Chapter 217: Chapter 218: Persuasion

When Lin Youning returned to the Zhao Mansion, the sky outside was already dark. A lone carriage was escorted back by guards, and the sound of hooves echoed distinctly in the alley.

The people in the Zhao Mansion opened the door immediately upon hearing the knock. Seeing her elder brother standing at the entrance, Lin Youning felt a warmth in her eyes and forced a smile.

“Big brother, why did you come personally?”

Zhao Housheng, knowing his sister didn’t want others to see her weakness, smiled and said, “I figured you’d be back around this time, so I came to check. Didn’t expect to hear the knock just as I arrived.”

Before the group reached the backyard, Liang Hui, Sister Ling, and Shanmoi came out to greet them. Shanmoi seemed like she had been crying; her eyes were red and swollen, and she struggled to smile, looking quite reluctant.

After Liang Hui arrived, she tightly grasped Lin Youning’s hand, “It’s good that you’re back. Haven’t eaten yet, right? Your big brother said you wouldn’t eat over there. We’ve just prepared dinner, waiting for your return.”

Zhao Housheng also walked over from behind, “Let’s talk after dinner.”

Seeing the family being so cautious, afraid that talking about those matters would sadden her, Lin Youning felt moved, and her grief lessened significantly.

“I’m really hungry, so let’s eat first. Is Sister Ling hungry too?” Lin Youning truly laughed.

No matter what happens, she still has her family by her side now, those who are related to her by blood.

After everyone finished eating, Lin Youning took Sister Ling aside to ask about her wound, chatting for quite a while before asking Shanmoi and the others to escort her away, leaving a few people to talk privately.

“After your brother and I came back, we thought about this situation. The Marquis Mansion is facing such a difficult choice. The old madam has always loved you. Marrying into a lower-status family won’t protect you. The Marquis Mansion is a good option; whatever happens, if you shoulder the responsibility, you will be significant there and won’t be overshadowed by Mrs. Dong. Perhaps that’s why Mrs. Gu Sr. made this decision.” After receiving her husband’s gaze, Liang Hui slowly expressed her analysis.

“We know this is hard for you, but we can’t forget the grace of Zhao Family. Remember, the Marquis Mansion raised you, and this marriage was initially meant for you but was revealed later. In this noble family, members think of the family’s benefits primarily. You grew up in such an environment and understand it better than we do.” Zhao Housheng spoke after seeing his sister’s silence, “No one is perfect. Mrs. Gu Sr. acts for the Gu Family’s benefit, as do all these noble families. You see these things more clearly than we do.”

“Your sister-in-law and I were angry, ready to offend the Marquis Mansion to stand up for you. But ultimately, it’s you who must handle this marriage. Whether it’s from what we ask for or the care from the Marquis Mansion, for your reputation, it has to be done this way.” Zhao Housheng continued uncharacteristically at length.

“Big brother, sister-in-law, I know you’re worried about me. Don’t worry, on the way from the Marquis Mansion, I figured it out. Even just for the sake of gratitude, I should stand out. As for aunt’s setup, I fear she feels worse in her heart.” Lin Youning laughed, though bitterness lingered in her heart. In her past life, she was set up by Mrs. Kong, with her aunt siding with Gu Er.

In this life? For the Gu Family’s benefit, her aunt stands on the other side once again.

She acknowledges that her aunt genuinely cared for her, but in front of family interests, perhaps they are all sacrifices, not just her but also her elder brother Gu Er.

This realization felt cold, but having witnessed these in her past life, she now held less resentment seeing them again.

She understood more profoundly now that from this moment, she no longer had the protection of her aunt, and the road ahead was one she must walk alone.

“It’s good that you’ve thought this through. No matter what happens, always think positively.” Zhao Housheng, unsure of what else to say, nodded to his wife and rose to leave.

Liang Hui also felt uneasy, “There are some things your brother can’t easily say. Growing up in the Marquis Mansion, you’ve always respected the Marquis as a brother, now becoming a couple. Naturally, there’s a psychological hurdle to overcome; take your time. At least you’re marrying someone familiar, not a stranger.”

Lin Youning nodded, lowering her head. If her brother and sister-in-law knew she always admired her elder brother, how would they see her? Would they feel more at ease? But she couldn’t say it.

Liang Hui patted her hand, “You’ve always been clear-headed. I don’t need to say much. The Marquis Mansion has always cared for you, and now, they’re the most guilty over this incident. When you marry, they’ll be accommodating.”

Compared to other newlyweds, this is a rather comfortable situation.

Lin Youning nodded, assuring her sister-in-law not to worry, then sat alone in a daze hearing approaching footsteps, recognizing Nanny Guo, she didn’t speak.

“I know what’s on your mind,” said Nanny Guo, “Having come from the palace, there’s one thing I can tell you: even princesses from the Royal Family must be sacrificed at times of interest.”

“Don’t worry, nanny, I understand. Actually, I know my aunt might have directly told me, knowing I wouldn’t refuse, but she wanted to press my elder brother.”

“You grew up under the guise of siblings with the Marquis, naturally having close relations, surpassing those of a brother and sister, suddenly turning into feelings between a man and a woman. No one can easily adjust. Look at it open-mindedly.” Nanny Guo, wise as she was, understood it well, “Regardless of everything, the Marquis truly cares about you.”

This indirectly assured her that her elder brother wouldn’t neglect her after marriage, right?

Lin Youning didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She admired her elder brother, yet thinking about sharing a romantic relationship, she didn’t know how to face it, especially when he always regarded her as a sister.

Forget it, the situation has developed this way; pondering further will only bring unnecessary frustration.

No matter what, unlike her previous life’s tragic outcome, she returned to the path of the Gu Family’s main house.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep