Lady Chen's face grew even uglier as she stared at Pei Qin's abdomen. Wearing a heavy cotton-padded jacket, it was impossible to tell whether her belly was pointed or round. Craving spicy food every few days, if it turned out to be a girl...
Lady Kong knew she harbored resentment because Pei Wenlee's marriage arrangement had fallen through while the suitor's family had taken a liking to Pei Qin instead. Although she also wished for Pei Wenli to travel a smoother, swifter path to success by passing the examinations quickly and gaining prominence, Lady Zhu had called her back twice to discuss privately arranging Pei Qin's marriage. If she disagreed and kicked up a fuss, with the Wang and Landlord Chang's families as well as the Fang family coming to support, Lady Zhu might very well overplay her hand and, as a consequence, possibly ruin Pei Wenli's prospects in the examinations.
