Chapter 144: Chapter 143: Contact

Ms. Yan is considered to be in an awkward situation at this time; the two concubines of the main house are quite honest and do not interact with the second house. Naturally, they won’t speak to her at the table.

And as for the second house’s Aunt Wen and Lady Yin, one does not take Second Young Master to heart, and the other lacks courage, especially with Mrs. Kong watching intently from the side, making it even less likely for anyone to engage with her.

Ms. Yan is also not favored by Mrs. Gu Sr., which isolates her even more.

Even though Gu Er has been staying at her courtyard recently, it hasn’t made others view her more favorably.

Ms. Yan is patient and calm, yet her heart was somewhat unsettled upon seeing Lin Youning today.

Throughout the meal, Ms. Yan didn’t look elsewhere but frequently glanced at Lin Youning, who was sitting at the top.

After the meal, Mrs. Gu Sr. waved her hand, indicating her reluctance to see her youngest son, and asked everyone to go rest.

Lin Youning wanted to stay and keep her company, but was turned down by Mrs. Gu Sr., knowing that her aunt cared for her, she smiled and retreated with everyone.

Gu Er walked at the back, “Second sister, did you visit the Jade Leaf Teahouse with the Dong family’s niece today?”

Sister Yue, who was walking in front, also stopped and smilingly joined the conversation, “I heard it’s a newly opened restaurant in the Capital where seats need to be booked days in advance. Aunt, why didn’t you take me?”

She was not at all reserved.

Ms. Yan did not think highly of Second Young Master’s legitimate daughter; she had none of the demeanor of a noble family, indicating what her mother must be like.

However, Ms. Yan was curious to see how Miss Lin would react at this time.

“Sister Yun booked a private room, she only invited me, so I couldn’t bring you all along.” Lin Youning responded neither humbly nor arrogantly.

Her words implied Sister Yue’s lack of manners.

Gu Er also felt embarrassed, “If you like it, ask your mother to book a seat there, why blame your aunt?”

Sister Yue pouted, “Father is biased.”

Ignoring her red-faced father, she flounced off angrily.

Gu Er was blushing, being called out by his daughter in front of so many people for being biased, it was as if he was showing everyone his partiality towards Sister Ning.

He had a marriage arrangement with Sister Ning initially, and now pampered her as he would his own woman.

Gu Er’s heart was slightly moved, and he couldn’t help but glance at Sister Ning, “Sister Yue is somewhat willful.”

How could this be willfulness?

It was simply a lack of discipline.

Lin Youning didn’t want to say much to him, her face turned cold, “Second Brother, I am also tired and will head back first.”

She bowed slightly and left, crossing the Crescent River bridge with Shanmoi and Hailan.

Ms. Yan was surprised by Miss Lin’s attitude towards Second Young Master and looked at him, realizing he wasn’t angry at all, which astonished her.

She had interacted with Second Young Master for some time and naturally understood his temperament. Noble family members carry a certain pride, and aren’t they all the type to be coaxed?

But looking at this Miss Lin, who will be marrying Second Young Master in the future, she could so freely show displeasure.

Ms. Yan took small steps to catch up with Second Young Master ahead, internally harboring grievances, truly people with different fates.

After returning to the Warm Pavilion, Lin Youning took off her outer coat, wearing only a blouse and skirt. Given the spring season, there was no need for a charcoal brazier, and the windows could be propped open without fear of the cold. The greenery of the garden also added to the pleasant mood.

She dismissed Shanmoi and Hailan, contemplating her situation. Her fifteenth birthday on the tenth of June would mark her coming-of-age ceremony.

Doing the math, she realized that the matter of breaking off her engagement with Gu Er couldn’t be delayed any longer, but how exactly to proceed?

Lin Youning had no clear idea.

Today, Gu Er had publicly asked her where she had been, clearly watching her actions.

This made Lin Youning cautious, as Gu Er had never behaved this way before.

Unable to sleep, Lin Youning sat up and, looking at the sewing box, called in Shanmoi, “Have someone see if the Marquis has returned home and where he is?”

Shanmoi asked no questions and sent someone to inquire. Upon returning, she saw Hailan helping the young lady comb her hair, “Miss, are you going out?”

She was already looking for clothes.

“Just wear this cotton one, since we’re in the house and not going out.” Lin Youning seemed to think of something, “By the way, where did Lady Zhao’s maid put the handkerchief she sent me? I remember it had a plum blossom embroidered on it, right?”

“It’s a red plum blossom, just like the one on your shoulder.” Shanmoi replied from the inner room, already finding the handkerchief in the meantime, “How did Lady Zhao know you liked plum blossoms? The plum blossom on the handkerchief matches the one on your shoulder, it’s quite a coincidence.”

Lin Youning took the handkerchief, gazing at it for a while before nodding, though her eyes showed a hint of contemplation, “Yes, although I like plum blossoms, I never openly showed it in front of others. Lady Zhao is indeed attentive.”

But the resemblance to the plum blossom on her shoulder was so striking, Lin Youning couldn’t help but think more about it.

“Send an invitation to Lady Zhao, asking if she’s going up the mountain on the fifteenth. If it’s still to the Pure Path Temple, maybe we can go together.” Lin Youning slipped the handkerchief into her sleeve.

Shanmoi smiled in agreement; any opportunity to leave the mansion was naturally welcome.

After dressing, one of the maids who’d gone out to gather news returned. Learning that Gu Yifeng was in the Woodland Pavilion, Lin Youning smiled and headed there with the pouch.

Upon seeing Lin Youning, Zhang Wu quickly approached to greet her, “Greetings, Miss, the Marquis is in the study.”

“Thank you, I’ll go directly.” Lin Youning was always courteous to Gu Yifeng’s attendants.

Zhang Wu quickly said it was not necessary and led Lin Youning to the study.

Gu Yifeng had already changed out of the splendid robe he wore during the day, now dressed in a light blue robe, leisurely making tea.

When he saw Lin Youning coming in, he gestured towards the couch opposite, pouring her a cup of tea. Lin Youning didn’t stand on ceremony and drank two small cups before setting it down.

“I embroidered this for you, big brother; have a look, do you like it?” Lin Youning handed over the pouch she had brought.

Gu Yifeng had noticed her anticipation for praise earlier. Smiling, he accepted and earnestly examined it, eventually nodding in approval.

“Not bad,” he simply said with just two words.

Lin Youning smiled modestly, “It’s rare for big brother to praise me, so I didn’t make this pouch in vain, it took me several nights.”

“So, is this a gift for me, or do you have a favor to ask?” Gu Yifeng teased with a smile.

Lin Youning chuckled, “I do have a favor to ask, big brother. Lady Zhao of Lieutenant Wang Zhao’s family often goes to the temple on the fifteenth day of the month to burn incense and pray. I’d like to accompany her this month, but I don’t want to trouble aunt, who is getting older, to go with me. I’ll have to trouble you to put in a good word for me at the time.”

Gu Yifeng, indulgently smiling, agreed. Lin Youning stayed a little longer before leaving, not lingering to disturb him.

As she headed out, she ran into Ms. Yan in the passage.

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