In the Marquisâs Manor, not a single word could be heard, and all the servants who came to pay their respects to her were especially gracious, offering their greetings with deference.
There wasnât any discussion about her within the Marquisâs Manor, and with Su Hao constantly by her side, Wu Jinyanâs tense heart gradually relaxed.
Yet she still felt some unease, âSu Hao, this childâs origins are uncertain, and if Old General Su minds his existence and opposes usâ¦â
What was she to do?
Previously, Su Yingxue and Su Hao had created an atmosphere of a unified Su family, with a vision unique and enlightened like theirs, and Su Han was no different; it was then that her mood had lightened, and she had agreed to return with Su Hao.
But as soon as she stepped into the Marquisâs Manor, the majestic and solemn atmosphere weighed heavy on her heart.
Su Hao had yet to tell Wu Jinyan about the plan he and Su Yingxue had, but he wasnât one to lie, so he lowered his gaze and spoke in a deep voice, âLetâs go see Grandfather first, we shouldnât keep the old man waiting.â
As they spoke, they had already reached the front hall.
The doors were wide open; the fragrance was inviting, and the five-meter-tall dragon-carved columns displayed the Marquisâs Manorâs grandeur.
In the lofty hall, Su Qingzhi and two elder members of the Su clan were seated with dignity above.
A seat had been left empty for Su Dingheng, Su Yingxue stood between the three elders, respectfully serving tea.
Even as the Ninth Princess Consort, with extreme honor, she still showed respect to Su Qingzhi and the elders.
Wu Jinyanâs palms began to sweat with nervousness as she approached the doorway.
The faces of Su Qingzhi and the two elder members did not look too good; they sat not just with dignity but also with a solemn gravity.
Su Hao also sensed something amiss, probably because of Wu Jinyanâs pregnancy.
She had deliberately worn loose clothing that day, which under normal circumstances, wouldnât reveal much, but since the news had leaked, this outfit was in vain.
But having come this far, Su Hao took Wu Jinyan by the hand and stepped forward to pay respects to Su Qingzhi.
âGrandson pays respects to Grandfather. Grandfather, this is Jinyan, my fiancée,â Su Hao said, holding Wu Jinyanâs arm to signal her to greet Su Qingzhi.
âJinyan pays respects to Grandfather, and to the two clan elders,â she greeted them with a voice gentle and warm, which should have suggested a shy demeanor.
However, Su Qingzhi was the first to speak up, âAre you already carrying Haoâerâs child?â
Wu Jinyan stiffened, a chill spreading up from her legs.
She had not expected Su Qingzhi to ask her such a question upon their first meeting!
Subconsciously, she protected her stomach, a difficult emotion creeping into her heart, a complex mix of feelings within.
If she were to say no, the child wasnât Su Haoâs, considering Old Generalâs stance, heâd likely have her thrown out of the Marquis of Martial Southâs Manor immediately!
But could she lie to him?
She could not!
Her nature and upbringing wouldnât allow her to make such a response.
Wu Jinyan bit her tightly sealed lips until they bled. Before she could speak, Su Hao had already answered for her, âYes, Grandfather, it was my momentary foolishness that led to Jinyanâs pregnancy. Now, I have brought Jinyan to pay respects to Grandfather and the clan elders, in the hope that you will consent, allowing me to expedite our wedding, to provide her and our unborn child legitimate status!â
After saying this, Su Hao kowtowed with a respectful and sincere attitude.
The two Su family elders looked gravely serious, while Su Qingzhi slammed his hand on the table, âSu Hao, youâre creating a ruckus! Have you completely forgotten all the upbringing the old man has given you?â
The former Su Hao had filled Su Qingzhi with immense pride, hadnât he?