Chapter 47: Chapter 47: Overestimating

Lin Youning paid her respects to Mrs. Kong Sr., who carefully examined her from head to toe. Without further words, Mrs. Kong Sr. took off a bracelet she was wearing and slipped it onto Lin Youning’s wrist.

Afraid that Lin Youning might refuse, she said, “Wear it, my dear. Your foster mother and I have been acquaintances for some time. In our eyes, you are like our own child.”

Could this be a subtle implication that if Kong Tianru made a mistake, her foster mother would treat it just like a mistake made by her own child and not take it to heart?

The thought flashed through Lin Youning’s mind, but she didn’t voice it. Instead, she looked at her foster mother across the room. Seeing her nod, she thanked Mrs. Kong Sr. and accepted the bracelet.

“See how obedient this child is,” Mrs. Kong Sr. fondly patted Lin Youning’s head. “Back when I followed my brothers to the border, and after entering the Capital, I envied the noble ladies here. Later, when I married, I wished for my descendants to also be raised as well-bred noble women. Yet, that dream did not come true.”

“Look at you, each grandchild has their own fate, and worrying about it does no good,” Mrs. Gu Sr. said with a smile. “This child is indeed obedient, but her temperament is too gentle. It looks good now, but she will become the matriarch in the future. How can she be so soft? I am considering finding her a nanny from the palace to teach her properly, to make her personality more lively.”

As Mrs. Gu Sr. spoke, she beckoned to Lin Youning, who practically leapt into her arms as if she had been granted a pardon.

In the Capital, Mrs. Kong Sr. was renowned for her strength. When Old Duke Kong tried to take a concubine, Mrs. Kong Sr. tied up the woman and sold her off, even breaking one of Old Duke Kong’s legs, which took half a year of recovery before he could walk again.

From then on, Mrs. Kong Sr.’s reputation spread, and the Old Duke never took another concubine.

It was said that Mrs. Kong Sr.’s audacity stemmed from having two elder brothers who were in command of a significant military force at the border and were trusted by the Emperor.

It was her maternal family backing her; otherwise, how could she be so confident?

She always looked down on those from inferior backgrounds with arrogance. Yet, now she suddenly treated Lin Youning with such kindness, which made Lin Youning uncomfortable.

Moreover, someone like her suddenly coming without sending any prior notice clearly suggested it was about matters concerning Kong Tianru.

Mrs. Gu Sr.’s words caused a slight stiffness in Mrs. Kong Sr.’s expression, but it quickly faded as she regained her smile.

“Indeed, I am also thinking of finding a nanny to educate Sister Ru. But nannies from the palace are rare and hard to come by. If you, dear elder sister, have a suitable one, please do help us choose one for Sister Ru.”

“There’s no need to be so courteous; we are almost family now. It’s not a bother at all, just a matter of convenience,” Mrs. Gu Sr. smiled warmly.

After conversing a while longer, Mrs. Kong Sr. rose to leave. As she departed, she held Lin Youning’s hand to apologize on behalf of Kong Tianru, saying, “Your Sister Ru is sincere and regards you as her own sister. Please don’t take it to heart.”

Lin Youning inwardly found it ridiculous. Kong Tianru’s actions were simply brushed off with the notion of being “like family.”

With behavior like this, it’s no wonder the Duke Mansion was in decline, having no rules or decorum.

After escorting Mrs. Kong Sr. out, Mrs. Gu Sr. held Lin Youning close, checking whether the swelling on her face had subsided. She then asked what she had for dinner before discussing Mrs. Kong Sr., “She insists that your Sister Ru made a mistake and comes pleading to have her sent to our residence this year. After checking the dates, there are a few suitable ones after the Mid-Autumn Festival. With your aunt’s passing, which was our family’s bereavement, your eldest sister-in-law can oversee it while I take you to stay at the other residence for a few days.”

“If my aunt knew my foster mother missed my second brother’s wedding because of her, she would be heartbroken,” Lin Youning said, a rush of emotion causing her nose to tingle, “It’s merely a formality; I can go by myself.”

Not even attending her most beloved youngest son’s wedding.

Although this was already so, Lin Youning was content merely at these words.

She was not her aunt’s biological niece.

Her aunt was the legitimate daughter of the General Gao Mansion, while Lin Youning’s biological mother was merely a concubine’s daughter from the same mansion.

Though she had been raised by her aunt since birth and never saw her biological mother, Lin Youning deeply understood the gap between legitimate and concubine born.

Even among legitimate siblings, there are numerous conflicts, let alone between legitimate and concubine-born.

It’s not a stretch to say they are like enemies.

Yet, her aunt raised her warmly from a young age, and her foster mother didn’t disdain her background. Now, making such a decision for her, how could Lin Youning remain untouched?

“You little girl, already using your aunt to curb your foster mother?” Mrs. Gu Sr. tapped Lin Youning’s nose, “You’re still young. Some things you don’t understand yet; grow up first, and your foster mother will explain.”

Lin Youning knew she shouldn’t act as if she understood everything, lest people think her too clever for her age. After all, she was still a child.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Kong Sr. boarded the carriage, her face cloudy. An old nanny who had served her for years handed her a warm cloth, advising, “Madam, you should take it easy and not affect your health. The fact that Dingyuan Marquis granted such favor shows their regard for the Duke Mansion.”

“Hmph, what do you know? You heard what Mrs. Gu Sr. said: she mentioned Sister Lin’s gentle temperament, suggesting finding someone to teach her, as she will be the future head. Why say this out of the blue? It’s a roundabout way of telling me that our Sister Ru will merely be a secondary wife and doesn’t need to be the matriarch, implying that our daughter was not properly raised.”

The old nanny mulled it over and realized it could indeed be interpreted that way.

Mrs. Gu Sr.’s words were truly sharp; no wonder she managed to support her son as a widow.

Yet, in front of her own Madam, she dared not speak.

Mrs. Kong Sr. sighed heavily, “Sister Ru has been spoiled by Mrs. Gao, growing up misguided as the Duke Mansion’s legitimate daughter. My trusted maid, Luyi, is dependable. Offer her as a concubine to my eldest son’s household. The household has grown too quiet, emboldening Mrs. Gao’s laziness and carelessness.”

The old nanny’s expression tightened, promptly complying.

For years, Madam has not placed women in her sons’ households. But now…

It seems the elderly master indeed needs to reflect.

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