Chapter 289: Chapter 290: Merit

Lin Youning saw the satisfaction in her big brother’s eyes and knew that her suggestion must be something he also considered feasible.

After returning to the main room, Gu Yifeng sat there, planning the matter. However, he had to write a report to the court, to see how the Holy Emperor would handle it, since they were only providing the technology and didn’t have to spend the money. If it could avoid years of warfare, it would naturally be a good thing.

This matter was not kept from Lin Youning. However, in the little maid’s eyes, it seemed as though the Madam had come up with the idea, helping the Marquis to find a good solution. When the news finally reached Wu Xueqin’s ears, she was so angry she almost smashed the teacup in her hand.

Building halfway done, Wu Xueqin didn’t expect Lin Youning to come up with another solution, directly and indirectly plagiarizing her idea.

How could Wu Xueqin not be angry when she heard that? She had Yangtao help her change clothes, and the two of them went directly to the main courtyard. Gu Yifeng hadn’t left; the front courtyard had been cleared out for the Eldest Prince, and with the Prince’s guards there, he didn’t bother to stay there and remained in the back courtyard instead.

It was just the right excuse to spend more time together with Sister Ning.

When Wu Xueqin came in, she saw the Marquis was also there, and her little bit of anger in her heart only burned more brightly.

After greeting formally, Wu Xueqin sat down and said, “I heard that the Madam suggested a way to the Marquis that could allow the foreigner side to grow food in the winter themselves, thus avoiding warring with us. That is indeed a good thing, and now it’s being talked about all over the mansion.”

Lin Youning raised an eyebrow. Now, in front of her big brother, was Wu Xueqin indirectly accusing her of stealing credit?

Finding Wu Xueqin’s petty actions distasteful, Lin Youning didn’t hesitate to explain, “In the morning, while following Old Master to the rear garden to see your greenhouse, Old Master thought it was a good thing and then thought of the foreigner side. Using this method to grow food in winter is not my idea. What’s more, this greenhouse was also Wu Aunt’s idea. Even if the Marquis were to reward, it should be Wu Aunt’s.”

Wu Xueqin smiled faintly, “If the Madam says so, you are being too modest. I only thought about building the greenhouse, not as far-sighted as you and the Marquis to know its use. It turns out I was shortsighted.”

As Wu Xueqin finished, she glanced at Gu Yifeng on the couch, but unfortunately, the Marquis didn’t even look at her.

Wu Xueqin had anticipated this. But thinking that even if she stayed quietly and obediently in the courtyard, the Marquis would not notice her anyway. So why try to be virtuous?

“When coming from the Capital, the Madam explained, asking me to help the main Madam here and take care of the Marquis. I have little experience and don’t know what to do. If the main Madam is overwhelmed, let someone call me over. Otherwise, if I just idle like this every day, I feel increasingly uncomfortable.” Wu Xueqin lowered her head shyly after speaking.

Lin Youning didn’t care much, since she had already set her stance, but Gu Yifeng didn’t want to listen any further.

He put down the book in his hand, “There’s nothing here. If you are free, go back to the courtyard. The Eldest Prince is in the mansion, and it wouldn’t be good for you, as an inner house lady, to bump into him.”

“Then I will take my leave.” Wu Xueqin forced a smile, stood up, curtseyed, and then left with Yangtao.

“Why are you doing this again? She came over because she is your concubine. She’s always being neglected, so naturally, she feels uncomfortable in her heart. Now she feels her credit has been taken by me, so she comes over here.” Lin Youning smiled at her big brother, “I know you care about me, but you can rest assured. My temperament may be soft, but I’m not one to be bullied. It’s not so easy for Wu Aunt to come over and say unpleasant things to upset me. Besides, she came in the name of your wife, and it would be hard to explain if asked about it when we return to the Capital.”

If the foreigners don’t invade this winter, they can return to the Capital in the spring. Lin Youning already knew Mrs. Dong was pregnant and believed she would certainly change her previous attitude since her big brother’s true stance leaned more towards the Marquis Mansion.

“There is something in front, I’ll go there first.” Suddenly, Gu Yifeng stood up from the couch and walked away quickly.

Lin Youning remained seated on the couch, unsure of which words she said wrong that made her big brother angry. But she could feel it; her big brother was indeed angry.

The servants, Shanmoi and Hailan, were also startled, as it was their first time seeing the Marquis angry with the lady.

However, after thinking over the lady’s words just now, could it be the Marquis believed the lady was jealous, hence his displeasure?

“There must be something important in front, lady, why don’t you rest for a while? If you continue with the needlework, it might strain your eyes.” Hailan hurriedly advised.

Lin Youning shook her head, “I’m fine, but I am indeed a bit tired. I’ll lie down for a while, you both can leave.”

With some hesitation, Hailan was pulled by Shanmoi on her sleeve. The two of them finally bowed and left the room.

Lin Youning got off the couch and walked into the inner room, lying on the bed where her tears began to flow.

She had only mentioned something so trivial, yet her big brother got so angry. Did he think she was speaking ill of Mrs. Dong in front of him?

Knowing that after discovering Mrs. Dong’s pregnancy, her big brother would certainly value it, she just mentioned it casually and didn’t mean anything else. Still, why did her big brother get so angry?

Thinking about this, Lin Youning couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with sadness, her tears couldn’t stop flowing.

Gu Yifeng, who stepped out swiftly, stood at the courtyard gate for a while, taking a deep breath before returning to the front courtyard. He knew he shouldn’t have let his temper flare up suddenly, especially in front of Sister Ning.

But he couldn’t help it. Every time Sister Ning mentioned Mrs. Dong with a fully considerate attitude towards him, he just couldn’t hold back his anger.

Why doesn’t Sister Ning feel jealous? Why doesn’t she try to keep him here?

He’d rather Sister Ning was like the jealous wives inside the inner houses, who would argue because their men visited other women, than pushing him away like this.

He understood that Sister Ning still saw him as a brother and didn’t regard him as her man, but he still lost control.

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