Chapter 212: Chapter 213: Actions

Zhou Wu felt uneasy, took a turn around the room, and then went to Mrs. Zhou.

Lin Youning had no idea she had caught Zhou Wu’s attention and went straight to Shi’an Garden after arriving at the Marquis Mansion. Mrs. Gu Sr., upon seeing her, had snacks and tea served. Lin Youning knew her aunt only felt comfortable doing so, so she didn’t stop her.

Though she had already eaten, when the snacks were served and she saw they were her favorites, Suyi mentioned that Mrs. Gu Sr. had ordered them in advance. Lin Youning ate one of each, feeling uncomfortably full, and drank two large cups of tea to ease the fullness.

“Aunt, when is the date set? I should prepare the invitations and send them out.” Lin Youning came specifically for this purpose.

“There’s no hurry,” Mrs. Gu Sr. said, patting her hand with a smile. “People will certainly come once the invitations are sent. Rest for a couple of days first.”

Lin Youning felt a slight tension inside, but kept it to herself, and replied with a smile, “I’ll listen to Aunt.”

After chatting for a while, Mrs. Gu Sr. advised Lin Youning to rest in Tingxue Hall. Once she entered her room and dismissed the servants, she left Nanny Guo alone with her.

“Nanny, do you think Aunt has something she finds hard to say?”

“I’ll go and find out later,” Nanny Guo agreed immediately.

Lin Youning nodded, not entirely sure why she felt this way, but the feeling was as if something was about to happen.

After staying in the Marquis Mansion for two days, Nanny Guo hadn’t found out anything. Lin Youning thought she might be overthinking and stopped paying attention to the matter. Her elder brother was at the Capital Suburb Camp, sparing her from meeting him, which made Lin Youning feel more relaxed.

After writing the invitations, Lin Youning considered returning home and waiting until the day of the banquet to come back, but Mrs. Gu Sr. didn’t agree. Thus, Lin Youning had to send Hailan back to deliver a message and stayed at the Marquis Mansion.

Unexpectedly, Mrs. Zhou visited. On the day she came, Lin Youning was also present. Mrs. Zhou openly expressed her fondness while holding Lin Youning’s hand, right in front of Mrs. Gu Sr.

Mrs. Gu Sr.’s expression showed she wasn’t pleased, the smile on her face noticeably faded.

Mrs. Zhou didn’t stay for long and left soon after.

Lin Youning could sense Mrs. Zhou had specifically come for her, but Mrs. Gu Sr. told her to not worry. “It’s just the Zhou Mansion wanting to show others that you’re theirs now. You’re a lady from the Marquis Mansion, and they think they can sway us just like this. Quite audacious.”

“I’m sorry to trouble Aunt. Didn’t Mrs. Gu say she’s already considered a few families for me? Let’s take a look this time.” Lin Youning didn’t want the Marquis Mansion to worry because of her.

After all, this is inevitable, better to face it early and set aside those thoughts.

But no matter what, at least now she’s unburdened, and will no longer feel guilty facing Aunt and her elder brother.

“There’s no rush, we’ll discuss it after the banquet.” Mrs. Gu Sr. smiled.

During those days Lin Youning raised the matter twice, but each time Aunt avoided it, making her wonder if those families had issues and Aunt didn’t want to bring it up.

At night, Lin Youning lay in bed, turning and unable to sleep, thinking about the matter. She suddenly felt that after being reincarnated, there seemed little she could do.

In Shi’an Garden, Mrs. Gu Sr. also couldn’t sleep. Nanny Chang kept her company, “The young lady will certainly understand you, Madam.”

“That child is kind-hearted, I know she will understand me, but I still feel uneasy.” Mrs. Gu Sr. wiped tears from her eyes. “Ultimately, it’s the Gu Family’s legacy that might wrong Sister Ning.”

“Don’t be sad, Madam. You must take care of yourself so Sister Ning can rely on you.” Nanny Chang passed her a handkerchief.

Mrs. Gu Sr. waved her hand, and after calming down, asked, “Is the Marquis back yet?”

“An invitation has been sent out. The Marquis has always respected you, knowing you’re doing this for the Gu Family. Even if he’s slightly unwilling, he will listen to you.” Nanny Chang said.

She wasn’t lying.

The Marquis had always respected Mrs. Gu Sr., even if he disagreed with this decision, Mrs. Gu Sr.’s resolve is strong, and he will likely have to yield to her.

Mrs. Gu Sr. felt reassured, “Though my elder son knows I care for Sister Ning, even now with such a decision, he will understand me. I just fear that child might not be able to accept it.”

Nanny Chang wondered how she could console her?

This wasn’t a subject for her, a servant, to discuss.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Dong couldn’t sleep either. “I don’t know what the Madam hopes to achieve by keeping her here. She’s already acknowledged her relatives, yet is always invited to stay, isn’t she afraid of rumors damaging Sister Ning’s reputation?”

“The Madam deeply cares for Miss Lin, maybe she doesn’t put much weight on these matters.” Jingfu dared not directly criticize the Madam but suggested her words might make sense to Mrs. Dong.

Mrs. Dong laughed, “Isn’t that the truth? I don’t want to interfere, lest they think I’m narrow-minded and won’t tolerate someone staying temporarily.”

“The Madam will understand your intentions, Mrs. Dong.”

“Enough of this, you always say what I want to hear.” Mrs. Dong dimmed the lights, asking, “Did news come from the Marquis yet?”

“No, not yet.” Jingfu noticed no more words came from the canopy and sighed.

Mrs. Dong said she didn’t mind, but once the Marquis was mentioned, she seemed less spirited.

The Marquis, in recent years, had only communicated during holidays. Most of the correspondence went to Mrs. Gu Sr.’s side rather than hers.

Everyone in the mansion knew?

But who’s to blame for this?

Mrs. Dong shouldered everything herself, without writing to the Marquis, leading to their correspondence dwindling.

In Jinghe Courtyard, Sister Yue finally awaited Brother De’s return, the day before the Marquis Mansion’s banquet. Brother De returned from the academy.

Sister Yue scolded him upon seeing him, but Brother De acted as if he didn’t hear, changed into a robe, and drank tea. After Sister Yue cried enough, he finally spoke.

“Why are you in such a hurry? My return this time is to avenge mother, just wait and watch.” Brother De’s face showed a flash of menace.

Sister Yue’s eyes gleamed, “What will you do?”

“That’s not for you to worry about.”

Sister Yue grew angry, “Enough, enough, with such parents, I won’t be the only one embarrassed. If you don’t trust me, handle it yourself, and I’ll see your methods.”

Provoked by this, Brother De said no more, leaving as Sister Yue flicked her sleeves.

The next day was the Marquis Mansion’s banquet, but Gu Yifeng did not return until the evening.

Mrs. Gu Sr., once hearing he returned, finally felt at ease.

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