Chapter 134: Chapter 133: Eerie

Mrs. Kong winced from the pain as she met Nanny Guan’s gaze, staring fixedly for a while before reluctantly nodding her head.

Nanny Guan, however, did not release her grip and spoke in a particularly solemn tone, “Madam, now that Mrs. Gu Sr. isn’t intervening, you’re still holding back here, which will only make the Second Young Master resent it. Just listen to one piece of advice from this old servant: bear with it for now. Once she’s in the mansion, you’ll be the one in control anyway, won’t you? Even the flesh in her belly, whether it can be kept until birth depends on her luck. And if it really is born, so what? The offspring in this mansion aren’t your responsibility to spend silver on. They’re nothing more than a concubine’s son or daughter. In the future, you’ll have the ultimate say, won’t you?”

“Rest assured, Nanny. I’ve understood all of this. I won’t dare speak such words again.” Mrs. Kong seemed to suddenly have the strength drained from her entire body, dropping into a state of dejection.

Nanny Guan finally released her grip, “Madam, when has a man ever truly had only one woman in his heart? Three wives and four concubines are all like this. You still need to think broader on these matters. Now, Madam has Brother De and Sister Yue. In the future, you’ll need to consider even more for the sake of the young ones.”

Seeing the young lady of the household remain silent, Nanny Guan sighed and called Panchun inside to watch over the mistress, then went out to attend to Ms. Yan’s affairs.

Even though the Second Young Master is upset at Madam now, if Madam can still arrange everything regarding Ms. Yan, the Second Young Master’s anger will lessen. At the same time, a message was sent over to the Duke Mansion.

Inside Shi’an Garden, Mrs. Gu Sr., upon hearing the news Suyi gathered, slowly opened her previously closed eyes, “Has the Second Madam truly not stirred up more trouble?”

This was unlike Mrs. Kong’s character.

Suyi also felt there was something strange about it, but couldn’t pinpoint exactly what was odd, “After a heated moment between the Second Young Master and the Second Madam, he took Ms. Yan to the back courtyard with the two concubines and arranged for her to stay in that quarters. Before long, Nanny Guan came on the heels, only stating she was carrying out the Second Madam’s orders to arrange Ms. Yan.”

Mrs. Gu Sr., dressed in her simple robe, leaned against the soft couch, closing her eyes again, “Keep an eye on that side, but no need to interfere with them, as long as it doesn’t become a commotion outside of the mansion.”

Suyi responded respectfully.

Understanding that the old lady really seems unable to manage the Second Young Master now, especially concerning Miss Lin, not sure how to address that yet.

After all these years of nurturing, it would be hard for the old lady to simply hand Miss Lin over to the Second Young Master, wouldn’t it?

In Tingxue Hall, Lin Youning was entertaining guests, precisely Mrs. Dong’s two nieces, who stayed on after the banquet today.

Mrs. Gu Sr. wishes to elevate a concubine for her son; Mrs. Dong, unable to stop it, could only weigh the options to maximize her interests by choosing one among the two nieces, which naturally is to her advantage.

Keeping them in the mansion is basically having the moon near the water’s edge first.

Lin Youning believes that Aunt could see through this but doesn’t expose it, although everyone understands Aunt prefers the legitimate daughter from Vice Minister Zhang’s Mansion.

After all, a legitimate daughter from Dong Mansion wouldn’t be elevated to a concubine, meaning it could only be a concubine’s daughter.

Yet the offspring of a concubine’s daughter couldn’t truly win Mrs. Gu Sr.’s favor.

The current situation hasn’t reached the final decision stage, so no one is saying anything.

The two daughters of Dong Mansion are a year older than Lin Youning, and according to custom, should have been married already. However, Dong Family’s daughters always marry late, so there’s no point in bringing it up.

Dong Poming, the legitimate daughter, somewhat resembles Sister Hui, carrying a touch of legitimate daughter’s pride, even when sitting at Lin Youning’s place, she maintains her demeanor.

Lin Youning has never been one to fawn over or cater to others. Having lived a lifetime over, she has an understanding of what the future holds, and even if she did try to ingratiate herself, with her current status, who would genuinely pay her any regard?

Dong Boyun, on the other hand, is a talkative and lively person, with innocence in her eyes, and although she’s sixteen years old, she still seems very pure.

Lin Youning enjoys conversing with her, especially when hearing about the culinary skills she has learned, finding herself quite curious, and even when hearing about her preparing a dish, feeling a sudden itch.

At the side, Dong Poming’s gaze showed disdain, clearly finding it unbecoming.

Sister Hui accompanied them, and as the day grew dim, she stood up to bid farewell with the two cousins, while Dong Boyun agreed to teach Lin Youning cooking tomorrow.

Over in Yingshui Courtyard, Mrs. Dong listened to her daughter’s tale about learning in Xueting Hall without hindrance, as she kept a close watch on the Second Branch’s movements. At this moment, Mrs. Kong having stirred once but not again felt uncharacteristic for Mrs. Kong.

Yet couldn’t articulate what was wrong.

Late at night, Gu Yifeng finally rushed back from the suburb military camp, washed up in Woodland Pavilion, changed into clean robes, remained discreet, and rested there. Lin Youning received news in the morning, hearing the Marquis would come for breakfast, prompting the kitchen to directly add dishes and send them to Tingxue Hall.

Lin Youning found out just before the meal and didn’t wait long before Gu Yifeng arrived. After greeting him, they both sat down for the meal.

During meals, one should not speak, during sleep, one should not converse.

Yet today, Gu Yifeng waved away the servants in the flower hall, leaving only Lin Youning to speak with him.

“Did anything transpire from Shi’an Garden last night?” Gu Yifeng placed a piece of spring roll in Lin Youning’s bowl, “You need to eat more meat.”

Lin Youning was used to plain porridge and pickles, and now at the sight of the oily food, her brow furrowed. Yet she obediently took a bite, small mouth chewing down. Gu Yifeng was momentarily dumbstruck, watching Sister Ning swallow that mouthful before averting his gaze.

“Brother is worried about Aunt, isn’t he? I can’t inquire too much into that matter. Aunt probably feels guilty about me, which is why she sent me back earlier.” Lin Youning took another sip of porridge, pressing down the oily taste in her mouth, then continued, “Rest assured, Brother. Sister Suyi came last night before bed, saying nothing is amiss with Aunt’s situation.”

Though initially claiming not to know, she later mentioned Suyi.

Gu Yifeng laughed, “Naughty.”

This girl dares to tease him.

Lin Youning’s eyes remained full of laughter, “Brother came here so early; you haven’t seen the two nieces from Dong Family, have you? Yesterday, they were at my place for a while. Sister Ming is composed; Sister Yun, though a concubine’s daughter, is of a lively disposition.”

Considering Brother’s reserved nature, Lin Youning thought marrying someone as lively as Sister Yun would be better; otherwise, if both were taciturn, wouldn’t it be even duller?

Her appearance seemed like a little mouse sneaking food to Gu Yifeng.

Gu Yifeng shook his head with a smile, “Finish your meal properly. Later, I’ll head to the front yard, and you should write a piece. I’ll review it in the afternoon.”

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