could not refuse her and had no choice but to comply.
Next to the Drunken Summer Abode is the Pleasant Pavilion. Because it is located in an extremely shady place, the sunlight cannot shine into the courtyard, hence the name Drunken Summer Abode. It was originally a good place to escape the summer heat, but it has been left idle because of Aunt Fang's affair.
Not a blade of grass grew in the courtyard; compared to the overgrown weeds of Yirenxuan, the desolation here seemed even more bleak. Although it was autumn, it felt colder than winter, with thick dust everywhere.
Inside the main room, cobwebs lay layer upon layer, and even after pulling back the tattered curtains on the windows, not a single ray of light could penetrate.
Xi Ying sat upright in the main seat, gazing at the unclosed courtyard gate, longing for De Lin to grow up and for him to take her out of this cold and bitter place.
In the dim candlelight, Yan Ning ordered someone to trim the burning wicks on the candlesticks, lest they disturb the sleeping De Lin.
Looking at Delin's sleeping face, Yan Ning's cheeks flushed. She was already in her twenties and had never imagined becoming a mother so soon. Although Fukang'an had mentioned letting her have a child that day, such things were ultimately a matter of fate, not human will.
Delin always called her "Big Mother". In the past, Yan Ning only thought his childish voice was cute, but now it has a unique flavor to her ears.
She raised her hand and gently stroked Delin's round, pearly face, afraid of startling or frightening him. Unbeknownst to her, Fukang'an was already sitting beside her, watching the mother and son.
After a long while, Yan Ning looked up and met Fu Kang'an's warm eyes. The candlelight was dim, and she couldn't see the color of his robe, only a dark shadow, with only his tender eyes shining brightly.
As if her thoughts had been read, Yan Ning felt a little shy and lowered her head, not daring to meet Fu Kang'an's eyes again. Fu Kang'an took the opportunity to pull her into his arms, and whispered in her ear, "Yan Ning, will you grant me a child?"
He couldn't get over his own conscience; Xi Ying's actions today only intensified his self-blame for De Jia's death. When he closed his eyes, De Jia's pale, tightly closed face would appear before him. Seeing De Lin only reminded him of De Jia.
In his youth, Fukang'an was successful, accumulating numerous military achievements and being invincible. Now, however, he couldn't suppress the jealousy and rivalry within the household, which had escalated to the point of harming an unborn child. But Xiying was, after all, Delin's birth mother, and he couldn't disregard Delin's future reputation; he had already lost a son.
Yan Ning saw that the tenderness in Fukang'an's eyes had vanished, replaced by pain. She reached out, trying to smooth the wrinkles between his brows. He smiled and nodded.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
