Chapter 265: Chapter 266: Refusal

Wu Xueqin had already started packing her things. Seeing that the Marquis hadn’t returned that night, Mrs. Dong thought for a moment and decided to have the kitchen prepare some late-night snacks, which she carried herself to the Woodland Pavilion.

Gu Yifeng was giving instructions to the Hidden Guard while listening to the report on the Eldest Prince from the Hidden Guard. When Li Si came in to report the Madam’s arrival, he nodded, and the Hidden Guard and Li Si both withdrew.

Mrs. Dong entered with a smile, carrying the food box, “Marquis, you’ve been traveling everywhere these days; you must take care of your body. I’ve made some snacks that you usually like. Please enjoy them while they’re hot.”

As Mrs. Dong spoke, she took the snacks out of the food box one by one, placing them on the study desk.

Gu Yifeng frowned slightly, “Better place them on the coffee table. I have official documents here; don’t let them get dirty.”

Mrs. Dong hesitated slightly, then smiled, “It was inconsiderate of me.”

Having already arranged two rows of snacks, she put them back into the food box and moved to the coffee table to set them up properly.

Mrs. Dong felt an indescribable discomfort in her heart. After placing the food box aside, she turned around, walked back to the desk, and softly asked the Marquis, “Have I done something wrong that displeases you?”

Gu Yifeng put down the document in his hand and looked up at her, “No, Madam, do you have something you wish to discuss?”

Despite Gu Yifeng’s attempt to ease the tensions between them after seeing how upset Mrs. Dong was, he felt a pang of guilt. He realized there might be issues on his side in their relationship.

Yet, each time he tried, he couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable whenever he was with Mrs. Dong and didn’t even know what to say.

Especially now, knowing about Sister Ning, Gu Yifeng found it even harder to focus on anyone else.

Mrs. Dong smiled, “It’s nothing. Is the Marquis worried about Sister Ning?”

Is she accusing him of being cold to her?

Gu Yifeng’s expression remained unchanged, “Don’t overthink. I simply have things to attend to here. Over the years, you’ve managed the mansion well; you’ve done a good job.”

“The Marquis knows I’m not simply seeking your praise,” Mrs. Dong bit her lip.

Gu Yifeng set the document aside, “I’ve tried to change the relationship between us, but after several attempts, I found it’s still like before, which suits us better.”

Mrs. Dong’s face froze in shock at the Marquis’s words, revealing her changed but gradually calming expression. She shifted the topic, “Marquis, going to the Northwest this time might take a long while. Sister Ning can look after you, but she cannot attend to you closely. I’ve thought it over and decided to let Aunt Wu accompany you there. What does the Marquis think? After all, Aunt Wu has been in the mansion for some time. She understands the decorum, and given our lack of heirs, my womb isn’t cooperative. I hope the concubines can bear children to fill our lineage.”

“My trip is for official business; there’s no need to bring women along. Sister Ning is coming because of issues in the Capital. Initially, I intended for Sister Ning to leave, but now it seems keeping her nearby is safest. You are the Madam of the Marquis Mansion; no one can replace your position.”

Gu Yifeng was indirectly explaining his decision to Mrs. Dong.

He clearly conveyed to Mrs. Dong that their relationship wouldn’t change, with or without Sister Ning.

Even though it was common for men to have multiple wives and concubines, since he had already spoken honestly to Mrs. Dong before, Gu Yifeng didn’t wish to deceive her anymore.

Mrs. Dong swayed slightly, but her face maintained a forced smile, “I understand fully what the Marquis is saying. I previously felt it was unfair to Sister Ning. Regardless, since she’s now part of the Gu Family, leaving would tarnish her reputation. The change in the Marquis’s decision is naturally favorable and best for Sister Ning.”

“I haven’t yet informed Sister Ning about this matter; you should keep this to yourself,” Gu Yifeng warned her.

Mrs. Dong smiled, “Rest assured, Marquis. I’m aware of it in my heart. But regarding Aunt Wu, I’ve already spoken to her about accompanying the Marquis to the Northwest for care. Telling her it’s not possible now seems inappropriate. It’s just a matter of bringing one more person, Marquis should still take her along.”

Gu Yifeng looked up at her, Mrs. Dong’s gaze unwavering, with a faint smile on her face. After a few moments, Gu Yifeng then spoke calmly.

“Since you insist, let her come,” he said, then lowered his head and waved his hand, saying nothing more.

“Then I won’t disturb you further, Marquis.” Mrs. Dong bowed and exited the study.

Her face maintained a smile, but it faded once she returned to the main courtyard, looking somewhat forlorn.

She dismissed her servants, stared blankly outside the courtyard for a while, then lowered her head, lost in thought, before smiling again.

The next morning, Sister Hui was concerned about her mother and came to the main courtyard, relieved to see her mother was fine.

Aunt Lv was displeased, “Why let her go? Her docility before you is just a ploy to gain the Marquis’s favor. If caring for the Marquis was genuine, I would be a better choice. I’ve known the Marquis for years, far better than an outsider unfamiliar with his temper.”

Mrs. Dong glanced at her, “You’ve served the Marquis many years but only bore two girls, with nothing more.”

Ms. Lv’s face whitened. She wanted to retort, but she knew Mrs. Dong was the legitimate wife while she, just a concubine, reliant on distant kinship.

Seeing her defeated, Mrs. Dong didn’t show any sign of happiness, “I am busy here; return to your courtyard if you have nothing. Instead of bickering, think of how to bear a child.”

Lady Lv bit her lip, bowed, and left angrily.

Mrs. Dong wasn’t concerned about how Lady Lv felt. Seeing the hour was getting late, she rose to visit Shi’an Garden to pay respects to the Old Madam.

Yesterday’s conversation with the Marquis replayed in her mind, causing her heart to ache slightly.

However, Mrs. Dong suppressed these emotions.

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