When Fang Xinlian returned to the circle of aristocratic young ladies and gentlemen, her situation became somewhat awkward.
There was no other reason than that the noble lady and young master had come with the intention of befriending Xiao Ji, so they naturally saw what had just happened.
Fang Xinlian sensed that everyone was intentionally distancing themselves from her, and feeling awkward and helpless, she bit her lip.
I instinctively looked at my best friend, only to find that my friend was avoiding my gaze and not looking at me at all.
Overwhelmed with shame and indignation, with red eyes, she staggered downstairs with her maid, rushing towards Fang's mother who was dealing with the officials' wives.
Fifteen minutes later, Xiao Ji left his seat.
It was late at night, and North Street was much quieter than other streets because it was where the royal family, noble families, and ministers lived.
"General."
The gate of the Princess's residence was guarded from morning till night. Xiao Ji, who had just dismounted from his carriage, bowed to the guards.
Xiao Ji nodded and entered the mansion. He bathed and changed before returning to his room, afraid that the smell of alcohol he brought back would offend Shang Changge.
"Crunch."
The carved wooden door to the bedchamber opened very quietly, but Shang Changge was still awake.
She glanced through the curtains, then closed her eyes again, turning over and refusing to look a second time.
A moment later, Xiao Ji lay on his side on the large bed, looking at the little rascal's disdainful back with a mixture of resentment and helplessness, and sighed.
After a while, noticing that Shang Changge still showed no signs of falling asleep, she couldn't help but seek his attention, sighing in grievance and whispering her complaint:
"My lady, there was a young lady at tonight's banquet who had ill intentions and tried to get close to me."
Shang Changge: ?
Turn around and stare—
Xiao Ji got what he wanted but remained calm and continued to pretend to be aggrieved as he explained in detail what happened at the birthday banquet.
After finishing her statement, she rolled up her own quilt and moved around, until she, a tall and big person, snuggled into Shang Changge's arms like a little bird seeking shelter.
He wasn't rejected or pushed away; instead, he tentatively pressed his advantage, placing his large hand lightly on Shang Changge's protruding belly and stroking it gently.
Afraid of being kicked away at any moment, they close their eyes and put on a show after being satisfied:
"I'm asleep, really asleep."
Then he remained motionless and silent, as if he had truly fallen asleep.
Shang Changge was both amused and exasperated, but ultimately couldn't bring herself to push the cautious man away.
Suppressing the inexplicable resistance in his heart, he pulled the person into his arms and praised them in the darkness.
"Well handled, keep up the good work."
After many days, the big bad wolf was overjoyed to finally be able to openly embrace his beloved woman and receive a response. He snuggled against his partner in a charming and obsequious manner before closing his eyes and going to sleep.
She stopped making a fuss and asking for nothing more. The little rascal, pregnant, is going through a tough time.
He couldn't share her hardships, so he should be more patient and considerate.
The next day.
Shang Changge went out for a while, his destination being East Street, where the government offices were located, to take care of both official business and some personal matters.
The important matter was that he met with several ministers and held a meeting. After the meeting, he kept Fang Xinlian's father, Fang Wenbo, behind.
After having tea, Shang Changge got straight to the point.
"I heard that something interesting happened at Lord Fang's daughter's birthday banquet last night. I wonder how Lord Fang handled it afterwards?"
Fang Wenbo was already drinking the tea with great trepidation, and upon hearing this, he placed the teacup on the table, knelt down tremblingly, and kowtowed:
"Your Highness, please forgive me for failing to properly educate my daughter. I have already disciplined her and will certainly keep her in strict control in the future, so that she will never do anything to displease Your Highness again."
Shang Changge remained indifferent, turning the white porcelain teacup with his fingers. He did not respond, but sat for quite a while before getting up and leaving.
Silent intimidation is the most oppressive and terrifying.
Shang Changge left.
Fang Wenbo's vision blurred, the world spun, and grief overwhelmed him: It's over, the Fang family is finished.
"Master Fang."
The return of the Vermilion Bird also pulled Fang Wenbo back from the grief of his family's glory being destroyed.
Zhuque returned to deliver a message; regardless of Fang Wenbo's mental state, he only needed to convey the message:
"Lord Fang, you may rise now. Also, the Princess wants you to remember what you just said."
Fang Wenbo was stunned for a moment, then kowtowed heavily in the direction Shang Changge had left, as if he had been granted a pardon: "Your humble servant thanks the Princess for her forgiveness."
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