Chapter 185: Chapter 185: Suppression

Lin Youning sought tranquility by staying with Mrs. Gu Sr., noticing that her demeanor towards her remained unchanged, she assumed her eldest brother hadn’t mentioned anything yet, so she didn’t worry about it.

She was more attached to Mrs. Gu Sr. as she was about to leave.

After breakfast, she still did not return.

Mrs. Gu Sr. stared absent-mindedly at the hairpin on Lin Youning’s hair, Lin Youning had noticed it wasn’t the first or second time, momentarily unsure if it was her illusion, always felt Aunt seemed to be seeing someone else through this hairpin.

Over at Yingshui Courtyard, Mrs. Dong barely ate a few bites before putting down her chopsticks, “Has the item been delivered? Did they say anything?”

“The young maid has returned saying Miss Lin is with Madam Sr., and nobody in the courtyard dared accept things or deliver them to Shi’an Garden, so she brought it back. I thought I’d wait until Madam finished her meal before speaking of it.”

“Indeed, Madam Sr. has raised her, her mind surely isn’t comparable to ordinary people.” After rinsing her mouth and wiping it with a cloth, Mrs. Dong showed no hint of emotion, “Let’s go, we should also visit Madam Sr.”

Jingfu appeared hesitant, “Madam, perhaps wait a couple of days to visit, Madam Sr. also wants you to visit Lin Mansion.”

Mrs. Dong laughed, “I know you want me to lie low to avoid causing Madam Sr.’s ire against me, but even if I hide, Madam Sr. wouldn’t forget about me.”

No matter how Madam Sr. tends to hold grudges against her, she simply let Sister Yue cause a fuss—after all, being reprimanded is inevitable, why endure?

Jingfu dared not persuade further, and accompanied Madam out of the courtyard, coincidentally encountering Sister Hui, who was accompanied by a maid with a food box.

After exchanging greetings, Sister Hui was serious-faced, “Mother, you’re going to grandmother’s, right? I have business to discuss with you, let’s delay your visit.”

Since she was her biological daughter, Mrs. Dong didn’t refuse, nodded, and mother and daughter headed to the main house.

Jingfu had already led the young maid to retreat.

Sister Hui was pleased and finally spoke, “Mother, I know you’re upset, but what about father’s side? Does mother wish father to harbor resentment towards you?”

“I know I shouldn’t speak such words, but mother is too impulsive.” Sister Hui understood her mother’s frustrations, “These words I shouldn’t say, how did elder brother enter Tingxue Hall without maid obstructing? If not mother’s favor, how could he enter the main hall so smoothly? I see it clearly, let alone grandmother and father, they’re silent just for mother’s face as head matriarch, why demean yourself?”

“For years grandmother doesn’t acknowledge me as head matriarch.” Mrs. Dong felt bitter.

Sister Hui chuckled, “Yet across the whole Capital, find anyone who doesn’t follow rules in front of a mother-in-law? Mother only sees grandmother’s wrong side, neglecting the good side. Where’s perfection?”

“You’re always so kind-hearted with this demeanor, I don’t know if raising you this way is right or wrong.” Mrs. Dong was ultimately convinced by her daughter, “Fine, fine, I was muddle-headed, I’ll remember in the future.”

Sister Hui relieved seeing her mother not dwelling on it, smiled, “Mother is blessed, there are more blessings later.”

Mrs. Dong smiled, the smile did not reach her eyes, evidently not completely let go.

Sister Hui understood, but at least her mother didn’t stubbornly pursue, otherwise drifting further from father was inevitable.

She thought they should speak to grandmother about it, her mother always listens to grandmother.

Meanwhile, over at Jinghe Courtyard, Sister Yue heard the maid’s news, smashed breakfast, clearly frustrated why her aunt as Marquis Mansion’s Madam, and Sister Hui being a legitimate daughter, must concern over an unknown orphan.

Angered grandmother still favors an orphan, she failed to disgrace Lin Youning, inciting two concubine’s daughters in Yingshui Courtyard to avoid her.

“Has mother’s side discovered? How is she now?” Sister Yue’s voice carried tears.

“Miss, meals are delivered by designated persons, servants couldn’t find out, perhaps Miss should plead with father.” Dangxia, a valued maid beside Sister Yue, normally steady and favored.

Her words, Sister Yue could heed.

“Father’s eyes belied hatred, how dare I approach? Heard last night something was smashed, but found out why?” With recent events, Sister Yue learned despite her indulgence.

“Since Madam was brought back, she’s lain on the bed, both knees swollen.” Punished by Marquis, mood inevitably low.

Sister Yue bit her lip, having such unappreciative father, mother imprisoned, what will she and her brother do?

Brother?

Sister Yue’s eyes brightened, “I’ll write a letter now, have it delivered to the academy.”

Dangxia understood, “I’ll fetch pen and ink.”

Approaching midday, someone from General’s Mansion arrived, notably Lieutenant Zhao and his wife.

Lin Youning received word while at Shi’an Garden, Mrs. Gu Sr. summoned them inside, tightly clutching Lin Youning’s hand, as if she’d be taken away any moment.

Such small actions made Lin Youning’s nose sting, held back tears, feigned ignorance.

“Go check with the Marquis, if he’s in the mansion? If he is, have him come over, also call the Second Young Master.” Mrs. Gu Sr. seemed to have decided something, instructed Suyi by her side.

Though mere simple words, the servants sensed the atmosphere tense, each one became more vigilant, serving more cautiously than usual.

“Sister Ning, remember, everything Aunt does is for your good.” Mrs. Gu Sr. softly patted Lin Youning’s hand.

“Aunt…” Guilt welled within Lin Youning; at this time Aunt worried still for her.

But she?

Only thought of fleeing this place.

Mrs. Gu Sr. remained silent, stared at the door curtain, soon she heard disordered footsteps, and servants’ greetings outside.

The curtain raised, Zhao Housheng and his wife entered first.

After exchanging greetings, they sat, Gu Yifeng and Gu Er arrived, Gu Yifeng clearly just returned from outside, mud scent lingered on his robes.

Gu Er was carried in, his swollen legs couldn’t walk.

Upon entering, his eyes fixed on Lin Youning on the seat, Lin Youning felt uneasy being stared at, but recalling her past life, the one who harmed her wasn’t this man, she gained some courage.

Directly returned the gaze, her eyes stern and assertive.

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