Chapter 169: Chapter 168: Hidden Worries

Sure, here is the translation:

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Gu Yifeng stepped out of Shi’an Garden, standing in the corridor gazing at Tingxue Hall. His resolute heart wavered for a moment, and from his position, he could clearly see the delicate figure by the window on the soft couch, instructing those around her.

The summer sunlight cast upon her face, imbuing it with a faint halo.

Li Si secretly glanced up at his master, then lowered his head again, standing respectfully to the side.

The Marquis had been closely interacting with Lieutenant Zhao lately, and had even instructed him to keep an eye on West Market Alley. Previously, he didn’t know why, but when they brought the Second Young Master for a scandal, he understood.

Li Si thought the Marquis was doing it for Miss Lin’s sake. After all, by displacing the favored Aunt Yan, the Second Young Master would be devoted to Miss Lin.

But who could have foreseen that it would lead to the Second Madam drugging the Second Young Master?

“Master, should we go check on Miss Lin?” Li Si dared to ask.

Miss Lin is truly pitiful now, considering what happened with the Second Young Master, she must be the saddest one.

Moreover, this was secretly orchestrated by the Marquis, who must feel guilty as his good intentions led to a bad outcome.

“There’s no need,” Gu Yifeng replied indifferently, striding toward the corner gate.

Li Si silently cursed himself for focusing only on Miss Lin, overlooking the Marquis. The Marquis is always meticulous, and having made a mistake today, he certainly wouldn’t feel at ease.

He hurriedly chased after him.

Inside Tingxue Hall, Lin Youning instructed Shanmei to keep an eye on Lin Qining, then waved everyone away, sitting alone in the courtyard, lost in thought. Through the window, she saw a blue figure flash by the corridor.

She knew it was Brother Zong wearing that color today, having just left Aunt Lin’s place.

At this moment, Lin Youning was preoccupied with past matters, hesitating slightly over whether Brother Zong was the child she had with Gu Er, given that in this life, Mrs. Kong also gave Gu Er sterilizing drugs.

Why then did she manage to conceive a child?

If he truly wasn’t Gu Er’s child, why did Kong Tianru cling so firmly to her denial?

Unless it concerned Kong Tianru’s interests, she wouldn’t expose it?

Indeed, in the past life, Kong Tianru wasn’t confined to the courtyard by Aunt Lin, who treated her well. That implies Kong Tianru’s drugging hadn’t been revealed.

Lin Youning’s eyes glinted with sorrow; her past life was truly pitiable. Having been wrongfully accused of adultery with Gu Chaoxuan, she was sent back to the Gu Family’s main house, watched closely. On the wedding night, fearing her uproar, they fed her sleep-inducing drugs, supporting her during the ceremony, until she passed out. By the next morning, Gu Er had vanished, but spotting the blood-stained cloth confirmed their consummation.

She might have doubted the blood-stained cloth was real if not for the aching body signaling the ordeal.

After that night, Gu Er never came to her room, yet from that one encounter, she conceived Brother Zong.

The unbearable past cannot be revisited.

Lin Youning exhaled deeply, gazing at the flowers and trees in the garden, Brother Zong’s little face filling her mind. Their mutual reliance, his tender physique spurring her maternal strength, transforming her from an ignorantly young girl into a capable widow managing the household.

“Miss, Nanny Guo is back,” Hailan announced, entering.

Lin Youning emerged from her reverie, smiling, “Quickly, let Nanny Guo come in.”

While reminiscing about the past, Lin Youning recalled learning much from Nanny Guo, making her return timely, thus making her happy.

Nanny Guo, appearing spirited, wore a simple bun at the back, a plain blue garment flawlessly without creases.

“I greet Miss,” Nanny Guo offered.

Lin Youning swiftly rose from the couch, waving her back, “Nanny is family, no need for such grand formalities.”

“Mistress remains mistress, servant is servant; the rules must be upheld,” Nanny Guo insisted seriously.

Knowing her palace background and adherence to rules, Lin Youning didn’t argue, smiling while instructing Hailan to bring a small stool for Nanny Guo to sit.

Seeing this, Nanny Guo sensed her mistress’s care, feeling both helpless and fond, partially resting upon the stool.

“Why did you come back?” Lin Youning felt comfortable before Nanny Guo, seeming livelier than usual.

“Missing serving Miss, while also considering my family in the estate, yet as Miss’s attendant, staying hidden is not viable. The estate fine for now so I wished to return, especially with Miss’s coming-of-age soon.” Nanny Guo explained methodically.

Lin Youning’s smile faded, her expression turning grave, “I won’t hide from Nanny, there’s trouble at the manor.”

Explaining the Jinghe Courtyard incident, she added, “Currently, I’m uncertain what to do.”

“Miss need do nothing, merely observe the developments,” Nanny Guo advised calmly, “It’s an affair of the other courtyard, unlinked to Miss. Until the final moment, no one predicts the outcome, like Aunt Yan’s incident involving Second Madam. Avoid entangling yourself in such matters.”

Originally thinking similarly, Lin Youning feared being judged cold-hearted. Hearing Nanny Guo’s perspective, she felt reassured, “I’ll heed Nanny.”

“In the coming days, serve the Madam devotedly, regardless of anything happening in the manor. Oblivious as unknown, detached from outside concerns,” Nanny Guo instructed again.

Lin Youning agreed, discussing her coming-of-age ceremony, “I plan for simplicity, for my invitations aren’t all sent yet, mere close friends will do.”

Given the situation and Aunt Lin’s declining health, she wished not add burdens.

Nanny Guo also concurred, agreeing arrangements, then left to rest while Lin Youning tidied herself before heading to Shi’an Garden.

Mrs. Gu Sr. woken already, sat while Suyi fanned her; even during peak warmth before she wouldn’t entertain fanning, Lin Youning felt a pang.

“Sister Ning arrived? Come in,” Mrs. Gu Sr. warmly gestured upon seeing Lin Youning.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep