Marrying in the first lunar month was considered inauspicious due to the saying "rising red," which was believed to be detrimental to descendants. Therefore, most weddings were avoided during this period, except for the welcoming of concubines.
"Or rather—"
"Please don't misunderstand! Afu is my primary husband, and I will absolutely not marry any other man." This was a significant promise, to take a man who had just escaped servitude as a primary husband, and to make such a commitment.
"Yes, Afu is definitely Miss Gu's primary husband."
"Then, could the wedding be postponed?" Wang Tian attempted to delay the wedding date.
"This..." Shen Xuan glanced at Afu, then at Gu Yitong beside Afu, hesitating to speak.
Sooner or later, it had to be said. Afu gritted his teeth and spoke before Shen Xuan could.
"Father, I'm pregnant."
!!!
Shen Xuan was startled by Afu's sudden courage, and Gu Yitong's heart skipped a beat.
Wang Tian was even more stunned, frozen in place for a long time. Shen Xuan was the first to react, quickly stepping in front of Afu.
"What did you say!"
Time seemed to freeze for a few seconds before Wang Tian finally reacted, rising to step forward.
Afu instinctively moved closer to Gu Yitong, as if seeking a sense of security beside her.
"You get out here!"
With Shen Xuan in front and Gu Yitong to the side, Afu was completely shielded between them. Wang Tian was momentarily blocked, unable to reach Afu.
"You're pregnant before marriage? You! You truly are—" Wang Tian was furious at the news but ultimately couldn't utter any harsh words.
He felt immense guilt for his previous attitude towards Afu and had intended to make amends. However, today's news was too shocking, and Wang Tian couldn't control himself.
"Please calm down. Afu is the victim from beginning to end. This was not his intention, nor did he wish for this," Shen Xuan said, blocking the enraged Wang Tian and trying to coax him to sit.
"Then it was you?"
If Afu was the victim, then Gu Yitong must have forced him. The anger simmering within Wang Tian exploded, and his accusations immediately turned towards Gu Yitong.
"No! It wasn't her! She saved me!" Afu couldn't bear to see his father misunderstand Gu Yitong. He quickly grabbed Gu Yitong's hand, wanting to stand in front of her.
Seeing their clasped hands, Wang Tian was even more infuriated. He grabbed Afu's arm, pulling him to his side, and raised his hand high, but couldn't bring himself to strike.
"Please listen to our explanation first and calm down," Shen Xuan once again played the peacemaker, signaling them with his eyes to remain silent.
...
"That's how it happened. Afu was captured because of me, and it was Miss Gu who rescued him. Afu didn't want to ruin my reputation, so he always forbade Miss Gu from revealing this."
Wang Tian finally understood the entire situation. He looked at Afu, who was quietly shedding tears, and slowly reached out to wipe a tear from his cheek.
"It was my fault for misunderstanding you." This was the first time Wang Tian had apologized to Afu. After the previous incident, Wang Tian's personality had indeed changed considerably.
Afu continued to wipe his tears silently, not speaking.
"Uncle Wang, I want to check on the Li夫郎 next door. He should be giving birth soon, and I have no experience. Could you accompany me to see him?" Seeing this, Shen Xuan didn't offer comfort but instead changed the subject, sending Wang Tian away.
As the two left, only Gu Yitong and Afu remained in the room, accompanied only by Afu's sobs.
Gu Yitong moved a stool closer to Afu and sat beside him. She leaned over and gently wiped the tears from Afu's face. As the tears flowed more freely, she remained unannoyed, instead becoming more patient, meticulously wiping away each tear.
"Don't cry anymore, be good," Gu Yitong said softly and patiently. "Uncle agreed. He knows it wasn't our fault. Look, he's not blaming me."
"Mhm," Afu replied softly with a nasal voice.
Seeing Afu nod obediently, Gu Yitong gently placed her hand on Afu's cool hand, her thumb rubbing softly, offering comfort and support.
When Wang Tian returned, he saw them in this state: Gu Yitong holding Afu's hand, gently embracing him. Afu was no longer crying, though his spirits were still low.
Hearing the sound of the door closing, they instinctively looked up. Seeing Wang Tian return, they quickly separated.
Afu was too hurried and almost fell off the stool. Fortunately, Gu Yitong was by his side to support him, preventing a fall.
Seeing Afu supported, Wang Tian slowly lowered his outstretched hand. Surprisingly, he didn't blame them, as if he hadn't seen their clasped hands just moments ago. He averted his gaze and slowly spoke.
"You must be hungry. Have lunch here today, I'll cook."
Afu instinctively got up, wanting to help Wang Tian cook, and Gu Yitong also quickly rose, wanting to join them.
Seeing the two nervous figures, Wang Tian showed a rare smile, his voice softening as he said, "The kitchen is small, three people won't fit. You two rest here."
Wang Tian forgot that this was originally Lu Yu's house, and Afu had lived here for several months. How could he not know if the kitchen was small?
Gu Yitong also understood Wang Tian's intention, likely having been told about Afu's situation by Shen Xuan. She nodded in agreement, simultaneously interrupting Afu, who was about to speak.
"Then thank you, Uncle. I'll take good care of Afu here."
As Wang Tian left, Afu quietly said, "The kitchen isn't small."
Gu Yitong chuckled at Afu's words. "How did Afu become so foolish? Uncle doesn't want you to be tired; he wants you to rest well. Don't let his kindness go to waste."
"Mhm," Afu understood after Gu Yitong's explanation, his tone a little dejected. "I think I've become foolish too; I didn't even think of this."
"Don't be silly!" Gu Yitong hugged Afu's waist, pulling him firmly into her embrace, not allowing him to leave. "My Afu is not foolish at all. I like him the most."
Afu, unable to handle Gu Yitong's effortless sweet talk, flushed instantly and struggled to get up.
However, Gu Yitong's grip was too strong, and Afu, mindful of the child, couldn't break free and had to give up.
Feeling that Gu Yitong was bullying him and not caring about the child at all, he suddenly felt wronged and let out a tear.
The tear was cold, and it "plinked" onto Gu Yitong's hand resting on Afu's abdomen.
Gu Yitong realized something was wrong and immediately released her hand, supporting Afu's shoulders and turning him to face her.
"Why are you crying again? Hmm?" Her voice held no impatience, but rather more tenderness.
"Do you not like this child?" Afu asked, tears streaming down his face, his words muffled.
"Why would you say that?" Gu Yitong was bewildered by the question. Why had Afu's thoughts suddenly jumped to this?
"You hugged me so hard without caring that he's still in my belly." After saying this, Afu suddenly felt embarrassed, pouting and about to cry again.