Chapter 523: Family Meeting

When Zhang Xiaoying and the others’ carriage returned to the doorstep, there was a dejected figure squatting in front of the Sang residence.

As soon as they saw the carriage come back, that figure almost burst into tears, bouncing up from the ground and crying as they rushed over.

“Xiaoying!! You’re finally back!”

Shoving aside the tear-streaked Si Jingzhu, Zhang Xiaoying frowned and said, “What are you doing? Did I not tell you to take care of Little Ying You?”

“I’m still taking care of her?”

Si Jingzhu was on the verge of tears: “I feel like if you didn’t come back soon, she would play me to death.”

Zhang Xiaoying: “…”

Even Long Huan beside her couldn’t help but facepalm: “You let a little baby bully you? Aren’t you a bit pathetic?”

“No, really!”

Si Jingzhu struggled for words, but ultimately just stammered, “It’s just… she’s, she’s not right! This kid has something weird about her, it’s like she’s destined to bring me down!”

“I mean, I’m her elder. I can’t stoop to her level, right? I can only let her bully me…”

Unfortunately, not many people were buying her excuse.

The looks Zhang Xiaoying and Long Huan cast at her were tinted with some sympathy.

This only made Si Jingzhu feel more wronged, and she was on the verge of bursting into full-blown tears.

“Alright. How old are you, and your mind still works like Little Ying You’s?”

Zhang Xiaoying disdainfully pouted: “One more cry, and you’ll end up like her.”

Si Jingzhu’s crying quieted down a bit, and she peeked through her fingers at who Zhang Xiaoying was referring to.

Then, she saw Bai Ming, all tied up, blindfolded, and silently shedding tears as she was carried out of the carriage.

The effect was immediate. Si Jingzhu was so scared that she immediately stopped crying.

“Aunt Yu, be gentle.”

“Don’t worry, my lady.”

Yu Xia was sticking closely to Bai Ming, her aura unwavering.

It seemed Bai Ming had also worn herself out resisting along the way and was now just silently weeping as she was escorted inside.

Once the others had moved far away, Si Jingzhu cautiously approached and asked, “What’s going on now? Are they abducting maidens?”

Zhang Xiaoying was too lazy to explain, and instead asked, “Has my husband returned yet?”

“Not yet, but he should be back soon, probably before dark.”

“That’s good.”

Zhang Xiaoying said quietly: “Take her back to the house first, and then gather the Demon Cultivators and the ladies of the house.”

Yu Xia nodded in agreement, while Si Jingzhu grew even more curious: “What’s causing such a serious fuss?”

“Huh? You didn’t know?” Zhang Xiaoying feigned surprise.

Si Jingzhu scratched her head, but then saw Long Huan giving Zhang Xiaoying a knowing glance.

The two seemed to share some unspoken understanding before completely ignoring her and walking back.

Si Jingzhu didn’t have mind-reading powers.

But for some reason, she seemed to understand the silent exchange between them.

…Even if I were to blurt out everything, there’s no way I’d tell Si Jingzhu. That would be a huge mess.

…True. There’s no way we’d tell her.

Si Jingzhu: “…Why do I feel like I’ve been bullied again?”

—

—

In Zhang Xiaoying’s room.

Bai Ming, now released from her bindings, sat silently on the edge of the bed.

The room was buzzing with activity.

In addition to Yu Xia and Zhang Xiaoying guarding her on each side, Hua Jianglian and Long Huan were beside them, ready to munch on popcorn and watch the show. Even Shi Qingyan, Tang Yubbing, and Meng Qiyan had been called back from the Heavenly Punishment Department.

On the table were two communication devices, one for Sword Flower Palace and one for the Holy Kingdom.

Leaning against the door, Si Jingzhu quietly turned her head: “So, it turns out Sang’s family is about to welcome another little baby soon.”

“No wonder Xiaoying wanted everyone to gather for a family meeting.”

“But…” Yan Rouwan, holding a cat, awkwardly laughed, “Xiaoying, do I really have to be dragged into this family meeting?”

“After all, you’ve lived here for many years and are part of the family. Si Jingzhu can opt-out, but you must come.”

“…Is it really necessary to throw that in my face?”

“Alright.” Zhang Xiaoying cleared her throat and said seriously: “Now that everyone is here…”

“Let’s start this family meeting.”

“As you all can see, we are facing a serious problem.”

She pointed at the remorseful Bai Ming, and softly said, “Miss Bai is already pregnant with my husband’s child, and her due date is approaching.”

“However, my husband himself is completely unaware of this.”

“At her request, we will discuss this family meeting: Should we tell my husband about Bai Ming’s pregnancy now?”

Everyone exchanged puzzled glances.

“Well, I think we should definitely tell him,” Tang Yubbing mused: “The baby is about to be born; there’s no way we can keep this a secret.”

Gu Yingmian nodded in agreement: “Plus, considering Sang’s temperament, if we hide this from him, he’ll be very hurt and disappointed.”

Bai Ming’s lips tightened as she listened.

Zhang Xiaoying sighed helplessly: “That’s what I initially thought too.”

“But now there’s a small problem. Bai Ming’s due date…”

“…Is in two weeks.”

The room suddenly fell silent.

Si Jingzhu scratched her head, confused: “Two weeks? What’s wrong with that?”

“So, Junior Sister Si, you should occasionally pay attention to important matters,” Yan Rouwan explained helplessly. “Two weeks from now?”

“That’s when the gods and demons arrive.”

“…Huh?”

Si Jingzhu was taken aback.

No matter how unreliable her personality, she instantly grasped the crux of the issue.

The arrival of gods and demons.

A monumental event that Sang had poured his heart and soul into.

It was also an event that could determine the fate of the world.

Sang had been preparing for this day for a long time, fighting tooth and nail against those terrifying beings to seek a destiny for the people.

Yet at such a critical time, she had a child about to be born…

It felt akin to hearing news of one’s father being gravely ill just before entering a crucial exam.

There was no way one wouldn’t worry about it.

And what Sang had to do was incredibly risky, even a moment of distraction could lead to disaster.

“This…” Tang Yubbing, who was so certain at first, now bit her finger in hesitation.

The rest of the women exchanged glances, all falling into thoughtful silence.

Except for Bai Ming.

She bit her lip hard, fingers gripping her clothes tightly.

If she had to sum up her current feelings in one sentence.

It would be regret. Immense regret.

Not just regretting her momentary impulse.

But regretting not having promoted awareness of safe practices in her previous life.

“No wonder they always promote safety measures…”

“Why didn’t I think of bringing a condom back then…” The more Bai Ming thought about it, the more dejected she felt.

The other women: “…”