Seeing Liu Fufeng's face full of guilt, the sensitive nerves in the minds of the women who had followed to join the commotion began to twitch.
Suddenly, someone in the crowd said, "Could it be that Miss Guo has had a miscarriage?"
This sentence was like a bomb, shocking everyone, whether they had considered the possibility or not.
Guo Yiyao and Meng Xiaozhe were still a month away from their wedding, so how could she possibly be pregnant? Was it an illicit affair or a pregnancy before marriage?
Madam Meng said sternly, "It's just irregular menstruation. Yiyao has been preparing for her wedding at the Guo residence all this time and hasn't even stepped out the door. How could she possibly be pregnant?"
Seeing Madam Meng still speaking up for Guo Yiyao, a dark glint flashed in Liu Fufeng's eyes.
Even now, she still protects that wretch Guo Yiyao like this. Once Shu'er marries into the Meng household, won't she be bullied to death? She must find a way to get rid of her.
Liu Fufeng righteously and loudly declared, "A daughter of the Guo family would absolutely never do anything to disgrace our family's reputation. If you all don't believe me, you can follow me to see for yourselves."
Song Jinzhao watched Liu Fufeng's performance with a smile. Those who didn't know better would really think she had such faith in Guo Yiyao.
A male guest, holding a wine cup and wanting to personally offer birthday wishes to Old Madam Meng, noticed her absence and looked questioningly at the maid standing behind the chair.
The maid lowered her head and bowed, saying, "The Old Madam has gone to freshen up. Esteemed guest, you may come again a little later."
The man's gaze swept over the women's seating area, and he frowned in confusion.
Several tables were empty of people. Had they all gone to freshen up?
The door to the guest room was forcefully pushed open from the outside. Guo Yiyao looked at the swarming crowd rushing in; the one at the very front was none other than her stepmother.
Madam Meng pushed aside the maid who had rushed ahead and took Guo Yiyao's hand, asking with concern, "The maid said you just started your monthly courses. Are you feeling unwell anywhere?"
Guo Yiyao's delicate brows slightly furrowed, a look of confusion in her eyes. "I haven't started my courses. Who said I had?"
Liu Fufeng stepped forward, raising her voice. "The maid said you were bleeding heavily. If it's not your monthly courses, could it be a miscarriage?"
Guo Yiyao's tone was cool, tinged with anger as she retorted, "Mother, please watch your words. This concerns your daughter's reputation. How can you casually utter such slanderous words about me being with child before confirming the truth?"
Everyone looked at Liu Fufeng in unison.
That's right. Just a moment ago, she insisted Guo Yiyao hadn't miscarried, so why is she now suspecting a miscarriage?
Liu Fufeng covered her eyes with a handkerchief, feigning distress. "It was Mother's fault. I heard something had happened to you and panicked, speaking too hastily."
Guo Yiyao raised her injured arm. "I have neither started my courses nor had a miscarriage. The bleeding is because I accidentally knocked over a vase, and a shard cut my hand."
As her sleeve fell back, everyone finally saw the bright red wound.
Madam Meng's heart ached as she held her arm, not daring to touch it for fear of causing her pain.
"Such a large gash, does it hurt? You silly child, why didn't you say so earlier? Aunt Meng will have a servant fetch a physician right away."
Liu Fufeng shot a dark, venomous look at Nanny Lu's face, chilling as a serpent's tongue.
Nanny Lu stared fearfully at the wound on Guo Yiyao's arm. How could this be?
She had clearly administered the medicine. Guo Yiyao should have started her courses immediately. How could it be blood from her arm?
Liu Fufeng spoke up. "The wound is so deep, we mustn't let it scar. We should quickly invite a physician to take a look."
Whether she had her courses or not, the ultimate goal was to reveal her difficulty conceiving. By following Madam Meng's suggestion to call a physician, everything would proceed naturally.
Old Madam Meng said, "Physician Song is right here in the residence. Have her come over."
Bihe was just about to turn and summon someone when she saw Song Jinzhao and Song Shixue sitting on the bench by the railing under the corridor, looking relaxed and pleased, as if watching a play.
