With her delicate face and slender waist, the royal uncle lost control.

As the lanterns of Prince Ningxiang's mansion were lit, the entire mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations for the visit of the Marquis of Ruyang and his wife. Servants bustled about, adding to the festive and lively atmosphere compared to usual.

The banquet in the front hall had already been set out, with delicacies and fine food filling the air with their aroma.

Since it was both a family banquet and a gathering to entertain relatives of high status, the people of the Prince's Mansion naturally gathered together.

The eldest uncle, Qin Yanting, sat with his family at the head of the left. He was nearly fifty years old, with a refined appearance and a short beard. He was chatting and laughing quietly with the Marquis of Ruyang beside him.

My second uncle, Qin Yuanzhan, lived in the right side of the house. He was as upright as a pine tree, and even when he was sitting at the table, he could not hide his heroic spirit as a military general.

Prince Qin Senyao and Qin Jiaxue sat close to the old lady at the lower end of the table.

As the future Crown Prince's wife, Yun Nian was seated below Qin Senyao, next to Qin Jiaxue.

She sat quietly, sipping her tea.

Halfway through the banquet, Qin Jiuchen arrived late.

Qin Jiuchen stepped into the hall, his gaze sweeping over the assembled guests. He gave a slight nod to the old lady in the main seat, and then a small greeting to the Marquis of Ruyang and his wife before taking his seat in the main seat.

His arrival seemed to silence the once lively banquet for a moment.

Marquis Ruyang sat beside the old lady. He was about forty years old, well-maintained, and had a refined appearance. At this moment, he was stroking his beard and smiling, talking intimately with the old lady in a harmonious atmosphere.

Upon seeing Qin Jiuchen arrive, he smiled and raised his cup: "Prince Ningxiang is busy with official duties, so it's rare for us to get together. Let's have a good drink today."

Qin Jiuchen picked up his wine cup, his expression indifferent: "You're too kind, Lord Marquis."

The two men drank a cup of wine from a distance.

Yun Nian lowered her eyes, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the rim of the cup.

Qin Jiuchen must know about Lady Ruyang's matter.

But he remained calm and composed, as if he were completely unaware of the undercurrents swirling within the room.

She understood, and so she followed his example, pretending not to know anything.

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became increasingly lively.

Marquis Ruyang, beaming with joy and in high spirits, put down his wine cup and suddenly laughed loudly, "Today, taking advantage of the banquet hosted by the Old Madam and the Prince, I would like to shamelessly add another joyous occasion so that everyone can share in the celebration!"

Upon hearing this, the old lady smiled kindly and asked, "Oh? What's the good news?"

All eyes were on Marquis Ruyang.

The Marquis of Ruyang, beaming with joy, reached out and took Lady Ruyang's small hand into his own, patting it gently. "Yao'er is pregnant."

These words astonished everyone present, and were immediately followed by a chorus of congratulations.

Who doesn't know that the Marquis of Ruyang has had difficulty conceiving?

His first wife died in childbirth, along with their newborn daughter.

For many years afterward, Marquis Ruyang was so heartbroken that he did not remarry until last year when he finally married his young and beautiful wife, Lady Ruyang.

Now, only a year later, the new wife is pregnant, which is indeed a great joy for the Marquis of Ruyang's household.

The old lady was overjoyed, repeatedly saying, "Good! Good! This is a great joy. The Marquis has finally arrived, and Yao'er is also a meritorious person; she must take good care of her health!"

Her eyes were full of affection as she looked at Lady Ruyang.

Everyone raised their glasses in celebration.

Yun Nian was also shaken.

It turned out to be the case.

No wonder Lady Ruyang was so eager to test her yesterday, her words carrying a strong sense of warning.

It turned out she was pregnant.

This child...

Yun Nian lowered her eyelashes slightly, concealing the complex thoughts that flashed through her eyes.

Her mind raced, but her expression remained impassive. She raised her teacup along with everyone else, saying, "Congratulations, Lord Marquis, and Madam."

A moment later, Qin Yuanzhan suddenly stood up.

He was tall and imposing, and his very rise exuded a commanding presence.

He clasped his hands in a fist salute to Marquis Ruyang and Qin Jiuchen, "My lord, third brother, I am truly sorry. There are urgent military matters in the camp that require my return. Please forgive me for not being able to stay any longer; I must take my leave now."

Marquis Ruyang, still basking in joy, waved his hand dismissively upon hearing this: "Commander Qin's military affairs are of utmost importance, so go quickly and don't worry about it."

Qin Jiuchen merely raised his eyes and gave a faint "hmm".

Qin Yuanzhan apologized to the old lady again before turning to leave.

Yun Nian gently rubbed the cool teacup with her fingers.

He sneered inwardly: Not bad, the male protagonist of this illicit affair finally couldn't hold back any longer.

The man who had an affair with Lady Ruyang that day was none other than Qin Yuanzhan, the second uncle of the Qin family.

The banquet continued, and everyone continued to chat and laugh about Lady Ruyang's pregnancy.

After another short while, Lady Ruyang covered her lips with a handkerchief, coughed lightly twice, and showed a hint of weariness on her face. She said softly to Marquis Ruyang, "My lord, I feel a little tightness in my chest and would like to go out for some fresh air."

Marquis Ruyang was discussing the border situation with Qin Jiuchen when he heard this and immediately turned around with concern: "Are you feeling unwell? Should we call the imperial physician? I'll go with you."

"There's no need for you to trouble yourself, Lord Marquis."

Lady Ruyang quickly shook her head, her smile gentle, "It's just that the hall is too crowded and stuffy. I'll go for a walk in the corridor to get some fresh air. You two, Marquis and Prince, please continue your game of chess and discussion."

As she spoke, Yingying stood up.

"Alright, have the maid follow her carefully and make sure she doesn't wander too far," Marquis Ruyang instructed anxiously.

"Yes."

Lady Ruyang obediently agreed and, accompanied by her personal maid, gracefully walked out of the banquet hall.

Yun Nian kept an eye on things out of the corner of her eye.

Seeing Lady Ruyang leave, she had a sudden thought: the time was almost right.

She put down her teacup, turned to Qin Jiaxue beside her, and whispered, "Sister Xue'er, I suddenly have something urgent to attend to and need to go back."

Qin Jiaxue casually replied, "What's the rush? The banquet isn't over yet."

Two suspicious blushes appeared on Yun Nian's face. Her eyes darted around, and she stammered, "N-nothing, it's just... a little private matter. If anyone asks, just say I'm going back to my room to rest for a while."

After saying that, she didn't wait for Qin Jiaxue's response, and hurriedly stood up and walked out of the banquet hall.

Her hesitant and flustered appearance indeed aroused Qin Jiaxue's suspicion.

Last time, Yun Nian secretly went to see the man in black. Fortunately, she was quick-witted and followed him, relaying the news to her father.

Qin Jiaxue was filled with suspicion, thinking that he was definitely up to no good again.

Her eyes darted around, and she immediately had a plan.

She also got up and left her seat, quietly following him out.

Inside the hall, Marquis Ruyang and Qin Jiuchen had moved to the chessboard set up to the side and begun their game.

The old lady was helped back to her room by her maid to rest.

The others continued drinking and chatting, seemingly unaware of the subtle commotion of people leaving their seats one after another.