Chapter 409 - 401: Obstruction
Lin Youning didn’t immediately understand what her aunt was worried about.
"Although we’ve already broken ties with Erlang, Mrs. Kong doesn’t care about these things. I’m not afraid of her targeting our Gu Mansion, it’s just that it’s uncomfortable knowing that even though we’ve cut ties, their troubles still get dragged back to our Gu Mansion."
"Aunt should broaden her mind; at times like these, is there any family without issues? If Mrs. Kong still wants revenge, there’s nothing we can do to stop her. Now that we see her entering Prince Xian Mansion, everything is out in the open, which is somewhat reassuring. It’s better than not knowing who’s working against us in secret."
Mrs. Gu Sr. nodded and patted Lin Youning’s hand, "You’re the only child who’s remained calm all along. Right, you said you came here with something to discuss? What could it be? It’s already so dark outside, what’s so urgent that it couldn’t wait until tomorrow morning?"
"We received an invitation from the Zhou Mansion saying Consort Zhou has been granted permission by the Holy Emperor to visit her maternal family. Zhou Mansion sent the invitation asking the noble family ladies to attend a banquet. I thought this could definitely be an invitation arranged by Consort Zhou. After all, Princess Yuanhua visited earlier, and I had her sent away without saying anything nice. Now, Consort Zhou is visiting her family, and the Zhou Mansion sent me an invitation. Such an invitation can’t be refused, and they’ve specifically mentioned Consort Zhou; it’s almost sure it’s because Consort Zhou wants to stand up for Princess Yuanhua." Lin Youning had thought Consort Zhou might stand up for Princess Yuanhua, but she didn’t expect such a decisive action in just a few days.
It’s clear now that Consort Zhou truly cares for her daughter, Princess Yuanhua. Otherwise, she wouldn’t go to such great lengths to leave the palace.
After hearing this, Mrs. Gu Sr. asked, "When did Princess Yuanhua come to our mansion? What did she say? Did she give you a hard time?"
"Aunt, don’t worry. If it weren’t for my obstinacy, Consort Zhou wouldn’t be in such a hurry to stand up for her daughter. Lin Youning saw her aunt’s concern and smiled helplessly, realizing that her aunt wasn’t bothered by Consort Zhou and hadn’t considered what she might say."
Mrs. Gu Sr. nodded, "As long as she didn’t bully you, it’s fine. If she comes to our mansion again, just excuse yourself with health issues so you don’t have to see her. As for Consort Zhou, there’s no need to worry. She is, after all, an Imperial Concubine. Returning to her family in front of the noble families, she won’t give you too hard a time. She’s likely just trying to slight you a bit in front of others to stand up for her daughter."
At this point, Mrs. Gu Sr. patted her hand, "At times like these, we must swallow our pride. After all, she’s an Imperial Concubine, and not someone we can confront. If you really don’t want to stay, just say you’re feeling unwell and find an excuse to leave early. Since you’re pregnant, just saying you’re unwell means they won’t dare to give you too hard a time. Currently, the Eldest Prince is eying the throne, and Consort Zhou wouldn’t dare cause trouble to upset the Emperor. Besides, given your and Brother Sheng’s status now, the Emperor will surely stand by you both."
"I’ve considered all this too, but the invitation can’t be refused. So, Aunt, don’t worry. When we get there, no matter what Consort Zhou says, I’ll remain silent, and that’ll be enough." Lin Youning had come hoping for a reasonable excuse from her aunt, but now it seems attending the banquet is inevitable.
In the following days, the noble families in the Capital received invitations from Zhou Mansion, inviting them to attend the banquet.
Not a holiday, yet Zhou Mansion hosted such a grand banquet. It was only after hearing it was because Consort Zhou was visiting her family that everyone understood.
Lin Youning also received a letter from her elder brother during this time, indicating they would soon return to the Capital, asking her to check on their house and prepare it for their return.
Upon reading the letter, Lin Youning sent Shanmoi and others to the house the next day. The house already had a few servants, and she brought along more maids to clean all corners, informing them that the master would soon return, so they must keep it tidy.
Meanwhile, the Capital became lively again due to Zhou Mansion’s upcoming banquet.
Families of a certain status all received invitations. Lin Youning asked around and found that many of her acquaintances had also received invitations, realizing this was going to be a large gathering.
The banquet at Zhou Mansion was set for early December. By then, Lin Youning was three months into her pregnancy, and her condition was stable. She appeared slightly plumper than before.
However, she looked healthier and more energetic.
On the day of the banquet, before Lin Youning left the mansion, she heard that a few sisters from the Marquis Mansion were coming, led by Mrs. Dong, and were waiting at the gate to go together, as they were all from Gu Mansion.
Lin Youning, already dressed, without a word, took her soft sedan out of the mansion. Before boarding her carriage, she saw several carriages behind, knowing Mrs. Dong brought her sisters.
Mrs. Dong waited until the carriage ahead moved before closing her eyes, "What’s the matter with you and Sister Jian? I’ve noticed she’s been frequently visiting you these days?"
Sister Hui’er smiled subtly, "It’s because we’re attending the banquet. Sister Jian hasn’t been to such grand events before, so she came over to seek advice from me on what to wear and prepare."
"She’s quite sensible. Since that’s the case, guide her well. Let everyone understand that those who listen earn rewards." Mrs. Dong nodded and didn’t ask further.
Sister Hui responded softly and said no more.
But her mind drifted to what Sister Jian discussed with her. Despite their deal, there’d been no movement from Grandmother’s side, making it clear it wouldn’t work out. However, having already promised Sister Jian, and with her pressing for action in recent days, it left Sister Hui feeling powerless. Since they’re visiting Zhou Mansion again, she only hoped nothing significant would arise.
Meanwhile, in the carriage behind, Sister Jian tightly clutched her handkerchief. Regardless, she knew she had to resolve this matter today.