Casually pushing open a room door, dust flew into his face.
“Cough! Cough!” He covered his nose and strode inside.
A red embroidered handkerchief on the table caught his attention; it seemed to be the one Ling’er usually carried.
“Young master! Please have some tea!” The woman entered with a fragrant cup of Longjing tea.
“This house has probably been uninhabited for a long time, right?” He nodded, taking the teacup.
“Yes! Since Ling’er left, no one has come here!” She sighed softly.
“She left?” His hands trembled as he almost dropped the teacup. “How long has she been gone?”
“Yes, she’s been gone for three months! It’s been hard on her and her maid!”
The woman glanced at the embroidered handkerchief in Dong Yangche’s hand. “This handkerchief was embroidered by Xi’er for the young mistress! Not knowing if it’s a boy or girl, she only embroidered a butterfly. Perhaps she left in a hurry and forgot to take it. By the way, what brings you here, young master?”
Meeting a stranger for the first time, she was curious.
“Young mistress? What young mistress?” he asked, surprised.
“It seems you’re not familiar with my young lady! My lady is with child and is due in a few months. Xi’er often says the outside fabrics aren’t good and wants to make something for the young mistress. Look, it’s not even finished yet!” Dong Yangche’s shock piqued the woman’s curiosity about his relationship with Ling’er.
“You’re saying Ling’er is pregnant?” he asked, his lips trembling.
“Fate is cruel! If it weren’t for Prince Meng Qi’s irresponsibility, how could my lady wander away, suffering alone and giving birth?” she exclaimed indignantly.
“But why didn’t she tell me?”
“What do you mean, young master? How can you besmirch my lady’s reputation? She was once Prince Meng Qi’s wife!” the woman rebuked him.
“Madam, please don’t misunderstand. I mean, how could Prince Meng Qi be such a person!”
He must not know about this; otherwise, he wouldn’t have let the princess leave alone!” Dong Yangche quickly corrected himself.
