Chapter 99: Chapter 98: Seeking Justice

The little maids and old women in Shi’an Garden watched as the girl, who was supposed to go to the Buddhist Hall, returned with tears on her face, all showing surprised looks.

Having served in the mansion for years, seeing the girl cry was not common, usually only happening when they were worried about the old lady’s illness.

Now she had left with the eldest son, yet suddenly returned crying?

What had happened?

Everyone speculated in their hearts.

The always gentle Shanmoi beside the girl was now also filled with indignation, making everyone even more curious.

Mrs. Gu Sr. had just taken her medicine, and when she saw Sister Ning entering, she quickly signaled Suyi with her eyes to take away the medicine bowl. But the next moment, seeing the tears on Sister Ning’s face, her expression changed at once.

“What’s the matter? Who has upset my little sister?” Mrs. Gu Sr. even used her personal name.

Lin Youning threw herself into Mrs. Gu Sr.’s arms.

She was truly heartbroken.

No wonder she was schemed by Kong Tianru in her past life.

She had been blind, unaware that Brother Xuan had other thoughts about her. Perhaps it was because of Kong Tianru seeing Brother Xuan’s ambiguous hints that she plotted it that way, otherwise why else would she fall for it, and Brother Xuan too?

Now she had figured it all out.

Mrs. Gu Sr. glanced at Suyi, who went over to lead the kneeling Shanmoi out. Mrs. Gu Sr. didn’t ask further, just gently comforted the crying Sister Ning in her arms.

In a flash, Suyi came back, her face heavy with seriousness.

Suyi, who served by Mrs. Gu Sr.’s side all these years, had a personality the latter understood well; for Suyi’s expression to change showed how severe the matter was.

In Mrs. Gu Sr.’s understanding, Sister Ning had a good temper, so for her to come in a state of distress seeking justice, it was not a trivial matter.

“Reporting to Old Madam, Young Master is kneeling in the courtyard.” Suyi stepped forward to report.

Mrs. Gu Sr. kept a stern face, “Let him kneel.”

And said nothing more.

Lin Youning also calmed herself from sadness and lifted her head, “Aunt, you must uphold justice for me.”

She then narrated what Gu Chaoxuan had said, “I know I shouldn’t overthink, but how could these words be from a nephew to his aunt… If I don’t speak up, I fear if Brother Xuan continues like this, being seen by outsiders, what would be said?”

Nephew enticing aunt.

Even if she was an adopted daughter.

It still counted as incest.

Moreover, the adopted daughter was meant to be a wife for the son in the future.

Mrs. Gu Sr. felt a blackness before her eyes, almost fainting; if Sister Ning had really suppressed this and it came out later, the Marquis Mansion’s century-old reputation would be ruined.

Mrs. Gu Sr. trembled with anger, “Let him kneel, no one is allowed to let him up, such a person might as well die like this.”

In the cold winter, with snow falling outside, kneeling for a night could freeze a person to death.

Suyi did not speak further.

Lin Youning, with red swollen eyes, urged, “Aunt, your health is most important, don’t harm your body because of me.”

“Silly child, don’t worry, this is not your fault.” Mrs. Gu Sr. patted her hand lovingly, “If you hadn’t spoken now, who knows how it would have turned out? It’s I who misjudged all this time, after all, he’s from the belly of a concubine, inherently low-born, daring to have such thoughts, truly deserving to be beaten to death. You don’t need to feel guilty, had he acted correctly, how would he be kneeling there? I want to see who dares to blame you.”

Mrs. Gu Sr. meanwhile instructed Suyi to go to Woodland Pavilion, “See if the Marquis is there? Call the Madam and Aunt He.”

Suyi responded and left.

Lin Youning felt the hand gripping hers was firm, her heart then felt settled, it seemed that raising this matter with her aunt was indeed the right choice.

After all, she had not experienced anything major yet, in her aunt’s eyes, she had only learned some rules, acting so impulsively now, even being a bit excessive was her normal reaction.

It also allowed her to remove herself from the situation, so later if Kong Tianru tried to make a move using it, there would be no chance.

Is this what they call a blessing in disguise?

Kneeling in the courtyard, Gu Chaoxuan was unfocused, regretting his usual behavior when outside, not understanding why his aunt couldn’t consider him, especially given they grew up together.

Then thinking of how his father and grandmother would react, his mind grew increasingly confused.

His legitimate mother always looked down on his concubine-born status, even if she showed care, it was just for appearance, and his own mother was too timid, wishing to hide away.

Sometimes it made him wonder, did his mother regret having him?

No one was dependable over the years, he could only rely on himself to slowly gain attention from his father and grandmother.

The dissatisfaction inside the mansion made him want to indulge outside, though being the only male heir in the Marquis Mansion, everyone would flatter him, gradually making him realize, though a concubine-born, not regarded in the mansion, with the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion title, he was still noble.

Yet now he’s been reminded of his predicament being exalted by outsiders, having caused such a huge mistake, what was he to do?

Gu Chaoxuan’s mind grew more chaotic, confused over what consequences awaited him kneeling here.

He only heard someone entering the courtyard, instinctively looking up, seeing who it was, instantly sinking into despair.

Mrs. Dong followed behind the Marquis, still curious about what had prompted the old lady to summon them during the journey, encountering Aunt He halfway, Mrs. Dong vaguely understood it might concern the eldest son.

Now entering Shi’an Garden, seeing Gu Chaoxuan kneeling in the courtyard, she understood it all.

The old lady hadn’t been angry for years, the last time was when Sister Lin had an accident at Xu Mansion, and now she’s angry again, could it be because of Sister Lin again?

Mrs. Dong’s expression remained unchanged, yet inside she felt slightly pleased, over the years the Marquis has had only this one son without error, which had always troubled Mrs. Dong, now being caught by the old lady, left her without worries.

Gu Yifeng, however, asked Suyi directly in Woodland Pavilion what was happening, Suyi, without adding or omitting, relayed the matter.

This entire way to Shi’an Garden, the icy demeanor on his face seemed to freeze people, with piercing eyes sweeping over, Gu Chaoxuan felt paralyzed, his mind blank, unable to think.

When Aunt He saw her son kneeling in the courtyard, an emotion of distress flashed in her eyes but she turned her head away, pretending not to see. This act, seen by the desperate Gu Chaoxuan seeking her help, felt like he’d lost his last lifeline.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep