[[忘羡 | WangXian 3]] : Our Flesh And Bones

[51.] Mistress. [TW]

Miao Lu opened the door, and gasped as it was not Bai Li knocking, but Hanguang-Jun this time. He looked terrifying – there was a darkness in his eyes as she had never seen before.

- Master! Please come in! – she bowed and moved to the side, letting him in.

He said nothing but entered and moved to stand some way away from her.

- How are you, girl? How have you been feeling these last couple of days? – he asked sternly.

- I am fine, Master. Everybody has been really kind and careful with me. – she said quietly, lowering her eyes.

- You know well what I am asking about. – his voice cut like ice.

She nodded, and replied weakly:

- Yes, Master. I cannot be certain yet, but Li-jie believes I am with child. She think that I am more moody these days, and I rarely have any appetite. I seem to be feeling sick from time to time. – she said blushing.

- Do you need me to call a doctor? If you do, just say so. I will do it immediately. – came the cold reply.

- I really don't think that is necessary, Master. But please do as you wish. It is too early still. We will know next month for sure. – she said meekly.

- And what do you think? The housekeeper said that... women feel those things. – he scoffed.

She shook her head, still looking down.

- I have never been pregnant before, Master. I really cannot say... But... I dream strange dreams... and I notice strange smells...

Lan Zhan frowned. If this girl was with child – it would be Wei Wuxian's child. He really had no idea how his dark magic could have affected her. And he had no books on the topic to consult. He bit his lip.

- I see. – he said simply. - Miao Lu, I need to ask you something. And I need you to tell me the truth, no matter what it is.

She bowed low, waiting for the question.

- Bai Li thinks you are in love with my husband. Is this true?  –  he asked coldly.

The young woman was so shocked that she looked up at his face, terrified. She knew that if she ever said "yes" he would kill her with his bare hands, baby or not. Hanguang-Jun absolutely lost his mind when it came to Wei Qianbei. 

She clasped her hands together, begging:

- Please, Master... please, don't make me answer that! – she whimpered.

- Why? Do you have anything to hide? – he asked matter-of-factly.

- Please, Hanguang-Jun, have mercy!  –  she fell to her knees in front of him, and now he looked down on her with curiosity.

- It is a fairly simple question, Miao Lu. The answer can be only "yes" or "no". You choose. And don't lie  to me. – he growled.

She was shaking all over, crying pitifully, bowing as low as she could. There was a dreadful silence as her Master was expecting her answer and she knew her life depended on her next words.

- Master... why are you so blind...  -  she asked, defeated. - I am nobody... A servant... How can I love someone so great and magnificent? You of all people know so well how amazing he is... He deserves someone who is his equal, Hanguang-Jun... Someone like you.

She sat up on her feet, and looked up at him in despair, pouring her heart out to him.

- He is the only one who has ever treated me gently... He was the only one who has ever made love to me... How can I not care for him? I am a human being, after all. But, Master, I am someone whom people either ignore or abuse. Even if I love him... he could never love me back. Don't you see it? His eyes see only you,  Hanguang-Jun. You two crave for each other so strongly that even if I heap treasures in front of you, invaluable art, the knowledge of all the books in the world, or the food of the Gods – you two won't even notice... -  she said bitterly.

Lan Wangji was listening to her, surprised at the boldness, lips parted, but he listened carefully.

She went on:

- He will never see me... Even in a million years.... His heart, his soul is in your hands, Master Lan... It does not matter what I feel. It never will.

She relaxed on the floor, tears running down her cheeks, not caring any more. To her surprise, Hanguang-Jun offered her his hand and helped her up. He then brushed her tears away and helped her to the bed.

- Please, rest, girl. I will not go back on my word, and I will respect the promise of your Master as well. You are safe in our home. We both will take care of you. No need to worry any more.

And then she gasped sharply as he suddenly reached out and placed his large palm on her belly, saying gently:

- Take good care of his baby, Mistress.