The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!-Chapter 345 - 337: Quibbling

Mrs. Dong’s temper flared immediately. She just couldn’t understand why Mrs. Gu Sr. was not pleased with her. No matter who was present, even in front of outsiders and Sister Ning, she would speak of her this way.

Mrs. Dong bowed slightly to Mrs. Gu Sr., "Mother is right, I know mother has never been satisfied with me, but over the years I believe I’ve done well. As for the affairs of the mansion, I don’t have the capability to manage them. After all, even the matriarch has her hands tied, let alone me. Moreover, the disgraceful happenings in our mansion are mainly due to the second master’s side. Now, whenever the second master owes money outside, they come straight to the Marquis Mansion to demand it. I’ve never said anything about it, as both sides have already once split, and if his side cannot manage, the Marquis Mansion shouldn’t always bear the support. But then again, considering it’s the second master, the disgrace he brings is also tied to the Marquis Mansion’s name, so I’ve turned a blind eye. Such a big issue, yet the matriarch doesn’t say anything and constantly blames me for not doing well. I don’t know what I’ve done wrong to deserve such words from the matriarch."

"As for the two concubine’s daughters outside, it’s not that I don’t want to manage them, I would like to. But since the second master has already ruined our mansion’s reputation, and so many incidents have happened consecutively, who would want the daughters of our mansion? Especially when they’re concubine’s children." Mrs. Dong touched her belly, "Ever since I got pregnant, I’ve stopped managing affairs in the mansion. The matriarch knows that for years, no one in this mansion has had any developments in their wombs. Now that I’ve finally conceived, naturally, it’s of utmost preciousness. Fortunately, our Brother Zong is also striving; he’s easy to care for and carry after birth. I’m quite content in my heart."

She spoke a lot, especially when mentioning Brother Zong, her gaze swept over to Lin Youning, "Elder Cousin-in-law, do come to the mansion when you’re free. Brother Zong now recognizes people; just hearing a voice makes him turn to look. Children are like this, only adorable when they’re young."

Finally, her gaze settled on Xu Ya’an, "Saying these words in front of Miss Xu might make her laugh, but when you get married, you’ll understand the feeling of having children."

Xu Ya’an didn’t care about Mrs. Dong’s face, she gave a slight smile, "I’m in no hurry to know this feeling. After all, once married, women are supposed to have children. But Madam, even though you already have Sister Hui, you seem so happy now, it’s quite special."

Though these words seemed humorous, they sounded like a veiled jab at Mrs. Dong for not being pregnant all these years.

Xu Ya’an certainly did not give face to the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion. After all, she said this in the presence of Mrs. Gu Sr., surprising Mrs. Dong, and even Mrs. Gu Sr. was slightly taken aback. Yet soon, Mrs. Gu Sr. was pleased and touched, realizing Sister Xu was standing up for her.

After all, Mrs. Dong had just spoken without respect to Mrs. Gu Sr. in front of Sister Xu. Mrs. Xu Sr. and Mrs. Gu Sr. had always been on good terms, and Xu Ya’an regarded Mrs. Gu Sr. as a family member. Upon seeing Mrs. Dong’s lack of respect, she directly countered for Mrs. Gu Sr., appearing dissatisfied, and her face turned serious.

"Though Madam is eager to extend the family line for the Marquis Mansion, the rules must not be disrupted. The matriarch is the elder of this mansion. Not to mention in the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, even in other residences, when the matriarch speaks, no junior would dare to contradict. I’m saying this not for Madam to take heart, but because the matriarch treats me as if I were her own granddaughter, and seeing Madam act like this, my heart feels uneasy." Xu Ya’an stood up, bowing slightly to Mrs. Gu Sr. "Apologies for making you laugh, matriarch. I was planning to dine in the mansion but considering that grandmother is alone at home, I’m uneasy and should return first. I’ll come another day with grandmother to apologize to the matriarch."

"Oh, you child, you’re truly filial. Since there’s something at the mansion, go back then. Indeed, you only have your grandmother at home; with your father and brother at the border, you’re the only one by her side. Go quickly; I know your filial piety. How could I blame you? Instead, the events today caused you to laugh." Mrs. Gu Sr. stood up, helped her up, and patted her hand.

Xu Ya’an then bid farewell to Lin Youning and left with her maid.

As she passed through the courtyard, seeing the three figures kneeling there, Xu Ya’an didn’t stop, striding away.

Once Xu Ya’an left, Mrs. Gu Sr. directly threw the teacup in her hand. If Mrs. Dong hadn’t dodged, it would’ve smashed into her.

Mrs. Dong’s face turned pale with fright. Mrs. Gu Sr. spoke, "Kneel."

Mrs. Dong, still trying to resist, unwilling to kneel, but upon meeting Mrs. Gu Sr.’s sharp gaze, her legs weakened, and she knelt on the ground.

"The matriarch doesn’t like hearing what I have to say, but I haven’t spoken wrong, and it’s all truth. No matter how the matriarch accuses me, I won’t admit any fault. In front of outsiders, the matriarch gives me no face, and now the matriarch blames me for speaking the way I have outside. I refuse to accept it." Kneeling, Mrs. Dong still defended herself.

Mrs. Gu Sr. laughed coldly, not even looking at her, only calling over Lin Youning from the side, "Sister Ning, go eat first with your aunt. Given your pregnancy, you mustn’t go hungry. Finally, the main lineage of the Gu Family is going to have offspring. Despite the misfortunes our family has endured, this news has truly put my heart at ease."

Mrs. Dong, kneeling on the ground, hearing Mrs. Gu Sr.’s words, suddenly looked towards Lin Youning, her eyes fixed on her belly, full of disbelief.

How could this be? Clearly, someone from her mother’s side had administered a drug, merely giving the illusion of pregnancy. But now, seeing Mrs. Gu Sr.’s demeanor and Lin Youning’s vigilance, it was evident it wasn’t from the poison causing a false pregnancy but a true one.

Lin Youning didn’t even glance at Mrs. Dong. She wasn’t sure if the poisoning involved Mrs. Dong, but from her elder brother’s words, it seemed Mrs. Dong was certainly not uninvolved.

Lin Youning stood up, brushing past Mrs. Gu Sr., who supported her, "I’m fine, but you must take care of your belly. The first trimester hasn’t passed yet, so no more wandering around after this."

Lin Youning smiled and nodded without speaking further, while Mrs. Dong, kneeling on the ground, felt an all-encompassing chill.