Even though Second Master Ling was reluctant to divorce his wife in his heart, this order came from his father. He couldn't fall out with his father over this matter and leave the Ling family. Therefore, he had no choice but to divorce Madam Zhao.
"You... you..." Before Madam Zhao could utter a word, a surge of anger rose in her chest, and she fainted dead away.
"Hurry and help Madam to her bed, then find a doctor. Do whatever it takes to wake her up. If she doesn't wake, just carry her away."
Regardless, Madam Zhao was to be sent away today. Whether she was awake or unconscious made no fundamental difference.
After Second Master Ling gave his orders, he had just reached the doorway when a maid rushed in to report.
"Second Master, Old Madam Zhao is here."
"Where is she? Hurry and take me there." Second Master Ling said, and then followed the maid out.
In the East Courtyard, Feng Jin was lounging leisurely on a soft couch, enjoying the warm winter sunlight and occasionally eating an orange. Her days were exceptionally pleasant.
"Young Madam, the steward is here."
Feng Jin paused, the orange in her hand. Why was the steward here? Hadn't she announced to everyone that she was ill? What business could he have at this hour? Feng Jin hesitated for a moment before saying to Cai Qing, "Tell him that I had a slight headache this morning and am not fit to receive guests. If he has anything, he can find Ling Mo Han."
"Young Madam, I already told him that. The steward said that the Old Master sent him and requested that you absolutely go to the main hall."
Cai Qing had been at a stalemate with the steward outside the door for a long time. If the steward hadn't been so insistent on not leaving, she wouldn't have come in to ask Feng Jin.
Putting down the orange, Feng Jin pondered for a moment before saying, "You first take the steward to the front courtyard. I'll go change my clothes."
Since she was pretending to be sick, she had to do it convincingly. Feng Jin returned to her room and took out her makeup kit, applying it to her face. In a short while, she looked haggard and frail.
Feng Jin looked at herself in the mirror with satisfaction. Good, this was in character.
The steward was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, pacing back and forth, his eyes constantly scanning outside for Feng Jin. How long had it been? Why hadn't she arrived yet?
Upon seeing Feng Jin's figure, the steward stood up in a fluster. His movements were too hasty, and he stumbled a few steps, nearly falling to the ground.
"Young Madam, you've finally arrived."
Feng Jin feigned weakness and said weakly, "What is the matter that brings the steward here?"
Cai Qing, with great perception, stepped forward to help Feng Jin sit on a chair and then draped a blanket over her.
"Young Madam, if it were not a matter of great importance, this old servant would never dare to disturb your rest. It is truly the Old Master's command that I come to invite Young Madam to the main hall."
The Old Master Ling's command. This struck Feng Jin as strange. The Old Master was very concerned about the child in her womb. Knowing that she was recuperating, he wouldn't have asked her to come out even for the sake of the child.
It seemed something was about to happen, and it wasn't a small matter. After much thought, Feng Jin agreed, "Since it is Grandfather's command, then I shall go... *cough*..."
"You imbeciles, why aren't you quickly helping Young Madam? You, go and fetch the soft sedan chair and carry Young Madam to the main hall."
The steward's attitude towards Feng Jin now was like night and day compared to before.
Feng Jin was also one to enjoy such comforts. Being carried was much better than walking herself. She comfortably got into the soft sedan chair. She had to admit, this sedan chair was truly comfortable, not at all bumpy. All this was thanks to the child in her womb.
No wonder the imperial concubines in palace intrigue dramas rack their brains to have children. It turns out that after having a child, the treatment is so high. She would soon be able to live a life where her status is elevated by her child.
Upon arriving at the main hall, maids on both sides helped Feng Jin walk inside.
As soon as she reached the entrance, Feng Jin immediately recognized several unfamiliar faces. These maids and servants did not look like they belonged to the Ling mansion. Could it be that some distinguished guests had arrived?
Feng Jin's expression shifted instantly, becoming extremely weak. It was better to maintain the act, lest she be exposed later, which would be a loss outweighing the gain.
As she entered the hall, all eyes turned to Feng Jin. No, to be precise, they were looking at her belly. Feng Jin felt a slight chill down her spine and instinctively put a hand on her abdomen.
"Grand-daughter-in-law greets Grandfather."
"Quickly help Young Madam to sit. It's cold and harsh, and you are weak. It must have been hard for you to come all this way. You all, place the hand warmers beside Young Madam."
Old Master Ling's face was full of tenderness, as if he wanted to pamper Feng Jin to the heavens.
"Grandfather, you are too kind. Your grand-daughter-in-law is not worthy of such praise. Since Grandfather commanded it, your grand-daughter-in-law had to come."
Several hand warmers were placed around her. Feng Jin had already dressed warmly when she came out, and now she was so hot she was about to sweat.
Pretending to be sick was truly not an easy task. But no matter how difficult, Feng Jin had to endure it. She had come this far with her act, so she couldn't let it slip.
"Feng Jin, this is Old Madam Zhao, and this is your maternal uncle, Master Zhao." Old Master Ling pointed to the two people opposite him, his tone slightly impatient.
"Greetings, Old Madam, Master Zhao."
Old Madam Zhao glanced at Feng Jin and said crossly, "You are also with child. This old woman cannot accept your bow. Do not injure your pregnancy by bowing to me, or I will never be able to clear my name, even if I jumped into the Yellow River."
"Mother, mind your words!" Master Zhao's face was extremely ugly. He tugged at Old Madam Zhao's sleeve and whispered, reminding her.
"What's wrong? Did I say something wrong? Wasn't your sister framed by her in just this way? Do I not even have the right to speak in your Ling family now!"
Old Madam Zhao's face turned red with anger, and she was on the verge of jumping up to argue with them.
In contrast, Old Master Ling's expression grew increasingly grim. This old woman was actually cursing his great-grandchild with her words. "Old Madam Zhao, you spew curses at Feng Jin and her child. Do you truly think my Ling family fears your Zhao family!"
"Hmph... Old Master Ling, what you say is truly unfathomable. Your Ling family is a noble household, with officials serving in high positions in the imperial court, while our Zhao family is merely a merchant family, insignificant and with little influence. How could this old woman dare to be presumptuous in your Ling family? If your Ling family wants to divorce my daughter, our Zhao family dares not utter a word. We are only capable of taking my ill-fated daughter back home."
Old Madam Zhao was truly a good actress. As her words fell, filled with emotion, tears appropriately streamed down her face.
"Enough, Mother. Are you truly intent on disgracing the Zhao family!" Master Zhao's face was filled with embarrassment, yet he was helpless, only sighing repeatedly.
"You heartless wretch! That is your full-blooded sister, your own kin. She has been wronged in the Ling family, and you, as her elder brother, not only fail to stand up for your sister but also kick her while she's down."