Chapter 226: Chapter 227: A Worthless Burden

Over the past year, Gu Er has been living exceptionally frustrated, not a single thing going his way. Now he has the princess’s favor, yet the venomous woman before him insists on obstructing him. Thinking of this, Gu Er’s eyes turned red.

Frightened by this gaze, Mrs. Kong retreated two steps. Mrs. Kong is a strikingly beautiful woman, but over the years, her temperament has added a touch of meanness to her radiance.

But at this moment, she was truly frightened by Gu Er’s gaze, a murderous look, eager to kill without wasting a second.

“The Holy Emperor is a wise ruler. Even if Princess Yuanhua wants to remarry, she cannot steal another woman’s husband. Even if I agree to divorce, you were together before the divorce was finalized. How could the Holy Emperor not understand this? Gu Yixuan, you’re here trying to force me into divorce, but wouldn’t it be better to think of how to avoid the Holy Emperor’s wrath?” Mrs. Kong is from the Duke Mansion. Although sharp-tongued, she understands clearly due to her noble background.

Gu Er was rendered silent by Mrs. Kong’s words. He’s been too focused on rising up, proving to everyone he’s better than his elder brother, never considering these matters.

Seeing his reaction, Mrs. Kong knew she had struck the right chord, and her smile broadened, “You’ve only thought about the glory of being with the princess but never considered all this; it’s truly laughable. I once envied Sister Ning, knowing she was the one to share my husband equally, but now I feel she’s lucky to escape from here.”

No need to be entangled with such a man.

Tears began to flow slowly from Mrs. Kong. On the day she was locked away, her tears dried up. She thought she had no attachment to the man before her, but clearly, she hasn’t let go of him.

Even hearing the news of him and the princess together, it twisted her heart painfully.

“I know I was jealous before, unable to tolerate others. Now I realize my mistakes. We were childhood playmates; have you forgotten those feelings? We still have Brother De and Sister Yue; what more does Second Brother want?” Mrs. Kong almost pleaded.

Gu Er’s heart tightened, “Second Brother? Sister Ning used to call me that too, but not anymore.”

Because of his ideas.

But what did he do wrong?

He liked Sister Ning so much, he’d even let her bear his brother’s child, he didn’t care, he just wanted to be with her.

But his mother disagreed, his brother as well.

Gu Er took a deep breath.

Yes, it’s all because of the person in front of him.

“Childhood playmates? Then you drugged me to end my lineage? I should be thankful Brother De grew up without any incident, otherwise I’d have no descendants.” Gu Er’s somewhat softened heart hardened again, “Kong Tianru, don’t bring up past affections, it’s all over, over.”

By the end, he was almost murmuring.

Gu Er left, and Mrs. Kong sat in her chair, stunned, not noticing when her son and daughter arrived.

“Mother, is it true Father is going to marry the princess?” Sister Yue bit her lip; her expression showed no trace of anxiety.

Brother De seemed somewhat pleased.

Mrs. Kong studied her children’s expressions, sorrowful, “The Holy Emperor wouldn’t permit Princess Yuanhua to remarry.”

Her words dashed her children’s hopes.

Brother De’s eyes flickered but said nothing more.

Sister Yue let out a sigh of relief, “That’s good, Father has returned, Mother should seize the chance to reconcile with Father.”

“You needn’t worry about these things. Brother De hasn’t been home long; he should return to the academy soon, can’t neglect his studies.” Mrs. Kong forced herself to sound upbeat.

“I’m not going back to the academy. I’ve arranged with Grandfather to study at the Duke Mansion instead.” Brother De stood up, “I just came to inform Mother, I’ll be moving to the Duke Mansion tomorrow.”

Mrs. Kong was startled, “When was this decided, why haven’t you mentioned it to me? Why didn’t your grandmother inform me?”

This realization made Mrs. Kong uneasy.

“Grandmother said Mother needs rest, it’s no big deal, so they didn’t tell you.” Brother De didn’t think he’d done anything wrong.

“Indeed, it’s no big deal.” Mrs. Kong smiled wryly, a hint of sadness rising in her heart, “My own son’s affairs are something I shouldn’t know, really no big deal.”

Brother De’s eyes flickered but said nothing more, and strode off.

Sister Yue saw her mother’s worry, “Mother, it’s good Brother De goes to the Duke Mansion. Better than the academy.”

Seeing her mother silent, Sister Yue left.

Sister Yue bit her lip and asked her maid, “What have Sister Hui and the others been busy with at the Marquis Mansion lately?”

Since the families split, Sister Yue felt freer, but originally she seldom mingled with the noble girls in the Capital, and now apart from the Marquis Mansion, she no longer socializes even with Sister Hui; she felt incredibly bored.

“The elder girls are going to Pure Path Temple tomorrow, heard they’ll stay there for a few days.”

“Why hasn’t anyone called for me?” Sister Yue stopped, twisting the handkerchief in her hands.

The little maid dared not respond.

With the families split, the people from their mansion can’t even visit the Marquis Mansion, much less follow the girls there.

Sister Yue realized this, bit her lip, and strode back to her courtyard.

Meanwhile, Sister Hui and the others going to Pure Path Temple didn’t seem happy; Sister Hui agreed to go originally to please Grandmother.

Although Pure Path Temple is the National Temple, spending days there means vegetarian meals and prayers, and it’s situated on a hillside, not as comfortable as staying in the mansion.

A letter arrived at Zhao Mansion, Lin Youning read it, handing it to Shanmoi, “It’s from Marquis Mansion. Madam says Sister Hui and the others are going to Pure Path Temple, asking me to accompany them.”

“Miss, it’s better not to go.” Shanmoi immediately opposed.

The Marquis has responsibilities, and Madam has never been warm to Miss; now, suddenly sending a letter, it can’t be taken lightly.

“She isn’t really inviting me, just wanting to inform me. Perhaps my presence makes Sister Hui and the others go to Pure Path Temple.” Lin Youning smiled faintly, “Keep the letter.”

In her past life, she hardly interacted, but in this life, through a few incidents, Lin Youning sees Mrs. Dong’s character clearly. Lin Youning pondered, “Prepare ink, I’ll write a reply.”

Shanmoi hurried to fetch pen and ink.

Lin Youning penned a reply, instructing Shanmoi to keep it. When delivered to Mrs. Dong the next day, Mrs. Dong’s expression remained unchanged, but if observed closely, she was gripping her handkerchief tightly.

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