Chapter 240: Chapter 241: Undercurrents

For Gu Er, if Princess Yuanhua still held the title of Princess, he would be bound by restrictions in his actions. However, if Princess Yuanhua became a commoner, Gu Er’er would no longer have any worries.

This is why, after Princess Yuanhua was demoted to a commoner, Gu Er was still so considerate to her.

It’s because Gu Er didn’t care about Princess Yuanhua’s status as a Princess in the first place.

Previously, he only used Princess Yuanhua to return to the Capital. As long as he was with her, his elder brother at Gu Mansion wouldn’t be able to send him back to Jiangxi Camp.

Gu Er’s behavior appeared genuine in the eyes of the Zhou Mansion and Princess Yuanhua, making it seem like Gu Er truly cared about Princess Yuanhua, not simply because she was a Princess.

Therefore, the Zhou Mansion and Consort Zhou grew increasingly satisfied with Gu Er, even though he was already married. After all, Princess Yuanhua had also divorced.

Though Gu Mansion did not offer support, the Zhou Mansion and Consort Zhou would privately send things over, and some people looked favorably upon them due to their association with the Zhou Family.

One could say Gu Er was doing quite well now, but he had his own calculations. Whatever he did now, the thing that kept him going was just one purpose.

He thought his second sister was his, but now his mother forcibly separated them, with his own older brother coming between them.

Every time Gu Er thought about this, he couldn’t help but feel restless. However, the more he felt this way, the calmer he became, never revealing anything in front of Princess Yuanhua.

Servants entered from outside, “Second Young Master, lunch is ready. Would you like it here or in the flower hall?”

After Gu Er and Princess Yuanhua arrived, they went directly to the main room, which was the west room where Lin Youning was resting.

Princess Yuanhua was already impatient, “Set the meal here.”

The servant responded and retreated; Princess Yuanhua went to Gu Er’er’s side, “Er Lang, it’s this hour already. After lunch, let’s settle down here for now.”

Princess Yuanhua was also determined, “Since they’re not coming back now, they surely won’t return at night. We’re here for leisure anyway, no rush to go back. Staying here is nice too, enjoying the scenery of this manor.”

Gu Er nodded, “On the way here, I saw the fruit on the trees looked good. I’ll show you after lunch.”

Such interests naturally were pleasant, improving Princess Yuanhua’s mood.

Meanwhile, on the mountain, Lin Youning saw her elder brother arrived and beckoned him to sit on the prepared mat beside her.

The servants had already sent the food up the mountain for lunch. As Lin Youning learned about the situation at the manor, knowing Gu Er and Princess Yuanhua hadn’t left, there was no rush to return.

Gu Yifeng sat down casually, saw the ready wine cup before him, filled it with wine, drank it in one gulp and then spoke softly, “If we don’t go back today, they likely won’t leave either. If you don’t want to see them, I’ll send them away now.”

“Just let them stay there.” Lin Youning winked, “There’s a house further up the mountain, which is said to be pretty nice. I had Shanmoi and Hailan tidy it up, and brought some things from the manor over. We’re only staying for a few days anyway; the weather isn’t cold, it’s like returning to a pastoral retreat.”

Let Gu Er and Princess Yuanhua wait over there. Lin Youning found it amusing, deciding not to go back, thinking they also wouldn’t leave, to see who could endure till the end.

Their location was halfway up the mountain; even if Gu Er and Princess Yuanhua climbed up, finding their house would be difficult.

Lin Youning asked the manor people about it; they said it was built by a large family back then, and when Gu Mansion bought the orchard and fields, they accidentally discovered the house.

Hidden behind the mountain flank, fruits covered the entire area, separated from the bamboo grove, and the house was located just behind the bamboo grove.

After Lin Youning heard, she became curious; if not too tired, she would certainly check out the house. She imagined it must be charming.

“Unexpectedly, there’s this.” Gu Yifeng’s eyes smiled, “In that case, let’s stay on the mountain for a few days. Let them fetch things from the manor.”

Lin Youning’s face slightly reddened, knowing her elder brother understood her intentions, teasing her with words.

As Lin Youning and Gu Yifeng finished lunch, Shanmoi and the others returned. Their meals were served after the masters had eaten, so Lin Youning let them eat quickly.

She and Gu Yifeng then walked towards the back of the mountain.

“I’ve decided on the wine cellar location, initially planned elsewhere. Since you mentioned the house behind the bamboo grove, why not build the cellar there? Isn’t it said that the longer wine ages, the better? You’re not selling it, so store it there.” Gu Yifeng suddenly thought of this after hearing about the house.

Lin Youning nodded, “I’m not sure how big the house is, but we need to inspect it to see if it’s feasible.”

The fruit aroma permeated the forest; Gu Yifeng thought of the wine he drank earlier and the drunken episode at Gu Mansion; his eyebrows knitted tightly.

“Did you tell the Gu Mansion when you suddenly left?” Lin Youning saw her elder brother’s wandering thoughts and couldn’t help but ask.

“Mrs. Dong usually ignores these things; if I’m not back, she assumes I’m at the Capital Suburb Camp, so she won’t worry.” Gu Yifeng thought for a moment and called Li Si, “Go inquire about what wine is privately kept at Dong Mansion by the old man, and get a few vats.”

Regarding his drunkenness, Gu Yifeng felt something wasn’t right but couldn’t pinpoint it.

Lin Youning was slightly stunned by his request.

Li Si responded and stepped back, knowing Marquis got drunk from the wine at Dong Mansion; it made sense he was fixated on this.

Having served the Marquis for years, he’d never seen him drunk before.

“I got drunk after drinking the wine from Dong Mansion the other day.” Gu Yifeng turned and noticed Sister Ning’s puzzled gaze, explaining with a smile.

“So that’s it. I wondered why my elder brother seemed distracted today.” Lin Youning, thinking of the fruit wine she wanted to brew, grew increasingly excited, “I wonder how to increase the alcohol content? But there’s someone at your mansion who knows a lot. I heard he even made high-proof wine before.”

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