Chapter 324: Chapter 316: Interception

Lin Youning listened to her speak and naturally understood Mrs. Dong’s feelings at the moment. After all, in the previous life, many people envied the one who married Wang Wen. Even if that lady wasn’t good, Wang Family never abandoned her, let alone such a clever person as Mrs. Dong.

“You probably don’t know yet? Dong Poming is appointed as a concubine to the Eldest Prince, while Zhou Yuyan is made the Imperial Consort. The Emperor bestowed the marriage during the New Year. My mother was so pleased she specifically had me return to the mansion, clearly wanting to show off how my sister is marrying better than me.” Mrs. Dong spoke of this with some irony. “Originally, they were waiting for Dong Poming to get married before they could busy themselves with my wedding arrangements. However, they couldn’t settle on a match. My mother looked down on families of lower status, while those of higher stature looked down on Dong Mansion. Eunuch Wang, however, couldn’t wait, saying my mother-in-law’s health was not well and wanted me to marry in soon to bring some good fortune. It worked out for me; otherwise, I wouldn’t have married so early. Otherwise, truly waiting for the Emperor’s decree, my marriage might have fallen through.”

Lin Youning replied, “Now you’re a married daughter, whatever happens to Dong Mansion is unrelated to you. Wang Family isn’t the sort to be cold-hearted; even if something happens in the future, it won’t involve you.”

“Wang Family is but a humble household; although my husband never stated it, I know he dislikes getting involved in the struggle for succession. Originally, after marrying me, he seldom interacted with Dong Mansion, and with the bestowed marriage, he even hesitated when I returned to the family home. What you say, I understand too; I’m just a woman and can do nothing.” Mrs. Dong stirred herself and asked, “By the way, do you often visit your aunt? After she had a son, I became pregnant too, so I haven’t gone to offer congratulations. But in those days, when aunt wasn’t pregnant, she often returned home. I don’t know what she did with grandmother, always driving people out, and acting all secretive in the courtyard.”

Lin Youning didn’t believe she only intended to speak of this. “Alright, just say directly what you mean to say, stop teasing me.”

Mrs. Dong leaned forward and whispered, “At home, I’ve heard rumors that grandmother found some mage to perform rituals for my aunt, allowing her to conceive. I seldom returned after marrying, but happened to hear of this during a visit. Not sure if it’s true. Maybe I can check it out; if it’s true, you could find a mage too for the rituals.”

“Even you probably don’t believe that, do you?” Lin Youning asked her with a smile, yet her expression grew serious. “Rumors don’t appear out of nowhere; perhaps there’s more to this story. However, I prefer not to meddle in their affairs; given my current position, interfering may make your aunt suspicious.”

“My aunt’s personality is rather like Dong Poming’s, always seeming superior and indifferent to others, yet in truth she cares more than anyone else.” And petty.

Though Mrs. Dong didn’t say the last bit directly, she couldn’t help but stick her tongue out playfully at Lin Youning.

Lin Youning shook her head, “Enough, let’s not discuss them. The Holy Emperor has conferred the title of Lady in the capital; it must be quite lively there, right?”

“Certainly, even Feng Yufu has visited several times. Though Wu Xueqin seems temperamental, apparently indifferent toward everyone.” Mrs. Dong’s interest was piqued by other matters. “She was taken in as a concubine, then went with you to the border; is she now truly no longer part of Marquis Mansion?”

“Does everyone in the Capital wonder about this?” Lin Youning asked in amusement.

Mrs. Dong nodded, “Indeed, and I’ve heard Wu Xueqin is pregnant. When Feng Yufu visited her, she saw her experiencing morning sickness.”

Originally smiling, Lin Youning’s expression faded upon hearing Mrs. Dong’s remark, “Is it true or false? When did this happen?”

Wu Xueqin returned to the capital with them; it’s been just over half a month since arriving. If she truly is pregnant and showing symptoms, then it must have happened during the journey from the border. If she conceived at the border, she would be visibly pregnant by now.

But evidently, that’s not the case.

Mrs. Dong shook her head, “It was something Feng Yufu spread around; whether it’s true or not, I don’t know.”

Lin Youning nodded, her expression growing more serious, which Mrs. Dong noticed too. “Sister Ning, it’s not a big issue, is it?”

From Mrs. Dong’s viewpoint, even if Wu Xuelu is pregnant, she is merely a concubine. Nonetheless, it stands that currently, Dingyuan Marquis is still Sister Ning’s husband.

A husband’s concubine being pregnant; how could one feel good about that matter in their heart?

Mrs. Dong regretted her words, “I only casually mentioned what I heard; it’s not necessarily true. Don’t take it to heart; it may just be a misunderstanding.”

Lin Youning understood she misunderstood; she was merely contemplating if Wu Xueqin really was pregnant, whose child it might be. Not once had she considered it could be her elder brother’s child.

She intended to explain a bit but, seeing Mrs. Dong’s worried look, Lin Youning chuckled helplessly, knowing an explanation wouldn’t help, and diverted the topic instead.

“The Holy Emperor bestowed marriage upon the Eldest Prince; what about the Crown Prince?” Lin Youning asked curiously.

“There are rumors, but none can be trusted. Some say the Holy Emperor favors marrying General Xu’s daughter as the Crown Princess Consort, but it’s only a rumor. Xu Mansion appears rather unstable, without a head lady for years; a family like this may not be suitable for the Crown Prince’s allies.” Mrs. Dong shrugged. “In matters of the Capital, who can predict the future? After Wu Xueya married into Xu Mansion, she often stayed with her parents; everyone in the Capital knows this. It was hidden previously; now Wu Mansion doesn’t fear losing face and even doesn’t bother hiding anymore.”

In the past life, Wu Xueya was the one neglected.

Lin Youning knew this well; Xu Yuxian likely went to the border and suffered cold encounters. Even if Wu Xueya wanted to stir up trouble, nobody was around to support her. In Xu Mansion, perhaps only Mrs. Xu Sr could face the issues; Wu Xueya couldn’t tolerate such circumstances.

But it was unexpected for Xu Ya’an to become the Crown Princess Consort. In the previous life, it was Feng Yufu; could it be somehow Feng Yufu being with Wu Chuhao in this life slightly shifted the fate, drawing Xu Ya’an closer to the Crown Prince?

After enjoying lunch, Mrs. Dong left by carriage.

Lin Youning, however, remained pondering Wu Xueqin’s issue and instructed Shanmoi, “Go and see when the Marquis returns. If he does, tell him I need to discuss something.”

Shanmoi nodded and left to find Li Si.

Shanmoi didn’t personally approach Marquis Mansion. Instead, she handed a letter to Li Si through the portal at the room’s entrance. However, the letter mistakenly ended up with Mrs. Dong in Yingshui Courtyard.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep