Gu Yifeng knew that his mother was concerned about Sister Ning, so he didn’t argue, just smiled and agreed. He initially thought that after saying a few words, his mother would let him and Sister Ning return to the East Mansion. However, she said she had something to discuss with him.

"Then I’ll head back first," Lin Youning knew immediately that it was inconvenient for her to stay, and spoke proactively.

"Let Suyi escort you back; otherwise, I won’t feel at ease," Mrs. Gu Sr. quickly replied.

Obviously, she also wanted to talk to her son alone.

Gu Yifeng’s brows furrowed slightly, but he said nothing more, instead, he instructed Suyi to take it slow and carefully escorted her person out of the main house before turning back.

Mrs. Gu Sr. beckoned her son to sit next to her, "I know you have your doubts, worried that I rushed Sister Ning away and she might overthink it. You needn’t worry about that; Sister Ning is understanding. She knows I have always been fond of her, and even if I truly want to do something related to her, I would discuss it with her."

Gu Yifeng’s frown deepened, "Mother, are you thinking of discussing the issue regarding the lack of female management in the inner quarters with Sister Ning?"

Gu Yifeng thought that apart from this issue, there wouldn’t be much his mother would keep from Sister Ning.

Mrs. Gu Sr. nodded in acknowledgment, "I talked with Sister Ning and laid out the situation in the mansion for her. She understands my concerns and knows that if I were to discuss it with you, you wouldn’t oppose it. You know, my son, I’m half-buried in the earth already. Over the years, I’ve seldom interfered with your choices, even when you stayed at the frontier for seven years without returning. Did I ever blame you? During those times, without a legitimate son, Brother Xuan was also seen as sensible, and I thought at least there would be a descendant to uphold the Marquis Mansion. But after Brother Xuan emerged and with the events in the past two years, I wondered when my time would come. With Sister Ning potentially bearing a child, welcoming a few more into the mansion might prevent our line from thinning. Initially, I didn’t want to consult you about this, planning just to bring them into the house. But considering your feelings for Sister Ning, I decided to give you a heads-up."

Listening this far, Gu Yifeng understood everything, "Does Mother have someone in mind?"

Previously, when his mother mentioned it, he paid little attention. Now hearing her words hinted that she discussed it with Sister Ning. Since Sister Ning never brought it up with him, Gu Yifeng realized she indeed cared about the matter.

Besides, he promised Sister Ning that she would be his only one in this life.

Knowing what they faced outside today, his mother chose this moment and in Sister Ning’s presence. One reason was to show it to Sister Ning; another was that the candidate had been chosen, and she was just notifying him.

His mother always acted decisively, and he was aware of this.

Yet with Sister Ning pregnant now, his mother wouldn’t keep thinking about this. It seemed he assumed too lightly.

"That’s right; I’ve selected someone. I intended for her to become your concubine in the inner quarters, but so many things disrupted those plans, leading to Wu Xueqin coming into the house. A few days ago, when I visited the Prince Mansion, I encountered the legitimate daughter of the Vice Minister’s family. I see her as quite capable; even when isolated by everyone, she is undeterred. With such presence, she could uphold the inner quarters of our Marquis Mansion. I’ve already settled it with them, and the Vice Minister’s family agreed, provided she enters as a concubine," Mrs. Gu Sr. stated without a hint of worry about her son’s opposition, making decisions outright, "I’ve arranged for the matching of the Eight Characters. We’ll choose an auspicious day to welcome her in. You needn’t do much, but since a concubine is entering, we should invite some acquaintances to the mansion to celebrate."

"Mother," Gu Yifeng couldn’t take it anymore, "I understand your feelings, but Sister Ning just found her father, and the Emperor acknowledged her. Yet Mother is making such a grand move in the Marquis Mansion, which might embarrass the Royal Family. The mansion has five, legitimate and otherwise, already sufficient. At my age, how could I have the energy to groom more? Brother Zong is still so young; I’ll personally visit the Vice Minister Mansion to resolve this, withdraw from it."

"Absolutely not," Mrs. Gu Sr. immediately opposed, "My son, are you planning to stay at the East Mansion long-term? Remember, that is the main family of the Gu Family, and you are the Marquis of Dingyuan Marquis Mansion. Who in the Capital doesn’t know our mansion lacks a proper female head? This is settled; if you are concerned about Sister Ning, I can explain to her. She is sensible and will understand my intentions. The sky is getting dark; you’d better head back."

With that, Mrs. Gu Sr. waved him off, unwilling to say more.

Seeing his mother angered, Gu Yifeng stood to leave, and once outside the Marquis Mansion, instructed Li Si beside him, "Tomorrow, go to the Vice Minister Mansion and tell Vice Minister Zhang that what the old lady mentioned can’t be taken seriously, and have him decline the matter." Initially, Gu Yifeng wanted to visit personally to save his mother’s face.

Now it seemed unnecessary. Once Vice Minister Zhang declines, when his mother comes to him, he’ll have a reason to refuse.

Li Si dared not question further and agreed.

Seeing her elder brother return so soon, Lin Youning didn’t ask much, assuming Aunt had her leave, not wanting her to know.

After freshening up, Gu Yifeng sat on the soft couch, talking to her, "Did Mother discuss the lack of female oversight in the inner quarters with you?"

Lin Youning nodded, "Did Aunt keep you for this too?"

Gu Yifeng nodded, briefly recounting the Vice Minister Mansion’s situation, then said, "I asked Li Si to visit the Vice Minister Mansion tomorrow. With five legitimate and illegitimate here, we don’t lack heirs. Delaying the Vice Minister’s daughter is undeserved."

Lin Youning felt uneasy, "If not the Vice Minister’s family, another family will be." 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

But to let the elder brother marry a concubine and share him with another woman.

Lin Youning knew she showed a generous side in front of Aunt, yet privately she rejected this notion, but regardless, she couldn’t accept it.

"Should I then marry someone into the mansion?" Gu Yifeng retorted.

Seeing Sister Ning’s eyes wide in surprise, Gu Yifeng found it especially cute. Originally wanting to tease her, seeing her eyes redden suddenly, he panicked.