Chapter 243: Chapter 244: Striving

After Lin Youning returned to the Capital, she was directly sent to the Zhao Mansion by Gu Yifeng. Gu Yifeng did not get off the carriage, nor did Lin Youning ask him to stay.

Gu Yifeng looked at Sister Ning, who seemed to have something to say as she stood by the carriage, and sighed, “I told you before, just say what you need to say. I’m not an outsider. Don’t worry, I know what you are concerned about. Leave everything to me. Just wait for news at home.”

Lin Youning nodded, “Big Brother, I’m afraid there might be something unpredictable from the Heir of Prince Xian. Do you think you could find some imperial physicians you trust to examine him again?”

It’s not important to cut off the line of descendants, but if his life can’t be saved, that’s a major issue. She remembered in the previous lifetime the Heir of Prince Xian eventually died.

Gu Yifeng nodded, “I’ll send someone over now. You don’t need to worry about these things. You just need to stay well at the mansion. Do not leave, no matter who calls or comes to fetch you, unless it’s Li Si.”

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Lin Youning nodded, watched the carriage leave, and then turned back to the mansion.

Liang Hui saw Sister Ning return and hadn’t even said a word before tears spilled down her face.

“Sister-in-law, don’t worry. The Marquis has already headed there, and big brother will surely be fine.” Lin Youning tightly held her sister-in-law’s hand, speaking with such urgency that her eyes turned red.

“It’s good you’re back. This matter isn’t easy to resolve, but don’t cause trouble for the Marquis. But right now, aside from the Marquis, there really isn’t any other way. Who dares to offend Prince Xian Mansion? People probably avoid our people from the mansion now.” Speaking of these matters, Liang Hui’er’s eyes reddened again.

“Sister-in-law, rest assured, there will be a way.” Lin Youning nodded firmly.

Though anxious all the way, Lin Youning thought a lot while in the carriage. In the previous lifetime, there was an incident with Prince Xian but it was dragged out due to Prime Minister Liu’s Mansion.

Chancellor Liu was considered a significant minister of the current dynasty. He was always low-key and didn’t interact much with noble families. Who could have known about such an important minister, he sided with the Eldest Prince.

But everyone knew that Chancellor Liu was the Crown Prince’s man.

So when this matter came to light, it shocked the entire court.

If the issue hadn’t been so significant, it wouldn’t have reached Lin Youning, who was always within the inner chambers.

However, by that time, the Crown Prince had already ascended to the throne. The matter involving Chancellor Liu came out only because the opposing faction found the evidence. Once Chancellor Liu fell, eventually Prince Xian also got implicated.

Lin Youning thought, if there’s no way from big brother, she could only find the Crown Prince. There surely is correspondence between Chancellor Liu and the Eldest Prince. As long as she mentioned it, the Crown Prince would send people to find evidence.

Thus, she couldn’t believe they wouldn’t draw out Prince Xian. The Emperor might not show it, but he truly favored the Crown Prince in his heart.

With such matters, the Emperor wouldn’t blindly protect Prince Xian, would he?

But this is also the last resort. Lin Youning knew if she did this, it might stir up a storm in the Capital. If they couldn’t bring down Prince Xian and Chancellor Liu, it would only expose what kind of people they were to the Crown Prince, make the Holy Emperor disdain them but couldn’t harm them.

A standing Chancellor Liu and Prince Xian Mansion would certainly come to trouble her.

Her brother’s life would be saved, but the aftermath might be more troublesome than the current situation.

Or perhaps directly find evidence and threaten Prince Xian Mansion or Prime Minister Liu’s Mansion. In any case, she didn’t believe there wouldn’t be a way.

Lin Youning couldn’t afford to care about that, this was her last straw. Now she only cares about what her big brother can do.

Liang Hui was also touched by Sister Ning’s determination, nodding vigorously while wiping her tears, “You’re right, everything will be fine.”

Lin Youning saw her sister-in-law’s arm still wrapped in white bandages, “Has the doctor seen your wound? Now that big brother’s in trouble, you can’t fall, the people in this mansion rely on you.”

“Don’t worry, it’s just a small wound.” Liang Hui sat up, but her whole body was weak. Lin Youning helped her up and placed a pillow behind her.

“Sister-in-law, take care of yourself, I’m here now. Believe me, big brother will be fine. If big brother can’t resolve things, I have my ways to ensure big brother returns safely.” Lin Youning watched her sister-in-law, resolute in her mind.

Liang Hui’s eyes moistened, she nodded hard, “Sister Ning, I know you’re thinking entirely for your big brother. But with such an incident, it involves Prince Xian, the Emperor’s own brother. If your big brother can’t come back, I won’t blame you, you’ve already tried your best. Besides, it’s not your fault, it’s all fate.”

“Sister-in-law, stop saying such defeatist words. Since I dared to guarantee it, I certainly have a way.” Lin Youning felt her heart sour, holding back tears, “Was Sister Ling scared? How is she now?”

“That child is stronger than me. Her temperament reminds me a lot of you, calm even when encountering problems. She should be outside brewing medicine for me now.” Talking about her daughter, Liang Hui’s face brightened a bit.

Lin Youning nodded, “That’s good, I was afraid she was frightened.”

Shortly after, Sister Ling came in with a bowl, her face dirty with ashes.

Seeing her like this, Liang Hui and Lin Youning’s noses both tugged into slight smiles.

After such a big incident in the mansion, the once innocent and cheerful Sister Ling was now sensible. Yet, such sensibility couldn’t help but make the heart ache.

Gu Yifeng, at this time, had learned the details from his subordinate.

“The Second Young Master from Zhou Mansion was also there?” Gu Jiafeng tapped the table lightly, “And after the fact, did anyone from Zhou Mansion visit Prince Xian Mansion? Was there any secret interaction between them?”

“The imperial physician treating Heir Xian was sent by Zhou Mansion, nothing else.” The hidden guard reported.

Gu Yifeng nodded. Before he could speak, Li Si walked in from outside, “Master, there’s a decree from the palace, summoning you immediately.”

Gu Yifeng’s expression tightened. He instructed the hidden guard, “Keep an eye on Zhou Mansion and Prince Xian Mansion, wait till I return from the palace. And keep a close watch on Zhao Mansion, don’t let anyone take advantage of the situation.”

With that, Gu Yifeng walked out with strides.

Meanwhile, on the Zhao Mansion’s side, Li Si received instructions from his master to deliver a message. Hearing that her big brother was summoned to the palace, Lin Youning knew all she could do was wait, and, hearing that her brother’s injury had been examined by imperial physicians, she finally breathed a sigh of relief, while also sending someone to inquire about the Crown Prince’s usual whereabouts.

Though Gu Yifeng was called to the Imperial Palace, he did not receive good news. His illegitimate son, sent to the Jiangxi Camp, had been captured while suppressing bandits.

The kidnappers stated explicitly they wanted to see Dingyuan Marquis, or they would kill him.

The Holy Emperor was aware Dingyuan Marquis had only this illegitimate son, which was why he summoned people to the palace overnight.

It’s clear the Holy Emperor trusted the Dingyuan Marquis greatly.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep