Chapter 206: Chapter 206: Proposing Marriage

On the last day of the month, please vote for us. Ba Ba believes that people who work hard every day, rather than those who only increase their efforts at the end of the month to ask for votes, are more deserving of encouragement, don’t you think? Sneaking away shyly, haha.

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The sound of footsteps echoed, and Gu Yifeng, having resumed his usual indifference, stepped into the Warm Pavilion.

Mrs. Gu Sr. lifted her eyes to see her son enter and waved with a smile, “I was just discussing with Sister Ning about having her come back to help organize the banquet.”

Before she finished speaking, Nanny Chang entered from outside, “Madam, Mrs. Xu Sr. is here.”

Mrs. Gu Sr. was slightly surprised, coming directly without sending a notice. Her gaze fell on Sister Ning, and she smiled, “Where has she reached?”

Nanny Chang came forward to assist, “She’s already entered the main gate and is heading this way.”

Lin Youning had already stood up as soon as she saw her cousin enter, and now, after a glance from her aunt, her face felt hot.

Yet the increasing redness later was because she was angry.

How could she forget Xu Kuan’s nature? Moreover, he hadn’t remarried all these years, claiming it was to honor his late wife, but Mrs. Xu Sr. definitely knew it was because her son didn’t want to remarry.

Now that Xu Kuan had publicly confessed, it was impossible for Mrs. Xu Sr. not to be stirred. Anxiety gripped Lin Youning, fearing her aunt would agree.

“Let’s go, we’ll go meet her.” When her hand was held by her aunt, warmth spread through her, calming Lin Youning’s heart.

She nodded and left the Warm Pavilion with her aunt, supported by Nanny Chang.

Gu Yifeng followed behind. Although he said nothing, it was evident his expression was more somber than usual.

Mrs. Xu Sr. wore a smile, especially when she saw Sister Ning, constantly holding her hand, scrutinizing her closely with the naked expression of evaluating a daughter-in-law.

Mrs. Gu Sr. didn’t mention it. Once everyone had settled in the flower hall, taking their seats properly, she chuckled, “What urgent matter brought you here without even sending a notice? You’re becoming more informal.”

“If it weren’t for fear of breaking decorum, I would have come last night.” Mrs. Xu Sr. wasn’t polite, “When our son returned to the mansion last night and woke me up, I haven’t slept since. Early this morning, I had people tidy up, and I’ve come straight to your residence. Am I in a hurry or not?”

Mrs. Gu Sr. pretended ignorance, smiling, “As we age, you’re still able to be so hastily active; it’s rare to have such energy.”

“I won’t beat around the bush with you since we’re not outsiders. I’ve always liked Sister Ning, which you know. But Sister Ning was engaged to be your daughter-in-law back then. It’s different now; Sister Ning returned to the Zhao Family, and the engagement is off. My son takes a fancy to Sister Ning too, and I’ve come to ask for her hand for him.” No one could know how delighted Mrs. Xu Sr. was.

Upon hearing her son’s desire to marry, Mrs. Xu Sr. couldn’t sleep out of excitement; she just held her son’s hand, asking which family he was interested in. When she heard it was Sister Ning, and that he’d been publicly rejected after confessing on the street, she burst into laughter.

Her son had always been this way, striking while the iron is hot on what he fancies, never hesitating.

Besides, her son had good taste. Sister Ning had a destiny entwined with their mansion since childhood. If she could truly become a daughter-in-law, wouldn’t that be wonderful?

Throughout the night, Mrs. Xu Sr. was so excited she couldn’t sleep. Despite her age, she didn’t feel it was too much and came to the Marquis Mansion early in the morning.

After hearing Mrs. Xu Sr.’s excited recount of events, Mrs. Gu Sr. glanced at the composed Sister Ning sitting there and nodded in satisfaction.

The ability to remain undisturbed by glory or disgrace is very good.

