The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!-Chapter 96 - 95: A Leisurely Day

Lin Youning did not stand on ceremony and sat down.

At the Yingshui Courtyard, Mrs. Dong was waiting for the Marquis but, not seeing him, decided to change her outfit and head to the Shi’an Garden. Upon arrival, she heard from the servants that the Marquis was having Laba porridge with Miss Lin.

Mrs. Dong hesitated for a moment before striding in. A young maid had already announced her arrival, and before Lin Youning could set down her spoon and go to greet her, Mrs. Dong had entered.

"Greetings, Sister-in-law."

Mrs. Dong extended her hand to support Lin Youning, "We’re family, no need for such formalities."

Mrs. Dong took Lin Youning’s hand, helping her up, and then gave a bow to Gu Yifeng, "Father sent something over, Brother De personally brought it, and he’s still in my courtyard. The child just returned from the academy and has been saying he’d like guidance on his studies from you. He’s a bit shy, knowing you’ve returned, and was too embarrassed to come over, so I came instead."

In just a few sentences, Mrs. Dong explained the situation.

Gu Yifeng nodded, "It has indeed been years since I last saw Brother De. Since he’s here at the mansion, I should meet him."

Mrs. Dong secretly breathed a sigh of relief, as long as he wasn’t angry.

Lin Youning listened with a smile, not interrupting. Gu Yifeng advised Lin Youning not to always bury her nose in books before he and Mrs. Dong left the Shi’an Garden and headed towards the Yingshui Courtyard.

When Mrs. Gu Sr. came out, Lin Youning immediately explained the situation to her. Mrs. Gu Sr. nodded and didn’t say much more.

Lin Youning knew she hadn’t handled things appropriately.

The Dong Mansion had sent someone over, yet they did not pay respects to Mrs. Gu Sr., which indicated their attitude towards her.

Lin Youning did not know how to comfort her, so she picked out amusing stories from books to tell Mrs. Gu Sr., who laughed. Noticing it was getting late, she advised Lin Youning to return home early.

Upon returning to the Tingxue Hall, Lin Youning heard from Shanmoi the news that the visitors had stayed in the mansion for the Laba festival, which was rather unexpected.

Shanmoi had felt guilty over a mistake she made recently, and though Lin Youning had spoken to her about it several times, the girl still harbored the incident in her heart.

Lin Youning knew it would not be easy for her to forget the incident completely, so she often had her inquire about affairs within the courtyard.

As a result, Shanmoi seemed more spirited.

This matter didn’t cause much of a stir. After the incident at the Wu Mansion, the Capital seemed to quiet down overnight, and Lin Youning wasn’t sure how her aunt had explained what happened that day at the Wu Mansion to her elder brother.

Her elder brother never mentioned it, and it was as if nothing had happened. Lin Youning did not ask further.

But she knew the two courtyards in the mansion were keeping an eye on her. Having kept a low profile for years, the trouble she caused at the Wu Mansion made it impossible for others not to talk.

In recent days, she overheard young maids whispering behind her back, accusing her of throwing her weight around and causing trouble for the Marquis Mansion.

At that time, Hailan wanted to scold them, but Lin Youning stopped her. These were the things they could see; what about the places they couldn’t see?

Moreover, could the servants talk like this behind the master’s back without some instigation from someone with ulterior motives?

Lin Youning wasn’t inexperienced in running a household; no one dared gossip about her behind her back in the household she managed in her past life.

She didn’t believe her aunt was unaware of these things and understood her aunt’s intentions for her own good.

Because she caused such a big scandal, if she further suppressed any grievances, people would only harbor more ill will towards her.

In this way, she would become even more isolated and unwelcomed in the mansion.

As Lin Youning pondered these matters, Mrs. Gu Sr. also thought about them.

Unable to sleep at night, she sat on the bed with Nanny Chi, talking, "Perhaps I’ve made a mistake. I only thought of how pitiful the child was, her biological parents hadn’t visited her over the years, so I showed her some favor, yet this distanced her from the people in the mansion. What would happen to her when I’m gone, who would she rely on?"

"Miss has been fortunate to have you, Madam. That kind of blessing takes lifetimes to earn. Once she marries, the Second Young Master will care for her. He’s been the most filial, so you can trust in handing her over to him," Nanny Chi said sincerely.

Mrs. Gu Sr. laughed, "You’ve learned to humor me. I’m not senile yet. I trust that Second Young Master would treat Sister Ning well initially, but Sister Ning is a mild character, not one for sweet words. Over time, his affection for her may wane."

Besides, there’s Mrs. Kong, always watching like a hawk. Despite no further news coming from the second wife’s courtyard over the years, I suspect it’s all due to Mrs. Kong’s meddling.

However, with legitimate sons and daughters now, I just turn a blind eye.

"I dare not lie to you, Madam. With the Marquis watching, has the Second Young Master been reckless these years? Though he has the temperament of a young lord, he understands priorities. Madam can rest assured, moreover, your health is strong, and you still have many years to see the children and grandchildren, after all." Nanny Chi said warmly.

Mrs. Gu Sr. laughed, "Yes, I must live well, to see the grandchildren Sister Ning will have. With her looks, the child will surely be beautiful."

As time quickly passed, it approached the New Year. Every family was busy writing couplets and cutting window decorations. In the courtyard, Lin Youning watched Snowball square off with the white eagle and simply watched with amusement.

Over time, the two creatures seemed to have formed a bond, and though they were together every day, they still seemed to fight.

From afar, she heard the young maids outside say the Marquis had arrived, and Lin Youning set down her brush. Before she could go to greet him, Gu Yifeng had already entered.

Seeing her writing, he said, "I was just looking to write couplets for the mansion, and you’re here to help."

Lin Youning stepped forward to pay her respects, "Elder brother, I can help grind the ink, but I wouldn’t dare take on the task of writing."

Gu Yifeng was tall and imposing, with a cold but not handsome face. Dressed in a silver robe, he was already twenty-nine, and though he was a military general, his skin was fair. His sharp eyes conveyed the authority and steadiness of a person long accustomed to command.

His gaze was intense, and Lin Youning, having known him for years, understood that despite his cold exterior, he was soft-hearted. So meeting his eyes no longer made her feel pressured.

Gu Yifeng’s handwriting bore the same character as his person. On the red paper prepared by Shanmoi and the others, each character came alive as he wrote.

While Lin Youning was still admiring the calligraphy, a steady voice came from above her, "Your handwriting lacks strength. You should practice more. Bring some of your usual practice pieces for me to see later."