The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!-Chapter 151 - 150: Coincidence

Lin Youning knew that Sister Yue was always shallow-minded and often targeted her, so when she heard the question, she understood that it was directed at her.

She was probably being petty again, thinking that Aunt gave her something privately.

Mrs. Gu Sr., sitting above, half-closed her eyes, as if asleep, and did not see any of this.

This attitude certainly favored Sister Ning, as on one side was the legitimate granddaughter and on the other, an adopted one.

"Sister Yue, you’ve guessed wrong, this was a gift from Mrs. Zhao," Lin Youning said, noticing her disbelief, and didn’t elaborate further.

Sister Hui also inspected it closely. "I heard there’s a master craftsman in the imperial court who can carve things so alive-like. The bud on Aunt’s plum blossom looks incredibly real. It must be the work of a renowned artisan."

"I also think the carving is well-done," Lin Youning wasn’t thinking about that craftsman but she knew who had carved it.

Sister Yue sneered, "Elder Sister is always so kind and virtuous, but Lieutenant Zhao, what valuable item could he possibly give? Besides, plum blossoms are known to be pink, this one is white, which hardly qualifies as good."

Once she said that, even Sister Ran looked at her amusedly.

Everyone in the room looked at her that way, Sister Yue blushed slightly, thinking they were mocking her for looking down on the Zhao family.

Mrs. Gu Sr. opened her eyes and glanced at her, "Sister Ning has just returned and is tired, let’s all leave."

Only then did everyone stand up to bid farewell.

As Sister Hui parted from Lin Youning, she took a closer look at the hairpin and simply remarked, the more she looked at it, the more she liked it.

Lin Youning couldn’t just give it away to someone else; it was considered a family heirloom now.

After passing through the Tingxue Hall’s side door and entering the passage, Sister Ran laughed, "Fourth Sister, you’re not aware, when the plum blossom bud first appears, it’s pink, but as it nears blooming, it gradually turns white. You should read more books; otherwise, if you say such things outside the mansion, you’ll be laughed at for no reason."

Sister Ran took after Aunt Lv the most; her already bright face became even harsher when she smiled.

Sister Yue was furious and sneered, "Even if I don’t read more books, I am still a legitimate daughter, better than being a concubine’s offspring, always sneaking around with petty thievery."

"Fourth Sister, mind your words." Sister Hui hurried over, first giving Sister Ran an angry look, then fixing her gaze on Sister Yue, "We are all women of the Marquis Mansion; we mustn’t speak such vulgar words, lest we demean our status."

"Second Sister, instead of preaching here, you better manage the concubine’s daughter in your courtyard. This time it was bringing in a girl; who knows, next time it might be a boy," Sister Yue said, flicking her sleeves as she left.

Sister Hui, a refined lady, was left red-faced by the remark but didn’t take her anger out on Sister Ran, "You’re the younger one, you mustn’t speak to your elder sister like that, go back."

She knew Sister Ran was upset with Sister Yue because of Sister Jian, so she didn’t say much more to her.

Though they were from the same house, they didn’t interact much daily. Sister Hui mostly followed her mother, learning household management, while Sister Jian and Sister Ran stayed with Aunt Lv.

It was only in recent years, as the sisters grew older, that Mrs. Dong began involving them when handling affairs.

This time Sister Jian managed to bring someone into the mansion, thanks to helping Mrs. Dong oversee those entering the mansion, and took the opportunity to bring someone in.

Mrs. Dong was a smart woman and never expected the honest Sister Jian to do such a thing, but since it happened in her courtyard, she admitted her mistake before Mrs. Kong could report it to Mrs. Gu Sr.

This matter was initially stirred up by Sister Yue. She frequently borrowed patterns from Sister Jian, then reported to Mrs. Kong after discovering it. One of the maids overheard and told Mrs. Dong, who then found out.

So it’s understandable why Sister Ran harbors resentment against Sister Yue.

Aunt was kneeling in the courtyard, and Sister Jian was grounded, so given the chance, Sister Ran wouldn’t let the opportunity to mock Sister Yue slip by.

When back at the Yingshui Courtyard, Sister Hui noticed her mother’s bad mood but didn’t mention the argument between Sister Ran and Sister Yue. However, Mrs. Dong found out not long after.

Sister Hui was helping her mother review the shop accounts when she was called. She put down her things and went to the flower hall.

"Did Sister Ran go provoke Sister Yue?" Mrs. Dong asked directly, not beating around the bush.

Sister Hui nodded, "It was just a few words between sisters. I saw mother was in a bad mood and didn’t tell her."

"She is a concubine’s daughter and an elder sister. How can she embarrass her younger sister openly? Over the years, I was unaware they both had their minds set," Mrs. Dong still resented Sister Jian, "You must remember, that common courtesy dictates you should clearly understand your position and duty. Some matters can be ignored, but others, even as small as a needle, must not be indulged."

After instructing her daughter, Mrs. Dong called for Jingfu, "Tell the third girl to copy the ’Women’s Education’ a hundred times for me. Let Aunt Lv in the courtyard get up and warn her not to act petty in front of the girls, lest they all learn from it."

Sister Hui frowned slightly.

Mrs. Dong waved dismissively, sending all the servants away before asking her daughter, "Do you think your mother is too harsh?"

Sister Hui shook her head, "I know mother does it for their good."

"Your grandmother has been indifferent to everything over the years, seeing only Sister Ning. I resented it too, but later understood. Her pampering of Sister Ning is because she still thinks of your deceased grandfather. It makes her and Sister Ning pitiful figures." Mrs. Dong gently placed her hand on her abdomen, "Compared to others, I’ve been blessed, but unfortunately, my womb is uncooperative."

"Mother, perhaps you should have the Imperial Physician take another look," Sister Hui urged when she noticed her mother’s disappointment.

But as a young girl, she didn’t know how to comfort in such matters.

Mrs. Dong smiled, "These years I have sought guidance, but it’s no use, and it’s not appropriate to discuss this with an unmarried girl like you."

In her heart, she dreaded that the Marquis came to her room only twice a month, making the chances of having offspring extremely difficult.

Though the Marquis treated her kindly during those evenings, the idea of asking him to come more often was something her upbringing in Women’s Education wouldn’t allow her to express.

Her mother-in-law suggesting her husband take a concubine made Mrs. Dong a bit unsettled. After seeing her daughter off, she sent a message to the Woodland Pavilion inviting the Marquis to dine at the Yingshui Courtyard that evening, meanwhile instructing her maid to arrange fresh clothes.

When Gu Yifeng returned to the Yingshui Courtyard, Mrs. Dong, dressed in a red dress, stood at the doorway waiting for him. He paused slightly, recalling the early days of their marriage.

Mrs. Dong had stood at the door with the same demure demeanor, waiting for his return.