Chapter 190: Chapter 190: Leaving the Mansion

Mrs. Dong had heard that Aunt Lv required water in the middle of the night at her courtyard, but she had long been accustomed to it. The Marquis was indifferent to matters between men and women, and seldom visited the two aunts before. Only when she arranged the days, would the Marquis go.

However, even then, he seldom requested water in the middle of the night. As the years passed and news of the lack of offspring in the mansion spread, every time the Marquis stayed at someone’s courtyard, he would ask for water once.

Thinking of these things, Mrs. Dong also felt that the Marquis was a pitiful person, as not having an heir was considered unfilial.

Clearly indifferent to such matters, yet forcing himself for the sake of offspring, thinking of this, even if Mrs. Dong heard about the Marquis asking for water in the middle of the night at an aunt’s place, she wouldn’t get jealous.

Lin Youning came of age on the sixth day of the sixth month. After her coming-of-age ceremony, a series of events unfolded in the mansion. It wasn’t until the end of June that the Zhao Mansion came to pick her up.

Mrs. Gu Sr. was reluctant and simply claimed that her health was not well and let Lin Youning return directly to the Zhao Mansion, not even coming to say goodbye.

Lin Youning did not say much, she knelt in the courtyard and kowtowed three times to Mrs. Gu Sr., before being helped up by Liang Hui to depart.

Mrs. Dong, along with several young ladies from the mansion, came to see her off. Sister Yue hadn’t received news from Brother De, and she appeared listless, but surprisingly did not show Lin Youning a bad face.

Ever since Lin Youning’s background was revealed, Sister Yue held her in disdain within the mansion, often saying unpleasant things whenever they met.

Sister Jian and Sister Ran remained as before, neither close nor distant. However, Sister Hui changed her address.

“In the future, I’ll probably have to call you Sister Lin.” For a moment, changing from aunt to sister, Sister Hui’s face slightly reddened.

It felt somewhat awkward.

Lin Youning gave a shy smile without saying much. In the future, she would visit the Marquis Mansion, as her aunt was still there, but she would not associate with these noble young ladies.

In her past life, she saw through too much, and after enduring for so long in this life, Lin Youning wanted to live a simple and peaceful life.

Even after boarding the carriage, Lin Youning did not see the figure she wanted to see among the crowd.

“Don’t worry, our family has few members. Apart from you and Ling’er, it’s just me and your brother, so you don’t need to worry about those grand mansion matters occurring at our place.” Liang Hui, seeing Lin Youning deep in thought, assumed she was anxious about her new life.

Lin Youning couldn’t help but smile, “Sister-in-law, don’t worry. Now that I’m going home, there’s nothing for me to worry about.”

Liang Hui nodded, “Your brother asked me to tell you that although you’ve acknowledged your ancestors and returned to your roots, you were raised by Mrs. Gu Sr., so you shouldn’t forget that. That’s why your surname and name should remain as Lin Youning, which also honors Mrs. Gu Sr.’s affection.”

Lin Youning nodded, “I heard that my name was given by Aunt and Aunt-in-law. It’s great that my brother thought of this, Aunt-in-law would be happy to hear.”

“Although we have brought you back, there are some things about the mansion that haven’t been detailed to you.” Liang Hui, though face-conscious, blushed as she spoke, “We live near West Market, as you should know the residents there in the Capital have low status. Our family, adjacent to the Lin Mansion, lives in a house your brother bought from a friend. Over the years, Lil’ Sister Ling and I lived there initially; later, Lin Mansion moved back from outside, becoming our neighbors. Initially, we didn’t think much of it; though serving in the same court, they are opponents – one civil and one military. We would greet each other when meeting. However, with recent events, interactions might ensue, so mentally prepare yourself.”

“Currently, it is Lady Lin avoiding our family. Your brother had approached Lady Lin to ask where they found you, but they deny everything, twisting the truth for their benefit, causing us grievances. However, Lady Lin refuses to acknowledge it, so we have to endure for now.” Liang Hui vented her frustration.

“Sister-in-law, don’t worry. Evil deeds are watched by heaven; we needn’t intervene, the wrongdoers will eventually face consequences.” Lin Youning coldly smiled, “No one is foolish; Lin Mansion is shielded by General Gao Mansion, and Aunt-in-law wants nothing to do with them, so we let things go. As for Lin Mansion wanting to switch the real Miss Lin into the Marquis Mansion, you see what happened.”

Liang Hui couldn’t help but laugh at this, “Indeed, now the entire Capital knows about this. The Lin family’s daughter’s reputation was already poor, and with this self-sabotage, who would respect them? Claiming she’d marry into the Marquis Mansion—even if he’s an illegitimate son—she’s truly fortunate.”

Lin Youning just smiled silently.

At present, Lin Mansion might seem like they’re reaching too high, for Gu Chaoxuan is merely an illegitimate son of the Marquis Mansion. The status of Lin Mansion hardly matches that of Gu Chaoxuan.

But who, knowing Gu Chaoxuan’s nature, would betroth their daughter to such a son?

A man who covets his own aunt, with devious intentions, abandoned by his family, such a man is scorned by the world.

Yet, these words, though known to Lin Youning, were inappropriate to utter. They also concerned her reputation, reminding her of her aunt’s advice, which she detailed to Liang Hui.

Liang Hui was not surprised, “Your brother said the same. Who knows if our father-in-law offended someone back in the day, hence keeping his identity secret, repeatedly instructing your brother not to reveal he was the son of the first master blacksmith, insisting that the first master blacksmith no longer existed.”

“If not for Mrs. Gu Sr.’s genuine affection for you, your brother wouldn’t have told the truth. Now, it seems Madame must understand the truth, for she said nothing, and we should follow her lead.” Liang Hui expressed her slight concern.

Thinking it through, nobody else knew this matter except Mrs. Gu Sr., which finally put her at ease.

The Zhao Mansion was located in Taian Lane, West Market, opposite Lin Mansion in Anle Lane when they alighted from the carriage, Liang Hui pointed out Lin Mansion’s house to Lin Youning.

The Zhao Mansion was merely a small household; its premises had only a two-block courtyard, too narrow for the carriage to enter.

Accompanying Lin Youning back were her two personal maidservants and Nanny Guo’s family.

Nanny Chang’s husband was the chief steward at the Marquis Mansion, so naturally, he remained there.

As for Tingnan, when Lin Youning initially inquired about who would leave with her, Tingnan didn’t step forward, sparing Lin Youning the trouble.

Originally, she hadn’t planned to bring Tingnan with her anyway.

Nanny Guo’s husband, being an honest and simple man, directed the servants to move items into the mansion, while Lin Youning led the maids and Liang Hui, followed by Zhao Housheng, inside.

Liang Hui had thoughtfully tidied up the backyard for Lin Youning to have her own space, moving herself and Ling’er to the front courtyard.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep