The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!-Chapter 128 - 127: Incident Erupts

On the day of the banquet at the Marquis Mansion, all the guests from various residences were ushered into Shi’an Garden. The ladies from different families were accompanied by Mrs. Gu Sr., while Mrs. Dong was on the side observing, and the young ladies were accompanied by Mrs. Kong and Lin Youning, along with the young ladies from the mansion.

Today, those invited from the Capital were somewhat diverse, from high-ranking to low-ranking, without specifying if only people from prestigious or humbler residences were invited.

Upon hearing the words from the servant, Mrs. Dong’s expression tightened slightly, "Bring them to my courtyard, and don’t let it attract attention."

The maid rushed away, heading towards the gate of the Marquis Mansion.

Mrs. Dong then took a moment to relay the situation to Suyi. Upon hearing this, Suyi’s expression changed dramatically; she nodded and returned to serve Mrs. Gu Sr.

Lin Youning discovered that among these young ladies, perhaps the daughter from Vice Minister Zhang’s family might catch Aunt’s eyes.

This Vice Minister Zhang has a soft character, yet his household is filled with many concubines, almost to the point of surpassing the status of the main wife, which has led to several complaints.

The legitimate daughter, Zhang Xian, has a somewhat weak temperament, much like her birth mother, comes from a decent background, and is also easy to control, which exactly fits Aunt’s criteria.

After considering this person, Lin Youning could only observe others, dismissing Feng Yufu as she is the Imperial Tutor’s daughter, long destined to be the Crown Princess Consort, sanctioned by the Holy Emperor, rendering her untouchable for any marriage proposals.

Besides the usual acquaintances, even Zhou Yuyan, whom I’ve met only once, appeared today.

There were also daughters from small official families whom Lin Youning didn’t recognize; these people evidently had some connection with Gu Er but didn’t dare make a scene at the Marquis Mansion, ultimately eliminated from consideration.

Finding and dismissing options repeatedly, Lin Youning’s gaze landed on Wu Xueqin, although a concubine’s daughter, with aspirations and the reputation as the top talent, deeply favored by Minister Wu.

However, Lin Youning felt some aversion towards Wu Xueqin, believing her overly enthusiastic and zealous nature seemed somewhat insincere.

Imagining familial ties with such a person made Lin Youning instinctively repelled.

Thus, Wu Xueqin was ruled out.

What drew Lin Youning’s attention were the two nieces of Mrs. Dong, the legitimate daughter Dong Poming and concubine’s daughter Dong Boyun.

The two sisters were the same age, only a month apart, indicating the favoured status of this concubine.

Lin Youning felt it impossible for the ladies from the Dong Mansion to become Gu Er’s concubine, let alone within the same residence, where Aunt is the main lady, while the niece is married to Aunt’s younger brother as a concubine, considered unseemly.

So, these two seemed most suitable.

During the meal, Mrs. Gu Sr. warmly treated Vice Minister Zhang’s wife. Everyone knew the purpose of today’s gathering and realized Mrs. Gu Sr.’s intention, yet none disclosed it.

After all, Mrs. Gu Sr. was planning to introduce a concubine into the Marquis’s household, news long circulating.

The legitimate wife bore no heir, and once the concubine gives birth to the legitimate son, she would effectively be the main mistress.

Lin Youning had set her target, but Gu Er was nowhere to be seen for greetings, and no trace of him was found in the residence, rendering any strategies useless since the primary subject was absent.

This led to Lin Youning losing interest, thus pulling Sister Ling to play, while Mrs. Gu Sr. invited the ladies from Lieutenant Zhao’s family that day.

Zhao Ling and Lin Youning had met before, with a remarkable resemblance between their brows, both exhibiting obedience and understanding, making Lin Youning fond of Sister Ling.

After seeing off all the guests, Lin Youning felt exhausted despite not having done much.

"Go rest too, these banquets are quite wearing." Having made up her mind, Mrs. Gu Sr. was relieved, dismissing Lin Youning.

Lin Youning was not delicate, bowed and withdrew with Shanmoi and Hailan to Tingxue Hall.

Suyi had only just mentioned to Mrs. Gu Sr. about someone coming to the Marquis.

Mrs. Gu Sr. had long noticed Mrs. Dong fetching Suyi, aware of the situation, thus after seeing off the guests, she had Lin Youning leave Suyi behind for a conversation.

Upon hearing the matter, she tossed aside the tea set in vexation, "Absurd."

Suyi dared not advise, realizing Mrs. Gu Sr. was truly furious, all because the Second Young Master had caused such trouble.

Now the young woman impending with pregnancy came to the residence.

Mrs. Gu Sr. cursed once and said nothing more, instead having a cup of tea time before she sighed heavily.

"Have Madam bring the person to me; send a message to the Marquis, urging him to return early today." Suyi promptly complied, instructing a little maid to clean up.

When Mrs. Dong brought the person over, it was half a quarter later, a plain-looking young woman about seventeen or eighteen, dressed in satin robes, attire modest, yet her eyes beamed intelligence.

In a glance, Mrs. Gu Sr. took a disliking, particularly her shrewd-looking eyes coupled with a timid demeanor.

"Concubine pays respects to Mrs. Gu Sr."

Despite seeking the residence while noticeably pregnant, appearing thusly made Mrs. Gu Sr. regard this young woman with hypocrisy.

Beyond comprehension how that wretched son got embroiled in such matters.

Mrs. Gu Sr. remained silent, and naturally none dared speak up in the flower hall, leaving the young woman half kneeling uncomfortably.

"What is your surname? What does your family do?" After some time, Mrs. Gu Sr. seemed to notice her presence and spoke.

"Concubine’s surname is Yan, my father serves as the head of Qiongshan Academy." Her tone held respect, unaffected by such treatment.

This quality seemed somewhat superior to Mrs. Kong.

Yet such conduct, how different is it from Mrs. Kong?

Mrs. Gu Sr. liked her not at all.

Principal?

Meaning her father established the academy.

No wonder that rascal went to teach, compelled by such influence.

"Your father, teaching at a scholarly institution, did he instruct you on women’s etiquette?" Mrs. Gu Sr. displayed disdain, "Your birth may not be lofty, yet as a Scholar’s daughter, marrying into a proper family as its mistress isn’t preferable? Yet you willingly settle as a concubine, a man’s amusement, a disgrace."

Mrs. Gu Sr.’s contempt was unrestrained, leaving no dignity, her reprimand blunt.

"Concubine loves the Second Young Master genuinely, pleads Mrs. Gu Sr. for blessing." Ms. Yan knelt on the ground, "Concubine understands displeasure brought upon entrance to the residence, but concubine bears the Second Young Master’s child, unable to enter the residence but cannot let Gu Family’s progeny wander outside; Mrs. Gu Sr. devotes herself to prayer, heavens favor life, beseech protection upon this child. Concubine has no alternatives."