Yang Ming and Chu Lian had barely returned when they saw Yang Chun waiting at the gate of the Academy.
"Big brother, why have you come?"
Something must have happened at home; big brother seemed very anxious. Yang Ming quickened his steps and approached to ask.
Upon seeing Yang Ming return, Yang Chun immediately pulled him aside and said in a hushed voice,
"Dad sent me, your wife is with child! He wants you to come home quickly."
"What did you say? What do you mean ’with child’?"
Yang Ming was anxious, wondering what good news his wife could possibly bring. Not causing trouble for the family was already a blessing.
"Aiya, have you become foolish from all your studying? ’With child’ means pregnant! Your wife is pregnant," Yang Chun said with a hint of impatience, his voice several decibels louder than before. He repeated it twice, afraid Yang Ming wouldn’t understand.
Pregnant? Whose? Whatever else Yang Chun said afterwards was lost on him as his mind kept replaying the news that she was pregnant!
Because Yang Chun had suddenly raised his voice, Chu Lian happened to overhear. He was as shaken as Yang Ming, a voice continuously echoing in his head: Zhong Xiaoxiao was carrying a child, Yang Ming’s child. Dispirited, Chu Lian entered the Academy without greeting Yang Ming.
Yang Ming and Yang Chun hurriedly made their way home. On the road, Yang Chun had plenty to say about recent events at home, discussing the changes, but Yang Ming didn’t take a word of it in.
At this moment, Xiaoxiao was still unaware that her nominal husband was returning. After allowing her mind to wander aimlessly, she vomited several times more, too drained to eat all day, and eventually fell into a drowsy sleep.
As soon as Yang Ming arrived home, he went straight to the main house to see Old Master Yang.
"You actually remembered to come back, eh?"
Seeing his third son, Old Master Yang was beyond exasperation, and naturally, his tone was harsh.
"Did I waste my years providing for your education? Where have all your studies gone, eh? Is this how you behave? Leaving home right after marriage? Abandoning your new wife like that, eh?"
"You’ve really let down your wife!"
Knowing his father was angry, Yang Ming said nothing, just listening to his father’s reproaches.
"Your wife is expecting. Your youngest brother wants to marry her!"
"..." What? The child is the youngest’s? Yang Ming’s veins stood out in anger and frustration, remembering he had warned his brother.
Such a scandal could not afflict their family; the youngest’s reputation must not be tarnished, nor his own future ruined. With that thought, Yang Ming calmed himself down.
"The child... is mine!"
He said this and walked out. Old Master Yang laughed. He firmly believed his youngest wouldn’t do such a thing; he also trusted he hadn’t misjudged his third daughter-in-law. If she indeed was expecting, then the child must be his third son’s.
Upon leaving, Yang Ming headed straight for his youngest brother’s room, intending to teach him a lesson.
Yang Dong had yet to react when Yang Ming swung a punch at him.
"Lessen your contact with your sister-in-law from now on!"
"Remember your relation is that of aunt and nephew!"
Feeling one punch was lesson enough, Yang Ming stopped and added, "I will not divorce. Get that idea out of your head."
The two of them then sat in silence, with no further sound. Yang Ming sat on the bed, preoccupied with the thought of his wife’s pregnancy, the child being his brother’s, yet also of their family. For the sake of their family’s reputation, it could not be known; he must claim the child as his own and continue life with Zhong Xiaoxiao, a thought that left him in profound melancholy.
"Big brother, sister-in-law truly is a good person!"
"From today on, you should move back in!"