Chapter 236: Chapter 237: Choice

Gu Yifeng sat there in silence. Over the years, he had grown accustomed to silence, and he didn’t even know how to interact with women.

His lighthearted interactions with Sister Ning were because he always regarded her as a child.

“I always thought that over the years, my feelings for the Marquis had long faded. Even when mistresses entered the mansion, and the Marquis took them on, I felt nothing and believed I should accept it all with grace,” Mrs. Dong began to speak slowly. “I also understand that I have taken the wrong path all these years, leading our relationship to such silence today, and causing you not to visit the main chambers for months. I’ve understood now; Marquis, will you still give me a chance?”

The tear-streaked face of Mrs. Dong seemed less burdened, and she appeared somewhat rejuvenated.

Gu Yifeng thought of his repeated disappointments, and when he saw Mrs. Dong’s pleading gaze, his heart wavered for a moment. “You’ve done well these years; it is I, the Marquis, who has failed.”

Gu Yifeng knew his nature was cold, that he kept everything in his heart, and even when he saw Mrs. Dong make mistakes, he never corrected her. He simply avoided her by staying in the Woodland Pavilion, as if out of sight, out of mind.

“Marquis, do you not forgive me? I won’t blame you; it’s my fault. I know saying all this now is useless, so just watch me and see if I truly change,” Mrs. Dong wiped her tears with a handkerchief. “I shouldn’t have called the Marquis back from the East Mansion; others would undoubtedly see me as narrow-minded. But truth be told, regardless of how the Marquis laughs at me, I simply want to be myself from now on.”

Mrs. Dong blushed slightly. “I was taught to maintain a steady demeanor since I was a child, thinking only to follow those teachings, which made me drift further from the Marquis.”

Mrs. Dong wasn’t unattractive, the type of noble family lady known for her virtue. At this moment, showing the shyness of a young maiden, Gu Yifeng seemed to return to the time right after their wedding when he first took Mrs. Dong to pay respects to his mother, she too showing this shy demeanor.

However, it seemed he hadn’t seen this since then.

Even when they were together at night, Mrs. Dong would insist on extinguishing the lamp, biting her lip tightly. Once, witnessed under moonlight, such an expression made Gu Yifeng feel indifferent towards such matters.

Aunt He was always cautious, maintaining this demeanor even when no one else was around. Aunt Lv was charming, but every time he thought of Mrs. Dong’s pain and suppression, facing Aunt Lv’s coquettishness seemed somewhat false to him.

If it weren’t for the need for heirs, he might have considered becoming a monk over the years.

Seeing the Marquis remain silent, but noticing the cold smile emerging at the corner of his lips, Mrs. Dong’s heart clenched, followed by a wry smile and uncontrollable tears.

She had oversimplified things. Even if she admitted her fault now and sought reconciliation with the Marquis, he might no longer believe her.

With Sister Ning present, someone who could make the Marquis smile, how could he ever look back at her?

“Marquis, it’s getting late. You should go to the East Courtyard for lunch. The fact that you came to see me has already filled my heart with content,” Mrs. Dong took a deep breath, her face adorned with a smile, though tears still shimmered in her eyes.

“You and I are husband and wife; no matter what, I will always respect you. You need not overthink things.” Gu Yifeng stood up, hesitated for a moment, then said, “I have always regarded Sister Ning as a sister. Marrying her is a necessity. I’ve also agreed with Sister Ning that she’ll be allowed to leave the mansion in the future.”

Mrs. Dong lifted her head in surprise, “Marquis?”

Suddenly hearing these words from the Marquis, Mrs. Dong was both shocked and overjoyed, crying tears of happiness. Was the Marquis willing to give her another chance?

“This matter should not reach my mother’s ears; you understand why. I’m telling you this to prevent overthinking,” Gu Yifeng stated before striding out.

Leaving the Yingshui Courtyard, Gu Yifeng clasped his hands behind him, gazing towards Woodland Pavilion. Mrs. Dong had her faults, but was he free of errors?

“Marquis, do you wish to go to the East Courtyard for lunch?” Li Si, though posing it as a question, actually served as a reminder to the Marquis.

Given the hour, any further delay might let that side misunderstand the Marquis’s absence for lunch.

Since he had been intercepted mid-way, any more delay might indeed lead Shanmoi to point fingers and curse at him.

Gu Yifeng glanced sideways at Li Si, who immediately felt a chill around his neck. Fortunately, the Marquis had already strode away, allowing him to breathe a sigh of relief.

In the East Courtyard, Lin Youning was indeed preparing for lunch. Seeing her elder brother return was quite a surprise; she asked nothing more, merely having an extra set of tableware added.

After they had dined, Gu Yifeng thought for a moment before dismissing the servants from the room to speak with her privately, “Mrs. Dong feels troubled. Over the years, I have indeed been too cold towards her.”

Lin Youning smiled and said, “Sister-in-law has endured hardships over the years. From a young age, I was fostered in the Marquis Mansion, and Sister-in-law’s tolerance was significant, devoid of any challenges, truly a rarity. Now, taking on more responsibility myself, it’s natural for Sister-in-law to feel discomfort.”

After a day of reflection, Lin Youning discovered that she could understand and stand beside her elder brother with newfound clarity.

“You’ve informed Mrs. Dong of your arrangement to ease her mind. Don’t worry, she won’t divulge anything,” Gu Yifeng said, finding it suddenly hard to voice himself as he glanced at Sister Ning’s smiling face.

“I thought it was something serious, only to realize it was this. Rest assured, elder brother; you were only concerned for me. How could I ever begrudge that?” Sister Ning’s face flushed slightly, “It makes it seem as though I am petty.”

Gu Yifeng laughed, reaching out to pat her head as he used to when she was younger. “It was I who misjudged Sister Ning as petty.”

Sister Ning was momentarily stunned by his gesture, then she blushed and turned away, “I’ve grown up now, how can you still treat me as a child?”

Even though she had suppressed her affection, treating him as a sibling…

This touch reminded her of the night when she leaned against him to sleep, causing her ears to redden with warmth.

“Elder brother, won’t you return to the Marquis Mansion tonight? It’s unlikely Aunt will discover it. Since Sister-in-law opened her heart to you, you should spend more time with her,” Lin Youning hurriedly changed the subject.

Gu Yifeng chuckled, “No need. Mother will likely have someone watching here for the next three days; no rush.”

With that, Gu Yifeng signaled for the chessboard to be brought up.

Seeing this, Lin Youning refrained from further persuasion.

As long as she maintained her integrity, she needn’t worry. With her brother’s explanation to Mrs. Dong, she realized there was no longer anything to overthink.

Lin Youning felt no sense of disappointment. Even if a fleeting sensation arose in her heart, she quickly suppressed it. She refused to lose face before her elder brother.

She didn’t want to be loathed by him, and things were good as they were.

Moreover, if Mrs. Dong and her elder brother truly amended their relationship, she would no longer bear any guilt.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep