Chapter 317: Chapter 309: Demanding Someone

Lin Youning originally wanted to ask about the Marquis Mansion, but after thinking it over, she decided it was better not to ask. The last time at the border, she had asked, and it resulted in her brother getting angry.

So she called Shanmoi in to ask what they would be eating for dinner. After all, they had just returned to the mansion and had also seen the Imperial Physician, so Lin Youning hadn’t had time to do much else.

Shanmoi, upon hearing that the Marquis had arrived, knew he would dine here, as the Marquis doted on the girl. Hearing the girl’s question, she detailed the evening meal.

Gu Yifeng, after listening, pointed out that a few dishes were not good for the stomach and asked Shanmoi to replace them with more stomach-friendly alternatives before letting her leave.

Gu Yifeng brought up the matter of Shi’an Garden and said, “Your brother and the others will be staying at the border for several years. Once the Eldest Prince is no longer watching them, I’ll look for an opportunity to transfer him back.”

“Brother also likes it there, as Father said, if he wants to climb higher, he must achieve merits there. I think this has always been what he wanted in his heart. Now that our siblings have acknowledged each other, Brother has nothing to worry about. He should strive for his own future.” Lin Youning now understood her brother’s thoughts.

Gu Yifeng pinched her nose across the tea table, “You’re so considerate; your brother is naturally at ease.”

Lin Youning blushed, “Big Brother….”

Excitedly, she changed her term of address.

Gu Yifeng laughed heartily. Lin Youning knew he was teasing her, felt a bit annoyed, but couldn’t help laughing along with him when she saw him so cheerful.

The two of them sat comfortably on the couch, creating a good atmosphere. Jingfu kept her head down, unsure if coming this time was right, but it was too late for regrets as Hailan had already gone in to notify them.

The laughter in the room stopped. Jingfu heard the Marquis’s voice from the doorway, inviting her in. Only then did she lower her head and walk in, greeting them before she spoke, “Madam might be going into labor soon, so she sent this servant to deliver a message to the Marquis. Madam wishes to say a few words before going into the delivery room, fearing she won’t make it out and won’t have a chance to manage her affairs.”

Gu Yifeng’s expression didn’t change, “You girls are by Madam’s side, always favored by her. In the future, if Madam says such things again, you should try to dissuade her more. Such inauspicious words shouldn’t be spoken lightly.”

Jingfu hurriedly knelt to admit her mistake.

Lin Youning played with her fingers quietly, without interrupting. She only stood up when she saw her Big Brother rise to his feet.

“I’ll go over there and take a look.” Gu Yifeng didn’t forget to explain as he walked away.

Lin Youning nodded, watching him leave before exhaling. Seeing Hailan come in, she quickly asked, “Is the bed inside made up? After sitting in the carriage for so many days, my body feels like it’s falling apart.”

“The hot water is ready too. Young Miss, take a soak first, and then sleep for a while. When the Marquis comes over tonight, I’ll come wake you.” With that, Hailan instructed the little maids outside to bring hot water in.

Lin Youning indeed felt tired and let Hailan take care of things. As for Big Brother being called away midway by Mrs. Dong from the Marquis Mansion, Lin Youning didn’t think twice about it.

Hailan noticed the young miss didn’t seem upset, so she wisely didn’t bring up the subject.

At the Marquis Mansion, Mrs. Dong held her stomach with a slightly pained expression. When Gu Yifeng entered, she tried to rise from the bed but was too heavy. Gu Yifeng gestured for her to remain lying down as he surveyed the room; Jingfu promptly placed a chair beside the bed.

Gu Yifeng sat down and gestured for everyone else to leave the room. He began, “You’re pregnant now, don’t overthink things; prioritize your health above all.”

“Since the Marquis returned, I haven’t had the chance to speak to you. Now that I’m about to give birth, the Marquis hasn’t mentioned the child before me. Does the Marquis dislike this child? I’ve been unable to give the Marquis Mansion a legitimate son all these years, and I’ve always felt guilty. Now that I’m pregnant, I feel I can finally make it up to the Marquis.” Mrs. Dong lowered her head, rubbing her belly, “Is it because of Sister Ning that the Marquis doesn’t like the child I’m carrying?”

Gu Yifeng leaned back in his chair, “You’re pregnant now and should think of the child you’re carrying. Other matters are not your concern, and you needn’t dwell on them. Regardless of Sister Ning’s presence, it won’t affect you.”

Mrs. Dong raised her head, her eyes slightly red, “The Marquis said we could only be as we were before, but it’s also because of Sister Ning?”

Gu Yifeng met her gaze, unwavering and calm, without a hint of reaction to Mrs. Dong’s sadness. Though he said nothing, disappointment crept into Mrs. Dong’s heart.

The Marquis’s heart, like a stone to everyone except Sister Ning, she had thought that having a child would garner some attention, but it seemed she was mistaken.

“The child I’m carrying is a boy; has the Marquis decided on a name?” Mrs. Dong changed the subject.

Gu Yifeng’s gaze remained fixed on her, “You had the maid relay something to the East Courtyard, fearing something might happen after childbirth. What did you wish to say?”

Mrs. Dong’s heart tightened.

Using this as a pretext to bring the Marquis back to the mansion, now the Marquis wanted to expose it, refusing to leave her any dignity.

Having come this far, Mrs. Dong had nothing left to uphold; her smile faded entirely, leaving only a bitter smile, “I was just thinking it’s been nearly a year since I last saw the Marquis. As soon as he returned, he went to the East Mansion. I knew I could only use such an excuse to bring the Marquis back.”

Gu Yifeng looked at her, “You’ve never been one to behave this way.”

The implication was that Mrs. Dong’s actions didn’t suit her status.

Mrs. Dong understood that the Marquis was looking down on her, mocking her, “Even if I’m not usually like this, desperation can drive anyone to do anything.”

“Since you’re fine, I’ll get back to my duties.” Gu Yifeng stood up and walked out.

Mrs. Dong called out loudly, “Is the Marquis feeling guilty? Did I touch a nerve? Does the Marquis not dare face me? The Marquis must remember, you are the Marquis of the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, and only then the eldest master of the main branch of the Gu Family. Don’t forget your identity.”

Gu Yifeng stopped in his tracks, turning to look at her with calm eyes, “I’ve never forgotten my identity; as for choosing how to live, I’ve thought it through clearly.”

Mrs. Dong’s breath caught, “Marquis.”

Her expression changed dramatically. She couldn’t believe the Marquis would choose the East Mansion over the title, disregarding even that.

Could Sister Ning truly mean so much? More than the Marquis would give up everything for her?

But Gu Yifeng didn’t even glance back. He strode out of the room, leaving swiftly.

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