Chapter 157: Chapter 156: Ephemeral Presence

Mrs. Dong became worried in her heart, yet the person was asleep. Without staying much longer, she instructed Yangtao to have the little maid send a message to the neighboring courtyard when the person awoke, and then left with Jingfu.

Mrs. Dong saw that Wu Xueqin was fine, but her tightly knit brows did not relax. Jingfu could sense Madam’s tense spirit and dared not make a sound to disturb her.

When Mrs. Dong entered the courtyard, she took a deep breath before walking gracefully into the house.

Night had already fallen. Since coming from the Marquis Mansion, Mrs. Dong hadn’t had a sip of water, let alone eaten a meal. After being reprimanded by the Marquis, compounded with her concerns, she looked rather spiritless.

When Mrs. Dong entered the room, she smelled the aroma of food, which brightened her eyes. Upon entering the inner chamber, she saw the food on the small square table on the soft couch. Although simple, at this moment, it was more enticing than anything else for Mrs. Dong.

Gu Yifeng was leaning against the soft couch with his eyes closed, “Eat first. After eating, rest a bit. The people from Wu Mansion should be arriving soon.”

The earlier embarrassment from the reprimand had dissolved like smoke. Mrs. Dong nodded with a smile and asked Jingfu to bring water. After washing her hands, she quietly began to dine.

The room was very quiet. Even with Mrs. Dong eating, no sound could be heard.

Mrs. Dong’s gaze occasionally swept over to the man sitting opposite with his eyes closed; moments like these when the two of them quietly stayed in a room together were rare.

In the early days of their marriage, there were a few instances like this. However, she eventually insisted it was against etiquette, arranging for meals to be placed outside. When such situations arose later, the Marquis would find reasons to leave on his own.

She realized that circumstances between them now were something she’d brought upon herself.

Mrs. Dong felt a sense of melancholy, only snapping back to reality when the chopsticks made a crisp sound as they hit the plate.

She gathered her wits, ate half a bowl of rice, and then instructed Jingfu to clear the table. Apart from a bed inside, there was only this soft couch.

Mrs. Dong couldn’t very well lie on the bed, so she leaned on the large pillow on the soft couch for a while. Before she knew it, she had fallen asleep.

When she was awakened by Jingfu, the Marquis was nowhere to be seen in the inner chamber.

“Where is the Marquis? What hour is it?” Mrs. Dong sat up, touched the bun on her head, and only when she found it unsullied did she adjust her collar.

Jingfu squatted down to help her with her shoes, “Minister Wu came personally, and the Marquis has gone to meet him. Mrs. Wu is with the Second Miss Wu.”

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Dong quickened her movements, “Why wasn’t I woken up?”

“The Marquis saw Madam asleep and instructed not to wake you.” Jingfu smiled, “The Marquis was considerate of Madam’s exhaustion.”

Mrs. Dong smiled internally, but she responded sternly, “Even with the Marquis injured, he is still hosting guests. With female guests arriving, how can I lie around? It’s against etiquette. Remember to wake me for such matters in the future.”

Jingfu quickly suppressed her smile, “I will remember that.”

When Mrs. Dong arrived, Mrs. Wu was inside and, upon seeing Mrs. Dong, hurried to greet her. Mrs. Dong took Mrs. Wu’s hand, “We owe a great debt to the Second Miss today. Otherwise, who knows what might have happened to the Marquis?”

“The Marquis is fortunate,” Mrs. Wu replied with a smile, her tone laced with excitement. “It seems that our Second Miss has a connection with the Marquis. Who would’ve thought she’d end up saving him this way?”

Mrs. Dong slightly raised her eyebrows, “Indeed, the Second Miss is truly a benefactor to our Marquis Mansion. This kindness is something we could never repay in a lifetime.”

Mrs. Wu modestly replied, “Oh, you flatter us. We’re like one family; there’s no need to speak of two.”

Mrs. Wu’s words hinted at more.

It’s not untrue to say they are like family, given Mrs. Wu and Mrs. Kong are cousins. But to say they are truly one family… well, since it only counts as a collateral connection.

Mrs. Dong pretended not to notice and changed the subject, “How is the Second Miss? Has she woken up?”

“She’s awake but too weak and has fallen asleep again,” Mrs. Wu said tenderly. “Originally sent to the estate to embroider her dowry, she’s now injured in such a place; we only hope the groom’s family doesn’t mind.”

While the previous words from Mrs. Wu could be disregarded, this statement came directly.

Mrs. Wu seemed unaware that her words could suggest more, simply rambling on from the bedside.

Fortunately, Wu Xueqin awoke then. Seeing the people in the room, she tried to sit up, but Mrs. Wu quickly stopped her, “Your chest is injured. How can you move recklessly? Stay lying down, the Marchioness won’t mind.”

Looking apologetically at Mrs. Dong, Wu Xueqin nodded slightly, and Mrs. Dong approached her, “That’s right. Your mother is right; propriety isn’t the priority. Your health is what matters now.”

“Thank you for your kindness, Madam,” Wu Xueqin said softly, though with all her strength.

Yet, before more could be said, a young maid entered. After greeting everyone, she addressed Mrs. Wu, “Madam, the master said that if the young lady has woken, she should be helped out and returned home. They’ve already prepared a carriage.”

Mrs. Wu didn’t ask further. After listening, she nodded to Mrs. Dong, “Since that’s the case, we won’t intrude at the estate any longer.”

Mrs. Dong understood they were hastening her away since Miss Wu needed to dress. Smiling, she nodded, “Madam, please help the Second Miss dress. I’ll wait outside.”

Smiling, Mrs. Dong retreated outside, standing in the outer room with tightly pressed lips. After pondering for a moment, she called over Jingfu, “Go and inquire with the Marquis to see what’s going on.”

Jingfu nodded and left.

Only when Miss Wu, with a pallid face, was helped out by two old maids did Jingfu return.

With the need to attend to sending them off, Mrs. Dong had no time to question Jingfu. She waited until the people from Wu Mansion had left and returned to the main courtyard.

On the way back, Jingfu recounted, “I found out little. The Marquis spoke privately with Minister Wu without servants around. Fearing being seen by Li Si, I returned.”

Having arrived at the main courtyard, Mrs. Dong was not in a rush, “I understand.”

Once she saw the Marquis, things would become clear.

Mrs. Dong had a vague suspicion in her heart, yet she didn’t wish for it to be so. However, the swift departure of the people from Wu Mansion left her feeling uncertain.

In the main room, Gu Yifeng wasn’t resting. Seeing her enter, he said coolly, “Sit down, I have something to discuss with you.”

Mrs. Dong curtseyed and walked to the other side of the soft couch to sit down. Only then did Gu Yifeng speak again, “The Second Miss of Wu Mansion was injured saving me. As a girl, she was hurt in that area, and we must provide an explanation to Wu Mansion.”

Mrs. Dong nodded, understanding his words. Her chest felt stifled, yet she still forced a smile and strived to appear magnanimous.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep