The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!-Chapter 191: Adapting

Lin Youning felt uneasy when she heard her sister-in-law say that she was giving up her original courtyard for her, and that she and Ling’er would move to the front courtyard.

"Sister-in-law, you don’t have to treat me like I’m precious. I’m just the daughter of the Zhao Family, so why make a separate courtyard for me? Besides, since Brother often needs to host friends, it’s inconvenient for you and Sister Ling to stay there." Although Lin Youning had not left the mansion in this life, she had lived an extra lifetime.

These military generals love drinking and eating meat, and gatherings at someone’s mansion are a common occurrence.

Judging by her brother’s temperament, it was clear he loved making friends. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Liang Hui was comforted that her sister-in-law was reasonable, "You don’t have to worry about that. Once we decided to bring you back, your brother had someone divide the front courtyard with bricks into two separate courtyards. The place Sister Ling and I live has its entrance facing the rear courtyard, so no one from the front courtyard can enter."

"But this isn’t right. How can a sister-in-law, as the head mistress, live in a small courtyard? I should move over there." Lin Youning disagreed.

Liang Hui simply pointed to the small figure running towards them, "Look, Sister Ling has been looking forward to your return for a long time."

Lin Youning knew her sister-in-law was trying to divert her attention, but as she saw Sister Ling running up to her, she set the matter aside for the moment.

"Auntie," Sister Ling said in a clear, joyful voice, "Auntie, I heard from Mommy that you’re my real aunt. Does that mean you won’t leave anymore and will live with me?"

"Yes, will Sister Ling be happy?" Lin Youning took her hand, "In the future, when your mother is busy, let’s stay together, okay?"

Lin Youning truly loved children. In her past life, she was so consumed by her sadness that she neglected Brother Zong.

Having relived this life, she harbored feelings of guilt, and seeing Sister Ling, she couldn’t help but think of Brother Zong. She wanted to make up for what she owed Brother Zong through Sister Ling so she could feel at ease.

"I want to live with Auntie."

"Sister Ling," Liang Hui called to her daughter.

Sister Ling turned back and stuck out her tongue at her mother, "Auntie is so pretty. If I live with Auntie, I’ll become as pretty as her."

Liang Hui could only smile helplessly at her daughter’s words.

Lin Youning also smiled and said, "Since Sister-in-law won’t let me move to the small courtyard, let Sister Ling stay with me, to keep me company."

"She’s quite the handful. If you’re not bothered by her being a nuisance, then let her stay with you," Liang Hui wasn’t opposed, just worried that her daughter might annoy Sister Ning.

"Not at all. With Sister Ling around, things will be livelier," Lin Youning laughed.

Sister Ling was delighted, calling out enthusiastically and promising, "I won’t touch Auntie’s things. I just want to be with her."

"You child, what are you saying?" Liang Hui blushed.

Lin Youning smiled without pointing it out, knowing that her sister-in-law had likely advised Sister Ling not to touch her things beforehand.

"Sister Ning, don’t misunderstand. It’s not that Sister-in-law doesn’t want Ling to be close to you." Liang Hui worried that Sister Ning might misunderstand, "You grew up in the Marquis Mansion, so you naturally have many good things. Sister Ling is still a child, and I’m afraid she’ll develop a greedy nature from a young age. Besides, those things were given to you by the Old Madam, and if Sister Ling asks and you don’t refuse, it might seem like you’re not appreciating the Old Madam’s kindness towards you."

"Sister-in-law, we are family. You don’t need to explain this to me, I understand. Besides, Sister Ling is my niece, and whatever I have to give her, she deserves it." Lin Youning understood that if this were to happen, outsiders would surely say that Zhao Housheng brought his sister back to covet these things.

The fact that her sister-in-law could think of this in advance and even remind Sister Ling shows she is a sincere person, not someone driven by greed.

After all, Sister Ling is only six years old and doesn’t fully understand these matters yet.

Furthermore, the child has a good nature, and Lin Youning was never worried about this.

Seeing that Sister Ning did not misunderstand, Liang Hui breathed a sigh of relief and led Sister Ning all the way to the rear courtyard.

Shanmoi and Hailan instructed the servants sent by the Marquis Mansion on where to place the items, while Liang Hui led Lin Youning around the courtyard for a tour.

It was just a rear courtyard. There was a back door near the side room, which led out of the mansion, though it was usually locked.

Each side had an annex room. Shanmoi and Hailan lived in one, and Nanny Guo lived in another. As for Nanny Guo’s husband, he stayed in the front courtyard, sharing space with Zhao Housheng’s personal attendant.

The kitchen, located in the passage between the front and rear courtyards, was convenient for both sides.

The courtyard indeed seemed small, but it was cozy. Lin Youning felt that it precisely provided the ordinary, peaceful life she needed.

Liang Hui observed Sister Ning’s demeanor and, seeing no sign of dissatisfaction and true liking, sighed in relief.

She understood that Sister Ning wasn’t the sort of person to be troubled by such matters, but knew that their household’s conditions were indeed lacking. Over the years, her husband’s pay went primarily towards supporting the family, with the rest being used to search for Sister Ning.

An Assistant General, being of Third-Rank, meant Zhao Housheng’s salary, along with allowances for lights and stationery silver, totaled nearly two hundred and fifty taels.

Yet, the family lived a modest, commoner’s life. Seeing her daughter growing up quickly, Liang Hui saved on meals to set aside silver for her daughter’s dowry.

Now that Sister Ning had been found, a large portion of the salary could be spared because of this.

However, Sister Ning couldn’t return and live in poverty with them, so the saved money would be redirected towards improved food and living expenses.

After showing Sister Ning around the entire residence, Liang Hui went to the kitchen to cook. When Lin Youning offered to help, she was stopped, since the servants from the Marquis Mansion had all left. Lin Youning had Shanmoi go to the kitchen to assist while she took Sister Ling to the main house.

The main house was divided into an east and a west bedroom, with a Warm Pavilion at the back. Lin Youning’s belongings from the Marquis Mansion were placed there, and whatever didn’t fit was stored in Nanny Guo’s room.

"Didn’t I make some cotton dresses before? Find them for me to change into. From now on, I’m a girl of the Zhao Mansion, no longer as precious as before. Put away those luxurious dresses." Lin Youning knew Hailan was attentive and didn’t need to say much more, "Also, take out the gifts I prepared for Brother, Sister-in-law, and Sister Ling."

Hailan smiled and went to the Warm Pavilion to fetch the items. Knowing they would need to be used after arriving at the Zhao Mansion, they were easily accessible.

Sister Ling, sitting obediently on the soft couch, asked, "Auntie won’t wear pretty clothes anymore?"

"That’s right. How about Auntie cooks for you from now on?" Lin Youning thought about how she had learned to cook with Dong Boyun, and it was truly a skill worthwhile. Raising her eyes, she saw Hailan return and said, "Send a note to the Dong Mansion as well, to see if Miss Dong is free to come by."

With her current status, a noble family like Mrs. Dong’s might not approve, but they also wouldn’t stop Dong Boyun from associating with her. After all, her brother was a Third-Rank official.