Cheng You thought that Zeng Xiuyun wouldn't just spread rumors around the compound.
She figured people near the Pei family's residence must all know about her pregnancy.
After some thought, she decided she still needed to remind Pei Kesheng, so he could be a little more prepared.
Pei Kesheng, who had initially felt some apology towards Qiu Yingxun, directly proposed breaking off the engagement upon hearing about Zeng Xiuyun's actions.
Following this incident, the rift between Zhen Shan Tang and Hui Chun Tang dissolved, and cooperation gradually began.
This was an unexpected joy for Cheng You.
Soon, it was New Year's Eve. The compound was adorned with couplets and lanterns on every doorstep, enveloped in the festive atmosphere of the new year.
On New Year's Eve, Cheng You and Qi Chengyan were going to the Qi family's for their reunion dinner.
Thinking of the Feng elders being lonely, she invited them along.
With the whole family together, this was the liveliest New Year Song Qinglan had experienced since the passing of the Qi family's matriarch.
After the reunion dinner, they stayed up to welcome the new year. Qi Yang and Xu Boyan also came over.
Qi Yang was more than four months pregnant, her belly subtly rounded, her pregnancy showing.
Mentioning pregnancy inevitably led to Cheng You and Qi Chengyan being nudged about it again.
Even the old matriarch couldn't help but say, "If you plan to have children, it's best to have them sooner rather than later. While we still have the energy to help you raise them, it won't impact your career too much."
Cheng You smiled and agreed to everything.
Fireworks and firecrackers were only allowed in the compound during the New Year. As night fell, the sound of fireworks began to echo from outside.
Qi Yang, hearing the sounds, became eager and suggested, "Shall we go out and watch the fireworks?"
Song Qinglan tutted, "It's freezing outside, what's so great about fireworks?"
Cheng You leaned against the window, catching only glimpses of them.
"Why don't we go upstairs to watch?"
The view from the top floor was better.
Song Qinglan chided, "You just spoil her."
With that, everyone moved to the upper floor. The view was indeed better from upstairs, allowing them to clearly see the distant fireworks.
However, they had forgotten to wear coats when they came up. A gust of cold wind blew, and Cheng You shivered.
Qi Chengyan instinctively draped his coat over her and put his arm around her shoulders.
"Be careful not to catch a cold."
Cheng You's eyes curved upwards, "Don't I have you?"
The light from the fireworks illuminated the girl's features.
Her beauty was more dazzling than the fireworks.
Years had passed, yet Cheng You seemed unchanged.
She was still that little fox, her eyes holding pure light, walking forward with unwavering determination.
Qi Chengyan couldn't help but curve his lips.
If his soldiers were to witness this scene, they would marvel at the iron man showing a tender side.
The Yama, who could push his soldiers to their limits, was actually smiling so gently.
Song Qinglan saw this scene and sighed.
"I always feel that Cheng You is the lucky star of our Qi family."
Qi Shengwen raised an eyebrow, "You didn't say that before."
She had often cursed Cheng You as a jinx back home.
Song Qinglan shot him a look, "Can't people make mistakes? Otherwise, you'll hold it against me forever."
Qi Shengwen chuckled and put his arm around her shoulder, "I was just making a comment, and you're getting upset. Cheng You is indeed good. Having her is A'yan's good fortune."
He dared not imagine what the Qi family would be like now without Cheng You.
The Feng elders exchanged a glance, their eyes sparkling with smiles.
Although their children and grandchildren were not ideal, and they had ultimately not seen their daughter, they were still very happy.
At least they had such an excellent granddaughter.
Qi Yang was pregnant and prone to fatigue.
After watching for a while upstairs, her head began to feel heavy, so Xu Boyan took her back to sleep.
Cheng You stayed up until midnight, wishing Qi Chengyan a Happy New Year, before rubbing her eyes and going to bed.
On the second day of the new year, Cheng You returned to Wujing Village.
Although her parents were no longer there, this was where she grew up, and she still had to come back to visit.
As soon as she reached the village entrance, she saw Cheng Tao.
She was squatting by the river, washing clothes, with Wang Hongxia scolding her vociferously beside her.
It was rare to see Cheng Tao looking like a bullied daughter-in-law, not even talking back to Wang Hongxia's reprimands.
She had tanned considerably since the last time Cheng You saw her, her skin rough, her complexion sallow. Dressed in patched coarse cloth, she genuinely looked like a rural woman who toiled in the fields.
Cheng You averted her gaze, delivered the items, and left, not lingering in Wujing Village.
As she was leaving, Sixth Aunt escorted her to the village entrance.
"If you have time, come back and visit. If not, send a letter, just so your Sixth Grandmother knows you're doing well."
She knew that the golden phoenix that had flown out of Wujing Village couldn't be kept.
Cheng You smiled and nodded, dutifully saying, "Sixth Grandmother, please go back. Next time I'll bring Wenyu to see you."
"Alright, off you go."
After leaving Wujing Village, they stayed in Yongcheng for a few more days before driving back to Yancheng.
After all this traveling, it was already the eighth day of the new year when they returned to Yancheng.
Although the New Year celebrations weren't completely over, those with jobs were gradually returning to their posts.
Qi Chengyan had to lead his troops in an outdoor drill and would be away for several days.
With nothing much to do, Cheng You asked Sun Xiaowan to go shopping with her.
After leaving the mall, Sun Xiaowan found it boring and suggested going to Cheng You's pharmacy to browse and get her pulse checked by the doctor.
The two then went to Zhen Shan Tang.
As soon as Cheng You stepped inside, she heard a sharp voice, "You're talking nonsense! How could my child have a problem? Quack! You're a quack!"
Before Sun Xiaowan could react, a figure flashed past, almost colliding with her.
Sun Xiaowan was quite far along in her pregnancy, and a collision could have been dangerous.
Cheng You quickly pulled her aside, and saw the person run out.
Sun Xiaowan frowned and cursed, "Who was that!"
Cheng You looked back. Although she hadn't seen the person's face clearly, she recognized Feng Xue.
Could there be a problem with her pregnancy?
"What, do you know her?"
Cheng You shook her head, not wanting to say more.
"Let's go, let Doctor Chen check you."
Although it was Sun Xiaowan's first pregnancy, she had been well looked after. Doctor Chen only gave her a few pieces of advice.
She asked, "Do I need to take any tonic pills or anything to support the pregnancy?"
"You're not sick, why take tonic pills? Just pay a little attention to your diet, don't sit or lie down all the time, get up and move around a bit."
As they were leaving, Cheng You asked, "That pregnant woman who came in just now, did something happen to her?"
Doctor Chen shook his head and sighed regretfully, "She probably won't be able to keep it. She was too careless and then blamed me for being a quack."
Cheng You offered no comment. She certainly didn't approve of Feng Xue's behavior.
However, she wouldn't gloat over her loss.
After sending Sun Xiaowan home, Cheng You went directly to the Feng family's.
She told the elders about Feng Xue.
The old matriarch closed her eyes, her expression melancholic.
She felt the same as Cheng You, not approving but also not rejoicing in the misfortune.
"Let them be, I can't control it anyway."