Chapter 302: Chapter 303: Awareness

Lin Youning’s face was blushing as she followed Gu Yifeng down the stairs.

As soon as the two came out, several people emerged from around them—Nanny Guo and Liang Hui among them—all looking at them with worried expressions. However, upon seeing Sister Ning shyly following beside the Marquis, everyone was slightly taken aback.

Nanny Guo was the first to understand, and her face showed a relaxed expression. Liang Hui soon caught on as well, even showing a hint of joy on her face. She couldn’t help but worry when Ning had talked to her about the agreement between her and the Marquis. Now it seemed that Ning and the Marquis had taken that significant step, how could Liang Hui not be happy?

She glanced at her husband and saw his face still stern. Liang Hui couldn’t help but worry, thinking that later, when they were alone, she should talk to her husband to ease his expression.

“The meal is kept warm for you; I’ll have someone serve it now,” Liang Hui said with a smile, hurrying downstairs.

Nanny Guo also spoke up, “The Marquis and Madam should dine inside the room. I will go help as well.”

Shanmoi and Hailan also went to help bring water for washing hands, leaving Sister Nian Ling and Zhao Housheng, who looked at the two with confusion.

Even so, Lin Youning was a bit embarrassed. Gu Yifeng understood her feelings and said softly, “You go inside with Sister Ling first, and we’ll go out to have a word.”

Lin Youning nodded and waved Sister Ning over. Sister Ling came over with a playful smile and Lin Youning led her into the room.

Gu Yifeng and Zhao Housheng walked outside. The surroundings were covered in vast white snow, piled over a meter deep, with only an official road trampled into a small path.

“I know you care about Sister Ning, and I will protect her well, not letting her suffer any harm.” In front of Zhao Housheng, Gu Yifeng did not refer to himself as ’this Marquis’, which was also an unspoken sign of his regard for Sister Ning.

Zhao Housheng understood and respectfully saluted, saying, “Subordinate thanks the Marquis for caring about Sister Ning.”

Gu Yifeng helped him up, “We are family; there’s no need to be so formal. If Sister Ning sees this, she might feel uncomfortable.”

Zhao Housheng did not show joy from the Marquis’s favor but said seriously, “Although Sister Ning grew up in the Marquis Mansion, she still has a bit of temper. I hope the Marquis will accommodate her mood in the future.”

Gu Yifeng raised an eyebrow at him, hands behind his back, “When we return to the Capital, I plan to stay in the East Mansion. If you have anything, just come to the East Mansion to find me.”

This time, Zhao Housheng’s face, previously unchanging, showed a reaction. He raised his head and looked at the Marquis in disbelief.

Gu Yifeng didn’t pay him any mind and strode back. Zhao Housheng stood stunned for a while, then hurriedly followed with joy in his eyes and excitement on his face.

Liang Hui was busy overseeing the meal preparations below. Upon seeing the Marquis enter, she went to assist him, and the next thing she noticed was her own husband. Seeing him with a silly smile, she was momentarily stunned but quickly lowered her head, wondering why he left with a stern face and returned so happy. She didn’t know what the Marquis said to him.

Thinking back to Sister Ning, who had returned upset earlier, but was fine after the Marquis arrived, she realized how similar the siblings were.

Regardless, now that the Marquis and Sister Ning were fine, Liang Hui felt relieved. She approached her husband, whispering, “Regarding the matter between the Marquis and Sister Ning, if you don’t know, don’t speak out of turn, to not harm the harmony between them. We have all seen how the Marquis cherishes Sister Ning. Do you not trust the Marquis?”

Given the Marquis’s character, Liang Hui wouldn’t believe her husband would worry.

Moreover, Sister Ning grew up in the Marquis Mansion—like a daughter, like a sister—and now as a wife. With such a bond, no one could come between them.

Zhao Housheng finally showed a rare smile, nodding, “The Marquis told me he would take good care of Sister Ning for a lifetime.”

Liang Hui, sensing the implication, joyfully asked, “Does the Marquis mean…?”

Zhao Housheng nodded, “The Marquis said that after we return to the Capital, he will stay in the East Mansion and to find him there for anything.”

Liang Hui’s eyes narrowed into crescents with happiness, “I told you Sister Ning has good fortune, didn’t I? Look at her blessings.”

Zhao Housheng nodded, moving forward to tighten his wife’s cloak, “Since marrying me, you haven’t had many good days. Thank you for your hard work, Madam.”

Liang Hui’s face flushed slightly, but a trace of forlornness crossed her face, “Over the years, my stomach hasn’t been active, and I haven’t given the Zhao family a son. I’ve let mother-in-law and father-in-law down.”

Zhao Housheng’s expression steeled. In a reassuring voice, he said, “Children are about fate. If it’s not meant to be, we shouldn’t force it; having Sister Ling is enough.”

Though Zhao Housheng was male, he understood his wife’s worries—without offspring to carry on the family line, the house might take a concubine. But after enduring tough times together, Zhao Housheng could not be an ungrateful person.

Furthermore, he did not like having concubines in the house. Now was an opportunity to express his thoughts, hoping to ease his wife’s mind and lessen her pressure.

Liang Hui’s eyes moistened, “How fortunate am I to have such affection from my husband.”

“Alright, let’s go in. The Marquis and Sister Ning haven’t eaten yet. After dinner, we should rest early. The Marquis also has matters at the camp. I’ve thought it over; even with the Eldest Prince in town, we should enter the city tomorrow.” A fierce glint flashed in Zhao Housheng’s eyes.

Liang Hui was quietly worried, glancing around before whispering, “The Hidden Guard might still be around. We don’t know why the Eldest Prince sent them. Let’s wait a couple more days. Didn’t Sister Ning say the Eldest Prince would be leaving soon? Besides, if we enter the city, the nanny will certainly contact us.”

Zhao Housheng hesitated, then shook his head, speaking in a voice meant for them alone, “Don’t worry. Nanny is always cautious. If the Eldest Prince has something in the border city, she must have known. If we don’t seek her, she will understand there’s a reason not to contact us voluntarily.”

After listening, Liang Hui nodded, and the couple then returned to the inn.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep