Chapter 153: The Second Branch's Amusement

Qingyu swayed her body as she stepped forward, gently taking Xiang Xiang Junzheng's arm, her eyes full of expectation and tenderness.

"Master, I personally prepared a few small dishes and warmed a pot of fine wine, waiting for you."

Xiang Xiang Junzheng frowned; he had not wanted to go, but facing such a delicate person, seeing Qingyu's expectant gaze, he finally nodded and followed Qingyu back into the room.

Upon entering the room, the exquisite layout and furnishings came into view, and a refreshing fragrance hit the face, instantly making one feel refreshed and happy.

On the table, several small dishes were arranged neatly, their colors bright, emitting an enticing aroma; a pot of wine was releasing curling steam, its scent spreading everywhere.

"Master, please taste quickly and see if it suits your palate."

While speaking, Qingyu poured a cup of wine for Xiang Xiang Junzheng, her face overflowing with a gentle smile.

Qingyu skillfully poured a cup of wine for Xiang Xiang Junzheng and said with a smile:

"Master, taste this; it is specially prepared by me for you."

Xiang Xiang Junzheng lifted the wine cup, took a light sip; the mellow wine scent spread on his tongue, slid down his throat, and made his tense nerves gradually relax.

He picked up a chopstick of food and put it in his mouth; the taste was delicious, the texture just right, and he could not help but praise:

"Mm, the skill is good; it is even tastier than what the family cooks make."

Hearing this, Qingyu's cheeks turned slightly red, joyous light flickered in her eyes, and she said:

"As long as Master likes it, as long as Master is happy, I am willing to do so much more."

The two ate while chatting idly.

Qingyu occasionally picked up food for Xiang Xiang Junzheng and added wine; Xiang Xiang Junzheng showed a smile on his face and ordered the maid to serve Qingyu a bowl of chicken soup.

Qingyu took the chicken soup, blew on it gently, and tasted it carefully.

However, just at this moment, Qingyu's face suddenly changed; she covered her mouth and rushed out of the room.

Xiang Xiang Junzheng was stunned for a moment, then followed out. He saw Qingyu retching repeatedly in the courtyard, her face pale.

Xiang Xiang Junzheng's heart tightened; he hurried forward to support Qingyu and asked with concern:

"What is wrong? Is somewhere uncomfortable?"

Qingyu shook her head and forced a smile:

"I am fine; it is just that my stomach is somewhat uncomfortable."

Xiang Xiang Junzheng suddenly thought of something; his heart rejoiced; the household was likely to add a new member.

The more he thought, the more he felt it was possible; excitement made his hands tremble slightly. He immediately raised his voice and ordered the servants beside him:

"Quick! Go at once to fetch the best Physician in the city!"

After speaking, he carefully supported Qingyu back into the room and let her lie on the bed to rest.

Xiang Xiang Junzheng paced back and forth anxiously in the room, his eyes occasionally looking toward the door, his heart full of expectation and tension.

In the courtyard, a gentle breeze brushed past, carrying waves of floral scent, yet at this moment it could not relieve the tension in his heart.

Not long after, the Physician hurriedly arrived; his expression was calm. He came to Qingyu's bedside and began a careful inspection, listening, questioning, and pulse-taking.

After a moment, the Physician raised his head, a smile appeared on his face, and he bowed his hands to Xiang Xiang Junzheng, saying:

"Congratulations, Master; the Lady is with child!"

Hearing this, Xiang Xiang Junzheng's eyes flickered with excited light, and his face overflowed with uncontrollable joy.

He tightly held Qingyu's hand; excitement made his voice tremble slightly:

"Really? That is wonderful! Qingyu, you must bear me a son!"

Qingyu's cheeks were crimson, her eyes full of shyness and happiness; she gently nestled in Xiang Xiang Junzheng's arms and said in a low voice:

"Master, I will surely protect our child well and let him grow up safely and healthily."

Xiang Xiang Junzheng, whose heart bloomed with joy, immediately began to busy himself; he repeatedly ordered the servants:

"From today on, you must take good care of Zhou Zhou Yiniang; there must not be the slightest mistake! Go prepare various nourishing items and send them all to Zhou Zhou Yiniang's room; you must ensure Zhou Zhou Yiniang eats well and sleeps well."

The opportunistic servants all accepted the order and hurriedly went to carry it out.

Li Shi, who was lying on the bed wailing at this moment. She had originally fully expected Xiang Xiang Junzheng to come to care for her, but what she waited for was the laughter and joy coming from the neighboring room.

Every sound of laughter was like a sharp knife, stabbing into her heart again and again.

Jun Jun Zhihao was also lying on the bed; although his injuries were severe, he possessed martial arts skills after all and recovered quickly. He gazed at the roof beam, his heart full of confusion and fear for the future.

Li Shi and Jun Jun Zhihao, mother and son, were like old objects forgotten by people, lying on the bed with no one asking after them.

Seeing the miserable state of her mother and brother, Jun Jun Zhidie felt her leg pain return; she unconsciously touched her own leg.

Her heart was filled with deadly hatred; since that vixen entered the household, her mother's status had plummeted.

Now that Qingyu is pregnant, her mother's situation in this household will become even more difficult. If that vixen gives birth to a son, what awaits them will be not just exclusion, but complete abandonment.

I am afraid that even her days in this household will not be good. Therefore, this child must not be born.

At midnight, all sounds were silent, yet beneath the outer wall of the Jun residence, two figures were moving furtively in the dim moonlight.

Jun Chengcai urged the black-clad man beside him anxiously:

"Fei Ying, why don't you go quickly!"

Fei Ying pouted his lips and responded discontentedly:

"I am your master's shadow guard, not your slave."

Hearing this, Jun Chengcai snorted:

"If I had your excellent martial arts skills, I would not be looking for you."

Fei Ying rolled his eyes:

"I thank you for that."

He showed no intention of moving.

Hearing this, Jun Chengcai widened his eyes and threatened:

"Will you go or not? If you do not go, when my brother-in-law returns, I will tell him! You are unwilling to do even something that can make my sister happy; see how he deals with you; perhaps he will directly send you back!"

Flying Eagle paused, inwardly musing: If the Li Shi household meets misfortune, that girl might truly be pleased to hear it.

Moreover, if the Crown Prince, that mad protector of his wife, were to learn of this, he would surely face punishment. With this thought, Flying Eagle hesitated no longer; his figure flashed, vanishing from the spot in an instant.

Flying Eagle slipped into Lady Li Shi's room. Gazing at Lady Li Shi asleep in bed, his eyes held no trace of pity.

He quietly ignited the curtains beside the bed and set a moderate fire upon Lady Li Shi's bed.

Awakened by the heat wave in her sleep, Lady Li Shi let out a terrified howl that pierced the night sky and echoed across the heavens.

Injured at the waist, she could not rise freely; she could only watch helplessly as the flames approached, her soul scattering in terror, and she rolled off the bed.

"Fire! Fire! The Lady's room is on fire!"

The servants were roused by the cries and rushed over with buckets to extinguish the blaze. After much commotion, the great fire was finally put out, yet Lady Li Shi's room lay in utter ruin.

When the Retainers carried Lady Li Shi out on their backs, her wretched state was such that Qingyu, who had come out to watch the spectacle, nearly laughed until she choked.

Lady Li Shi's hair had been burned clean away in the fire, leaving only a bare scalp; her face was blackened by soot, with several burn marks marring her features, her appearance truly pitiful.