Chapter 442: Chapter 434: Explanation

Sister Hui knew she couldn’t dwell too much on such matters. After all, with someone like Mrs. Dong, she wouldn’t do such things. Since she agreed before, she would certainly keep her promise. There must be some misunderstanding.

After contemplating for a long time, Sister Hui sent a message to the East Mansion, expressing her desire to visit. Lin Youning received the message and immediately knew that Sister Hui had issues to discuss with her.

The following evening, when Sister Hui arrived, Gu Yifeng was coincidentally at the front courtyard, so Sister Hui headed straight to the back courtyard.

After Sister Hui sat down, Lin Youning asked everyone in the room to leave. “Has something happened with your mother?”

Sister Hui nodded. Without hiding anything, she shared everything her mother had discussed with her. “I wonder if there has been a misunderstanding or if things merely coincided. I came to ask Aunt about it.”

Sister Hui feared that her Aunt might misunderstand, so she explained, “I know Aunt is not the kind of person to do such things, so I wanted to get to the bottom of it. Please don’t misunderstand, Aunt.”

Lin Youning smiled and nodded, “You were right to come and ask me. Indeed, you were overthinking. I haven’t mentioned what you told me to your father. I know your father had Li Si inquire about your grandfather’s wine at his mansion, which was done the year we went to Binbian Pass. However, it seems your grandfather’s mansion no longer has any wine, so the matter was dropped. Now someone is probing again, which I truly don’t understand why. But you don’t need to worry about it. Your father must have his reasons for asking them to do this. I’ll ask him when he returns tonight.”

Sister Hui exhaled deeply, “I suspected there was something amiss. It turns out to be this; I know a bit about the wine at my grandfather’s mansion. Grandma took all the wine, but for what purpose, I don’t know. My grandfather got angry over this, and now he has moved to the estate, and he hasn’t returned to the mansion since.”

Lin Youning nodded, “So that’s how it is; I’ll relay this to your father tonight.”

Sister Hui nodded awkwardly and stayed for a while longer. Lin Youning invited her for dinner here, but Sister Hui’er insisted on declining, stating she needed to return to accompany her grandmother for meal.

Lin Youning understood that Sister Hui was uncomfortable facing her father, so she didn’t press her to stay. That night when Brother Zong returned for dinner, Lin Youning recounted the occurrences to him.

“Sister Hui also mentioned that her grandfather’s wine was taken by her grandmother, which displeased her grandfather, and he’s still residing at the estate now.” Lin Youning recounted the matter with a hint of jest.

Gu Yifeng nodded at the dinner table without commenting further. Later that night, as they relaxed, Gu Yifeng embraced Sister Ning, “I told you before, I don’t believe Brother Zong is mine. At that time, you probably thought I was overthinking. Those years, I hardly ever drank excessively, and yet that night I ended up intoxicated, and Mrs. Dong subsequently became pregnant. During those days, she also frequently visited the Dong Mansion. In the past, I wouldn’t have been suspicious, but ever since knowing about Mrs. Dong’s actions, doubts are inevitable. Now, with your insights, it seems Mrs. Dong Sr. and Mrs. Dong might have schemed something, proving that my suspicions perhaps aren’t unfounded.”

Lin Youning sat up in surprise, “These days, I didn’t know big brother has been investigating such matters. It’s understandable that you’ve struggled to share this with me. But now that Mrs. Dong’s side has noticed, unless she or Mrs. Dong Sr. admit it, big brother’s investigation might be in vain.”

Moreover, with the commotion from the Dong Mansion now, it’s even harder to investigate.

“Initially, it was just speculation, but the reaction from the Dong Mansion and Mrs. Dong’s behaviors have somewhat confirmed my suspicions. As you indicated, it’s just lacking evidence. However, as long as this situation is pursued further, there should be some clues. You can rest assured; I have a grasp on this matter. Now I’ve shared with you, so you’re prepared if Mrs. Dong reacts. You should be aware.” Gu Yifeng pulled her down. “Already a mother, yet still so worked up.”

Lin Youning lost interest, tightly wrapping her arms around big brother’s waist and burying her face in his embrace.

Big brother is so kind, while Mrs. Dong has done so much to wrong him. She now feels fortunate for big brother’s steadfastness; had such matters unraveled, big brother would feel so isolated.

Thinking of this, Lin Youning couldn’t help but ache for the man beside her, “Big brother, we haven’t wronged Mrs. Dong, have we?”

Gu Yifeng gently stroked her head, “No more thinking; you’re too kind-hearted. Some things aren’t anyone’s fault, nor ours; perhaps it’s destiny.”

Lin Youning remained silent, simply nodding in his embrace, knowing big brother could feel it.

Sister Hui went to the East Mansion, and Mrs. Dong soon found out. She tightly clutched the handkerchief, baffled why, after seeing her daughter, her daughter then visited the East Mansion. Could it be that after speaking to her, the daughter told them, prompting the Marquis to start investigating again?

Mrs. Dong, frustrated yet helpless, hadn’t straightened her affairs when words came from the other side that the Prince Xian Mansion’s concubine had sent a post saying she wanted to visit Madam.

Mrs. Dong glanced at the letter, frowning, “Concubine? You mean Mrs. Kong?”

Standing by her side, Jingfu replied, “Officially married into Prince Xian Mansion, Mrs. Kong is now the concubine. The Imperial Consort is unwell, bedridden, and in charge of the mansion affairs has fallen into Mrs. Kong’s hands. Unexpectedly, shortly after her marriage, she visits here. After all, she’s the Second Madam of our mansion; the servant thinks Madam shouldn’t meet her. Otherwise, Mrs. Dong Sr. will be displeased.”

Initially, Mrs. Dong truly lacked the mood to meet, but hearing Jingfu’s words, she waved her hand wide, “Tell whoever delivered the post that the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion naturally welcomes the concubine.”

Jingfu wanted to say more, but seeing Madam’s glare, she dared not speak further, responded, and retreated to relay the message.

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