The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!-Chapter 102 - 101: Lunar New Year’s Eve

The originally festive atmosphere in the Marquis Mansion before the New Year had already sunk in. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Mrs. Dong was reprimanded by Mrs. Gu Sr.; although this matter wasn’t spread around, Aunt He was grounded and the eldest young master was also confined. The incident occurred in Yingshui Courtyard, and since Mrs. Dong didn’t look well, people assumed it was due to that matter.

Sister Hui did not know the details, but she knew her mother was in a bad mood, so apart from helping her with some courtyard chores, she dared not say more.

Until New Year’s Eve, Gu Chaoxuan had not been let out of the courtyard, only saying his health was not well. In such a shrewd mansion, who would dare to ask more?

After the New Year, Gu Chaoxuan’s issues were resolved by Lin Youning, but there was no progress on the marriage matter with Gu Er.

After staying up through the night, everyone returned to their courtyards to rest. Lin Youning felt as though her body would fall apart by the end of the day.

"Miss, just take a nap; we still have to pay respects to the elder tomorrow morning," Shanmoi helped her inside and pulled down the curtains.

Lin Youning only removed her hair ornaments without undoing her hair bun. With only an hour till dawn, she could only nap briefly.

This happened every New Year.

There were few people in the mansion, making it even more deserted.

Moreover, nobody could genuinely feel joyful due to recent incidents, leaving the servants on edge.

After New Year’s Eve, during the family visits, the members of the Gu Family, with their ancestral home in a remote mountainous area far from the Capital, were not closely related and disconnected for years, so there was little visiting during the New Year.

Some of Gu Yifeng’s subordinates did visit the mansion, but they were mostly men, so the main kitchen prepared banquets sent to the Woodland Pavilion, sparing Mrs. Dong from meeting them.

Mrs. Dong had not even met the families of Gu Yifeng’s subordinates over the years.

However, both Mrs. Kong and Mrs. Dong had family, and after the third day of the New Year, they’d visit their parents’ homes.

During this season each year, Mrs. Gu Sr. would have Lin Youning by her side, for fear that she might be saddened.

"Every year, I have you stay in the mansion with this old woman. This year, around the Lantern Festival, let your second brother take you to see the lanterns," Mrs. Gu Sr. had this idea long ago. "I remember the first time I went to see the lanterns, I nearly got separated from my family. Pushed by the crowd, I slowly reached the riverside where floating lanterns were released, and it was there I met your uncle."

It was rare for Mrs. Gu Sr. to reminisce, especially about such things.

Lin Youning curiously widened her eyes, not interrupting.

"At that time, I was nearly pushed into the river, but he pulled me back. I glared at him and called him a scoundrel, but he wasn’t angry. He followed me, glaring at anyone who approached me, scaring them off. Later, I understood that, as an unmarried girl, my attire was quite telling, and he was protecting me."

"But I stubbornly considered him a bad person. Until the household servants found me, he stepped away. At that time, I was smug, thinking he was afraid. Later, when a proposal from the Gu Mansion arrived, on the day of the marriage, with the veil lifted, I saw it was him smiling at me, and I was left speechless."

Mrs. Gu Sr. laughed heartily. "I later discovered that he had taken a liking to me that day, followed me back to know my family, and sent a proposal."

"Just like in storybooks," Lin Youning smiled, but deep down, she didn’t think it was a good sign.

She had heard from old servants that when the elderly frequently reminisced, it indicated they wouldn’t be around much longer.

Her heart sank.

That evening, everyone gathered at Shi’an Garden for dinner, chatting in the flower hall afterward. When everyone left, Lin Youning stood unmoved.

Mrs. Gu Sr. glanced at her but didn’t say much, waiting until everyone left before pulling her over to ask, "Is there something on your mind?"

"I want to sleep with Aunt," Lin Youning felt uneasy after hearing Aunt’s words earlier in the day.

Mrs. Gu Sr. was momentarily stunned, then smiled so broadly her eyes squinted, "Just like when you were little."

Though she said this, her facial expression showed she was very pleased.

That night, Lin Youning slept with Mrs. Gu Sr.

In the Woodland Pavilion, upon hearing Li Si’s report, Gu Yifeng nodded and gestured for him to leave.

Li Si respectfully withdrew. After the incident with the eldest young master, the Marquis had instructed him to monitor the movements around Miss Lin. Thus, no matter what transpired, he would report it immediately. The Marquis didn’t speak much about it, nor did he stop it.

Li Si leaned against the eaves, feeling reassured that his actions were correct since the master didn’t stop him.

In these days, Lin Youning clung more to Mrs. Gu Sr., who thought she was just excited about seeing the lanterns, teasing her a bit.

After hearing this, Sister Yue also coaxed Mrs. Gu Sr., eager to see the lanterns. With the New Year gone, everyone was preoccupied with plans to leave the mansion.

Lin Youning had her own agenda and summoned Shanmoi, "Have you found out where the Lin Mansion is located?"

Shanmoi nodded, "Over in the West Market area."

Lin Youning frowned deeply.

The West Market was a place for the poor or merchants.

The Lin Family, despite being of the magistrate rank, residing there suggested their life wasn’t very satisfactory.

"I’ve heard Mr. Lin’s new post hasn’t been assigned yet, and he’s been waiting for news," Shanmoi understood what the young lady was pondering. "Although the West Market houses people of lower status, having a residence in the Capital is quite rare. Property prices in the Capital are exorbitant now."

"Alright, I understand. Prepare some portable goods and silver notes, and accompany me out on the fifteenth to see if we can visit," Lin Youning instructed finally. "Don’t let anyone know about this."

Shanmoi earnestly replied, "Don’t worry, Miss. I know how to handle it."

As the Lantern Festival approached, Lin Youning grew even more uneasy. Finally, on the day itself, when Mrs. Gu Sr. was organizing the servants to accompany her, Lin Youning requested to bring only Shanmoi.

"Even Sister Hui and others are going out. With such a large group and guards, it’s enough. Nanny Chang is also elderly; the nighttime crowds would wear her out if she accompanies me due to my outing."

Hearing this, Mrs. Gu Sr. didn’t insist on more company, only instructing her to stay close to Gu Er. With Gu Er leading the group, they walked out of the mansion.

The street between East and West Market was filled with lanterns every year, only becoming crowded when reaching that area. It was one of the few times young ladies veiled with scarves ventured out, and for Lin Youning, this was her first experience, finding it novel.