Lin Youning was with Mrs. Liu Sr. and the others, and most of the people sitting in this hall were advanced in age. There weren't many of Youning's age, and these old ladies seldom left their mansions. Meeting today made for a rare lively gathering.
Lin Youning sat beside her grandmother, her hand resting on her belly. Although she was showing now, she felt it important to display her pregnancy to make others considerate and disregard anything else.
The ladies chatted without looking directly at Youning, yet there were subtle, furtive glances. Both Mrs. Liu Sr. and Mrs. Gu Sr. noticed but didn't address it. The atmosphere was harmonious.
The young ladies' side was less lively, gathered in threes or twos. Sisters Hong and Hui clustered together, while Sister Yue sat alone. She was brought in by Princess Yuanhua, but the princess had gone off to meet others, leaving Sister Yue by herself.
