Chapter 4: I Never Touched Her

Several ladies sitting in the back row, chatting and snacking, glanced over curiously.

The neighboring matron was also disturbed and whispered anxiously, “What’s going on? Why all this commotion?”

Meng Lishi leaned in to whisper a few words, causing the elderly lady’s expression to darken. She suddenly slammed her hand on the armrest and hissed sharply, “This won’t do—”

The laughter and chatter from the rear seats quieted, with many occasionally peeking forward. Especially the families of the third and fourth young ladies, who could no longer focus on the performance.

Realizing her voice had been too loud, the matriarch calmed herself slightly but spoke through clenched teeth, “This is an illegitimate child! It must never be tolerated—”

Meng Lishi turned to Meng Boji and said, “Your grandmother is right. If it’s not a true Meng child, it cannot claim the status of legitimate heir!”

Meng Boji furrowed his brows deeply, seemingly lost in thought.

The old lady suddenly asked, “Are you certain? If it’s true, why has she never mentioned a word?”

“Perhaps… she hasn’t realized it herself yet.”

Meng Boji’s gaze darkened as he looked toward the stage.

“I just saw her retching; that unmistakably signals morning sickness.”

On stage, Xia Qingfei appeared. Catching Meng Boji’s gaze, she shyly smiled, her eyes flickering with secret affection.

Meng Boji’s lips curled in response, eyes full of tenderness.

Meng Lishi watched anxiously. “You’d better find a way!”

“Don’t worry,” Meng Boji said, eyes still locked on Xia Qingfei. “Mother, grandmother, rest assured. This matter is not difficult to resolve.”

Since he seemed confident, Meng Lishi and the matron relaxed.

Xia Qingfei sang softly on stage for half the night before the performance ended. The sedan chair then carried her out of the mansion toward Yanzi Tower.

But unexpectedly, the carriage turned sharply and entered the scholar’s residence through a side gate.

Nan Yan slept uneasily again, plagued by dreams.

In her dream, passing beneath a window, she heard Xia Qingfei’s sultry and teasing voice—more intense than before.

Nan Yan’s entire body stiffened. This was the Meng family courtyard, Meng Boji’s study window!

Inside were Xia Qingfei…and a man she was intimately involved with. Could it be…?

Shaken by this thought, Nan Yan stumbled back three steps as noises inside grew louder.

“She… ah—certainly not as good as me… always putting on that refined lady act… hmm…”

The man inside said nothing, only heavy breathing.

Nan Yan resisted the urge to turn and flee; she wanted to hear the man’s voice to confirm.

“Unlike me, who can… hmm… serve you so comfortably…”

“With someone like her… in bed, she’d be like a dead fish…”

“Ah—nasty! Am I wrong?”

Nan Yan clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms, finally waiting for the man to speak.

“…I haven’t touched her. How would I know such things!”

In that instant, Nan Yan’s eyes widened, pupils shrinking sharply.

Though the voice was laced with passion and unusual, she recognized it clearly—it was Meng Boji!

Her mind went blank for a moment, then a wildfire of fury ignited.

She had been married into the Meng family for three years, taking care of her in-laws diligently and managing the household with no fault—

At the time Meng Boji was only appointed a minor scholar, and she, the duke’s legitimate daughter, had married beneath her station—

And now… he was entangled with another woman.

A surge of resentment choked her chest, unbearable to swallow. Her reason was consumed by rage.

She strode toward the door, about to kick open the study when she awoke.

“Meng Boji—”

Sitting bolt upright, drenched in sweat, the fire of anger from the dream still blazing, Nan Yan was momentarily disoriented.

Bei Zhi hurried in. “Madam, were you having a nightmare? Why are you sweating so much?”

Nan Yan finally came to her senses. “It was just a dream…”

Seeing her distracted state, Bei Zhi quickly twisted a towel and wiped her face.

“What did you dream about, Madam? So frightening… Should we call a doctor?”

Nan Yan stopped her, closing her eyes and exhaling deeply. “No need…”

Outside, dawn had broken. She threw off the covers and got up.

“Prepare my makeup.”

Bei Zhi suppressed her worries.

In the bronze mirror, Nan Yan saw her own face, pale and haggard to a frightening degree.

Why did she keep dreaming of Xia Qingfei? Last time it came true; could this one also—

No, that was mere coincidence before… How could every dream become reality?

Meng Boji would not betray her!

Yet the words Jiang Li spoke last night echoed in her mind:

“Meng Boji is not sincere with you…”

Nan Yan felt struck by lightning, trembling violently. Bei Zhi, unprepared, accidentally pulled a lock of her hair.

“Madam, I’m sorry! Did I hurt you?”

The sting on her scalp did not bring Nan Yan back to full awareness.

Though it was only a dream, she could not help but dwell on it.

Was the man in her dream really Meng Boji? Was he truly not sincere with her?

“…I haven’t touched her. How would I know such things!”

A flicker of hope sparked in her eyes.

She and Meng Boji had been married three years, consummated on their wedding night, and though often apart, were still a legitimate couple.

If that man was Meng Boji, and Xia Qingfei was referring to Nan Yan, how could such words be spoken?

“Madam? Madam—”

Bei Zhi called to her, pulling her from her thoughts. Seeing the lock of hair in her hand, Nan Yan shook her head slightly. “It’s not your fault.”

Her complexion was so poor, Bei Zhi could not help but suggest again, “Madam, you seem distracted and unwell. Perhaps you should see a doctor?”

Nan Yan sighed softly, about to agree when Madam Su rushed in urgently.

“Madam! It’s bad! You must come quickly—”

A foreboding sense gripped her heart as she stood. “What is it?”

Madam Su hesitated. “That actress… she didn’t leave last night!”

Nan Yan’s head rang, her mind blank.

In the main hall, the matron and Meng Lishi sat in their seats, smiling and chatting. Xia Qingfei stood below, with Meng Boji by her side.

When Nan Yan arrived, she saw Meng Boji’s arm around Xia Qingfei’s waist, supporting her tenderly.

The display of affection stabbed painfully at her eyes.

She forgot to bow, staring fixedly until she saw his face clearly—Meng Boji’s face—and her eyes reddened.

The man who had shared her bed for three years was now by another woman’s side, caring for her with utmost devotion.

To Nan Yan, Meng Boji treated her politely and attentively but had never cherished her so dearly.

Frozen in place, Nan Yan gazed at Meng Boji for a long time, unable to tell if this was a dream or reality.

Three years ago, Meng Boji had knelt at the duke’s gate for three days and nights to marry her, nearly dying from the effort.

Only three years, and the love and longing he once had for her had vanished?

Under her gaze, Meng Boji lowered his head and withdrew his arm from Xia Qingfei’s waist.