A decision by Mrs. Kong Sr. immediately caused Mrs. Gao to fall ill, and even the matter of her daughter's betrothal was handled personally by Mrs. Kong Sr.
The marriage between the Duke Mansion and the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion had already been postponed, and when the discussions resumed, it was set for after the Mid-Autumn Festival, sparking private speculations among the noble families in the Capital. Somehow, the rumor spread that the daughter of the Duke Mansion was pregnant before marriage.
This rumor only grew larger and more believable, to the extent that some legitimate daughters from families friendly with Kong Tianru visited under the pretense of concern. Kong Tianru, citing her upcoming wedding, declined visits from her old friends, remaining behind closed doors in her courtyard to embroider her dowry.
This only further cemented the rumors outside.
