The atmosphere suddenly grew tense. Ling, cradled in her mother's arms, had a look of utter confusion in her wide, innocent eyes.
'We were having a nice meal. Why are Father and Grandmother arguing?'
'Father's expression is so cold. It's a little scary...'
'And why is Mother covering my ears? Is there something I'm not supposed to hear?'
The little girl's large eyes darted about, unable to quite grasp the situation.
She turned to look at Mei Wanying. "Mother, I'm not a little kid anymore. I can listen."
Then she covered her small mouth with her hands. "I won't tell anyone."
'Grown-ups love to tell secrets behind children's backs. They must be afraid kids will let things slip.'
Ling had a smug look on her face. 'I get it. I would never go around blabbing.'
Her daughter was far too precocious, which was exactly why Mei Wanying didn't want her to hear any of this.
She understood Empress Dowager Gu's emphasis on male heirs and had no intention of trying to change her mind.
