Even though Ling Erye felt reluctant to divorce his wife in his heart, this order came from his father, and he could not fall out with his father and leave the Ling family because of this matter. Thus, he could only divorce Madam Zhao.
"You... you..." Before Madam Zhao could finish speaking, a surge of anger rose in her heart, and she fainted outright.
"Hurry and help Madam to the bed, then go find a doctor. Do whatever it takes to make her wake up. If she doesn't wake up, just carry her away."
In any case, Madam Zhao was to be sent away today, and whether she left conscious or unconscious made no essential difference.
After Ling Erye finished speaking, as he walked to the door, a maid rushed to report.
"Second Master, Old Madam Zhao is here."
"Where is she? Hurry and take me there." Ling Erye said, and then went out with the maid.
In the East Courtyard, Feng Jin was leisurely lying on a soft couch, enjoying the warm winter sunlight and occasionally eating an orange. Her life was quite pleasant.
"Young Madam, the steward is here."
Feng Jin paused in her action of eating an orange. Why would the steward come? Hadn't she claimed to be ill to the outside world? What was his purpose at this time? Feng Jin hesitated for a moment before telling Cai Qing, "Tell him that I had a slight headache this morning and am not fit to see guests. If he has anything, he should go to Ling Mohan."
"Young Madam, I already told him that. The steward said he was sent by the Old Master and earnestly requested that you go to the main hall."
Cai Qing had been at odds with the steward outside the door for a long time. If the steward hadn't insisted on staying, she wouldn't have come to ask Feng Jin.
Putting down the orange in her hand, Feng Jin thought for a moment before saying, "You first take the steward to the front courtyard, I will change my clothes."
Since she was pretending to be ill, she had to make it convincing. Feng Jin returned to her room and took out powder to apply to her face. In a short while, her complexion appeared haggard and frail.
Feng Jin looked at herself in the mirror with satisfaction. Good, this was fitting for her persona.
The steward was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, pacing back and forth, constantly looking outwards for Feng Jin. How long had it been? Why hadn't she come yet?
Upon seeing Feng Jin's figure, the steward hurriedly stood up, his movements too swift that he stumbled a few steps, almost falling to the ground.
"Young Madam, you are finally here."
Feng Jin feigned weakness and said weakly, "What is the steward here for?"
Cai Qing, with keen insight, stepped forward to help Feng Jin sit on a chair and covered her with a blanket.
"Young Madam, if it weren't for an important matter, this old servant would never dare to disturb your rest. It is truly that the Old Master ordered this servant to invite Young Madam to the main hall."
The command from Old Master Ling surprised Feng Jin. The Old Master valued the child in her womb greatly. Knowing that she was resting, even for the sake of the child, he wouldn't let her go out.
It seemed that something was about to happen, and it wasn't a small matter. After much deliberation, Feng Jin agreed, "Since it is Grandfather's command, then I will go... cough..."
"You few insensible people, why aren't you quickly helping the Young Madam? You, go and fetch the soft sedan chair, and carry the Young Madam to the main hall."
The steward's attitude towards Feng Jin now was a complete reversal from before.
Feng Jin also knew how to enjoy herself; being carried was much better than walking. She calmly got into the soft sedan chair. She had to admit that this soft sedan chair was truly comfortable, not bumpy at all. All of this was thanks to the child in her womb.
No wonder the empresses in palace intrigue dramas racked their brains to have children. It turned out that after having a child, the treatment was so high. She would soon be able to live a life of nobility by virtue of her child.
Upon arriving at the main hall, maids on both sides helped Feng Jin walk inside.
As soon as she reached the doorway, Feng Jin immediately noticed several unfamiliar faces. These maids and wet nurses did not look like they were from the Ling mansion. Had some distinguished guest arrived?
Feng Jin's expression changed instantly, appearing extremely weak. It was better to act the part, lest she be exposed later, which would be more loss than gain.
Entering the hall, everyone's gaze fell upon Feng Jin. No, to be precise, their gaze was on her belly. Feng Jin felt a slight chill down her back and reached out to protect her abdomen.
"Grandson's wife pays respects to Grandfather."
"Quickly help the Young Madam to sit. The weather is cold and you are weak, it was hard for you to make this trip. You few, place the warming stove beside the Young Madam."
Old Master Ling's face was full of affection, as if he wanted to lift Feng Jin to the heavens.
"Grandfather is too kind, this grandson's wife cannot accept it. Since Grandfather ordered it, this grandson's wife must come."
Several warming stoves were placed around her. Feng Jin had already worn thicker clothes when she came out, and now she was so hot that she was almost sweating.
Pretending to be ill was truly not an easy task. Despite the hardship, Feng Jin had to endure it. Having pretended this far, she couldn't show any cracks.
"Feng Jin, this is Old Madam Zhao, and that is your maternal uncle, Uncle Zhao." Old Master Ling pointed to the two people opposite, his tone slightly impatient.
"Greetings to Old Madam and Uncle Zhao."
Old Madam Zhao glanced at Feng Jin and said impatiently, "You are also with child, I cannot accept your礼. Don't injure your fetal qi by performing this禮 to me, otherwise, I wouldn't be able to clear my name even if I jumped into the Yellow River."
"Mother, be mindful of your words!" Uncle Zhao's face was extremely displeased. He tugged at Old Madam Zhao's sleeve and whispered a reminder.
"What is it? Did I say something wrong? Wasn't your sister framed by her like this? Now, am I not even allowed to speak in your Ling family!"
Old Madam Zhao was so angry that her face turned red and her neck was thick, she was almost about to jump up and argue.
In contrast, Old Master Ling's expression became increasingly stern. This old woman was actually uttering curses against his great-grandchild. "Old Madam Zhao, you are spewing curses against Feng Jin and her child, do you truly think my Ling family fears your Zhao family!"
"Hmph... Old Master Ling, what you're saying is truly unfathomable. Your Ling family is a family of officials, with many holding important positions in the court as marquises and generals. Our Zhao family is merely a merchant family, insignificant and with little influence. How would I dare to be presumptuous in your Ling family? If your Ling family wants to divorce my daughter, our Zhao family dares not say anything more. We only have the right to take my ill-fated daughter home."
Old Madam Zhao was truly a good actress. As soon as she finished speaking, she became emotional, and tears fell at precisely the right moment.
"Alright, Mother, do you truly want to disgrace the Zhao family completely!" Uncle Zhao's face was full of embarrassment, yet he was helpless and could only sigh repeatedly.
"You ungrateful wretch, she is your full sister, your blood relative. She suffered bullying in the Ling family, and you, as her full brother, not only fail to stand up for your sister but also add insult to injury."