The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!-Chapter 136 - 135: Be Careful

Gu Er watched as Mrs. Kong accepted tea from Ms. Yan, then stood up and walked out.

Though they say a lovely wife and a beautiful concubine, what he did made everyone uncomfortable at heart. He has always been someone unwilling to take responsibility. Since staying here felt uneasy, he thought it better to avoid it.

As he walked, Gu Er’s thoughts drifted to Sister Ning. Now that this matter has blown up, there’s no way Sister Ning doesn’t know. How would she look at him?

His mother’s words from yesterday still echoed in his ears.

Indeed.

How should he face Sister Ning?

Tang Ping walked behind his master, noticing him standing dazed in the passage. He understood what his master was contemplating and ingratiatingly whispered, "Second Young Master, I’ve heard that Miss Lin went to Mrs. Gu Sr.’s place. Since you upset Mrs. Gu Sr. yesterday, should you perhaps go and see her?"

"Foolish servant," Gu Er laughed and scolded, "Fine, since you suggested it, I’ll go and see her."

Tang Ping nodded repeatedly, knowing his master was indeed pleased, though still pretending otherwise on the surface.

However, Tang Ping had his own little calculations. Mrs. Gu Sr. was still angry, and sooner or later, there might be repercussions. Instead of living in constant worry, it was better for him if the Second Young Master appeased Mrs. Gu Sr.

This way, Mrs. Gu Sr. wouldn’t think of dealing with them, the close attendants. To say Tang Ping is disloyal isn’t fair; it’s just that his master has never considered the welfare of his attendants, so he must fend for himself.

In Gu Er’s heart, he was pleased with Tang Ping, wanting to visit Tingxue Hall but not managing to drop his pride. This servant was clever, finding him an excuse so easily. How could someone who makes his master comfortable not be favored?

In Shi’an Garden, laughter filled the flower hall. Gu Er stood outside for a moment before entering.

Mrs. Gu Sr.’s smile waned upon seeing her younger son, though she said nothing in front of the guests. Gu Er, noticing his mother still holding a grudge, greeted her and his elder brother with a formal bow, then sat down sullenly.

If he’d known his brother was here, he wouldn’t have come. Now it was too late to leave.

On the other side, Dong Boyun was shyly recounting amusing anecdotes from her cooking, unperturbed by Gu Er’s arrival.

Gu Yifeng only glanced at Gu Er when he greeted him, dedicating the rest of his attention to Dong Boyun’s stories.

Out of the corner of his eye, Gu Er inadvertently glanced at Sister Ning, who was listening intently.

Already feeling guilty, Gu Er was reluctant to advance and sat quietly, his gaze eventually settling on Lin Youning.

Being apart a single day made him feel Sister Ning appeared even more refined, seemingly taller. Gu Er watched for a while, feeling disappointed that Sister Ning didn’t look back at him.

Cooking was nothing special, yet it sounded more enjoyable than operas.

Gu Er was unimpressed.

After Gu Er came in and greeted him, Lin Youning remained tense, especially when feeling as though a pair of eyes were fixed on her, increasing her discomfort.

Internally, she cursed Gu Er as thick-skinned. After causing such a scandal yesterday, he dared to show up today as if nothing had happened.

How could a man like this be entrusted with one’s life?

Her gaze fell on Dong Boyun in front of her, and Lin Youning took a deep breath. How could she bring herself to harm such a simple woman?

Yet, as the day of her coming-of-age slowly approached, Lin Youning felt her patience waning.

Mrs. Gu Sr.’s recently uplifted spirits were once again dampened by her younger son. Timely, as Dong Boyun was about to change the topic, Mrs. Gu Sr. interrupted.

"My old body cannot keep up with you young folks, and I’m tired. You should set up the table at Sister Ning’s place for lunch. I’ll cover the costs privately," Mrs. Gu Sr. instructed Sumian to take silver to the kitchen for the meal.

Upon hearing this, everyone stood and thanked her, following Lin Youning out. Gu Yifeng and Gu Er trailed behind the ladies, with Gu Er walking slightly slower.

His intentions were so apparent that even the servants on both sides noticed, let alone Gu Yifeng.

"Follow me to the study," Gu Yifeng’s words were as indifferent as his demeanor.

Holding onto false hope did Gu Er no good, and he dejectedly followed his brother outside Tingxue Hall’s side door toward Woodland Pavilion.

Dong Boyun, ever curious, couldn’t help but turn her head to look back even after reaching the main courtyard of Tingxue Hall, earning a stern glare from Dong Poming, finally withdrawing.

Yet Dong Boyun cared little for the legitimate daughter’s gaze, briskly catching up to Lin Youning.

Sister Hui secretly tugged at her sleeve, and Dong Poming’s expression gradually improved.

In the mansion, her father had always favored this concubine’s daughter, while Dong Poming felt that her behavior as a guest outside lacked decorum, disgracing the Dong Family’s dignity. How could she face her aunt in the future?

Shanmoi, trailing behind, noticed their small exchange and lowered her face slightly, pretending not to see.

Once inside the room, after the seating was arranged according to rank, Lin Youning noticed Sister Hui and Sister Ming both looking displeased and said with a smile, "There’s still an hour until lunch. Staying cooped up inside is no fun. Sister Hui, why don’t you take Sister Ming for a stroll in the main garden? When it’s time to eat, I’ll send someone for you."

"Then Aunt, I’ll take Cousin to the main garden first." Sister Hui was eager to leave and breathed a sigh of relief.

Dong Boyun had no interest in joining them. Once they had left, her smile faded, "I actually understand everything. They’re plotting for me to become Uncle’s concubine-wife. It’s laughable. Though I’m a concubine’s daughter, I’d rather marry into a simple family as a proper wife than become a concubine. They say concubine-wife sounds nice, but isn’t it still a concubine? My mother spent her life as a concubine. From a young age, I promised myself never to become one. They treat me like a fool, still trying to scheme against me. I want to see how they plan to do it."

Lin Youning glanced up at Shanmoi, who appeared startled. Shanmoi quietly retreated before Lin Youning started speaking, "You’ve only known each other for two days, yet you trust me enough to say these things. I understand your trust. But such words should never be spoken to outsiders. Noble families have always prioritized rules, and ultimately your marriage is up to your legitimate mother."

Looking at Dong Boyun, whose innocence was replaced by maturity, Lin Youning slightly sighed. From a noble family, who could truly be naive? Maintaining one’s true self was already impressive.

"Aunt, don’t worry. I’m aware of all this. Even if father dotes on me, he won’t defy the rules, yet I’m still a daughter of the Dong family." She then winked at Lin Youning.

Lin Youning smiled. This concubine’s daughter had biological parents, giving her such confidence, but what about her?

Even adored by the Marquis Mansion, did she have the right to refuse?