Chapter 175: Chapter 174: Decision

Gu Yifeng didn’t respond.

He knew this would make his mother uncomfortable, but thinking of Sister Ning’s well-being, Gu Yifeng could only lie to his mother.

To make his mother give up on Sister Ning taking on heavy responsibilities.

Gu Yifeng had already noticed when Zhao Housheng started paying attention to Sister Ning, especially that time when Zhao Housheng secretly left the city at midnight to go to the Pure Path Temple; Gu Yifeng had sought out Zhao Housheng for a conversation.

Zhao Housheng was also straightforward and knelt down directly to speak the truth to Gu Yifeng. Gu Yifeng didn’t stop him but only promised to take good care of Lin Youning.

In his heart, Gu Yifeng watched Sister Ning grow up, so he naturally wished for her happiness and secretly planned how to free Sister Ning from all this.

This led to the incident with Gu Er, which unexpectedly revealed that Gu Er had been drugged with something that would prevent him from having offspring.

When the heavy responsibility fell on his shoulders, Gu Yifeng considered telling his mother about Sister Ning’s identity, but looking at his mother’s state, he feared the blow would be too great for her frail body, so he remained silent.

Now, there was movement from the Lin Mansion. On the day he agreed to take on the responsibility, Gu Yifeng made his calculations and spread the word.

Once the Lin Mansion got the news, as expected, they couldn’t remain silent, which made Gu Yifeng breathe a sigh of relief.

Now everything was following his plans, leaving only his mother’s side to be dealt with.

“What do you think we should do now, Mother? The Lin Mansion dared to adopt a child back then and claimed it was twins. Their intentions were clear. Now with such rumors, if Sister Ning’s real family comes forward, this responsibility should fall to the real Lin girl.” Gu Yifeng laid out his analysis.

“Isn’t the Lin Mansion just waiting for someone to come and acknowledge the relationship? I suspect they spread the rumors. When it comes to acknowledging the relationships, who knows if it’s her real parents or someone else? How dare they treat the Gu Mansion like fools? I won’t let them have their way. No matter if Sister Ning is from a poor family; I’ve already recognized her. What can they do? I want to see how they have the nerve to send the Lin girl into the mansion again.” Mrs. Gu Sr. expressed coldly.

Gu Yifeng had thought his mother would hesitate because of Sister Ning’s identity, but it seemed that his mother’s affection for Sister Ning wasn’t so easily changed.

“So be it. We will do as you say, Mother.” Gu Yifeng could only think of other ways.

On the day before June sixth, Gu Chaoxuan, who was training at the Capital Suburb Camp, returned to the mansion. This time, she accompanied the Eldest Prince on a hunt and saved him when he fell from a carriage, gaining great merit.

However, Gu Chaoxuan was injured and was sent back by the people of the Prince Mansion.

Additionally, the Imperial Physician from the palace came along.

After receiving the news, Gu Yifeng went directly to the courtyard behind Woodland Pavilion, where Gu Chaoxuan usually stayed.

There was also the brother of Consort Dong, Imperial Censor Dong, Gu Yifeng usually never associated with people from the Consort and Crown Prince’s side.

Imperial Censor Dong’s visit was clearly on behalf of the Eldest Prince. How would it be perceived by outsiders?

Gu Yifeng politely invited the guests to sit in the main hall. Imperial Censor Dong spoke highly of Gu Chaoxuan, making it clear that he was trying to win over Gu Yifeng, but Gu Yifeng maintained his stance throughout.

When the Imperial Physician returned and reported that he was fine, but his leg needed rest for some time, Imperial Censor Dong also left with the Imperial Physician.

After seeing them off, Gu Yifeng went to Gu Chaoxuan’s room. Gu Chaoxuan’s expression showed fear. As he tried to get up, Gu Yifeng gestured for him to stay down. However, Gu Chaoxuan didn’t dare lie back down and just propped himself up with a pillow.

“When you went to the Capital Suburb Camp, I told you not to associate with the Eldest Prince and Crown Prince’s people. It seems you have made your own decision. That’s fine; you’re an adult now and have made your choice.” Gu Yifeng didn’t sit down. After speaking a few words, he turned and left.

Once everyone had left the room, Gu Chaoxuan’s face finally showed a look of determination.

From being an illegitimate son who was once valued, to becoming one shunned by all—a fall from grace. This experience made him realize that only by climbing higher could he regain his dignity.

As for Lin Youning, who looked down on him, how could he forget the humiliation she caused him that day?

His fall from grace was her doing.

“Brother Xuan.” Aunt He walked in cautiously.

Gu Chaoxuan’s face turned cold, “What are you here for, Aunt?”

“Young Master, I heard you were injured and came to check on you.” Aunt He dared not take another step forward under his glare.

“I know you’re upset, but don’t worry. Sister Lin will soon be in trouble herself.” Seeing her son look over, Aunt He seemed encouraged and detailed the goings-on in the mansion. “Sister Lin, who knows where she was adopted from? She’s not the real daughter of the Lin family. It’s only a matter of time before the Lin family steps forward.”

Aunt He held a grudge against Lin Youning, as she’d heard from the servants that the young master was disliked by Mrs. Gu Sr. and the Marquis all because of Lin Youning. How could she not hate her?

But as a concubine under Mrs. Dong’s watchful eye, Aunt He couldn’t do much.

Now that the opportunity had arisen, and with her son saving the Eldest Prince, no one in the mansion dared look down on him.

With this confidence, Aunt He disregarded Mrs. Dong and came over directly.

After hearing the news, Gu Chaoxuan’s spirits lifted, “Looks like tomorrow the mansion will be bustling. I should also deliver a congratulatory gift to Aunt.”

“Your leg is still injured; you shouldn’t go.” Aunt He quickly advised him.

“It’s just a minor injury. The Eldest Prince appreciated my rescue, which is why he sent me back so grandly,” Gu Chaoxuan understood. The Eldest Prince’s treatment of him was also because he was from the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion.

But regardless of the reason, he had to rise in stature, forcing those who once looked down on him to bow again.

Only then did Aunt He feel relieved, “In that case, you should indeed go and see.”

If there’s going to be excitement, so much the better.

On the morning of June sixth, the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion was bustling. There were horse carriages and sedan chairs from various noble families in front of the mansion gates.

Mrs. Gu Sr.’s Shi’an Garden was filled with the wives of various families. It being summer, the colorful dresses made the place feel lively and beautiful.

Lady Lin sat among them, watching the other madams flatter Mrs. Gu Sr., a slight smile on her lips. Soon it would be her being flattered by everyone.

A group of young girls gathered in Tingxue Hall, in Lin Youning’s room. Although they weren’t very familiar with her, the rumors about her piqued their curiosity.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep