Chapter 244: Chapter 245: Sending Away

When Gu Yifeng came out of the palace, his expression remained unchanged. Instead of returning to the Marquis Mansion, he went straight to the Zhao Mansion.

Upon receiving the message, Lin Youning immediately went to the mansion’s entrance. Seeing her elder brother nod at her, neither of them said a word and they first headed to the study.

“How are things at the mansion?” Gu Yifeng sat down. “Get me something to eat. I’ll head to the Jiangxi Camp right after I eat.”

“Things are fine here. Your sister-in-law is much better now.”

Lin Youning didn’t ask further questions. She went out first to instruct Shanmoi and the others to prepare some food and bring it in, only then returning to the study.

She also had a maid bring in water and personally wrung out a cloth to hand to her elder brother.

“I think the Zhou Mansion is behind this. Something happened with Brother Xuan, and the Emperor called me into the palace. I have to personally make a trip to Jiangxi. But don’t worry about things here in the Capital. I’ve already had the Imperial Physician examine your brother’s leg injury. Though he is detained, someone delivers medicine every day, and he’s being watched, so nothing will happen.” Gu Yifeng wiped his hands with the cloth. “I’ll have someone keep an eye on the Capital. This matter can only be resolved through the Prince Xian Mansion, getting Prince Xian to explicitly state that he won’t pursue it. Right now, Prince Xian is furious, and bringing this up with him won’t loosen his stance. Plus, I know a physician, and this time I’ll just fetch him back. As long as the Heir of Prince Xian’s illness is cured, Xianyang, seeing it on my behalf, won’t pursue the matter further.”

Lin Youning took the cloth and placed it in the basin beside her. “Elder Brother, if you must travel to Jiangxi overnight, please be cautious on the road. If the Zhou Mansion is indeed behind this trickery, I fear they might attempt something on the road to entangle you.”

“You don’t need to worry about my side. I’ll make the journey back and forth to Jiangxi in haste, which will take about half a month. Your brother’s broken leg makes it hard to move, and this period is suitable for recovery. I’ll also have someone keep an eye on him to ensure he doesn’t suffer. Be careful in the mansion, too. If someone sends you an invitation, don’t go out. When I leave, I’ll inform Mother. You may go accompany your aunt or stay here when you’re free.”

“Don’t worry, Elder Brother. I’ll be very cautious.” Lin Youning, however, had her own considerations in mind.

Hearing the hustle and bustle of Shanmoi and the others greeting outside, Lin Youning stood up and turned around, helping them take out the food from the food box together. The meal was simple since the kitchen hadn’t prepared much and only made some straightforward dishes.

Gu Yifeng did not complain, eating a bowl of rice and then setting down his chopsticks. “Remember what I said; stay here. If anything happens, send Li Si to deal with it.”

Lin Youning hurriedly objected upon hearing it, “Li Si is your man, Elder Brother. How can I keep him? I’ll be in the mansion and won’t go out, so please keep him with you.”

“I still have Hidden Guards with me and will leave some guards here. Let them handle matters; it’s inconvenient for you to act alone. Just have Li Si act for you.” Gu Yifeng’s tone was adamant. As they walked to the main gate, Li Si had already brought the horse over, followed by several guards.

Gu Yifeng didn’t say much, just nodding slightly to Lin Youning before riding off.

Seeing him leave, Lin Youning looked down at Li Si, who stood there respectfully with a bowed head. After pondering for a moment, she said, “I don’t have any significant matters here. I’ll stay at Zhao’s for a few days. You should head back and let Aunt know I’m here, so she wouldn’t worry about me.”

Lin Youning knew her aunt would definitely be worried, and besides that, she had her own plans to carry out. She couldn’t keep Li Si here, so she might as well send him off.

Li Si was keen. “Madam, it’d be better if a guard relays the message while I stay here in case any urgent matters arise.”

Li Si’s way of addressing Youning had changed to Madam, unlike Shanmoi and Hailan.

Shanmoi gave Li Si a special look from the side.

“I’m not at ease with others going back to Aunt. You know how much she cares for me, and a trip back for you would be best. Besides, who knows what will happen at the East Courtyard? Your help in keeping an eye there will be valuable, delivering any messages needed,” Lin Youning did not expect Li Si to be meticulous in his work.

Realizing that the young lady was determined to send him away, Li Si’s eyes shifted before he bowed and left.

However, upon leaving, Li Si quickly sent a message via carrier pigeon to the Marquis.

Calming herself, Lin Youning then moved to the back courtyard. Liang Hui had been anxiously waiting for news. Seeing Youning’s return, she barely held back from asking, fearing for Sister Ning.

“Rest assured, Sister-in-law. Elder Brother’s issues have been handled, and he just needs to recuperate properly. The Marquis has matters to attend to, which will take about ten days or half a month. During his absence, Elder Brother will be fine. The Marquis left precisely to find a physician for the Heir of Prince Xian’s illness.” Lin Youning smiled and patted her hand, putting on a relaxed demeanor. “Now, Sister-in-law should be relieved. Once the physician is found and Young Master’s condition improves, Elder Brother’s situation will also be cleared. Moreover, Elder Brother is a third-rank official of the court; Prince Xian can’t take arbitrary actions. Should there be any accusations, a trial is necessary. We can’t simply let them impose unjust charges.”

Liang Hui nodded. “That’s good, that’s good. I can stay here, but you just got married and shouldn’t stay here long. Though there are no elders there, the Old Madam is watching, and she dotes on you. Still, if others talk, it wouldn’t be good. You shouldn’t let the Old Madam suffer criticism. Go back, and I’ll have someone send word if anything comes up.”

Lin Youning nodded, having her own tasks to handle, recognizing the difficulty of finding excuses to leave while staying. Once outside the mansion, she could proceed as planned.

She exchanged a few more words with her sister-in-law before leaving.

Riding in the carriage, Lin Youning contemplated that the Zhou Mansion and Prince Xian Mansion, aware of Elder Brother’s departure, might make some moves in his absence from the Capital.

She couldn’t just sit and wait. If necessary, she’d implement her plans.

Upon returning to the East Mansion, she saw her aunt waiting and was surprised, hastily approaching, “Aunt, why are you here?”

A guilt-ridden expression appeared on her face, “I’ve worried you after all.”

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