Thrown out of the house, the wet nurse enters the noble household and becomes a person of high statu

"You're pregnant now, why aren't you sitting still? What are you doing walking around like that?"

Madam Pei spoke softly, her reproachful tone just loud enough for those around her to hear.

Lin Zhiyao lowered her head and smiled shyly, "Mother, your daughter-in-law is fine, not tired."

Even if you're not tired, don't wander around. Sit still and don't cause anyone worry.

Madam Pei gently pressed her down into a chair, leaving no room for argument.

The women around them laughed, praising Madam Pei for loving her daughter-in-law, praising Lin Zhiyao for being lucky, and praising the Pei and Lin families as a match made in heaven.

Surrounded by the praise, Lin Zhiyao's smile widened.

At this moment, a highly respected elder of the Lin family stood up and raised his glass.

"Today is a joyous occasion, and I have a request that I cannot make."

"Young Master Pei and Second Madam Lin have enjoyed a loving and harmonious marriage, and now they have more good news. I would like to ask you two to offer a toast to the newlyweds and share some tips on how to get along well. What do you say?"

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone echoed his words and focused their attention on Pei Zeyu and Lin Zhiyao.

The gaze held envy, curiosity, and a hint of watching the spectacle, forcibly pushing the two into a situation where they had no choice but to put on a show of affection.

Lin Zhiyao's heart raced. She took his arm, thinking that it would make them seem closer and more like a loving couple.

But as soon as she raised her hand, Pei Zeyu subtly dodged it.

Fortunately, a maidservant brought her wine, and she turned to raise her cup without anyone noticing anything amiss.

But just as she picked up the cup, Madam Pei pressed down on her hand.

"Zhiyao is pregnant and cannot drink alcohol, so we will use water instead. The sentiment is enough."

After saying this, he had the maid bring him a fresh cup of warm water.

Lin Zhiyao picked up the cup and smiled at the newlyweds, saying, "Wishing my sister and brother-in-law a harmonious and loving marriage that lasts a lifetime."

The third daughter hummed in response from under her veil, her voice thick with the nasal tone of someone who had been crying.

The groom nodded, too nervous to speak, then picked up his glass and drank it all in one gulp, choking and coughing, which made everyone in the room laugh again.

It was Pei Zeyu's turn.

Lin Zhiyao put down the cup a little too heavily, a hint of nervousness in her voice.

She wasn't sure about his attitude and was afraid he would embarrass her in public.

Unexpectedly, Pei Zeyu raised his glass and said, "I wish you both a perfect match and a peaceful and harmonious family."

His agreement to attend today and his participation in this public display of affection are not genuine.

Thinking only of what needs to be done next, my cooperation at this moment is to make up for the bride's apology.

The wedding banquet grew increasingly lively. Liu Wenying and Su Xin, as maids of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, accompanied Old Madam Yu.

Today she was wearing brand new clothes, a pear-colored jacket, which perfectly complemented her complexion.

The collar and cuffs are embroidered with a few small, intertwined flowers, the stitches are fine and dense, and they sway faintly when you walk.

She usually wears simple colors like blue and green.

Suddenly changing into such bright clothes made her feel a little uncomfortable, as if someone was watching her.

Old Madam Yu, being elderly and highly respected, sat in her chair, looking at Lin Zhiyao surrounded by people.

"That Madam Pei's reply says it's been three months, but to me it doesn't seem like it."

Su Xin looked over and said, "Some people just don't show their pregnancy easily. Madam Pei is so delicate and slender, I'm afraid it's like that."

Old Madam Yu dismissed it, saying, "I've given birth to four children and lived most of my life. What kind of pregnancy haven't I seen?"

The two whispered to each other amidst the surrounding noise. Even if someone looked over, they would only assume that the old lady was giving instructions to her maid.

Old Madam Yu, with her sharp eyes, said meaningfully, "The relationship between the second branch of the Pei family and their spouse is probably not as loving and smooth as it appears on the surface."

She could clearly see the awkwardness between the two when they were toasting and exchanging congratulatory words.

Su Xin, fearing that the old lady might say something inappropriate again, smiled and changed the subject.

"Grandma, please don't guess. Perhaps there are too many outsiders around, and the couple is just shy about it?"

She glanced at Liu Wenying.

"Besides, wasn't Wenying previously at the Duke of Yu's residence? If there really is some kind of rift between them, Wenying would surely know. Why don't we ask her?"

Liu Wenying shook her head, and the pearl flowers on her head trembled wildly.

"I'm just a maidservant, how could I possibly know about the affairs of my masters?"

As expected, Old Madam Yu said knowingly, "Suxin, even if Wenying knows, she'll have to say she doesn't know. It's pointless for you to ask."

Unwilling to give up, Su Xin leaned closer and whispered, "Really?"

Liu Wenying smiled and said reproachfully, "Sister Suxin, please forgive me."

Su Xin had no choice but to give up her gossipy thoughts.

Afterwards, the wedding banquet was in full swing, with glasses clinking and laughter filling the hall.

Lin Zhiyao sat upright at the table, bowing her head to drink her soup.

An inconspicuous servant passed by her and gently touched her arm.

She looked up and saw that the servant had disappeared into the crowd, but there was a tiny folded piece of paper in his hand.

She unfolded the sleeve, revealing only one line of text: "Side room, come quickly."

Lin Zhiyao's gaze passed over the throng of people and landed on the seats opposite her.

Zheng Tangli was chatting and laughing with the people next to him, as if nothing had happened.

But when he looked up, his gaze met hers across half the hall.

Lin Zhiyao looked away, crumpled the note into a ball, and held it in her palm.

She put down her spoon and rubbed her forehead.

"Mother, your daughter-in-law is a little tired and wants to rest."

It is common for pregnant women to feel tired.

Madam Pei put down her chopsticks and said with concern, "I'll go with you."

"No need, the Lin family's daughter-in-law knows the place, she can go by herself."

Madam Pei did not insist, but told her not to sleep too long, lest she have trouble sleeping at night.

Lin Zhiyao agreed and got up to leave her seat.

Upon arriving at the room, she asked Xiaoxing to stand guard outside before pushing the door open and entering herself.

The windows inside were tightly closed, and the room was dimly lit.

"You're here?" Zheng Tangli turned around when he heard the noise and opened his arms to hug her.

Lin Zhiyao tried to back away while protecting her stomach, but he still pulled her into his arms.

"What? Your partner can't satisfy you, so you came here?"

"What nonsense are you talking about! Speak up if you have something to say!" Lin Zhiyao struggled, her cheeks flushed.

Zheng Tangli loosened his grip slightly, but still kept his arm around her.

"You're still playing hard to get, just like before."

She was the one who sent the message to invite me here, and there was even a woman's undergarment in the room. Isn't it obvious what she wanted to do?

He had his doubts at first.

But considering that today is her sister's wedding day, and there are many people in the mansion, her decision to meet here in secret only adds to the excitement.

Zheng Tangli stroked her temple and said ambiguously, "Do you still remember when you got married? You were wearing a bright red wedding dress, your eyes were full of spring, and you were truly a feast for the eyes."

"Unfortunately... the sedan chair carried by eight men did not enter my Zheng residence."

He tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, the gesture as intimate as if they had done it a thousand times before.

"By the way, you mentioned Pei Er, do you know that on your wedding day, we were intimate in your boudoir?"

Lin Zhiyao was chilled to the bone by his last sentence and snapped, "Shut up! That's all ancient history!"

…………