The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 702 Bringing a Concubine Into the House (1)_1

Chapter 702: Chapter 702 Bringing a Concubine Into the House (1)_1

Pei Qian looked across the street at how charming and attractive Liniang was, her eyebrows already knitted in disapproval. Just because Pei Zongli had money and held an official position, this woman did not seek a good family to marry into but instead shamelessly insisted on becoming a concubine. It was truly despicable!

Pei Yuan also had just heard the news and whispered to her and Pei Qin, "She was previously engaged to a family, but then she got involved with her fiancé’s friend. It would have been possible to call off the engagement and marry someone else, but her fiancé’s friend died unexpectedly because of her, and her fiancé broke off the engagement too. She’s quite attractive and had not a few suitors. My mother-in-law told me that it seemed the family of the deceased son wanted her to remain a widow for life, but she refused. Whenever someone came to propose, she spoiled it."

Zhao Liniang was as beautiful as a flower, yet no one dared to marry her and her marriage prospects were thus delayed. She did not want to continue wasting her days and wanted to find someone powerful; with her status elevated, no one would dare to treat her badly!

Hence, after running into Pei Zongli again and finding him well-preserved, handsome, and scholarly, exuding a mature charm, it did not take long before Zhao Liniang was with child and demanding that Pei Zongli give her a title.

Pei Zongli, who had been cowed by Qian Wanxiu for over a decade, feared bringing Zhao Liniang home would turn the house upside down. However, pressed by Zhao Liniang’s insistence and when gifts were of no use, and seeing her belly grow day by day, Pei Zongli thought of a roundabout method – to have her become a concubine to Pei Houli, and then gradually see what could be done.

But while he could not pacify Zhao Liniang, he also could not find Pei Houli, which caused him great anxiety.

Zhao Liniang, at first deceived, upon learning the truth, immediately came knocking. To become the concubine of Pei Houli, a man who was old, ugly, and poor? She firmly refused!

The residence that Qian Wanxiu and Pei Zongli rented in the county town was located in this alley.

Zhao Liniang, along with Old Man Zhao and Grandma Zhao, found the place and went straight up to knock on the door.

As the door opened, Pei Qin’s eyes widened in anticipation, ready for a grand spectacle between the legal wife and the mistress.

But her anticipation quickly turned to disappointment.

Zhao Liniang, Old Man Zhao, and Grandma Zhao explained the purpose of their visit in just a few words and were led inside by Mother Qian, who then closed the big door behind them.

Pei Qin flipped her lid, "Waited for so long just to see this?!"

Pei Qian’s face also darkened as she furrowed her brows.

"Zhao Liniang is pregnant, and on Qinghe Town, there are a few who know the child is Pei Zongli’s, something they can’t deny. If this blows up, it’s their family that loses face. Lady Qian is used to seeing husbands with multiple wives and concubines, so it looks like Zhao Liniang is going to be taken as a concubine!" Pei Yuan said softly, looking at the closed door.

Pei Zongli and Qian Wanxiu were both at home, and Zhao Liniang’s original intention was to create trouble and pick a fight with Lady Qian. To her surprise, she ended up making Lady Qian faint.

Seeing her pale and unconscious, Pei Zongli felt a sudden pang of guilt and immediately called for a physician.

Soon the physician arrived, examined Qian Wanxiu, and diagnosed her with overwhelming stress and grief. He administered an acupuncture treatment.

When Qian Wanxiu awoke, tears streamed continuously from her eyes, "There’s never enough money for household needs, I’m always scraping to get by, and every day I’m busy with the satin shop, trying to earn more. I worry about our sons’ education every day, wanting them to stand out and bring glory to our family name. It’s all my fault for not taking good care of you."

These words made Pei Zongli’s face turn red with both shame and anger toward Zhao Liniang for presumptuously showing up at their door.

"I am not someone who can’t accept others. Why did you hide this from me? The child is already several months along, and you come knocking like this, slapping me right in the face!" Qian Wanxiu said tearfully as she looked at Pei Zongli.

Pei Zongli stepped forward guiltily, whispering apologies, saying Zhao Liniang seduced him and got pregnant, that he had given her silver to abort the child, but she had refused. He had not expected her to barge in and upset Qian Wanxiu.