Chapter 91: Chapter 90: Trajectory

Zhou Yuyan, after asking her question, also sized up the woman in front of her, a rare beauty.

It’s just that her body seemed too frail.

Aunt Lin used to say that a woman should not only be beautiful but also have the fate to enjoy life to be considered a winner.

So even though the woman in front of her surpassed her in appearance, Zhou Yuyan didn’t feel jealous; she even pitied her.

Such beauty, yet unfortunately she is a child bride.

It’s said that Gu Er is not like the Dingyuan Marquis at all; calling him a good-for-nothing wouldn’t be far off.

A woman like this is destined to slowly wither away in the back courtyard.

In the silence between the two, Wu Xueya noticed and quietly came over, “Sister Ning and Sister Yan, what are you talking about?”

Zhou Yuyan smiled, “Aren’t you busy entertaining guests? How do you have the time to be concerned about us?”

Wu Xueya knew she always spoke her mind and didn’t take it to heart, “Everyone is watching the play now, so I can take a break. You know I never liked these kinds of things. How about we take this chance to sit in my room for a while?”

Lin Youning’s eyes flickered slightly, and she smiled, “I find the play quite interesting; you two should go ahead.”

Lin Youning hadn’t lowered her guard regarding Wu Xueya’s actions these days.

Zhou Yuyan, however, laughed out loud, “It’s just going to the boudoir, not the execution ground, why is Miss Lin so scared? Come on, my nature is such that the more there is to see, the more I want to see it. I’ll cover for you if anything happens.”

Lin Youning was subtle in her approach, not intending to embarrass Wu Xueya.

Zhou Yuyan spoke plainly, and while there were onlookers, no one dared approach; being too eager to curry favor wasn’t good either, but everyone heard what Zhou Yuyan said.

The color drained from Wu Xueya’s face, then returned, “Sister Yan, I genuinely admire your candor. Let’s head over, then.”

She called to Lin Youning, “Sister Ning, Sister Yan has already put it this way; if you refuse again, it would truly leave me in a tough spot.”

“In that case, let’s go together,” Lin Youning smiled graciously but sighed inwardly, realizing that she couldn’t avoid this today and would have to adapt to the circumstances.

Before leaving, Lin Youning asked Shanmoi to inform Nanny Chi, just in case there was a need to explain things.

As they followed Wu Xueya towards the boudoir, Lin Youning outwardly showed no sign but discreetly observed her surroundings from the corners of her eyes.

“The rumor outside is that Sister Ya has made a new friend; it seems true now,” Zhou Yuyan chattered along the way, casting her gaze occasionally at Lin Youning.

She always carried herself with pride, but at this moment, she covered her mouth as she laughed in a manner meant to seem graceful to others, yet in Zhou Yuyan’s case, it held an entirely different meaning.

Lin Youning pretended not to notice and smiled, “I spend most of my time at the mansion, out of the loop with outside gossip. Has Sister Ya heard anything?”

If it were another young lady, perhaps she would be embarrassed, as such outside rumors are unlikely to be pleasant.

Moreover, being addressed like this face-to-face.

But having lived two lifetimes, Lin Youning wasn’t a genuine young girl.

With a light remark, she redirected the issue to Wu Xueya. After all, she was a guest, and Wu Xueya was the host bringing her here, so the problem should be resolved by Wu Xueya.

Wu Xueya was also someone who understood propriety, taking over the conversation without even furrowing her brow, “When did Sister Yan find the time to listen to outside gossip? Coming from a noble family, no one talks behind others’ backs. You’ve always been straightforward; don’t learn their ways.”

Lin Youning thought Zhou Yuyan would be upset, but instead, she laughed, “Forget it; you’re always so well-mannered.”

Lin Youning realized then that Wu Xueya was indeed clever, knowing that someone like Zhou Yuyan preferred straight talk and honesty, without any pretense.

Other young ladies from noble families wouldn’t dare to speak so candidly; they were too busy currying favor, so it was no wonder Zhou Yuyan got along well with Wu Xueya.

The back courtyard of the Wu Mansion wasn’t large, just a Minister Mansion, and after passing through the Hanging Flower Gate and walking down the covered corridor, they arrived at a small courtyard.

The servants in the courtyard, upon seeing Wu Xueya, came forward to greet her. Wu Xueya was quite casual, asking them to bring tea and snacks, then led Lin Youning and the two others into the Warm Pavilion.

Once Lin Youning was seated, a half-cup of warm tea into her stomach, her heart settled. This was the inner courtyard and boudoir of the Wu Mansion, so if anything truly happened, the Wu Mansion couldn’t absolve themselves from it.

Wu Xueya also appeared to be a shrewd person, and Mrs. Kong was the Second Madam of the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion. Considering her relationship with Gu Er, if something really happened here, it would not only tarnish the Wu Mansion’s reputation but also implicate Mrs. Kong.

By then, the Wu Mansion would have a hard time explaining things, given their connection to Mrs. Kong.

With this in mind, Lin Youning became increasingly curious about what Wu Xueya could do without involving the Wu Mansion or implicating Mrs. Kong.

Zhou Yuyan, however, remained sitting upright, even on the soft couch. She should be relaxing, yet she maintained her posture.

Lin Youning’s gaze shifted slightly, understanding the situation.

After all, she’s a young girl, and sometimes appearances aren’t what they seem; this noble daughter of the Zhou Family also put on a façade of imposing presence.

Wu Xueya found a chess set, “It’s rare to have such a lazy moment; why not play a game of chess?”

“I’m in,” Zhou Yuyan showed immediate interest.

Lin Youning laughed, “I rarely engage in these activities, so I’ll just watch you play.”

Upon hearing her words, it seemed the two had anticipated this and didn’t insist on her joining; they just set up the board and started playing.

Lin Youning faintly heard Shanmoi’s voice outside; it’s not appropriate to call out in someone else’s home, but soon Shanmoi cautiously walked in.

“Miss, the old Madam is not feeling well and wishes to return home first, asking you to accompany her.”

Lin Youning stood up immediately upon hearing this. Wu Xueya, upon hearing it, also turned serious, “In that case, let me escort Sister Ning, and Sister Yan, please wait here for a moment.”

Zhou Yuyan grumbled, “We’ve barely started the game, and it’s already being interrupted.”

Yet she directed her exasperation towards Lin Youning.

Wu Xueya appeared troubled, “There’s an elder from the Gu Family at home having an issue, how could I not escort them? Besides, Sister Ning doesn’t know the way.”

“Isn’t there a maid?” Zhou Yuyan’s displeasure grew.

Lin Youning gave a small smile, “Aren’t there maids in the courtyard? Let the maid lead the way. If you really leave Sister Zhou here to send me off, I’d feel guilty.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep