Chapter 140: Chapter 139: The Appointment

Lin Youning breathed a sigh of relief after seeing off Gu Er, feeling even more disdainful towards him. How could such a person be the son of her aunt?

No wonder her aunt was disappointed.

Gu Er knelt at Shi’an Garden for nearly half a day and became docile. He no longer went to the academy, but since Ms. Yan had entered the mansion, they needed to give the Yan Family an explanation.

Even though Mrs. Kong was displeased, she still sent a message to the Yan Family and went through the formalities of taking in a concubine at the mansion.

After entertaining guests, the Gu Mansion suddenly quieted down. The rumors of Gu Er keeping a mistress spread, and everyone seemed to understand.

With only a few days left until the fifth day of May, the mansion seemed to have forgotten about Aunt Yan, as everyone was busy preparing for the Dragon Boat Festival. The Dong Sisters had returned home and had only seen the Marquis twice during their stay, not even exchanging a word.

Perhaps Mrs. Dong had been persuaded by her daughter and no longer pursued her previous plans.

When Sister Yun left, Lin Youning felt somewhat empty. However, since Sister Yun’s cooking lessons, Lin Youning often went into the small kitchen to learn cooking from the cook, especially with the Dragon Boat Festival approaching, even starting to make zongzi.

Now, whenever Mrs. Gu Sr. saw her bringing food, she would feel a stomachache.

Despite Lin Youning’s antics, Mrs. Gu Sr.’s mood, dampened by her youngest son’s actions, gradually improved.

At the end of April, the Wu Mansion sent an invitation, having set up a tent by the dragon boat viewing area, inviting the ladies of the mansion to watch the dragon boat races.

Mrs. Dong refused, as the Marquis Mansion usually did not attend, but this year was different. The young ladies of the mansion were growing up, and such activities needed participation.

Upon hearing this, the Wu Mansion reserved a space for the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion near their own tent so the two families could be close.

They also sent a message, reserving space for the Xu Mansion. After Mrs. Dong reported to Mrs. Gu Sr., she agreed not to decline the invitation.

After Gu Er stopped attending the academy, he began taking the servants from the mansion to set up the tent. The girls of the mansion were busy preparing the outfits for the event.

Lin Youning received a letter from Sister Yun, saying that she would take her to a restaurant in the Capital for a special dish.

Lin Youning was naturally delighted, showing a girlish demeanor, and took the letter to Mrs. Gu Sr., who smiled.

“You’re almost of age. There aren’t many opportunities to enjoy yourself, so take more guards and go with the second daughter of the Dong Family.”

That’s how people are.

Though Mrs. Gu Sr. emphasized propriety, seeing Sister Ning with a concubine’s daughter, she no longer considered it improper to associate with one.

After receiving her aunt’s approval, Lin Youning eagerly went back to prepare.

Hearing this, Mrs. Dong chuckled mockingly, “I used to think the girls from the Imperial Tutor Feng’s Mansion were less rigid in their manners, spending time with concubine’s daughters from the Wu Mansion, little did I expect that even our Sister Lin likes this association.”

None of the servants dared to respond or spread the word.

Sister Hui sat nearby, feeling her mother’s words were inappropriate, but as her child, she couldn’t say much.

She understood her mother wasn’t in the best mood lately; otherwise, she wouldn’t say such things in front of the servants.

On the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, the Capital was exceptionally lively. With spring flowers in bloom, everyone donned colorful clothes, and the streets were crowded as people flocked towards Chunhu.

Rarely did Lin Youning wear a pale pink skirt with a white jacket, her hair styled in the “Chaoyun Near Fragrance” bun, a twisting style with interlacing strands at the top.

Lin Youning, delicate by nature, appeared vivid yet steady with this hairstyle.

A small phoenix hairpin adorned her bun, dainty and charming yet not lacking in elegance.

Mrs. Gu Sr. nodded approvingly, “You should dress like this regularly.”

Looking vibrant like a flower is truly refreshing.

On the other hand, Sister Yue, in her extravagant attire prepared over half a month, was overshadowed upon seeing the pure and fairy-like Lin Youning, venting her mood by getting into the carriage with a sullen face.

Fortunately, Mrs. Gu Sr. had already boarded the carriage, allowing Mrs. Kong to relax. She scolded her daughter sternly, restoring Sister Yue’s calmness.

Upon reaching Chunhu, the carriages could proceed no further, as the area was tightly surrounded by onlookers.

The carriages were rerouted to the pathway reserved for nobles. Lin Youning, assisting Mrs. Gu Sr. off the carriage, spotted Dong Boyun waving from afar.

Lin Youning smiled at her but refrained from waving.

Mrs. Gu Sr., considerate, patted her hand, “I have company; you go ahead. Just take more guards along.”

Happily, Lin Youning agreed. Seeing this, Gu Yifeng instructed Li Si to accompany the guards, further reassuring Mrs. Gu Sr.

This area led nobles to their designated tents, bustling with people. Lin Youning, already beautiful, caught many glances in her attire.

Wu Xueqin was conversing with Feng Yufu when she spotted them from afar, “Since when did Sister Lin and the second miss of the Dong Mansion become so close?”

At the last Dingyuan Marquis Mansion banquet, Wu Xueqin was preoccupied bonding with Sister Jian and Sister Ran, not noticing this.

After Feng Yufu explained, understanding, she smiled casually, “Indeed, people need a connection.”

Efforts to befriend Sister Lin were futile, as she remained aloof. Wu Xueqin, prideful herself, wouldn’t pursue a relationship unwanted by the other.

After all, she was renowned as the Capital’s top talented woman.

Feng Yufu laughed derisively, “Once, she seemed so arrogant; now, she’s just average.”

The two exchanged a knowing look and laughed.

“By the way, it’s over an hour until the dragon boat race. Didn’t you mention taking a stroll? Shall we?” Wu Xueqin suggested, hinting to Feng Yufu.

With a slight blush, Feng Yufu agreed, “Since you said so, how could I refuse?”

Teasingly, Wu Xueqin chuckled at her silence, then summoned her maid to give instructions before leaving with Feng Yufu and the guards.

Meanwhile, Lin Youning paid no attention to others, but while speaking with Dong Boyun, she noticed someone staring at her: a young girl about thirteen or fourteen years old. Such rudeness, caught by Lin Youning, didn’t make her shift her gaze or greet with a smile.

“That’s the second miss of the Lin Family,” Dong Boyun followed her gaze.

“The Lin Family? Which Lin Family?” Hearing the surname Lin and seeing the girl, Lin Youning felt she looked familiar.

A suspicion developed in her mind, but if true, why did the girl look at her with such a cold gaze?

Dong Boyun chuckled, “The eldest daughter of Lin Sheng, a clerk at the Imperial College. I’ve seen her at a banquet_once proud, she’s become reserved after a setback, and now seems to resent everyone.”

Curiously, she continued, “How could a family of their status be here today?”

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