Chapter 115: Chapter 114: Debut

After the two old maids escorted Mrs. Kong out, Nanny Guan followed them, yet the two old maids didn’t dare to show any disrespect to Mrs. Kong. Upon reaching outside, they promptly released their grip.

Nanny Guan handed her purse to the two women, who then apologized profusely to Mrs. Kong, saying, “Please, Second Madam, don’t take offense at our earlier conduct. We were merely following orders.”

“I understand your predicament. My Madam would certainly comprehend your intentions.” Nanny Guan expressed her gratitude, and only then did the two women nod and leave.

Nanny Guan then helped Mrs. Kong, whispering quietly, “My Madam, Mrs. Gu Sr. has preserved your dignity. If they had indeed escorted you back to the Duke Mansion, it would have been truly disgraceful. Madame is currently furious, so let me accompany you to the Duke Mansion first. Once she has calmed down, you can return and apologize.”

Mrs. Kong values her reputation; only outside could she cry freely, biting her lip while following Nanny Guan to Sister Yue’s courtyard.

Upon hearing the situation, Sister Yue’s eyes welled with tears, “It’s all my fault, mother. I spoke too hastily without any other intention, and now it has implicated you. I will immediately go and apologize to grandmother.”

“It’s too late now. Going there will only result in grandmother reprimanding you without solving any issues.” Mrs. Kong gazed forlornly into the distance, “These coming days, while I’m at the Duke Mansion, if you need anything, seek out your grandmother. She can’t simply ignore you.”

Sister Yue hurriedly turned away to wipe her tears, fearing her mother would feel even more distressed at the sight, yet her actions failed to convey her concern to Mrs. Kong.

From this incident alone, Mrs. Kong realized she had failed in raising her daughter, or else how could her daughter have committed such a mistake?

Mrs. Kong was expelled by her mother-in-law from her own main room, without even gathering her belongings, with only a carriage prepared for her, accompanied by Nanny Guan as she returned to the Duke Mansion.

Lin Youning, after hearing the rumors from Shanmoi at Tingxue Hall, nodded without a word, the matter at Xu Mansion weighed heavily on her heart. Returning to her residence, her thoughts were centered on how to escape the current predicament rather than lingering in despair.

Lin Youning became more silent than usual, seen by outsiders as guilt and worry for Second Young Master.

Mrs. Gu Sr., after sending away Mrs. Kong, glanced at her son without speaking, and just left, leaving Gu Er even more uneasy.

That evening, upon returning to the residence, Gu Jiafeng heard the matter and immediately summoned Gu Er to his study.

Gu Yifeng wore a simple blue cotton robe, with only a purse and a jade pendant hanging from the jade belt at his waist, his entire attire devoid of excess decoration.

Sitting in the grand master chair, holding a military book, the air of a long-established superior emanated effortlessly from him.

Upon entering the study, Gu Er only dared look up briefly before lowering his head again, “Brother.”

“Sit down.” Gu Yifeng replied with a soft nasal tone, waiting a long while before speaking.

Gu Er found the nearest chair and sat down.

For a moment, the study was silent except for the occasional sound of Gu Yifeng flipping through his book.

Only when Gu Er’s body swayed a few times, appearing restless, did Gu Yifeng set down his book and look up at him.

With slightly narrowed phoenix eyes and slightly pursed thin lips, he said nothing, merely watching silently, leaving one feeling uncertain inside.

Previously, whenever Gu Er made mistakes, his brother would immediately reprimand him, but now, remaining silent and letting the matter go, Gu Er felt it was better to just be scolded.

At least then, he would feel somewhat secure.

“How do you see today’s situation in your courtyard? Have you considered where the mistake lies? What are your plans regarding the Duke Mansion?” Gu Yifeng asked, his expression weary.

“I… was thinking of waiting a few days for mother to calm down, then going to the Duke Mansion to bring her back.” Gu Er assumed this was what his brother wanted to hear?

Gu Yifeng’s brow furrowed deeply, his face showing seriousness, his tone cold, “Is that how you understand it? Mother’s meaning is clear; she wants the Duke Mansion to take a stand. No matter what, as the man of the house, you shouldn’t be beaten to a pulp by a woman within the mansion. Even if you don’t care about these things, don’t care about your reputation, have you considered Brother De’s future? How can he be subjected to criticism from society?”

“Do you know the most important thing for a woman? To have character, maintain integrity, possess education, be dignified and respectful, which is the foundation of managing a family. Your wife may be from the Duke Mansion, yet lacks these basic qualities, which ultimately could undermine the ancestral legacy. If the Duke Mansion can’t make her understand this, then she is certainly not suited for our family.” Gu Yifeng’s voice hardened slightly.

Listening closely, it’s noticeable he referred to the Gu Mansion this time, instead of the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion.

In Gu Yifeng’s heart, a title bestowed by the Holy Emperor means nothing. The century-long reputation of the Gu Family is beyond comparison.

He is, after all, a descendent of the Gu Family.

They must always remember their roots.

Gu Er, however, couldn’t grasp these intentions until his brother pointed them out, leaving him so ashamed he couldn’t lift his head, “Brother, it was foolish of me.”

He initially thought his mother expelled Mrs. Kong out of anger.

He truly was too foolish.

Gu Er felt deeply regretful.

Gu Yifeng’s stern countenance didn’t ease with his realization, “I was careless as well. If not for this incident, I would’ve merely thought of you as playful, indifferent to these matters. Now it seems you don’t understand the impact of this situation at all.”

Lacking decisiveness, foresight, and responsibility, how could such a character bear the responsibilities of two houses in the future?

Reflecting on his beloved little sister, truly to entrust her to someone like this? Even though the person before him is his biological younger brother, Gu Yifeng finds it regrettable.

“Brother, I currently have nothing to do. I thought of going to the academy to teach.” Gu Er spoke, observing his brother’s expression. Seeing no change, he continued, “Over in West Market, I know some teachers, with whom I often discuss poetry and literature, and their Qiongshan Academy happens to need a new teacher. I am idling at the house, might as well go there and discuss poetry with the students.”

Gu Yifeng’s eyelids drooped, “Since when did you start associating with people from West Market?”

Gu Yifeng appeared deep in thought, as if contemplating the matter.

Encouraged now, Gu Er said, “Once, attending a poetry meeting with the princely heir of Peace Prince Mansion, I got acquainted with them.”

“Xianwu?” Gu Yifeng’s expression remained unchanged, yet his tone belied his displeasure.

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