The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!-Chapter 48: Stunning

A decision by Mrs. Kong Sr. immediately caused Mrs. Gao to fall ill, and even the matter of her daughter’s betrothal was handled personally by Mrs. Kong Sr.

The marriage between the Duke Mansion and the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion had already been postponed, and when the discussions resumed, it was set for after the Mid-Autumn Festival, sparking private speculations among the noble families in the Capital. Somehow, the rumor spread that the daughter of the Duke Mansion was pregnant before marriage.

This rumor only grew larger and more believable, to the extent that some legitimate daughters from families friendly with Kong Tianru visited under the pretense of concern. Kong Tianru, citing her upcoming wedding, declined visits from her old friends, remaining behind closed doors in her courtyard to embroider her dowry.

This only further cemented the rumors outside.

Upon learning of this, Kong Tianru threw another tantrum, blaming her mother and grandmother for not allowing her to receive guests, as an explanation could have been given to prevent such talk.

Mrs. Kong Sr. was also uncomfortable with the matter, as it tarnished the reputation of the Duke Mansion’s daughters, irrespective of whether it was intentionally leaked by the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, and she felt helpless.

This incident was seen as the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion giving face to the Duke Mansion; otherwise, the daughter may have only entered the household as a concubine through a side entrance.

The Dingyuan Marquis Mansion had shown leniency.

In the minds of the people, selecting a date was of utmost importance, believed to influence the future happiness of the couple involved.

The choice of an auspicious date was usually determined by fortune-tellers, but among noble families, it was calculated and decided by the elders.

The wedding date between the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion and the Duke Mansion was set for August 22nd. Once the date was fixed, both mansions busied themselves with sending invitations. Given the hastiness of the arrangement and the previous rumors, everyone considered this matter carefully.

Fortunately, it was set after the Mid-Autumn Festival, when everyone was free to attend.

On the eleventh, a message was sent from General Xu’s Mansion to the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, and on the twelfth, Mrs. Xu Sr. was to visit as a guest.

In Shi’an Garden, Mrs. Gu Sr. kindly received Mrs. Xu Sr. and her grandchildren.

Lin Youning obediently sat beside Mrs. Gu Sr. Her naturally gentle demeanor, coupled with her quiet presence, made her endearing.

Xu Yuxian, the eldest son of Xu Kuan, aged seven, with his delicate but innocent face, assumed an adult-like manner, and occasionally glanced at Lin Youning, always caught by her. After several instances, Xu Yuxian’s face gradually reddened.

Xu Yuxian had never seen such an adorable and quiet girl, unlike his sister, who was domineering and a crybaby.

The sight of Lin Family’s sister was unfamiliar, yet she was composed and charming, always smiling whenever she caught his gaze—it was truly endearing.

Xu Yuxian remembered his teacher’s guidance, and after being caught several times, he blushed and dared not look again.

Meanwhile, Xu Ya’an, the legitimate daughter of the Xu Mansion and the same age as Lin Youning, was also observing her. General Xu’s wife only had one son and one daughter, and there were no others around General Xu, making the Xu Mansion a particularly quiet inner house.

Lin Youning was also observing Xu Kuan’s two children, realizing that if she were to choose Xu Kuan in the future, these two would call her ’mother.’

One was older than her, and the other was her peer.

Lin Youning couldn’t imagine how awkward it would be.

So when she saw Xu Yuxian secretly looking at her, she couldn’t help but laugh.

Mrs. Xu Sr. and Mrs. Gu Sr. were conversing, noticing the well-behaved children, and laughed, "We old folks are chatting here, how can they sit still?"

Mrs. Gu Sr. spoke up and asked Suyi to lead the children to the garden to play.

Lin Youning, gentle in nature, followed Suyi’s lead, taking the Xu siblings to the small garden in front of Tingxue Hall. Fallen leaves dotted the Crescent River, occasionally revealing a few ornamental fish.

Once away from the elders, Xu Ya’an seemed like a wild horse freed of reins, running several steps onto the small bridge over Crescent River, causing the maidservants to frantically chase after, cautioning her.

Xu Ya’an was indifferent, raising her chin at Lin Youning from the bridge, as if challenging her.

Lin Youning, not genuinely a child, wouldn’t bicker with her; she simply smiled amicably, "Xu Sister, you’re impressive."

Children naturally liked compliments.

Upon hearing, Xu Ya’an wore a proud expression, "I heard from Grandmother that you dissuaded her from descending the mountain? That was just luck, huh? Hmph, you look frail, what blessings could you have."

"Sister An." Just as Xu Ya’an finished speaking, Xu Yuxian intervened, "Stop talking nonsense here, this could affect Ning’s reputation for life."

Xu Ya’an flushed, huffing as she turned away.

Xu Yuxian stepped forward to apologize, "My sister was spoiled, Ning, please forgive her."

Clearly still a child, yet putting on an adult-like demeanor.

Lin Youning couldn’t help but giggle.

In her past life, she vaguely remembered Xu Yuxian was a renowned little tyrant in the Capital, never expecting he was so well-behaved as a child.

Lin Youning’s laughter was unintentional but entranced the Xu siblings.

This must be what it means by a smile as enchanting as a flower.