Chapter 163: Chapter 162: Making Things Difficult

Tang Ping had attended to Gu Er for many years and was a shrewd person. Upon hearing his master’s inquiry, he promptly stepped forward to share what he knew with a smile.

“I heard that someone from the Lin Mansion came to visit, and the young lady from the Lin Mansion stayed here to accompany the young lady.” The more Tang Ping listened, the more tightly his brows furrowed, so he smiled triumphantly and said, “That Lin Mansion is the young lady’s maternal family.”

Gu Er’s face showed surprise, “I’ve heard that the Lin Mansion moved back to the Capital some time ago. Why are they only visiting now?”

“I heard that the young lady is about to come of age, so they came to the mansion.” Tang Ping also shared the gossip he overheard from the servants in the mansion, “The servants in the mansion say that the young lady from the Lin Mansion doesn’t resemble our young lady at all, and Lady Lin treats the young lady very coldly, as if she isn’t her own.”

Gu Er’s eyes widened, “Who spread this talk? Damn servants, if the master finds out, he’ll cut out their tongues.”

Tang Ping immediately nodded in agreement, “Master is right. When I heard it, I also cursed those damn people. If this talk reaches the young lady’s ears, how would that affect her? Wouldn’t it make her sad?”

“At least you’ve got some brains.” Gu Er snorted, and after calming down, he continued to inquire, “Is it true that Lady Lin is very cold to Sister Ning?”

Tang Ping nodded vigorously, “The servants in the mansion have seen it, so it can’t be false. I also heard that Lady Lin scolded the young lady in front of the old madam, saying that she needs to pay attention to manners.”

“Foolish woman,” Gu Er cursed under his breath, “What does she think she is? Sister Ning was raised in the Marquis Mansion. She never visited over the years, but now that she’s coming of age, she wants to assert her role as a mother, expecting to be respected in the future? She should check her status first.”

Tang Ping nodded forcefully, “Master is right; our master is the Second Young Master of the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, and she’s just a clerk’s wife, expecting respect from the master as a mother-in-law. She must realize that the young lady was raised by the old madam, who should be considered the mother-in-law.”

“Confused fool, the old madam is the grandmother.”

“The old madam is both grandmother and mother-in-law.” Tang Ping flattered with a grin.

Gu Er laughed and scolded him, yet was pleased with his words. They continued talking in the corridor of Snowleaf Hall without lowering their voices.

However, Lin Qining was standing by the crescent bridge, only aware that someone was talking in the corridor, but unable to hear what was being said clearly.

She only knew it was a man. In the mansion, apart from the Marquis, it would only be the Second Young Master. At night in the courtyard of Lin Youning, Lin Qining hesitated before heading towards the corridor.

Tang Ping, ever attentive, noticed and quietly reminded, “Master, that Miss Lin is coming over.”

Gu Er raised his eyebrows, standing still. Tang Ping, understanding his master’s intentions, half-bowed and stepped aside.

Lin Qining stopped five steps away from the corridor, unable to clearly see the person standing there against the light. She could only make out the upright posture and the imposing aura of the person standing with hands behind his back, aware she was being observed yet unable to discern their appearance.

Lin Qining’s face flushed slightly, and she half-turned to curtsey, “Young lady Lin Qining greets the master.”

“When did Clerk Lin’s daughter become like a brothel woman? How amusing.” Gu Er sneered, “It’s rare for me not to return to the mansion for a few days, yet here I enjoy the treatment only found in a brothel.”

Tang Ping tactfully interjected, “Master, this is in Miss Lin’s Snowleaf Hall, not a brothel. If the old madam hears such words, she will surely scold you.”

“Look at my mind—had a bit of wine and can’t distinguish where I am.” Gu Er rubbed his head, “So who is this paying respects to me?”

Gu Er extended a hand, and Tang Ping hurriedly supported his master’s hand, “Master, you just mentioned it was Clerk Lin’s daughter, now how could you forget?”

“I can’t, too much.” Gu Er waved his hand, “Let’s go back.”

“Got it.” Tang Ping helped his master away, their voices especially clear in the night.

Lin Qining’s face turned pale as she stood quietly in the courtyard. If not for Ping’er gently calling her, she might have remained there.

The Second Young Master of Gu Mansion actually called her a courtesan, actually said such things about her.

How could they say such a thing?

How could she continue to live like this?

It’s too humiliating.

How could they bully people like this?

Lin Qining covered her face, burst into tears, and ran off, with Ping’er hastily following.

She had advised the young lady not to wander around at night, but the young lady wouldn’t listen and insisted on walking here. Now look what happened—she encountered the Second Young Master and even approached him.

Listening to how the young lady greeted him, how could she not be looked down upon?

Ping’er was anxious and dared not neglect her duty, quickly following.

Inside, Lin Youning waved her hand after hearing Shanmoi’s report, “Let her be.”

Since she wasn’t her real sister, Lin Youning didn’t bother with her. Fortunately, she had anticipated this and didn’t expect her to win Gu Er’s favor. If she thought to dissolve the engagement this way, anyone would know it’s impossible.

On Gu Er’s side, he was rather pleased, “Good lad, great cooperation. I have made Second Sister feel a bit better. In the morning, deliver all the things I bought from outside to Snowleaf Hall and see what the young lady’s reaction is.”

Tang Ping agreed with a smile.

Only then did he accompany his master to Ms. Yan’s courtyard.

In the Marquis Mansion, as long as Mrs. Dong wanted something known, she didn’t restrain it. After all, the matter of Gu Er troubling Lin Qining happened near Snowleaf Hall, so she naturally pretended not to know, avoiding the old madam thinking she was placing spies there.

Early the next morning, Mrs. Gu Sr. learned about it and commented, “Such an unruly thing,” but said no more, seemingly allowing this treatment of Lin Qining.

After all, when Lin Qining came to the Marquis Mansion as a guest, roaming around at night inappropriately, even greeting men without avoiding them—such conduct could hardly be liked.

The next morning, Lin Qining, with swollen eyes, accompanied Lin Youning to Shi’an Garden to pay morning respects. Mrs. Gu Sr. pretended to be unaware of the incident and kept them for breakfast at Snowleaf Hall, where the jewelry store’s people arrived.

The jewelry made for Lin Youning was ready and delivered today.

The most eye-catching were the pearl hair combs Lin Youning chose, standing out among the many pieces of jewelry.

Lin Qining forgot her sorrow, her eyes fixed on the hair combs.

Mrs. Gu Sr. had someone bring the combs over, and she examined them carefully in her hand, “Indeed, Sister Ning has better taste than this old lady. Look at these combs, so beautifully made with pearls.”

The pearl’s dark blue and black hues made the hair combs irresistibly elegant.

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