Chapter 186: Chapter 186: Falling Short

Someone as assertive as Lin Youning, or rather someone with such a righteous demeanor, made Gu Er suddenly feel somewhat inferior.

Yet, he was also unwilling. The little girl he watched grow up had now matured, and even exuded a momentum that even he couldn’t match. This reality struck Gu Er hard.

But knowing perfectly well that the little girl in the boudoir was no longer that frail figure, Gu Er still couldn’t reconcile with it and pulled his gaze away reluctantly.

Lin Youning, however, felt there was no need to get entangled with him and turned her attention back to Gu Yifeng. After entering, Gu Yifeng greeted Mrs. Gu Sr. and then sat on the chair at the lower right of the couch.

Gu Er sat right next to him.

Opposite them was Zhao Housheng and his wife.

Once everyone was seated, Mrs. Gu Sr. began to speak, “Today, we have Lieutenant Zhao and his wife visiting the mansion. In front of all of you, I, this old woman, decided to lay everything on the table, so there will be no misunderstandings causing troubles later.”

Mrs. Gu Sr. glanced at her youngest son, “Erlang, you already know Sister Ning is not the daughter of the Lin Mansion. Her true identity is that of Lieutenant Zhao’s sister. After your recent commotion, I thought it over and decided to let Sister Ning return to the Zhao Mansion, dispelling your notions.”

Mrs. Gu Sr. spoke clearly. Her decision to let Lin Youning go back was mainly due to Gu Er’s antics.

She didn’t consider her son’s reputation but instead chose to be truthful, evidently caring for Lin Youning’s feelings.

It was clear to anyone with eyes that Mrs. Gu Sr. genuinely cherished Lin Youning.

Gu Er, who earlier appeared disheartened, seemed stimulated by this and widened his eyes, “Mother, what do you mean? Letting Second Sister return to the Zhao Mansion?”

“I raised Sister Ning as my own child.” Mrs. Gu Sr. ignored her younger son and addressed Zhao Housheng and his wife. She continued, “As you’re her brothers, with Sister Ning returning, I trust you will sincerely care for her. This gives me no worry. You are her real family, and will surely care for her more than an outsider like me.”

“Over these years, Madam held Sister Ning dearly, and no matter how much we care for her, it cannot match Sister Ning’s feelings towards you, Madam. Mrs. Xie Sr. can feel comforted, allowing me to account for my filial duty to my deceased parents.” Zhao Housheng kneeled, and Liang Hui followed suit.

“What are you doing? Get up quickly.” Mrs. Gu Sr. tried to stop them.

Zhao Housheng and his wife knelt thrice before Mrs. Gu Sr. before standing up, “For raising Sister Ning, Madam deserves our kneeling.”

“Sister Ning, quickly help your brothers and sister-in-law up.” Mrs. Gu Sr. was pleased with the couple’s gratitude. While she gently patted the quiet Lin Youning beside her, her voice slightly choked, “I never confessed to you before because I wanted to keep you near, but it seems like I’ve wronged you. Go with your brothers to the Zhao family. They, the ones you share blood with, will truly think for you in critical times.”

Tears as big as beans rolled down Lin Youning’s face, “Aunt…”

She had been waiting for her aunt’s possible displeasure after learning the truth, and had also not received any message from her elder brother. It turns out he convinced Aunt by leveraging Gu Er’s antics.

Seeing Aunt in such a pained, apologetic state, how could Lin Youning not feel heartbroken?

“Sister Ning, listen to your aunt. Even if you go back to the Zhao Mansion, you are still a lady of the Marquis Mansion.” Gu Yifeng gently reminded her.

Seeing the girl nod, Gu Yifeng felt satisfied. Fortunately, she did not act impulsively and reveal the truth. Otherwise, while Mother wouldn’t be heartbroken, she’d still resent them for hiding it from her.

Since they’ve kept it a secret, they might as well continue doing so.

At least this way, Sister Ning wouldn’t bear any resentment.

Lin Youning stood up, walked over to support Zhao Housheng and Liang Hui, “Big Brother, Sister-in-law.”

“Sister.” The sturdy Zhao Housheng had reddened eyes and looked at the hairpin in Sister Ning’s hair, “Father personally carved this for you. Now that it’s with you, Father and Mother can rest in peace underground.”

Lin Youning nodded. Though she had never met her biological parents, she could sense the kindness of her family through the brother who had searched for her for years.

“You say the hairpin was carved by your father?” Excitement appeared on Mrs. Gu Sr.’s face, “Was your father the master craftsman of the world?”

Zhao Housheng’s expression tightened but he did not hide the truth, “To be honest, Madam, my father was indeed the master craftsman, but circumstantial reasons led him to live anonymously, far from societal intrigues.”

Mrs. Gu Sr. nodded, seemingly reminiscing, “The master craftsman’s skills were unmatched. The world didn’t even know his surname. If not for recognizing the craftsmanship on Sister Ning’s hairpin, I wouldn’t have guessed. It’s a vast world, yet who’d have thought Sister Ning came from such a lineage.”

As if reflecting on something.

The others in the flower hall didn’t think much of it. Gu Yifeng narrowed his eyes slightly, seemingly lost in thought.

As for Lin Youning, she had earlier noticed Aunt’s unusual interest in her hairpin. It seemed Aunt had long suspected this.

However, Lin Youning did not expect her biological father to have such an identity.

“Are you acknowledging kinship here without asking me? Ning Sister is betrothed to me.” Gu Er, who had been ignored, suddenly shouted.

Mrs. Gu Sr. was jolted out of her thoughts by the outburst, her gaze like a sword shooting directly at her youngest son.

Gu Er, initially still clamoring, went silent under that sharp look

Mrs. Gu Sr. no longer looked at him and turned back to the three who had just recognized kinship on the ground, “Sister Ning, take your brother and sister-in-law to Tingxue Hall for a while. Let someone pack your things today. Take everything I’ve given you along with Gu Di’s major household accounts, the shops, and farms I gifted you, as your dowry. Manage them well.”

Lin Youning wanted to refuse.

Mrs. Gu Sr. raised her hand to stop her words, “I have things to discuss with your second brother. Be good.”

Her tone exuded helplessness.

Lin Youning wiped her tears before nodding. Zhao Housheng cupped his fist, and the group retreated.

Along the way, Liang Hui held Lin Youning’s hand tightly, her face expressing solemnity and excitement. If not for her husband’s warning look, she would have lost her composure.

Lin Youning, too, was emotionally stirred. Having lived two lifetimes, the worry she harbored for years, not knowing how to resolve it, was suddenly effortlessly rectified. Everything felt like a dream.

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