The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!-Chapter 66: Seeking Help

Lin Youning has lived two lives, and it’s her first time entering Woodland Pavilion.

Woodland Pavilion is in the central courtyard of the Marquis Mansion, while Gu Yifeng’s Woodland Pavilion is in the very center of the Marquis Mansion.

Lin Youning sent Hailan back, and with Nanny Chang accompanying her, she entered Woodland Pavilion. Li Si, who was beside Gu Yifeng, spotted them and came forward from afar.

After exchanging greetings, Li Si led Lin Youning towards the study inside.

Seeing Gu Yifeng seated behind the desk, Lin Youning was momentarily stunned. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

This was her first time seeing her elder brother in this attire.

Gu Yifeng was wiping his hands with a cloth, dressed in casual martial attire, evidently just returning from the training grounds.

To Lin Youning, her elder brother had always left an impression of being rule-abiding. Even when they went to Pure Path Temple, he wore the monastic robe in a proper manner; seeing him like this was a first.

Unexpectedly, the slight tension and worry she’d felt along the way gradually dissipated.

"Just in time, Li Si brought some freshly made chestnut cakes from the kitchen, still warm. Sit with me and have some." Gu Yifeng finished wiping his hands and walked deeper inside.

Lin Youning quietly followed behind, and only after watching her elder brother sit down did she find a seat on the other side of the soft couch.

The chestnut cakes were still warm. Lin Youning took a piece, eating it in small bites, savoring the chestnut fragrance along with the softness of the cake. She hadn’t felt hungry initially, but after tasting one, she ended up eating two pieces before stopping.

"Chestnuts are good for the stomach but shouldn’t be eaten too much. Have a bit of tea." Gu Yifeng had already handed the tea over.

Lin Youning’s face flushed slightly as she softly responded before accepting the teacup.

The tea was West Lake Dragon Well, and though bitter at first, a subtle tea fragrance emerges as you savor it through the throat.

Bitterness followed by sweetness — that’s why she enjoyed Dragon Well tea.

She hadn’t expected her elder brother to enjoy it too.

Noticing that her elder brother hadn’t touched the chestnut cakes, she realized they had been prepared knowing she would come.

Her heart warmed again.

"You never approach me voluntarily. Did something happen at the Xu Mansion this time?" Gu Yifeng had noticed this little girl’s neat but slightly damp hair since she came in.

If it weren’t for considering the girl’s frail health and waiting until she had a snack to ask, Gu Yifeng would have inquired sooner.

Lin Youning bit her lower lip, and after a long time, summoned the courage to lift her head. Her skin was tender, and though she bit lightly, her lips bore the imprint of her teeth.

Gu Yifeng’s gaze shifted gently aside.

"Elder brother, beg you, I don’t want to go to Xu Mansion as a concubine." Lin Youning pleaded, kneeling on the ground from the soft couch.

Gu Yifeng’s brows frowned, "Rise first, do you even know what your body is like? Besides, who dares let you be a concubine?"

Lin Youning stayed kneeling, recounting the events at Xu Mansion from start to finish, "...I know given such circumstances, I should marry General Xu, but even though I was raised by a foster mother, I am still a proper lady from a reputable family, not to be a concubine to anyone."

Gu Yifeng’s expression turned stern, cold light spilling from his eyes, his voice was icy, "I would not have thought Xu Mansion treats guests this way; I’ve gained quite a view today. You don’t need to worry about this matter. I’ll handle it, you were raised by the Marquis Mansion and certainly not to be a concubine."

Hearing her elder brother taking charge relieved Lin Youning.

Deciding to seize the opportunity and go all out, her mind set resolutely, she plunged in and said, "Elder brother, there’s one more request. I hope you can help me."

She always knew the capabilities of Gu Yifeng.

Having established military merit by fifteen, now he was the Emperor’s most trusted minister; who in the Great Capital wouldn’t want to curry favor?

Such a pillar of the state, exclusively through his own ability did he achieve today.

"Speak your request while standing." Gu Yifeng spoke with concern, seeing the young girl he raised didn’t resemble any affection he once had, leaving him feeling empty.

Like a loved daughter grown distant after reaching maturity.

"Elder brother, I don’t want to marry second brother. From young, I always saw second brother as my real brother; the thought of being made spouses with him... I can’t get over it. I know Aunt raised me for the Gu Mansion’s first house, but among so many noble ladies, there must be one fit to be head of Gu Family’s first household." Lin Youning likewise sensed her reasoning was unjustifiable, yet she couldn’t wait any longer.

She was gambling to see how deep her elder brother’s love actually ran.

"My temperament is inherently weak, fearing I might not fulfill the role of head mistress, to let Aunt down." She raised her head slightly.

Her calm gaze, cold and clear eyes, provided no insight, nor did they reveal his thoughts.

The brother sitting on the couch remained silent, causing Lin Youning’s heart to sink deeper.

Was she indeed too self-assured?

Had the Gu Mansion raised her all these years, solely for her status as a child bride?

She truly considered them family, was she too self-assured?

Perhaps after this confrontation, her elder brother wouldn’t love her as he once did?

He might think she was uninformed?

Despite having lived two lives, facing her elder brother she always felt childlike, Lin Youning’s eyes slowly moistened.

"Since when did you develop this idea?" came a cold voice, revealing neither joy nor anger.

Lin Youning lowered her head, "Since I overheard the servants saying I’m a child bride."

"What else did you hear?"

"They all said I’m from a humble family, only due to the child bride status can I stand beside these noble ladies." Since things had come to this point, it seemed better to speak forthrightly. Lin Youning lifted her head, her determined face still stained with tears, "Ning prefers to be a poor man’s wife over a rich man’s concubine. I was educated in poetry and have learned a woman’s obedience, though not to be envious, I don’t want my husband to be between two houses."

Such rebellious words.

In her previous life, Lin Youning had wanted to say this, yet to no one could she, only keeping it in her heart.

Now she spoke them out, and felt suddenly freed; regarding how Gu Yifeng would handle it mattered little now, reliving a life to live so painfully seems befitting.

Seeing Gu Yifeng’s face grow colder, Lin Youning clenched her teeth.

She always knew Gu Yifeng’s reputation on the battlefield, living King Yan. To earn such a name one must carry a cold, bloodthirsty side.

Yet he remained gentle before her.

Gentle enough to forget fear, and spill all her thoughts.

Facing such a visage now, though continuously telling herself not to care, Lin Youning couldn’t help but feel afraid.

Gu Yifeng gazed at this small face, watching the color slowly fade, finally unable to bear it, "You should get up, don’t speak such words again in the future."

Lin Youning left in a daze, yet outside, Nanny Chang was startled.

"Girl..." unsure why returning after going to Xu Mansion suddenly to see the Marquis, perhaps due to Xu Mansion affairs, all she could do was to advise, "This is a matter within the inner mansion, the Marquis can’t make decisions for you, you should go to the old Madam instead."