Chapter 135: Chapter 134: Reactions

Lin Youning’s face showed displeasure, yet she still agreed.

Gu Yifeng knew she didn’t like writing, “Even though your calligraphy is already considered excellent among women, you still need to practice more; otherwise, your literary talent would be wasted.”

In the past, Gu Yifeng could ignore this.

But now that the second son was disappointing, in the future, the responsibilities of the main household of the Gu Family would fall on Sister Ning. Teaching their children became particularly important.

Thinking of this, Gu Yifeng couldn’t help but recall Sister Ning’s reluctance to marry. Looking at her charming face and aggrieved expression, Gu Yifeng furrowed his brows too.

The second son was so disappointing; if it were another woman, the main household of the Gu Family wouldn’t know what to do. If it were Sister Ning, he could feel somewhat assured after he was gone.

Although Sister Ning usually seemed weak, he knew she had a strong personality and was resourceful; supporting the main household in the future wouldn’t be an issue for her.

But having doted on her since childhood, he couldn’t bear to see her life ruined in unhappiness by the second son’s hands.

With a conflicted heart, Gu Yifeng went to Shi’an Garden after breakfast.

Mrs. Gu Sr. had also just finished breakfast and, upon seeing her son, called him over, interrupting his greeting, “Come and sit.”

Gu Yifeng then sat down facing his mother.

“Did you have breakfast over at Ning’s?”

Gu Yifeng nodded, “I was worried you might be concerned about her, so I checked on her first. That girl is worried about you too.”

Mrs. Gu Sr. showed a bit more affection on her face, “That child has such a kind heart; whether it’s good or bad in the future, it’s hard to say, especially since the second son is so disappointing. Ning is so good; how can I bear it?”

Alas, there’s no alternative solution.

This was what troubled Mrs. Gu Sr.

Gu Yifeng felt the same, “Mother, why not consider another family? You saw many girls at the banquet yesterday, if there’s one from a smaller household, but of legitimate birth, it could work.”

“I’ve thought about it too, but look at the second son. It’s not like he has no feelings for Ning; she’s such a beauty, he’s always considered her his. Suddenly giving her to someone else, how could he accept it? I’m just worried his reckless nature might cause trouble.” Mrs. Gu Sr. thought long-term, “I’d actually be happy if Mrs. Kong caused a fuss, as it might push the second son towards Ning when they’re married.”

Yet something happened, bringing about a formidable mistress outside the family.

Mrs. Gu Sr. knew her son understood this, even though he wasn’t in the house, nothing could be hidden from him.

“The matter outside can’t be concealed, so raising a concubine for you must be postponed. This issue has affected the eldest son; how can the household be quiet, and still raise a concubine? The censors wouldn’t stop watching you.”

However, talking about this, Mrs. Gu Sr. didn’t spare the eldest son either, “I know you’re secretly pleased, don’t think I’m too old to know what you’re thinking. You’re indifferent towards women, but you must give me a legitimate grandson.”

Talking about grandchildren, Mrs. Gu Sr. couldn’t help but mention the confined Gu Chaoxuan, “A person shouldn’t be kept like this forever, he’s at the age to marry now.”

“I plan to have him train at the camp in the suburbs for a few years; it won’t be too late to marry once he’s matured.” Gu Yifeng couldn’t keep him in the house forever; even if married, he couldn’t constrain his mind. Better to send him to the Capital Suburb Camp.

Mrs. Gu Sr., knowing her son well, immediately understood his intention and looked approving, “That’s a good idea. You and your brothers are still young, and there will be more descendants. Brother Xuan should indeed gain some experience.”

So, the matter of Gu Chaoxuan was settled.

The matter concerning Gu Er was left for him to resolve himself. Before noon, Suyi came to report that tea had been served by Ms. Yan at Jinghe Courtyard.

Mrs. Gu Sr. waved Suyi away, muttering, “See, without us, he managed just fine.”

Her tone was full of mockery.

“Mother must be reassured; he’s no longer a child, and he understands the consequences of his actions. You can’t oversee him forever; let him manage on his own.” Gu Yifeng was utterly uninterested in meddling with his brother.

He isn’t even worth being compared to a useless figure from history.

Mrs. Gu Sr. wanted to say more, but seeing her eldest son unwilling to speak further, worried he might become more displeased with his younger brother, she held her tongue.

At Tingxue Hall, after lunch, Lin Youning digested her food and then calmly sat down to write a piece. After she finished, one of the young servants reported that Sister Hui and the Dong Sisters had arrived.

Lin Youning had Suyi take the written work to the Warm Pavilion to dry before getting up to greet them.

The group sat on the soft couch in the green gauze cabinet. Dong Boyun couldn’t wait to speak, “I heard the Marquis had breakfast with Aunt this morning?”

Sister Hui showed a trace of embarrassment on her face.

Dong Poming looked as if she wished she could shut Dong Boyun up, her eyes wide open.

Dong Boyun seemed completely oblivious.

Lin Youning didn’t care if Mrs. Dong was intentionally probing or not. With so many eyes between Brother and here to Tingxue Pavilion, how could Mrs. Dong not know?

Dong Boyun’s question indeed seemed to confirm that Mrs. Dong said something in front of them.

“You haven’t seen the Marquis yet, have you?” Lin Youning didn’t continue the topic. After all, it’s embarrassing for Mrs. Dong that Brother went to her courtyard instead of Mrs. Dong’s; she changed the topic, “I just finished some calligraphy to show the Marquis; why not go to Shi’an Garden together?”

Mrs. Dong was a shrewd person, mentioning that in front of her two nieces was obviously to bring the message to her.

Otherwise, with Mrs. Dong’s prowess, how could she make such a mistake, knowing Sister Yun can’t keep her mouth shut, and still say those things?

Since Mrs. Dong intentionally wanted her two nieces to remain and orchestrated such a situation, her intentions were clear.

So, Lin Youning decided to give her a way out and lead the Dong daughters over. Whatever happens afterward wasn’t her concern.

Dong Poming blushed slightly, but it was from shame and anger.

As the legitimate daughter of the Dong Family, she didn’t want to be a concubine, let alone share a man with her aunt.

Dong Boyun was excited but also showed a maiden’s shyness, “Is that appropriate?”

Sister Hui felt indescribable about her mother’s actions. Knowing her mother’s motives, she couldn’t help but feel both sorrow and embarrassment.

“There’s nothing wrong with it; after all, he’s your uncle-in-law, meeting him is appropriate.” Lin Youning smiled lightly, not saying more.

She asked Suyi to bring along her calligraphy as the group headed towards Shi’an Garden.

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