Chapter 18: A Lump Appears on Xiao Heshou's Bed

Yan Ziyue let out a light, cold laugh—devoid of any warmth.

“Ungrateful? Who in the village would say I’m unfilial? They all say I’m an exceptionally devoted daughter.”

She cast a scornful glance at her father Yan Zhuangshi and Zhang Qingqing, her tone dripping with sarcasm, “And what has my devotion earned me?”

“Your father’s favoritism and indifference.”

“Now, you want me to take the blame for Zhang Qingqing’s mess? You want to drive me to death, don’t you?”

Neighbors had gathered quietly by the gate, pointing fingers at Yan Zhuangshi and Zhang Qingqing.

“Ugh! Yan Zhuangshi is disgusting—turning his back on his own daughter to protect his stepdaughter.”

“It’s no surprise Zhang Juhua knows how to flatter men. You all know how well she’s managed Yan Zhuangshi.”

“In my opinion, both Zhang Juhua and Yan Zhuangshi are shameless. They’re old enough, yet still act like young lovers—it’s sickening to watch.”

Yan Zhuangshi’s face darkened with hatred toward Yan Ziyue. “You ungrateful wretch, look at what you’ve done…”

“What I’ve done? How could it compare to what Zhang Qingqing has done?” Yan Ziyue sneered. “Now, whenever anyone mentions Zhang Qingqing, they think of the Yan family. And when they think of the Yan family, they think of Zhang Qingqing.”

“You’ve made yourselves infamous by proxy!”

Just as Yan Zhuangshi was about to retort, Zhang Qingqing jumped in, wearing a look of self-blame. “Sister, I know you resent me for stealing Dad’s affection…”

“I don’t resent you. Why would I?” Yan Ziyue shrugged. “I wish you’d steal it, since I don’t want this so-called fatherly love.”

“But you, why do you always act like everything is your fault?”

She tapped her chin thoughtfully, “Actually, it is your fault.”

“You didn’t tell your parents and secretly married Xu Lecheng, leading to this huge mess—wasn’t that your fault?”

“You got involved with Hu Ergou and got pregnant with his child, causing him to make a scene at your home—wasn’t that your fault?”

“Your parents lost face because of you and became the laughingstock of the entire village—wasn’t that your fault?”

The neighbors nodded vigorously, “It’s all Zhang Qingqing’s fault!”

“If I had a daughter like that, I’d have beaten her long ago to save her from more embarrassment!”

Yan Ziyue shrugged with a look that said, “See? I’m not wrong.” “Zhang Qingqing, if I were you, I’d hide at home until all this storm blows over.”

“But you didn’t. Instead, you dragged your father out here to make a public spectacle.”

She shook her head with a click of her tongue. “You’re just afraid no one in the village will know about your shameful deeds otherwise.”

The neighbors despised Zhang Qingqing deeply, and Yan Zhuangshi was also cursed at—harshly.

Yan Zhuangshi, who always cared about his reputation, couldn’t bear to hear such things. Glaring at Zhang Qingqing, he lowered his head and strode away in anger.

What a disgrace!

“Why aren’t you running after your dear father?” Yan Ziyue smirked at Zhang Qingqing. “You always say your father is your real father, the only one you acknowledge, don’t you?”

Her words changed the neighbors’ expressions when they looked at Zhang Qingqing.

“Do you think it’s possible Zhang Qingqing is really Yan Zhuangshi’s daughter?”

“Unlikely. Zhang Qingqing and Yan Ziyue are only a few months apart in age; there’s no way they’re sisters.”

“I think it’s probably true. Don’t forget, Yan Zhuangshi used to be away a lot when he was younger, barely bringing money home. Plus, he insisted on marrying Zhang Juhua… Yan Ziyue is truly pitiful.”

Hearing this, Zhang Qingqing turned pale and fled without a second thought, no longer daring to scheme for Yan Ziyue to take the blame.

“Zhang Qingqing, I advise you to change your surname to Yan soon, then you’ll truly be your father’s daughter!” Yan Ziyue called after her retreating figure. “You always tell me the thing you hate most is not sharing the same surname as your father!”

Zhang Qingqing ran even faster, her hatred for Yan Ziyue growing. How could that wretched girl have had both parents from the start, enjoying a harmonious family life?

Meanwhile, Zhang Qingqing could only experience family harmony during the times her father stayed. And even then, she couldn’t call him ‘Dad,’ only ‘Uncle.’

She hated it so much!

Knowing Zhang Qingqing wouldn’t easily let her go, Yan Ziyue resolved to strike first—she would make sure Zhang Qingqing had no time to trouble her for a while.

Within an hour, the affair involving Yan Zhuangshi and Zhang Qingqing spread throughout the village.

Countless people claimed Zhang Qingqing was Yan Zhuangshi’s true daughter and that Zhang Juhua was his mistress.

Being a mistress was utterly despised these days, and even the mistress’s children were vilified.

Many villagers gathered at the Yan family gate, cursing Zhang Juhua the mistress and Zhang Qingqing.

Only a few cursed Yan Zhuangshi and Xu Lecheng.

Inside the main hall, Yan Zhuangshi kept puffing on a dry tobacco pipe, his face full of irritation.

He didn’t think he was wrong to have a mistress.

After all, Yan Ziyue’s mother was too dull and rigid, never pleasing him, never dressing up, and worst of all, didn’t bear him a son.

But now, with this scandal so public, he’d lost all face and was being openly humiliated.

Zhang Juhua and Zhang Qingqing exchanged a glance.

One regretted not stopping her daughter from causing trouble for Yan Ziyue, the other’s resentment toward her parents deepened.

“Dad, it’s just talk—there’s no proof,” Zhang Qingqing put on the model daughter act, speaking softly. “Besides, many people in the village envy you.”

“You’re capable and well-liked by women. Ordinary men can’t compare.”

For now, she still needed her father’s support and couldn’t afford a real quarrel.

Her words made Yan Zhuangshi feel at ease; his anger vanished completely.

He smiled affectionately at Zhang Qingqing, his dissatisfaction with her lessening. “You speak well, unlike that ungrateful Yan Ziyue.”

His eyes glinted with malice. “Let that wretch run wild for now. It won’t be long before she can’t anymore!”

Zhang Qingqing dared not ask how he planned to scheme against Yan Ziyue, fearing she’d be caught in another inexplicable trap.

“Dad, let’s ignore the people outside—they’re just jealous of us.”

“Yes, they envy us,” Zhang Juhua rolled her eyes, pouting, “Our lives are so good, and soon we’ll be city dwellers. Those villagers can’t stand it.”

Yan Zhuangshi’s mood improved further as he took a few more puffs. “Juhua, hurry things up—I don’t want to see that ungrateful Yan Ziyue ever again!”

Every time he saw Yan Ziyue, he was reminded of his loathed late wife.

…

That evening.

Xiao Heshou had just entered his room when he suddenly stopped, frowning at the bulge on his bed.

A package? It seemed human-shaped.

He rubbed his forehead, somewhat helpless. “Yan Ziyue, when did you sneak into my room?”

Yan Ziyue crawled out from under the quilt, smiling brightly, her eyes crescent moons. She patted the spot beside her. “Husband, come here quickly!”

“I’ve already warmed the bed.”