“I watched Zichang grow up, but there’s something you don’t know.” After Mrs. Xu Sr. finished speaking, Mrs. Gu Sr. finally spoke.

She glanced at Nanny Chang; understanding, Nanny Chang took all the servants out of the room and stood guard outside.

Seeing this, Mrs. Xu Sr.’s expression became serious, knowing what Mrs. Gu Sr. was about to say was of great importance.

“Xian of your residence has been fond of Sister Ning and had pursued her.”

Mrs. Xu Sr. looked surprised and glanced at Lin Youning, who sat nearby. Lin Youning nodded, openly admitting it.

But Mrs. Xu Sr. knew the matter was decided and that it wouldn’t proceed. She’d been joyous the whole night.

There was an indescribable feeling in her heart.

Meanwhile, sitting to the side, Gu Yifeng, after hearing this, furrowed his sword-like eyebrows, then lowered his gaze, sipping the tea in his hand.

“So I fear you’re in for a disappointment.” Mrs. Gu Sr. also felt a bit regretful.

How wonderful it would have been without this matter.

But considering Sister Ning’s appearance, which young man wouldn’t like her upon seeing her?

Finally, her gaze landed on the eldest son. If only the eldest son wouldn’t regard Sister Ning as a sister, allowing her to shoulder the burden would be ideal.

Unfortunately, some things are unattainable; they’re pushing it away.

After all, Mrs. Xu Sr., having been through experiences, only felt momentarily dismayed before patting her thigh and saying, “Forget it, after all, it’s lacking some fate.”

“As long as you can accept it.” Mrs. Gu Sr. patted her hand, “We’re getting older. Let them handle matters themselves. Still, when you return, you should talk to Zichang and ensure he holds no grudge against Xian.”

Typically such matters make the other party awkward, and Mrs. Gu Sr. wouldn’t say much, but given the friendship between the two families, she didn’t hesitate.

“Don’t worry, I understand.” Mrs. Xu Sr. nodded, finally leaving with regret.

After seeing her off, Mrs. Gu Sr. saw Mrs. Dong arrive and instructed Sister Ning to return to Tingxue Hall.

As Lin Youning left, she looked up to see Mrs. Dong still smiling at her, surprising her. Although Mrs. Dong had always been kind to her over the years at the mansion, she’d never smiled so openly before.

Thinking about it, Lin Youning found nothing for Mrs. Dong to scheme against her, so she didn’t overthink it.

Mrs. Dong had come to discuss Gu Chaoxuan’s marriage with Mrs. Gu Sr., who simply said that she could decide. Mrs. Gu Sr. knew about the embarrassment Gu Chaoxuan had caused Sister Ning outside. She had always disfavored him, especially now when Brother Chao had done such things openly.

“There’s another matter I’d like to discuss with the old madam, concerning the eldest branch. Now that Sister Ning isn’t an option, would the old madam consider which family to choose from?” Mrs. Dong had thought through the night and felt it was better to push Second Miss Wu there, as it would be less of an eyesore than here.

Mrs. Gu Sr.’s sharp eyes flicked over, “Do you have someone in mind?”

“No, I was just thinking that the mansion should celebrate a wedding. They’ve been waiting to continue the family line for years, and the old madam has always hoped for it.” Mrs. Dong shivered under that gaze.

She didn’t dare voice her thoughts.

Mrs. Dong’s idea was simple. Second Miss Wu was of a concubine line and, even if she was to shoulder the responsibility there, wouldn’t stand on equal footing with her. However, if a legitimate daughter was found to shoulder it, as the madam of the Marquis Mansion, she’d have to show respect and call her sister-in-law. Mrs. Dong found it utterly unacceptable.

But evidently, she’d underestimated the situation. The old madam had never favored her suggestion, and now, even without her speaking, the old madam’s gaze made her intentions clear. If she spoke up, wouldn’t the old madam see through her plans immediately?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep