Chapter 207: Chapter 207: Desires Stirring

Mrs. Gu Sr. snorted, “I already have plans for this. After waiting so many years, a year or two won’t matter. Just take care of Brother Xuan’s marriage. Also, Second Miss Wu will be entering the mansion this autumn. After all, she saved the Marquis’s life and is a concubine, so arrange a separate courtyard for her.”

Mrs. Dong forced a smile, “Don’t worry, Madam. Everything is arranged.”

Mrs. Gu Sr. nodded. Mrs. Dong understood it was time for her to leave, so she wisely stood up to take her leave.

As soon as she left the room, the color drained from Mrs. Dong’s face. Although she was the household’s main wife, she felt humiliated by her mother-in-law elevating a concubine’s daughter from the Wu Mansion in her presence. Such treatment seemed to challenge established conventions, didn’t Mrs. Gu Sr. fear destabilizing them?

Mrs. Dong bit her lip tightly and bumped into a servant woman from the gate as she turned, “Whose invitation is that in your hand?”

“Madam, this is an invitation from the General Gao Mansion to Mrs. Gu Sr.,” the servant answered respectfully.

Mrs. Dong glared at the invitation and was about to reach out when Jingfu hurriedly interrupted, “Your servant pays respects to the Marquis.”

Mrs. Dong’s hand paused, and she looked in the direction Jingfu was bowing. There stood the Marquis in a deep blue robe under the bamboo, with Li Si bowing beside him as a servant.

The master and servant stood there silently. Mrs. Dong, having exited with a heart full of anger, wouldn’t even have noticed them otherwise.

Otherwise, knowing it was intended for the elder madam, she wouldn’t have dared to look. Now, having been caught by the Marquis, it would have been even more embarrassing without Jingfu’s timely interruption.

“Marquis,” Mrs. Dong calmed her chaotic thoughts, slightly bowing to pay respects.

Gu Yifeng walked towards her, and Li Si quickly took the invitation from the servant and handed it to his master. Gu Yifeng opened it to glance and said, “General Gao Mansion plans to visit tomorrow to see Mother; make preparations.”

“Yes,” Mrs. Dong’s ears burned, not daring to look towards the Marquis.

Gu Yifeng nodded and, with Li Si, headed towards Mrs. Gu Sr., leaving Mrs. Dong and the servants behind.

Mrs. Dong held back tears as she left with her servants, walking away with her head held high. Wasn’t this a slap in the face from the Marquis?

But whom could she blame?

No one.

It was her own lack of propriety, trying to look at things meant for the elder madam; the Marquis’s disregard for her face was understandable.

Jingfu watched, unsure how to console her mistress.

With Second Miss Wu entering the mansion soon, the mistress was becoming increasingly anxious. Jingfu understood it was because life had been too smooth for her in the mansion these years, causing her to forget even basic etiquette.

When no one else was around, the servant who delivered the message finally sighed with relief, wiped her brow, and headed towards the front courtyard.

Gu Yifeng personally handed the invitation to his mother, “It’s from the Gao Mansion.”

Mrs. Gu Sr. took a look, “The Gao Mansion hasn’t contacted us for years, and now with Sister Ning back at the Zhao Mansion, their visit likely concerns the eldest house’s affairs.”

“General Gao Mansion supports the Eldest Prince. Although he has been favored by the Holy Emperor over the years, the Emperor is a wise ruler. The Crown Prince, born of the Empress, has always been popular. The Emperor would never replace the legitimate heir with the eldest son. When the Crown Prince ascends, it’s predictable what will happen to those backing the Eldest Prince. Our Gu Mansion has always endorsed rightful succession and never participated in these struggles for power.” Gu Yifeng furrowed his brow, “A daughter from the Gao Mansion can’t enter our house.”

Mrs. Gu Sr. said, “I’ve thought it through. That’s why your aunt long ago chose a girl from the Lin Family instead of the Gao Mansion. She indeed had foresight.”

“If it’s difficult to refuse the Gao Mansion, let Second Miss Wu marry there. For me, the lineage continues regardless of who undertakes it.”

“No.” Mrs. Gu Sr. rejected without a second thought, “Even if you disregard these things, the eldest house must have a legitimate daughter. Your big cousin laid down his life for you, and the offspring of the eldest house should at least come from the womb of a legitimate daughter.”

This was Mrs. Gu Sr.’s bottom line.

Gu Yifeng knew his mother’s persistent attachment to this matter over the years.

“I understand you’re considering Mrs. Dong’s feelings. No matter what you do now, Mrs. Dong won’t be satisfied. As the household’s main wife, she never bore a legitimate son for the mansion nor set the mansion’s future in mind. With such lack of vision, she cannot undertake significant responsibilities, yet our mansion never dismisses a wife. I only hope we can find a capable main wife for the eldest house in the future. Our Gu Mansion can’t continue to decline.”

“Stop considering Mrs. Dong’s feelings. You’ve been fair enough to her.” Mrs. Gu Sr. didn’t wish to dwell on the topic and shifted the conversation to the Wu Mansion, “The Wu Mansion is tied to the Duke Mansion and people backing the Eldest Prince, so handle this carefully. This also involves Brother Xuan; I’ve heard he’s caught the Eldest Prince’s attention.”

“I plan to send him to the Jiangnan Camp after marriage, where he’ll have support from his second brother.” Gu Yifeng, understanding his mother’s concerns, had already devised a strategy.

As for Second Miss Wu, once married into the mansion, Gu Yifeng had no intention of letting her bear children.

Mrs. Gu Sr. knew her son was foresighted, nodding, “As long as you have it in hand. But pay attention to Sister Ning’s marriage; she’s beautiful, and some might covet her not for her appearance but because she came from the Marquis Mansion.”

If someone from the Eldest Prince’s faction were to marry her, it would indeed be troublesome.

Gu Yifeng smiled faintly, “Mother need not worry about that. Sister Ning is well aware.”

Mrs. Gu Sr. also smiled, “You’re right, that girl is quite savvy.”

Even a family like the Xu Mansion didn’t catch her eye, and she even dealt with Brother Xian’s matter herself. Mrs. Gu Sr. grew increasingly satisfied, as this child wasn’t foolish; she knew what should and shouldn’t be done.

“I’ll have someone keep an eye on her marriage.” Speaking of this, Gu Yifeng seemed somewhat absent-minded.

Mrs. Gu Sr., noticing her son wasn’t focusing on the city’s young ladies banquet plans, waved him away.

After spending two days at the Marquis Mansion, Lin Youning returned to the Zhao Mansion. During the stay, she deliberately avoided Gu Yifeng, and the two hadn’t run into each other or met until she left.

Lin Youning felt relieved; having decided not to linger on past attachments, she resolved to forget completely.

Upon returning to the mansion, she learned that Sister Ling was injured, having been carried home after a head injury at school.

Just as she returned to the mansion, they brought Sister Ling back. Seeing the bloodied forehead of Sister Ling, Lin Youning stood frozen in place.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep