Chapter 316: Chapter 308: Return

Mrs. Dong’s belly had grown, and the household matters were once again handed over to Sister Hui. However, Mrs. Gu Sr. was not at ease, so she called Sister Hui over to instruct her on what needed to be done and what to pay attention to. Sister Hui, now fourteen, sat there with a smile on her face, not showing any impatience at Mrs. Gu Sr.’s instructions. She even asked a few questions when she didn’t understand something. Her patient attitude made Mrs. Gu Sr. feel a bit closer to her.

As for the second house, since Tian was scarcely returning to the Marquis Mansion and had no contact with Mrs. Gu Sr., the latter didn’t mind. She was getting older and couldn’t enjoy much of her children’s blessings, let alone those of her grandchildren, so she wasn’t bothered by these things.

Sister Jian and Sister Ran came and went together, but Sister Hui was so outstanding that the two, being born of concubines, couldn’t compare. Thus, Sister Hui was the most remarkable in the Gu Mansion.

Everything in the mansion was arranged in an orderly manner by Sister Hui. In the anticipation of Mrs. Dong and Mrs. Gu Sr., by the end of August, Gu Yifeng’s party finally reached the Capital.

Upon receiving the news, Mrs. Gu Sr. personally went to the mansion gate. As soon as she saw her son, she couldn’t help but ask, “Where is Sister Ning?”

Gu Yifeng smiled and supported his mother, “Sister Ning wasn’t feeling well on the road and lost a lot of weight. I thought we should rest along the way before returning, but she insisted on coming back immediately. So, I’ve already summoned the Imperial Physician to check on her.”

Mrs. Gu Sr. wasn’t worried but instead showed delight, with a hint of excitement in her voice, “Is Sister Ning pregnant?”

This had been a concern for Mrs. Gu Sr.

She had always worried about the lack of progress between her son and Sister Ning, but from the letters she’d received, it sounded like things were going well between them.

“Let’s discuss this back at the mansion,” Gu Yifeng was also considering this possibility.

But since he hadn’t experienced this before, he wasn’t certain if it was true.

Besides, such matters needed the Imperial Physician to confirm it; otherwise, if it turns out not to be true, how would Sister Ning face everyone?

Mrs. Gu Sr. patted her son’s hand, “I understand, I understand.”

She acted as if she knew what her son was concerned about.

Gu Yifeng had originally seemed relaxed, but his mother’s comment made his expression a bit awkward.

Mrs. Dong, who had been standing behind and feeling neglected as Mrs. Gu Sr. and the Marquis spoke solely of Sister Ning, barely maintained her smile. When she heard that Sister Ning might be pregnant, her body swayed, nearly falling.

“Madam,” Jingfu softly reminded her.

Mrs. Dong nodded, indicating Jingfu not to worry and that she was fine, though she tightly gripped Jingfu’s hand, which Jingfu endured without complaint.

Fortunately, once Mrs. Gu Sr. finished speaking, she called over Mrs. Dong, “You’re almost due. The Imperial Physician said it’s a boy. He will be the first legitimate son in our Marquis Mansion.”

Mrs. Dong, smiling, caressed her belly as she walked over, “Marquis.”

Gu Yifeng nodded, “You’ve worked hard.”

But he said nothing more.

Thankfully, Aunt Lv and Aunt He, along with a few sisters, came to pay respects, sparing Mrs. Dong from feeling too awkward.

Mrs. Dong felt that the Marquis didn’t care about her, whether she was pregnant or not. But in others’ eyes, the Marquis was just that way; his face never revealed his emotions.

As the group entered the mansion, Mrs. Dong lost the desire to face the Marquis. Claiming discomfort in her belly, she returned to Yingshui Courtyard, and though Mrs. Gu Sr. suggested calling the Imperial Physician, Mrs. Dong refused, saying the midwife in her courtyard would suffice.

Mrs. Gu Sr. knew how much Mrs. Dong valued her unborn child and didn’t press further. She engaged her son in conversation about the past half-year, asking especially about Sister Ning.

Noticing this, Gu Yifeng responded only as asked, and once Mrs. Gu Sr. had finished, he inquired about matters in the mansion.

“There haven’t been major issues in the mansion, but the second house, along with Princess Yuanhua, keeps causing trouble outside. Apart from frequenting restaurants, they’ve even been to the brothel. If they hadn’t run out of money and the matter was brought to the Marquis Mansion, I wouldn’t have known. I’ve asked Sister Hui to instruct the gatekeeper that we won’t handle their affairs and announced it as well, so let’s see who dares to advance them anything anymore.”

Gu Yifeng nodded. Though he said nothing, his expression was displeased. He had asked Zhang Wu to keep an eye on the Capital, yet this matter hadn’t been mentioned in his letters, so it seemed further inquiries were necessary.

“Sister Ning is still young and alone over there. Mrs. Dong is about to give birth; have you informed Sister Ning?” Mrs. Gu Sr. asked with concern.

Gu Yifeng reassured her, “Don’t worry, Mother, Sister Ning is well informed.”

Mrs. Gu Sr. nodded, “As long as you handle it well. Have you arranged for the Imperial Physician to send word here after examining her?”

Mrs. Gu Sr. was anxious about this.

“I’ll go over and take a look,” Gu Yifeng replied, indicating he hadn’t made the arrangements yet.

“Alright, I don’t have anything else. You should go to the East Courtyard and check on Sister Ning. If she’s not well, she doesn’t need to come greet me right away.”

Gu Yifeng then stood and left.

Mrs. Gu Sr. watched her son depart, feeling not displeased but amused, “Seeing that now Dalang is attentive to Sister Ning, I’m relieved. It’s good that Dalang cares about Sister Ning.”

Nanny Chang and Nanny Chi nodded in agreement, pleased. The Marquis was capable, and with his protection, there was no need to worry about the girl’s side.

As Gu Yifeng left the Marquis Mansion, he instructed Li Si behind him, “I’ll have dinner at the East Courtyard. Send a message to the Madam’s side.”

After Li Si agreed, he dashed off, and Gu Yifeng continued his stride toward the East Mansion.

Mrs. Dong was already feeling unwell, and hearing the message brought by Li Si made her face falter.

Meanwhile, Lin Youning had just seen the Imperial Physician off and had not yet done anything else when she saw Gu Yifeng stride in from outside.

As soon as Gu Yifeng entered, he asked, “What did the Imperial Physician say?”

Lin Youning smiled, “It’s just some stomach issues. I’ve been prescribed some medicine, probably due to the change of environment.”

Frankly, Lin Youning felt a bit disappointed herself.

But considering the previous silence in the Marquis Mansion over the years, it was only a few months; she couldn’t always dwell on that.

Although Gu Yifeng was somewhat disappointed, his greater concern was Sister Ning. Having reached the soft chaise, he remarked, “Then recuperate well. If the foreigners over there can handle themselves, we don’t need to concern ourselves. What would you like for dinner? I’ll eat here.”

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