The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!-Chapter 119 - 118: Stirred Feelings

The Flower Festival is a holiday for women. In some places, it’s called the appreciation of red, where people hang paper cutouts on branches and make small wishes.

Having lived through two lifetimes, Lin Youning was no longer interested in such things, but Sister Hui and the others delighted in them. The Grand Garden at the Marquis Mansion was vast, and they even invited a few friendly estates to visit as guests that day.

To enter the Grand Garden, one must pass through Tingxue Hall, via the West Corner Gate. As the mistress of Tingxue Hall, Lin Youning had to courteously entertain guests but ultimately declined, citing poor health these days, when it came time to join them at the Grand Garden.

Though it was already mid-March, most of the snow had melted, yet the wind at this time was still bone-chillingly cold.

Also remaining behind was Xu Ya’an; ever since Wu Xueya married into the Xu Mansion, this was the first time Xu Ya’an had ventured out.

Lin Youning kept her distance yet remained courteous, both knowing full well the reason behind it. Once everyone had left, Xu Ya’an stood up and gave Lin Youning a deep bow.

"Regarding what happened last time at the mansion, I was willful. I know Aunt harbors resentment in her heart. I only hope Aunt can forgive my sincerity. My brother has been gloomy every day. We siblings grew up supporting each other without a mother. I truly cannot bear seeing my brother in such a desolate state." Xu Ya’an confessed stubbornly.

Since the day of her brother’s wedding, not only had he failed to move on, but it seemed his soul had also been extracted. She had sought opportunities to ask, but her brother said nothing. Except for entering the bridal chamber on the wedding day, he spent his nights claiming to prepare for the imperial exams and slept in the study.

As for Wu Xueya, she seemed unaware, appearing quite calm. But Xu Ya’an feared that if the matter blew up, her brother would be ruined.

Thus, she thought to take advantage of this visit to the Marquis Mansion to inquire about the truth of the matter.

Lin Youning lowered her eyes, gently blowing at the floating leaves in her teacup. Today she wore a light yellow beizi, with a white skirt embroidered with plum blossoms underneath. A simple hair bun adorned a peony flower cut from the flower house.

She merely sat there without speaking, yet you wouldn’t feel bored in her presence.

It was as if she placed you in a state of tranquility with her.

Xu Ya’an pressed her lips tightly together, watching the quiet woman before her. Though by seniority they should call her Aunt, her brother was infatuated with such a person.

If such a thing were to spread, how would her brother face the scrutiny of others?

Whenever she thought of these things, Xu Ya’an only felt the pain of tightly gripping discomfort in her chest. The most distressing part was being unable to take action; it was almost preferable not to know and live more freely.

"I don’t understand what Sister An is saying. With just us two here in the Warm Pavilion, speak directly if you have something to ask of me. There’s no need for such grand gestures," Lin Youning said coldly.

Hearing this, Xu Ya’an felt an even deeper chill in her heart. "Aunt, I was wondering if on that day...."

"Sister An, I’ve told you, I don’t understand what you are saying. If there’s nothing else, I’ll have the servants take you to the Grand Garden," Lin Youning interrupted, raising her gaze to meet Xu Ya’an’s. Her eyes were calm yet conveyed an unspoken finality that deterred further conversation.

Xu Ya’an bit her lips before lifting her chin defiantly, "I can find my way there. I’m somewhat familiar with the Marquis."

With a hint of pride, Xu Ya’an turned and departed.

Shanmoi happened to enter with refreshments, and she acknowledged Xu Ya’an with a faint salute, clearly still recalling the previous incident at the Xu Mansion, showing no courtesy in her expression.

Upon entering the Warm Pavilion, she couldn’t help but complain, "After doing such a thing, she still dares to come before Miss, thinking she can take advantage because she’s gentle and easy to talk to?"

Lin Youning glanced at her, "Enough. If someone overhears and questions us, there’s no hope for that matter. How is Hailan’s illness?"

"The doctor has prescribed medicine, but Nanny Chang worried about her spreading it to you, so she’s been moved to a rear wing for now. Tingnan was brought up to assist in her stead; they said they’ll swap back once she’s better," Shanmoi replied, placing the refreshments down. "Miss barely had breakfast and was disturbed, so have a bite, it’ll be some time until lunch."

Hearing Tingnan’s name, Lin Youning paused in thought. "Keep an eye on the courtyard affairs these days. I fear she might still nurse a grudge from the last time I reprimanded her."

Lin Youning knew well; Shanmoi and Tingnan had been bought together to serve her, forming a unique bond. Shanmoi had a straightforward nature, believing anyone kind to her meant it sincerely, without any caution.

"Don’t worry, Miss." Shanmoi replied decisively, although secretly thinking Miss was overthinking it.

A master remains a master.

A servant remains a servant. If a servant is reprimanded by the master, it is only right, how could there be room for resentment?

This was something Lin Youning didn’t dwell on further. With Gu Chaoxuan confined, Kong Tianru was now keeping a low profile. Even if Tingnan harbored ulterior motives, Lin Youning was on guard, so there was no opportunity to act. Keeping her in the courtyard might even prove useful someday.

After taking only half of a piece of refreshment, Lin Youning heard a little servant announce from outside, "Second Young Master has arrived."

A flurry of hurried footsteps followed as Gu Er entered, bringing with him an air of coldness.

Lin Youning furrowed her brows, "Today, with the garden hosting young ladies from various families, why has Second Brother come?"

The implication being that he should avoid suspicion.

Gu Er smiled and nonchalantly sat on the other side of the couch, instructing a servant to serve hot tea. "Mother wants to take a concubine for Big Brother, so she had me inquire if there were suitable girls in the capital. I’ve taken note of the suitable ones and sent them over. Thinking it’s been a while since I’ve seen you, I decided to visit."

Since taking up teaching at the academy, Gu Er rarely stayed at the estate during the day and returned late at night. Tingxue Hall had long fallen silent.

Lin Youning nodded, "Aunt mentioned during recent mountain visits that Big Brother’s lineage is thin, having been quiet for years. His intention for going up the mountain was to pray for it."

It seemed reasonable now to have intentions of taking a concubine for Big Brother. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"I don’t know why, but our Gu Mansion has thin lineage, just like my courtyard with only Brother De and Sister Yue," Gu Er said, sipping half a cup of tea from a tray, his eyes glancing over Lin Youning. "Your health is also too frail."

Finishing his words, his ears flushed red.

But Lin Youning’s face went pale from red, her eyes gradually reddening. "Second Brother, what are you saying to me? The thin lineage of your side of the family has nothing to do with my frail health. Not knowing whom you associate with outside, to come before me and speak this way, aren’t you essentially trying to force me to death?"

Recalling her fate in a previous lifetime due to him, and being unable to escape it this time, enduring his words before even reaching adulthood, Lin Youning suddenly found herself questioning why she had been reborn.

Why must she endure such helplessness twice?