Chapter 94: Chapter 93: Accusation

What is the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion?

Dingyuan Marquis has the Emperor’s favor. Now that Miss Lin has expressed her attitude, could it also represent the attitude of the Holy Emperor?

Originally, it was just a few words from the ladies in the inner chambers, but the madams present couldn’t help but ponder.

Mrs. Wu was secretly anxious. This incident occurred in their mansion. If the crowd’s instigation leads to the Eldest Prince being disfavored, wouldn’t Consort Zhou put the blame on them?

Wu Xueya did not anticipate Lin Youning being so strong today and quickly changed the subject, “Look, it’s all my fault. I apologize to you both, Sister Lin and Sister Hui. Let’s not worry about future matters; lunch is being served, let’s head over there.”

A silent dog bites deep, and Wu Xueya learned this by dealing with Lin Youning now.

Once again, she felt secretly relieved.

Thankfully, she had someone retrieve the letter; otherwise, if it escalated, it might not have gone as she intended.

As a peacemaker, Wu Xueya found that Zhou Yuyan didn’t show a pleasant face to Lin Youning. When had she ever been treated like this? Immediately, she added, “Feeling secure or not can depend on perspective. Sister Lin, you will become the First Wife, right? It’s pitiful for the lady of the second house in the Marquis Mansion; her man will be shared.”

The girls in the chambers spoke so blatantly, but Zhou Yuyan didn’t care. Any other family’s girl would be ruined for marriage after saying such words.

Lin Youning’s lips curled as she laughed, “Exactly.”

But she didn’t say more.

It seemed defeated.

Zhou Yuyan felt satisfied, lifting her chin and dragging Wu Xueya away. Wu Xueya secretly detested Lin Youning but showed a resigned smile.

Mrs. Wu also awkwardly ushered everyone to the main courtyard.

Though they all knew full well that the Zhou Mansion had its face thoroughly embarrassed.

Lin Youning was to be the First Wife of the Gu Family’s main household, officially and legitimately wed. In Gu Family’s circle, Gu Er would be called the Head Master, yet, upon returning to Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, he’d still be the Second Young Master.

Two different identities, not akin to having a primary wife and a concubine in the household.

Zhou Yuyan misunderstood and spoke incorrectly.

She forgot that though Consort Zhou is an imperial concubine, she is merely a mistress, whereas the Emperor’s rightful wife is the Empress.

In layman’s terms, Consort Zhou is simply a mistress competing with the legitimate lady for her man.

Zhou Yuyan’s comment didn’t land on Lin Youning, but it did hit her own family’s pride, ringing loudly.

It was but a small episode, and no one brought it up again.

After parting ways and returning home, Lin Youning explained the cause of the incident to Mrs. Gu Sr. inside the carriage, although she modified the maid’s words and left out the letter’s affair.

Mrs. Gu Sr. was furious, “What a malicious scheme! She’s seen that the Xu Family’s Young Master noticed you, and upon betrothing herself to him, manipulates everything according to her whims after you become a concubine, wielding a man’s heart.”

Lin Youning realized it too but refrained from saying, finding relief in Auntie’s understanding.

“It’s just that offending the Zhou Family might burden Big Brother,” Lin Youning wasn’t concerned.

Originally pondering to find someone suitable to settle myself or someone favored by Mrs. Gu Sr., avoiding becoming a child bride.

No progress made, and madams might keep their distance out of respect.

Offending Consort Zhou equates to defying her.

Though Zhou Yuyan spoke, Lin Youning indirectly initiated it.

The blame largely falls on the one without family ties, something she understands.

“You need not worry about this. The Zhou Family is high up now, but they’ve forgotten the higher they climb, the harder the fall.” Mrs. Gu Sr. didn’t elaborate nor blame Lin Youning.

Lin Youning understood this logic.

Indeed, Auntie had a broader vision.

Returning home, Mrs. Gu Sr. directly called Gu Yifeng to escort her back to Shi’an Garden. It was clear to everyone that Mrs. Gu Sr. had things to discuss with the Marquis.

Mrs. Dong’s eyes brushed past Lin Youning swiftly, but Lin Youning noticed and looked to find Mrs. Dong listening to Sister Hui.

Sister Hui’s gifts were well-received by Mrs. Wu Sr., who clung to Sister Hui’s hand while speaking — a legitimate daughter-in-law of the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, a granddaughter-in-law suiting Mrs. Wu Sr.’s satisfaction.

Lin Youning was not considered a Miss of the Gu Mansion House, so she did not need special preparations, merely accompanying Mrs. Gu Sr.

Unable to find who was observing her, Lin Youning supported Mrs. Gu Sr. over the soft bridge to Shi’an Garden.

Mrs. Dong sighed in relief once they left, and upon returning to Yingshui Courtyard, dismissed her daughters and two concubine’s daughters, changing her clothes, freshening up, then sat on the bed, pondering.

She always thought Sister Ning was compliant, but today’s incidents prove otherwise. At the Wu Mansion, she caused such trouble, yet inside the carriage, managed to appease the Elderly Lady without earning her wrath, even having the Marquis summoned.

Such tactics, should she want to capture her uncle’s heart eventually, how is Mrs. Kong a match?

So be it, she initially intended to speak with the Marquis, but today it’s clear the Elderly Lady favored her, so why be the villain? Let the Elderly Lady handle it.

Mrs. Kong also visited the Wu Mansion but wasn’t present; later hearing it from Mrs. Wu’s people, she felt secretly triumphant, keen to see how the Lady Lin manages after causing such trouble, and whether the Elderly Lady can still protect her.

Meanwhile, Zhou Yuyan, spoiled as she was, hadn’t come around.

But after returning home, Mrs. Zhou Sr. scolded her, leading to shame and anger, despite knowing it was her own doing, forced to swallow the loss.

The next day, Mrs. Wu brought gifts to the Zhou Mansion. Mrs. Zhou Sr. claimed illness and didn’t meet her; Mrs. Zhou hosted Mrs. Wu briefly before sending her off.

The Wu Mansion was now at odds with the Zhou Mansion. Mrs. Wu initially hoped her son could wed Zhou Yuyan, but now it seemed unlikely.

Angry at Lin Youning, yet aware her daughter instigated it.

Her return home directed her to her daughter’s place. Wu Xueya, upon seeing her mother, understood it pertained to yesterday’s events. With servants retreating from the Warm Pavilion, she explained everything without being questioned.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep