Nanny Chang saw Mrs. Gu Sr. in this state and could only agree. She personally made a trip to the East Mansion again. When she arrived, Shanmoi came up to greet her.

Nanny Chang, noticing the worry on her face, raised her hand and said, "It’s nothing. It’s just that Mrs. Gu Sr. asked me to come over and deliver a message, asking the Marquis to return to the Marquis Mansion tonight. I won’t disturb the Marquis, just find some time for Li Si to deliver the message to him."

Shanmoi smiled, "I will take note of that."

Nanny Chang also smiled when she saw her relieved expression, "All right, all right, there are guests in the house, you all go ahead and busy yourselves. I’ll return to Mrs. Gu Sr. to report."

Shanmoi smiled and escorted Nanny Chang to the gate, then returned to the rear courtyard, where she saw Hailan and Li Si standing outside. Shanmoi approached with a smile and asked, "Is that the young lady’s father?"

Earlier, seeing the young lady running into his arms, the whole household was startled. Later, hearing it was her biological father surprised them even more.

They had only heard from her uncle that the young lady’s father had passed away early on, and now he suddenly appeared, and moreover, as a prince.

Hailan nodded with a smile, "You heard the young lady’s address; how could there be a mistake in such matters?"

Shanmoi’s smile grew bigger, not bothering to acknowledge Li Si’s amused look, and spoke only with Hailan, "Nanny Chang just came by, saying that Mrs. Gu Sr. asked the Marquis to come over tonight."

Hailan nodded, "Right now, the Marquis is talking with the young lady and her uncle inside. I’ll report to him when there’s a moment."

Shanmoi nodded, somewhat reluctantly, but still left the backyard and went to the front yard.

In the room, Prince Shou spoke with Gu Yifeng, his face not showing any sign of a smile, "Though Sister Ning wasn’t raised by my side, and we’ve only now recognized each other as father and daughter, nothing in this world is more important to me than her. But meeting late, she’s now married into the Gu Family as the first daughter-in-law, and you’re aware of their customs. You are tasked with bearing the responsibility of two households. If Youning and I had recognized each other earlier, I wouldn’t have agreed to this. Now I see you treating Sister Ning well, but have you thought about how you’re going to handle matters when you always favor Sister Ning’s side? I’m afraid Mrs. Gu Sr. won’t agree."

Gu Yifeng didn’t expect Prince Shou to bring up this matter right away upon meeting.

He couldn’t help but glance at Prince Shou a few more times; despite his aloofness, the prince’s foresight and perception were extraordinary.

Before Gu Yifeng could apologize, Lin Youning interjected, "Father, rest assured, the Marquis has always treated me well."

Prince Shou glanced at his daughter, "A girl to an outsider."

Lin Youning blushed.

Zhao Housheng, sitting nearby, just laughed, "Sister’s sharp tongue loses against father today."

Lin Youning shot her brother a sideways glance and said no more.

Gu Yifeng stood up, bowed with clasped fist to Prince Shou, "I have taken your advice to heart, father-in-law."

Prince Shou was very pleased with Gu Yifeng’s attitude, nodding, "I cannot bear to see Sister Ning suffer grievances. If you let her endure any, I’ll take her back with me."

Gu Yifeng raised his head, "Father-in-law and Sister Ning haven’t seen each other for many years, surely you have much to say. I suggest, perhaps Sister Ning should visit and stay a few days with you."

His words left everyone in the room momentarily stunned.

Lin Youning immediately understood. After all, she had discussed it with her older brother last night. His actions now warmed her heart, and a smile appeared on her face.

Zhao Housheng didn’t understand; he glanced between his sister and the marquis, seeing the smile on his sister’s face, he realized there hadn’t been a quarrel. The Marquis must have an intention behind this.

Prince Shou stared at Gu Yifeng, who did not avert his gaze. After a long moment, Prince Shou finally nodded, "That might be good."

And asked nothing more.

Only then did Gu Yifeng sit down.

Lin Youning let out a breath of relief. When they were eating, Hailan conveyed Shanmoi’s message to Lin Youning. Lin Youning then informed her elder brother. Gu Yifeng simply smiled and nodded, saying nothing more.

After the meal, when Prince Shou said he was leaving, Lin Youning’s belongings were already packed. There wasn’t much to take, just Hailan accompanying her back, as Nanny Wang was still at the Zhao Mansion.

Once Lin Youning was on the carriage, worried her father might misunderstand her elder brother, she explained, "Eldest brother sincerely has my best interest at heart. I mentioned yesterday that I wanted to see father, which is why he allowed me to return to stay a few days with you today."

Prince Shou acknowledged with a nonchalant sound.

Knowing her father’s silent nature, unwilling to say much, Lin Youning felt guilty for having lied, fearing he might see through it and refrained from meeting his gaze.

As Lin Youning remained silent, Prince Shou also said nothing. After a long silence, she started thinking of a topic to break the ice, but Prince Shou spoke first, "Does Mrs. Gu Sr. have objections?"

Lin Youning raised her head, surprised at how her father knew.

"If I had seen him treat you poorly today, I would’ve taken you back, but he wanted me to take you away. Observing he cares for you deeply yet suggests this, I presumed Mrs. Gu Sr. had objections," Prince Shou explained coldly. "This is why I disapprove of this marriage. He’s responsible for two households, focusing on you. Although Mrs. Gu Sr. shows affection, she values the future of Gu Family."

Knowing she couldn’t hide it anymore, Lin Youning confessed, "Eldest brother promised lifelong devotion to me alone, and I believe him. He said he’d explain to aunt, and if she brought this up, he wanted me to return home."

Hearing this, Prince Shou raised a brow. Though his face remained indifferent, satisfaction shone in his eyes, "At least he knows to treat you well and realizes my discontent with him."

Lin Youning grinned sweetly, "Eldest brother treats me very well, so rest assured, father. However, following you back like this might upset aunt."

Prince Shou snorted, "My daughter, a commanding princess, sharing a husband? What cause for upset? She should rather be grateful I reunited late, allowing them to reap benefits."

In Prince Shou’s perspective, his daughter was the most precious under heaven, and he held no regard for Gu Yifeng. How dare they be dissatisfied with his daughter.