Chapter 5: 005 Heartache

Chapter 5: 005. Heartache

"Sigh, it’s all because our family lacks the means. Your grandfather and father were upright and incorruptible their entire lives, and now I can’t even produce a decent set of jewelry for my own fine granddaughter." While the Old Madam comforted Gu Antong, her eyes glared viciously at Bai Suihe.

Bai Suihe was very different today. Shouldn't she be trembling with fear as she offered up her belongings? How could she possibly be setting traps for them?

"Third Sister-in-law, look at how you’ve upset Mother," Xu Yulan, who had been watching the spectacle from the sidelines, spoke up. "It’s just a set of jewelry. Lending it to your niece to wear isn't the same as giving it away. Why must you say such things to hurt the family's feelings?"

Bai Suihe replied, "Second Sister-in-law, I haven't said anything of the sort. I just feel that lending out jewelry is somewhat inappropriate. My maiden family went to great lengths for my dowry, and many of the items are well-remembered by everyone. I’ve only been in this house for less than two years, and if the jewelry ends up on my niece, what would those in the know say about our family?"

At these words, the Eldest Young Mistress, Liu Yun, turned pale. She had only been thinking about dressing up her daughter and had completely forgotten about this.

Back then, when the Third Sister-in-law’s dowry was displayed, everyone had been amazed. The streets had discussed it for days, and even she could recount the items like a treasure map. It truly wasn't appropriate for her daughter to wear them out; otherwise, they would indeed be branded with a bad reputation.

"It’s all a misunderstanding. The girl is just vain and has fleeting whims. I’ll take her to a jewelry shop outside later; we’ll surely find something suitable." Liu Yun quickly shook her head at Gu Antong—this really couldn't be done.

She pretended to scold her, "Don't worry, even if Mother has to sell everything we own, I will dress you up beautifully. We cannot lose face for the Gu family when we go to the Princess's mansion."

The Old Madam also realized the situation. The third daughter-in-law was very different today. Had she been suppressed for so long, and was she now becoming disobedient?

Besides, this Liu woman was a fool. Scared by the Bai woman, she didn't even use her brain.

There were weddings every day in the capital. There were plenty of people with dowries far richer than the Bai woman’s. At most, people would sigh at how much the Bai family doted on their daughter; who would actually keep track of exactly how many dowry items she had?

Since the conversation had reached this point, she couldn't speak up again. She feigned a headache and dismissed them all.

Xu Yulan knew she wouldn't gain any advantage now and turned to leave quite readily. In any case, with her aunt here, her branch of the family would never go without.

Bai Suihe didn't want to stay and be an eyesore either. Supported by her maid and a matron, she held her belly and returned directly to the backyard.

It seemed that strict adherence to rules was a double-edged sword. The Old Madam at least had to care about her reputation, so she dared not go too far for the time being.

Otherwise, in the year or more since she had married in, her dowry would have long since been snatched away.

Previously, they had only used veiled hints. She hadn't expected them to ask directly today; it seemed the Gu family was losing their patience.

It was only because the original owner had such a soft personality that she had been manipulated for so long.

Xu Yulan watched them leave before turning back to re-enter the main courtyard. "Aunt, our Xu family is still waiting for money to renovate the ancestral hall. You see..."

"Sigh, the silver I brought you before was my last bit of savings. Your father-in-law now hands the household expenses directly to the eldest branch every month. I really can't spare anything here.

Go back and tell your father and the others that repairing the ancestral hall is the business of the men of the Xu family. We, as married-out daughters, cannot stand in the way of their filial piety."

Xu Yulan frowned slightly. "I suppose that is the only way."

Once Xu Yulan left, the Old Madam rubbed her temples. "Nanny Zhou, do you feel that the Bai woman has changed quite a bit today?"

Nanny Zhou stepped forward to serve her. "This old servant didn't notice anything. Perhaps the Third Young Mistress hasn't fully recovered her health. When people are ill, it's inevitable they have some pent-up frustration. She might be better in a few days."

"I hope so. Send someone to keep watch at the front. If the Master returns, remember to report it."

After the Old Madam finished speaking, she closed her eyes to rest. As for whether she actually fell asleep, only she knew.

Back in her own courtyard, Bai Suihe couldn't help but rub her waist. She was hungry again.

The lunch had been quite sumptuous, but also very greasy, filled with heavy meat and fish dishes.

"Third Young Mistress, should I send someone out to our family's restaurant to fetch some food?" Dongmei asked in a low voice, seeing her put down her bowl and chopsticks.

"Forget it, I'm almost full. Just bring some fruit."

After eating a small pear, Bai Suihe dismissed the maids.

Standing outside the door, Dongmei looked worried. "Chunxiang, don't you think our Young Mistress is a bit strange today?"

"She is a bit. It might have to do with yesterday. The Old Madam went too far; our Young Mistress is heartbroken."

They didn't dare say anything more, fearing someone might overhear and make things difficult for their mistress.

While the two maids felt sorry for Bai Suihe, Bai Suihe was already sprawled on the bed. "When will these days ever end?"

She had to think about how to protect the child in her womb and survive the exile in the future.

Touching her belly, she whispered, "Baby, Mother’s abilities are truly limited. In half a month, you’ll have to suffer with me. I’m just afraid I won't be able to keep you safe."

As she thought about the daily life of the original owner and her villainous husband, fearing she might slip up, the fetus in her womb suddenly moved again.

"Mother..."

Bai Suihe sat up abruptly and searched the room. She hadn't misheard, had she? Could a child have run into her room?

But the voice didn't belong to the two young masters of the eldest or second branches; it sounded very young and tender.

"Mother..."

Bai Suihe was certain she hadn't misheard. Someone was calling her. The voice was soft and sweet, making her heart melt instantly.

"Who's calling?" Bai Suihe almost crawled under the bed, checking inside and out, but found nothing. She could only hold her belly and return to the bed.

"I didn't get any benefits from transmigrating, did I end up with a mental illness instead?" Bai Suihe muttered to herself.

"Mother..."

The calling continued. Bai Suihe took a deep breath and shouted into the void, "Alright, stop calling. Where are you?"

"Mother, your daughter is in your belly."

Bai Suihe stood up in shock, her pupils dilated, staring down at her abdomen. "You... you... are you my daughter?"

Was this really not a hallucination? When did things become so heaven-defying that even a fetus could talk?

Good heavens, if this child started talking the moment she was born, everyone would find it inconceivable, let alone while still in the womb.

"Mother, it's me. I've been talking to you before, but you wouldn't pay attention to me. Today, you seem to be able to hear me." The milky voice sounded as if it were right by her ear.

"Call me again," Bai Suihe said, covering her ears and facing her belly. She had a question she had to clear up first.

"Mother..."

She heard it again. The sound didn't come from her belly, but echoed inside her own ears.

That was good. If the fetus could make sounds that others could hear, she and her daughter would be in big trouble.

"Good daughter," Bai Suihe accepted it well. She had already managed to sleep her way into this alternate era; a magical daughter was something she could accept.