Chapter 43: Chapter 43: Restraint

Lin Youning lifted her head, her bright eyes meeting Mrs. Gu Sr.’s gaze.

“Aunt, this matter isn’t Second Brother’s fault. It’s all because of me; I almost harmed Sister Ru’s child.” By the end, her expression was full of sorrow.

As Lin Youning spoke, her heart was also in turmoil.

She knew that mentioning Kong Tianru at this moment would only make Aunt dislike Kong Tianru even more, and might make Aunt wonder if she was implying something.

Fortunately, after speaking, seeing that Aunt was not suspicious, Lin Youning finally breathed a sigh of relief. It’s a good thing she was young and did not provoke Aunt’s suspicion.

“Silly child, how can this be your fault? It’s your Second Brother and Sister Ru’s mistake.” Mrs. Gu Sr. held the person in her arms even tighter, “When your Aunt first married into the Gu Mansion, she often missed your Second Brother’s maternal grandmother and the others. Your maternal aunt treated me like a child, even letting your Second Uncle laugh at me for a while. In a blink of an eye, your Aunt has aged, and your maternal aunt has passed on. Your Aunt will definitely treat you like her own daughter. If you’re ever unhappy, feel free to speak to your Aunt. You are to take on the responsibility of the Gu Mansion’s main house in the future. After Mid-Autumn, Aunt will find you a nanny for education, how about that?”

“I’ll listen to Aunt.” Lin Youning was truly grateful for Mrs. Gu Sr.’s love for her.

In her previous life, she eventually took on the responsibility of the Gu Mansion’s main house, but that was also due to a coincidence, where the aunt of a village headman from the estate was released from the palace and wanted to find a patron to spend her old age, and it was then that she came to her for help.

A nanny from the palace is hard to come by even with a lantern. After coming to her, she taught her a lot, allowing her to slowly take on the responsibility of the Gu Mansion.

But by then, her age was slowly advancing, and she had no heart to learn other things.

To relive a lifetime and have a nanny teaching ceremonial rituals and rules—that couldn’t be better.

During their conversation, Wenxin had also fetched the medicine, instructing a young maid to brew it, while assisting Suyi in directing the servants to pack up and prepare to descend the mountain the next day.

Gu Yifeng called Gu Yixuan to the guest room, dismissing the servants. The two brothers were alone in the room.

Gu Yixuan was always afraid when he saw his elder brother. Now, having caused such a mishap, he dared not even raise his head in his brother’s presence.

“Weren’t you always eloquent in the past? Why is it that today you’re at a loss for words?” Gu Yifeng’s voice was indifferent.

Gu Yixuan’s body tensed even more, “Elder Brother, I… I know I was wrong.”

“Know you’re wrong? Which time did you not claim to know you were wrong, yet after turning around, continued as before? If Grandfather and Father knew about this underground, they would have been outraged countless times by you. The Gu Mansion has its glory today, all earned with the lives and blood of our ancestors. If you’re not inclined towards an official career, I won’t force you. It’s acceptable to be a lazy noble descendant.” Gu Yifeng sneered with a mocking tone, “Though it has broadened my horizon; you have quite a knack for such things.”

Gu Yixuan’s heart trembled, “Elder Brother, I… I was just confused on that day, not knowing… not knowing it would be like this.”

Just as Gu Yixuan finished speaking, Gu Yifeng slapped the tea table with a crash, causing the teacups on it to tremble and rattle, “See, despite having sold so many Holy Books, have you read them into a dog’s belly? You should have the courage to admit your mistakes as a man, bearing the consequences of your actions. In the Gu family, our sons never shove their mistakes onto others, let alone a woman. Hence, I think there’s no need for you to attend the imperial exams. If you were to enter the officialdom, you would surely bring disaster to the Gu family in the future. Better stay as you are.”

“Elder Brother.” Gu Yixuan looked up in shock.

His face was full of struggle and indignation, but because of Gu Yifeng’s authority, he dared not speak a word of rebuttal.

Gu Yifeng’s phoenix eyes slightly squinted, and his body naturally emanated an aura of one who’s long been in a position of power. His face was stern as if composed of millennial ice, making one shiver just by looking at him.

Gu Yixuan’s rebellious demeanor slowly receded, his shoulders drooped, and he carried an air of being beaten and dispirited.

Yet he didn’t know that sitting at the head, Gu Yifeng showed a fleeting expression of disappointment, which quickly transformed into an unreadable shadow, impossible to pinpoint.

Like father, like son, brothers in arms.

How could Gu Yifeng not hope for his brother to do well?

When he saw his brother about to rise in rebellion just now, his heart was also filled with hope and expectation.

But in the end, he was disappointed.

Lack of courage and acting recklessly and yet obedient; but for a man to be this way…

Gu Yifeng took a deep breath, “The Duke Mansion’s daughter lacks the etiquette of a noble lady, her character is improper, and once she gives birth to children, they should be sent to mother for upbringing. In the future, you carry the responsibility on two shoulders, with the main house of the Gu Mansion as the priority. After you marry, you should move to the main house. Do you agree?”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep