Chapter 386: Chapter 378: Mr. Lin’s Request

Lin Youning laughed after hearing that.

She jokingly looked at Hailan, “Why didn’t you go together? According to reason, your dates are the same day. You can’t ignore your marriage; I see Zhao Wu is quite concerned about it. This is a matter for life; if you have him in your heart, he naturally will care for you. Besides, I find Zhao Wu is quite steady; you should cherish this fate. It’s a pity you can’t choose like Shanmoi, someone you like; it would ease my mind. Otherwise, seeing you with Zhao Wu, it always feels like you’re not satisfied with this match.”

“You know that I’m usually not very attentive to things. Marriage to me is just having someone to accompany me. Besides, Zhao Wu being so steady, you’ve mentioned marrying him after that, and I’m not worried about other things.”

“You know what you want, so I won’t meddle in your affairs much. However, that girl Shanmoi is too unstable. After she marries, let her stay in front yard with Li Si, so he can keep an eye on her.”

Hailan understood her intention and nodded with a smile, “I know you have thought this through, but I’m afraid Shanmoi might overthink it.”

“Don’t worry; although she’s sometimes not too mindful of the rules, she still understands some things.” Lin Youning got off the soft couch. “Has the kitchen prepared anything to eat?”

“Knowing you’ll be hungry, Nanny Guo has cooked porridge and made dishes you love. I’ll bring them to you now.” Hailan said with a smile.

Lin Youning stopped her, “Let’s wait until big brother comes, and we’ll dine together. Go to the front and see if Mr. Lin has left. If Mr. Lin hasn’t left, ask if he’d like to dine at the mansion.”

After all, over the years, Mr. Lin has always had that father-daughter sentiment, and even though she doesn’t like Lady Lin and others, Lin Youning feels a special bond with Mr. Lin.

But today is Mid-Autumn; who knows if Mr. Lin would dine outside.

Hailan responded, and called the little maid in to relay the instructions, who then went to the front.

Even though it’s already Mid-Autumn and it’s cold outside, Lin Youning wrapped herself in a cloak, feeling quite refreshed standing in the courtyard.

Not long after she stood in the courtyard, the little maid returned with the message, “The Marquis said Mr. Lin is staying to eat at the mansion; let Miss prepare accordingly.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Youning immediately asked Hailan to prepare more food in the kitchen. Seeing her concern, Hailan nodded repeatedly and instructed the little maid to take good care of her mistress before personally going to the kitchen.

Lin Youning knew it must be her big brother’s understanding of her special feelings for Mr. Lin, which is why he kept Mr. Lin at the mansion for dinner.

In the front, Mr. Lin felt a bit awkward and clasped his fists saying, “Originally I came for some matters, yet I’m dining at the mansion. I’m truly speechless before the Marquis.”

“Mr. Lin has misunderstood. To be able to come to me shows you still treat Sister Ning as your own daughter. Your feelings for Sister Ning I’ve heard about, and Sister Ning has always been someone who values emotions. Just now, someone was sent over to inquire, so she surely hopes you’ll stay at the mansion for a meal. Here, I want to thank Mr. Lin for staying to dine; after all, today is Mid-Autumn, a day for family reunions.” Gu Yifeng knew Mr. Lin stayed because he understood Sister Ning’s intention.

Mr. Lin hurriedly said he didn’t dare, adding, “Originally, I should be ashamed concerning Sister Ning, as it’s due to the actions of the mansion’s madam that she was separated from her family for so many years. If I had known Sister Ning was bought, I would have traced her family and sent her back. Yet now, due to my youngest daughter, I seek help from the mansion. I truly have no other way and won’t have the face to see Sister Ning in the future.”

“Mr. Lin, there’s no need for formality. This matter initially involves the mansion, yet the Marquis Mansion here has faced its share of ridicules. Rest assured, the Marquis Mansion may not strictly adhere to such rules now, but won’t have such matters. Since I’m aware of it, I won’t let it slide.”

Gu Yifeng didn’t expect Mr. Lin would come to this side, even seeking Sister Ning instead of him.

It seems the situation regarding Brother Xuan can’t be ignored, not for anyone else, but for Sister Ning, he must handle it.

When it’s time for dinner, Lin Youning arrived. After greeting both sides, Mr. Lin sneaked a glance and then lowered his head, as if remembering the time that little girl found him at his post. Later learning she was his daughter, Mr. Lin spent a sleepless night unable to articulate his emotions, often pondering the unintentional actions and imagining while sketching so much. Now, finally knowing what his daughter looks like, Mr. Lin destroyed all those sketches, replacing them with new ones portraying her.

But who could have expected things to unfold this way? Eventually, learning she’s not his daughter, Mr. Lin never felt this relieved; years of guilt weighing on his heart finally lifted, only to be replaced by guilt towards Sister Ning for keeping her away from her family for so long.

During the meal, Lin Youning frequently had the maids serve Mr. Lin dishes, but Mr. Lin’s heart grew increasingly guilty. After dinner, Mr. Lin didn’t linger long, as it was already late, and given it’s Mid-Autumn, Mr. Lin took his leave.

After seeing him off, Lin Youning held onto her big brother, “What are you planning to do?”

“It’s easy to resolve; just ask whether he wants to elevate the concubine to wife status or deal with the child in the concubine’s womb? It’s simply those choices, regardless of how they mess around with the Eldest Prince, this cannot set a precedent; after all, he is a descendant from Gu Mansion.” Gu Yifeng didn’t wish to discuss more about this matter, “It’s evident Mr. Lin still holds feelings for you, whether Lady Lin stole you or not, it’s hard to say, but Mr. Lin’s character is apparent. Mr. Lin remains very upright; no wonder the Holy Emperor transferred him back to the Capital.”

Lin Youning raised her head, catching on immediately. Mr. Lin’s integrity implies the Holy Emperor will eventually step down, keeping Mr. Lin in the Capital surely prepares him for the next Crown Prince.

At Marquis Mansion, Mrs. Dong heard someone saw Mr. Lin leaving East Mansion, instantly becoming alert, “Do you know why he visited East Mansion?”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep