Chapter 238: Chapter 239: Going Out

Gu Yifeng nodded, not saying anything more, and strode straight towards the East Mansion. As he neared the courtyard, he saw a large carriage at the entrance of the East Courtyard.

Lin Youning was just coming out, wearing a veil. She looked up and saw her big brother, and gave a small bow, “Big Brother.”

“Didn’t we agree I’d go with you to the estate? If I hadn’t come, would you have left first?” Gu Yifeng looked at her helplessly, while instructing Li Si behind him, “I’ll ride in the carriage with the young lady to the estate first. You go back and pack a few clothes and follow on horseback later.”

Li Si responded and quickly turned to head back to the mansion.

He was all too eager to be dismissed by the master, especially with Shanmoi eyeing him that way; he dared not be looked at further.

Lin Youning didn’t say much either. Once they got into the carriage, she pointed at the small tea table and laughed, “Fortunately, I feared boredom and brought the chess pieces, lest Big Brother gets bored in the carriage.”

Seeing no response from him, Lin Youning looked up and noticed her big brother was lost in thought. She exclaimed, “Big Brother, do you have something on your mind?”

“Nothing.” Gu Yifeng squinted slightly, “Have you looked at the account books of the estate? Where are we headed first?”

The black and white chess pieces began to spread slowly across the board. Lin Youning smiled, “I’ve looked. There’s one estate with all sorts of fruit trees. It’s just the right time to visit, although it’s a bit far, taking three to four hours to reach. We’ll probably arrive by nightfall, sleep over at the estate, and visit the orchard the next day.”

Gu Yifeng nodded and set down a piece.

Lin Youning placed a piece casually, blocking Gu Yifeng’s next move, while still discussing her plan, “The fruit from these trees is mostly for our own consumption, and if not eaten, they spoil. I was thinking maybe we can make some fruit wine from them.”

Wine again.

Gu Yifeng paused, “In previous years, the estate has sent some fruit wines over. We’ve brewed quite a bit this year too. Selling them in the shop might be a good idea.”

Lin Youning laughed, “I thought about storing all this fruit wine. The longer it ages, the purer it becomes. Isn’t that what everyone in the Capital says?”

In her past life, Lin Youning didn’t have the mind to deal with such things.

Now, having some leisure time along with the power, she naturally wanted to try her hand at it.

Gu Yifeng nodded, “Then we’d have to dig a wine cellar. Once we reach the estate, I’ll take a look and find a spot to build one.”

Lin Youning nodded, “Then it’ll be a bit of trouble for Big Brother. Once the wine is ready, I’ll share some with you.”

It sounded like sharing, but in reality, it almost pushed him aside.

Gu Yifeng shook his head and didn’t argue; after all, this little girl was quite scatterbrained, but it was fine since they were in the mansion and not outside.

During the journey, Lin Youning also mentioned her plans to build a greenhouse on one of the estates, “I heard it’s a method thought up by Aunt Wu from the mansion. Many people in the Capital are copying it. I also plan to try it on the estate. If it works, we’ll have fresh vegetables even in winter.”

Gu Yifeng noticed that any small matter Sister Ning mentioned became interesting. Having stayed at the border for too long, Gu Yifeng seemed more accustomed to staying there.

Even when drinking, if he drank too much last night, he practically forgot everything that happened. If it weren’t for the scattered clothes on the floor and Mrs. Dong’s shy expression, he would have thought nothing had happened.

Lin Youning was talking about what to eat at the estate, looked up, and found her big brother lost in thought again. She recalled how he seemed distracted since leaving the Marquis Mansion in the morning.

Lin Youning lowered her head, fiddling with the chess pieces in her hand. Fortunately, having lived another life, she could take things in stride. Otherwise, seeing her big brother like this, wouldn’t she feel uncomfortable?

At the Marquis Mansion, after Li Si took the clothes and left, Mrs. Dong said nothing but went to pay respect to Mrs. Gu Sr. before having a carriage prepared to head to the Dong Mansion.

Mrs. Gu Sr. was strolling in the yard, “Mrs. Dong has gone back to the Dong Mansion again?”

“I heard from the servants that Madam had urgent matters. After leaving the old lady, she immediately exited the mansion.” Suyi took the umbrella from a young maid’s hand and held it over the old lady’s head.

Mrs. Gu Sr. knitted her brows, “Have people keep an eye on that side. I feel uneasy. Mrs. Dong has changed too quickly, it makes people uneasy, as if something is going to happen in the Marquis Mansion.”

Suyi acknowledged the order.

And Mrs. Dong didn’t return that night, lodging at the Dong Mansion.

Meanwhile, at the estate, Gu Yifeng and Sister Ning finished their dinner. Sister Ning accepted the hospitality of the estate’s people, inquiring about estate affairs, while Gu Yifeng took Li Si to survey the terrain outside.

The estate was located at the foot of the mountain, with a view upwards showing the entire mountain covered with fruit trees. The fruits on the trees were ripe, either a sea of red or a sea of yellow.

Gu Yifeng called a young servant from the estate over, “Is there a small stream?”

“Yes, sir, there’s a small stream flowing down from the mountain.” The young servant quickly stepped forward to pay respects.

Gu Yifeng’s face showed a look of satisfaction, “With a stream, brewing wine will be convenient.”

He could find a nearby place to dig a wine cellar.

Li Si, seeing the Marquis putting his heart into the matter, felt slightly surprised. The Marquis usually only read military books or went to the Capital Suburb Camp and never concerned himself with such matters.

Even when the eldest son got married and was sent to the Jiangxi Camp, the Marquis didn’t show up.

Gu Yifeng circled the area outside, selecting a site for the wine cellar, and only then returned to the estate as night fell.

Lin Youning had also cleared up the estate’s situation, and hearing it was the season for fruit picking, she planned to stay a few days longer and join the estate folks in picking fruit.

“I’ve had the East Room prepared. Big Brother can rest there tonight, and I’ll stay in the West Room.” Lin Youning glanced at Shanmoi and smiled, “Both of my maids know the situation. Rest assured, with their help, it’ll be easier.”

Gu Yifeng glanced at the two of them; they quickly knelt, to which Gu Yifeng said, “You can get up. Just serve the young lady wholeheartedly.”

The two sighed with relief before standing.

“After a whole day in the carriage, rest early. There’s nothing much to do at the estate.” Gu Yifeng advised her, seeing the tired look on her face, and then walked to the East Room.

Lin Youning saw the two maids remained silent and smiled, “What is it? Still giving the young lady a look? I know you care about me, and it’s fine this way. Big Brother has always treated me like family, and this bond surely surpasses any romantic feelings.”

“The young lady knows we care for her, that’s good.” Shanmoi left with a basin.

Clearly still upset.

Hailan laughed, “Miss, don’t blame Shanmoi. She’s always been like this. Even last time, when Li Si called the Marquis away, since then, Li Si hasn’t dared to face Shanmoi alone. This girl is indeed formidable.”

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