Chapter 196: Chapter 196: Transformation

When Dong Boyun left the mansion, she was in a carriage. Although the Zhao Mansion didn’t have one, Lin Youning could sit in her carriage. The two of them went directly by carriage to Amber Leaf Tea House. Last time they ate there and encountered the Wu Mansion and Fu Mansion matters. Returning here this time, though they didn’t speak, they felt a deep sense of reflection in their hearts.

Especially after the dishes were served, Dong Boyun didn’t stay silent during the meal. Instead, she spoke softly about the Wu Mansion’s affairs.

“The marriage between the Wu and Feng families has been decreed by the Holy Emperor. They have to conduct the wedding this year. Who knows who will go to the Wu Mansion to witness?” Dong Boyun’s face was filled with schadenfreude. “In the past, Feng Yufu was so arrogant. Who would have thought she’d end up secretly involved with Wu Chuhao, someone so brainless.”

“Yes, a woman with such a reputation is ruined for life.” Moreover, she offended the Royal Family.

Lin Youning actually admired Feng Yufu. Even though she was already promised to the Royal Family, she dared to rebel, and that kind of courage is not something ordinary people possess.

Although she is with Wu Chuhao as she wished, the Wu Family won’t look favorably upon this daughter-in-law because she has offended the Royal Family, ruining the Wu Family’s lifetime. Anyone else would also not favor this daughter-in-law.

“My legitimate mother claimed to be unwell and declined the Wu Mansion’s invitation, saying she needed to recuperate at a villa.” Dong Boyun stuffed her mouth with more food. “Apart from our mansion, other mansions probably did the same. The Wu and Feng families are finished.”

“Everyone knows this in their hearts, so don’t go around talking about it,” Lin Youning was genuinely worried her straightforward nature might lead her to spill the beans.

“I understand that. If you hadn’t sent an invitation, I’d still be at home embroidering my dowry and wouldn’t be here. But your situation isn’t small; the rumors have spread all over the Capital. Are you alright?” Dong Boyun put down her chopsticks and finally asked with concern.

Lin Youning laughed, “Do I look troubled to you? We’ve known each other for so long. You chose an ordinary family. Then what about me? Why would I covet those things? Actually, what I want is no different from yours.”

The momentary sadness passed as Lin Youning perked up again. “Fortunately, I’ve already returned to my family who truly care for me. I think my wish will be fulfilled just like yours.”

“Sister Ning, that’s the right way to think,” Dong Boyun also laughed, visibly relieved. “I was wondering how to broach the topic while coming over. I was afraid you’d overthink it. But now, it’s fine. You’ve come to terms with it, and I can rest easy.”

“Thank you for your concern,” Lin Youning expressed her gratitude.

The two exchanged smiles.

The silence between them was just broken, but before they could say more, they heard laughter from outside. Although they were seated in a private room and couldn’t see outside, they could hear a group of men laughing.

“Shanmoi, what are you doing here? Did you come out with your lady?” a man’s voice was distinct outside.

They mainly recognized Shanmoi.

Dong Boyun looked at Lin Youning, “Did you recognize who it is?”

The voice seemed young.

Lin Youning nodded, “It’s Gu Chaoxuan.”

Dong Boyun wasn’t particularly surprised. Lin Youning grew up in the Marquis Mansion, and in terms of seniority, Gu Chaocao called her Aunt.

However, it was said that Gu Chaoxuan was sent to the Capital Camp by the Marquis for training. Until he saved the Eldest Prince, he once again drew everyone’s attention.

When Lin Youning mentioned Gu Chaoxuan, she showed no enthusiasm, and Dong Boyun didn’t think much of it, given the differences between men and women.

“Do you want to go out and say hello?” Dong Boyun asked softly, hearing someone still asking outside.

Lin Youning shook her head.

But from outside, Gu Chaoxuan’s voice had already been heard, “Is Miss Lin inside?”

Dong Boyun widened her eyes.

Lin Youning understood why she was surprised. Although she had just left the mansion, the Marquis Mansion would still have affection for Lin Youning.

But here, Gu Chaoxuan didn’t call her Aunt Lin, instead referring to her as Miss Lin, separating Lin Youning’s identity from the Marquis Mansion.

The change was too quick.

Lin Youning put down her chopsticks, turned her head, and said loudly yet politely, “Men and women should keep their distances. Mr. Gu’s intentions are noted, but it’s inconvenient for me to meet you. Mr. Gu, please leave.”

“Then I won’t disturb you any longer.” Outside, Gu Chaoxuan didn’t persist.

The outside finally quieted down. Lin Youning retracted her cold gaze and relaxed when she met Dong Boyun’s concerned eyes, smiling at her.

“Most noble families are like this, so don’t let it get to you. Mrs. Gu Sr. and the Marquis have cared for you for many years. Even if you return to the Zhao Mansion, they won’t ignore you,” Dong Boyun tried to console her.

Lin Youning squinted and smiled, “Stop worrying about me like I’m pitiful. What could be happier than returning to your own family?”

Dong Boyun stuck out her tongue and finally laughed.

In the adjoining room, Zhou Wu teased Gu Chaoxuan, “After all she’s a girl raised by the Marquis Mansion. Even if she’s acknowledged her roots, she still carries an air of pride. Now this flower reared in a greenhouse, I wonder whose house it will bloom in.”

“Despite his brother being a Third-Rank military general, their household lacks even a single servant. They’re merely a newly risen family with no background,” someone remarked.

Except for being trusted by the Dingyuan Marquis and having a girl raised in the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, there aren’t many standout traits.

However, if one wanted a closer relation to the Marquis Mansion, marrying Miss Lin would provide some leverage.

Zhou Wu’s eyes glinted. His aunt was greatly favored in the palace, and the Zhou Family had become opposed to the Crown Prince. Naturally, having someone from the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion on their side was advantageous.

Gu Chaoxuan simply smiled slightly and said no more.

His attitude left people unsure whether Miss Lin was esteemed or unworthy of further discussion.

A group of men wouldn’t continue discussing a woman for long, and soon the topic changed.

Yet after that day, rumors spread that the Marquis Mansion didn’t particularly care for Lin Youning as an adopted daughter, which was evident from the attitude of the Gu Mansion’s illegitimate son.

Gu Yifeng looked at his eldest son, who stood silently with his head down before him, and spoke coldly, “You may leave.”

Gu Chaoxuan complied and withdrew.

After leaving the courtyard, he curved his lips in sarcasm. This time he took the initiative to admit faults, and he didn’t believe his father could criticize him anymore.

Thinking about the past injustices, Gu Chaoxuan’s eyes harbored a trace of harshness. He intended to make Lin Youning repay him bit by bit for what he had suffered.

Mrs. Gu Sr. always had Lin Youning in her thoughts. As soon as rumors spread outside, she could no longer remain calm, “Sister Ning has been back for a few days, hasn’t she? Send a message for her to return and stay a couple of days.”

Then let’s see who dares to look down on Sister Ning.

Mrs. Gu Sr. had her own plans.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep