Chapter 403 - 395: Guidance
Lin Youning’s intention was good, thinking after all it’s an extra playmate.
So she let a few people play in the garden, while she sat down to talk with her grandmother. Mrs. Gu Sr. also came over. Speaking of Mrs. Liu Sr., she was still the elder of Mrs. Gu Sr.; when they talked about Sister Ning’s mother, the two inevitably felt a bit saddened.
However, when it came to Sister Ning’s identity, they were pleased, especially Mrs. Gu Sr., "Previously, everyone looked down on Sister Ning, thinking she was just a child bride. Now take a look at our Sister Ning, who still dares to look down on her? I say, once Sister Ning recovers after childbirth, we should host a banquet in the mansion and invite all those people here, so they can take a good look. Let’s see who dares to underestimate Sister Ning again."
Lin Youning listened nearby, pursed her lips and smiled, but didn’t take it seriously.
However, Mrs. Liu Sr. took it seriously, "I think it’s a good idea, but I feel it’s better to wait until the Holy Emperor recognizes Sister Ning before we host the banquet; it won’t be too late then."
Mrs. Liu Sr. had also inquired about Sister Ning’s previous situations, knowing Sister Ning’s identity as a child bride and the disregard she faced from noble family’s girls whenever she attended banquets.
Since guests came to the mansion, Lin Youning let Shanmoi and Hailan arrange dishes in the kitchen. But Shanmoi had been taking care of Li Si these past few days. Although Li Si’s wound had healed, upon seeing Shanmoi, he pretended to be a patient again. Although Shanmoi knew Li Si was doing this intentionally, she couldn’t help but feel pity and took any chance to help.
When Lin Youning assigned them to the kitchen, Shanmoi came out from there and went to the front yard to find Li Si. As she passed by the small garden gate, she heard people speaking quietly and initially didn’t pay attention, thinking it was young maids. Only when she got closer did she realize it was two people arguing.
Through the bamboo grove, Shanmoi saw that it was Sister Ran and Sister Jian.
Sister Ran seemed to want to do something but was being stopped by Sister Jian. Sister Ran got angry with Sister Jian, "Stop bothering me. Just take care of yourself; watching me all day won’t find you a husband. You’re just a concubine’s child; thinking of marrying into the Prime Minister’s Mansion. You don’t even know what the Prime Minister’s son looks like yet you’re eyeing this. Aren’t you usually the one strict with rules? Today you’re ignoring them?"
Sister Jian, flushed with anger, "Stop talking nonsense. Clearly, you are the one observing, and you’re pushing all this onto me. Besides, he’s uncle’s cousin, also our elder; how could I possibly think of such a thing?"
Sister Ran sneered, "If not this, then let me ask you, why did you go to the front yard? Don’t think I don’t know, was it Sister Hui who made you do something? What did she offer you? A good marriage?"
"Enough, this is the East Mansion. I’m not arguing with you. Let’s go back; otherwise, they’ll come looking for us and suspect something." Sister Jian didn’t reply to Sister Ran but turned to leave.
Sister Ran hummed, only then following, muttering under her breath, "Don’t think I don’t know your intentions. Each of you pretends to be kind, yet secretly plotting something."
"Shut up. Keep talking nonsense, and I’ll report you to aunt."
From afar, Sister Jian’s scolding voice faded.
Shanmoi stepped out from behind the bamboo, lips tightly pressed; the lady had invited them as guests to the mansion, and if she hadn’t happened upon it, she wouldn’t know such things were happening.
Shanmoi went to Li Si with anger, sharing the incident with him. Li Si, lying in bed, smiled indifferently, "Don’t worry about it. Our East Mansion isn’t theirs to exploit. Since Madam invited them, naturally all this is within her calculations. Don’t act rashly; wait until the guests leave, then tell Madam. As for Sister Hui, both Mrs. Liu Sr. and the Marquis mentioned she’s one who knows the rules; it’s the first time hearing she’s got any other intentions."
Upon this mention, Li Si furrowed his brows.
Shanmoi scoffed, "Why not? After all, back then, the Marquis was ready to send Mrs. Dong to the temple for our lady. The Third Miss witnessed this; how could she not harbor resentment? Mrs. Dong is her biological mother; despite how she values rules, she wouldn’t forget it."
Li Si nodded, "I agree with what you said. I just don’t understand why the Third Miss let the eldest young lady come to the front yard."
"That’s something only they know," Shanmoi stood up, "I need to alert Zhao Wu about the front yard, lest something really happens."
Li Si watched her leave, advising her not to act recklessly; yet Shanmoi left without looking back, making Li Si shake his head. Though her temperament remained as impatient as before, she wasn’t acting out as she used to, which was satisfactory.
During lunch, Lin Youning noticed Sister Hong and Sister Ying were getting along quite well with Sister Ran but not so close to Sister Hui and the composed Sister Jian.
This outcome was unexpected; Lin Youning had always thought they’d associate well with the steadfast Sister Hui and Sister Jian. But before so many people, Lin Youning didn’t have the chance to ask.
When Mrs. Liu Sr. and others went to rest in the backyard in the afternoon, with Sister Hui and the others gone, Lin Youning finally had a moment to talk to Sister Hong and her sister.
"Actually, at first we also didn’t like Sister Ran, thinking she was rude, harsh-spoken, and always clashing with everyone," Sister Ying candidly expressed, "But after spending some time, I’ve come to feel her straightforward nature is quite nice, speaking her mind, nothing held back. Sister Hui’s too reserved, and Sister Jian always follows Sister Hui’s lead."
Lin Youning nodded upon understanding, smiling, "I feared you’d be bored, that’s why I invited them over. I thought since you hadn’t attended banquets at other mansions, you might not adapt well. Now seeing Sister Ying’s insightful analysis, grandmother can feel relieved too."
Sister Ying blushed, laughing bashfully, "It’s just from listening to grandmother about observing people outside."
"Even if it’s grandmother telling you, performing so well on the first outing is impressive. Rest assured, even grandmother will praise you once she knows." Lin Youning then asked Hailan to bring out the jewelry she prepared, "These are pieces I selected in the past, never worn. Now that I’m becoming a mother, I’m not suited for them, so they’re for you."
"How can I accept this?" Sister Ying replied, but her eyes already peered into the box.
Shanmoi and Hailan in the room chuckled at the scene.
Sister Hong also blushed, gently tapping Sister Ying, who was unfazed, leaving Sister Hong helpless.