Chapter 210: Chapter 210: Arrival

Zhou Wu acted magnanimously, which ordinarily would have been appropriate. However, in this setting, it was unsuitable, as his behavior only highlighted Zhao Housheng’s lack of decorum.

Lin Youning stifled a laugh at the side, not expecting Zhou Wu to be looking her way. Nonetheless, seeing how the Eldest Prince was gathering people everywhere, she realized that Princess Consort Zhou’s lack of shrewdness explained having a nephew like Zhou Wu.

So, when Zhou Wu looked over, Lin Youning chose to ignore him.

Zhao Housheng felt that Zhou Wu was treating his sister like a woman from a brothel, winking at her under their noses. What did he think of the Zhao Mansion?

Although the Zhao Mansion was not a century-old noble family, it was not a place for others to insult.

“Young Master Zhou, there are matters at the mansion; please take your little brother and leave.” Zhao Housheng’s face darkened, nearly throwing him out directly.

Liang Hui also wore a cold expression. When he looked at Brother Wang, his eyes glared as if they could burn a hole through him.

Even though Brother Wang was young, he showed no fear, sporting a smug expression with his chin held high.

The elder can’t speak properly, while the younger struts with arrogance—no wonder they incite anger.

Zhou Wu, after being driven out, didn’t get angry. He simply thought the Zhao Mansion lacked propriety, being of common birth after all.

As he left, he nodded politely, fully displaying the demeanor of someone from a noble family, unwilling to bicker with common folk.

Zhao Housheng fumed, “The manner of the Zhou Family—what an eye-opener. Looking down on us commoners, yet their bearing is inferior to ours.”

Liang Hui was also incensed, “Luckily, Sister Ling is fine. Knowing their malicious intent, we’ll guard against them in the future and avoid associating with such households.”

In the morning, Sister Ling had awakened, looking well and unaffected. Seeing her in good spirits, Liang Hui felt relieved.

Though there was still hatred for the Zhou Mansion, it wasn’t like yesterday when emotions were uncontrollable.

Zhao Housheng nodded. Having been on the battlefield, he never took such matters to heart. After a few more words, he left.

The days of feigning illness passed swiftly for Sister Ling. In less than ten days, she was up and about, impossible to restrain. Although a girl, she behaved like a boy, perhaps mirroring Zhao Housheng’s disregard for propriety from the military household.

During this period, Nanny Chang also visited from the Marquis Mansion, mainly to check on Lin Youning and discuss preparations for the autumn festivities at the mansion. Most importantly, Mrs. Gu Sr. planned to hold a banquet before the Mid-Autumn Festival, as the mansion had been too quiet for too long.

Mrs. Gu Sr. intended for Lin Youning to return in a few days to help with writing invitation cards.

Lin Youning understood that her aunt didn’t want Mrs. Dong involved. Moreover, she’d heard from Nanny Chang that General Gao had also visited, presumably related to certain assignments.

Before Lin Youning could go to the Marquis Mansion, an unexpected guest arrived: Second Miss Wu from the Wu Mansion.

After taking a seat, Wu Xueqin, looking slightly embarrassed, said, “I came to the mansion without sending an invitation; please forgive my abruptness, Sister Ning.”

“I assume Second Miss Wu has urgent matters, which is understandable,” Lin Youning replied with a courteous and gentle smile.

However, the words veiled a critique: if urgent, forgiveness was possible; if not, it highlighted her lack of etiquette.

Wu Xueqin understood the implied reproach, thinking these ancient girls were overly complicated, saying much in roundabout ways, unlike straightforward modern exchanges.

Wu Xueqin despised these ancient girls, bound by etiquette, living like wooden figures, devoid of soul.

Ancient men oddly found such women appealing, even observing strict decorum within marriage, unlike modern relationships.

Wu Xueqin longed for modernity, believing Dingyuan Marquis would appreciate unique women.

Thus, Wu Xueqin decided not to bother with ancient girls, saying with a smile, “Perhaps Sister Ning finds this amusing. I have no urgent matters today, just thought to visit since autumn will see me entering the Marquis Mansion.”

As she spoke, Wu Xueqin let out a wry smile, “When sent to the village, I thought it better to marry into a merchant family, living freely, even with someone older. But fate landed me the same as a concubine.”

To become a concubine.

Traveling back in time, Wu Xueqin never imagined being a concubine. Growing up, despite being cherished, the noble family’s rules were suffocating, always accompanied, no chance for business or earning independently.

Hoping her talents would aid her or help Feng Yufu and Wu Chuhao, she was blamed despite merely assisting a union with Wu Chuhao, ending up only with reproach.

Lin Youning nodded, “If Second Miss Wu seeks insights about the Marquis Mansion, worry not. The household is straightforward; there are no troubles, and my brother’s concubines behave appropriately.”

Wu Xueqin’s pitiable demeanor seeking sympathy failed to sway Lin Youning. Merely an adopted daughter, everything given by the Marquis Mansion was an expression of affection; her attempt to aid an incoming concubine hurt Mrs. Gu Sr.’s feelings.

Seeing Lin Youning seated properly, Wu Xueqin disdained her perceived haughtiness.

Originally aiming to establish rapport, knowing Lin Youning was cherished by Mrs. Gu Sr. and the Marquis, she’d hoped being close would elevate her status.

Feeling her approach naive, realizing young ladies were not so easily beguiled, she decided to devise ways to attract the Marquis’s attention instead.

After Wu Xueqin departed, Nanny Guo brought in tea, remarking, “Such people, roaming around, never settle in a mansion. Yet Yingshui Courtyard has been quiet; some activity is overdue.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep