Chapter 112: Chapter 111: Origins

Although Mrs. Zhao came from a rural village, she did not exhibit the coarseness of a peasant woman in her demeanor; she may lack the elegance of a noble family, yet she exudes a competent and brisk aura.

She is slender, and you can even see frayed edges on her sleeves from prolonged wear, with calluses on her hands.

However, she stood there with such poise and grace, not feeling embarrassed at all.

Such a person is genuine, and Lin Youning quite liked her. When speaking with my aunt, she neither flattered nor fawned, genuinely conversing like one would with an elderly relative of the family.

Particularly surprising was when Youning learned that, in the mansion, she personally did the cooking as there were no servants at home.

“Actually, I am not afraid of the Madam laughing at me. My husband came from the countryside. In those days, our family was poor. My mother-in-law worked short jobs in the city and, even after giving birth to my sister-in-law, did not rest at home. Later, she lost my sister-in-law. My mother-in-law fell ill, and my husband gave up his studies, stopped pursuing official titles, and went to join the army. Unexpectedly, he met the Marquis, leading to today’s situation. Sadly, my mother-in-law passed away early and never enjoyed a better life.”

“He originally wanted me to buy some servants, but I told him, since my mother-in-law never got to enjoy these comforts, how could I indulge in them? Besides, there are only a few of us here in the mansion; where would we even need servants?”

Mrs. Gu Sr. felt heartfelt pity upon hearing this, “Such poor souls! It is said parental hearts are always selfless. Lieutenant Zhao’s pious devotion moved heaven and gained him today’s blessings. If not for him, who knows how the Marquis would be now?”

“Madam, he owes his life to the Marquis, and at the time, shielding the Marquis from an arrow was only what he should have done.” Mrs. Zhao claimed no credit whatsoever.

From her tone and expression, one could tell she wasn’t lying.

Lin Youning was secretly shocked. There was such a story, and it’s no wonder my aunt conversed alone with the family of a mere assistant general.

Soon after, a servant came to announce it was time for the feast, and Mrs. Gu Sr. and her party headed to the flower hall.

In the crowd, Xu Ya’an busily mingled, entertaining guests. Lin Youning sat at the table with the young women, aware of how Xu Ya’an occasionally glanced at her, but did not meet Xu Ya’an’s gaze.

This time, at the table, Lin Youning noticed many unfamiliar faces among the young ladies. These were mostly girls already betrothed, who would only come out for such significant events and otherwise remain in their family homes until marriage.

After the meal, the group finally set off back to their homes. Once on the carriage, Mrs. Gu asked, “Did something happen at the Xu Mansion?”

“What does my aunt want to know?” Lin Youning feigned ignorance.

“You can’t fool me. As soon as you entered the Warm Pavilion, I noticed your eyes were swollen, like walnuts. It’s just you who think you can deceive others.”

Put on the spot, Lin Youning blushed slightly, “I didn’t want to worry my aunt. After all, it’s nothing serious. It’s just that my lack of experience allowed you to see through me so easily.”

“No need to flatter me into silence. Just tell me, what exactly happened?” Mrs. Gu Sr. pressed for answers.

Realizing there was no evading it, Lin Youning briefly recounted the incident at the mansion, omitting Xu Yuxian’s obstruction, only mentioning overhearing some maids’ chatter that upset her enough to leave without visiting the bridal chamber.

Mrs. Gu Sr. maintained a stern face, “How old is Sister Yue? What does she understand? What a waste to have learned those manners.”

“Aunt, let this matter be. Sister Yue is young and doesn’t comprehend these things, probably thoughtlessly joked around. Surely, she had no ulterior motives.”

“I understand what concerns you. Don’t worry about it. I get it,” Mrs. Gu Sr. sighed, agreeing to drop it.

In the past, she always stood up for Sister Ning, which only led to more alienation for Sister Lin.

With Sister Ning reaching her coming of age in a few months, she would be getting married soon. It wasn’t possible for Mrs. Gu Sr. to always watch over her.

With her aunt consenting, Lin Youning breathed a sigh of relief.

Yet they forgot about Gu Er.

What kind of temper does Gu Er have?

At the time, he thought Sister Ning was being bullied by others, wanting to defend her, only to find it was his own daughter. It’s a resentment he’s been holding inside.

Back at the Marquis Mansion, Mrs. Gu Sr. didn’t ask Lin Youning to stay, only told her to return to her courtyard to rest, thus dismissing her.

However, back at the Jinghe Courtyard, without a word, Gu Er slapped Sister Yue in front of the servants upon returning.

Mrs. Kong exploded, immediately charging at Gu Er, headbutting him in the chest so hard that Gu Er staggered back a couple of steps, losing his balance and hitting the edge of a table, bleeding on the spot.

The staff in the courtyard were dumbfounded by the spectacle.

Mrs. Kong was equally stunned, snapping back to reality only when Gu Er called her a shrew, clutching his bleeding head as he walked away angrily.

Previously wailing, Sister Yue now stood speechless, eyes red, staring fearfully at her mother.

Nanny Guan, arriving late after hearing of the incident, immediately took charge of tidying up and sent someone to find where the Second Young Master went and to fetch the imperial physician.

Mrs. Kong was helped to a divan before she finally cried, “I only saw him come in and hit Sister Yue without a word. From childhood to now, has he ever fulfilled his duties as a father? Sister Yue is a young lady now, and he hits her as he pleases. I acted out of impulse and hit him without knowing it would turn out this way.”

At this moment, Mrs. Kong felt utterly hopeless.

Having injured her husband and considering her mother-in-law’s disfavor toward her, she feared she would be divorced by Gu Er.

Nanny Guan was equally anxious, “Madam, we must immediately find out where the Second Young Master went and have the imperial physician attend to his wound. If he truly grows cold-hearted, crying won’t help at all.”

Mrs. Kong quickly nodded.

Just then, the maid Nanny Guan had sent returned, “I asked around, and the Second Young Master entered Aunt Wen’s courtyard. Aunt Wen has already sent a servant to summon the imperial physician.”

Mrs. Kong cursed upon hearing this, “See, his heart only holds those little enchantresses.”

“Madam, now is not the time for jealousy. Your bond with the Second Young Master can’t be compared to those concubines. They’re merely men’s toys for a few days of novelty,” Nanny Guan advised, feeling puzzled. “Madam should now hurry to see the Second Young Master. After meeting him, say nothing, just silently let your tears speak to him.”

Mrs. Kong hesitated, “Nanny, will this really work? Even if I cry, he won’t pity me once he grows tired of me.”

“My dear madam, please take the advice just this once. If not, will you quarrel with the Second Young Master again?” Nanny Guan pleaded, almost stomping in frustration.

Mrs. Kong finally nodded, albeit skeptically.

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