Chapter 414 - 406: Fearless
Lin Youning was not intimidated by Consort Zhou’s words.
The madams sitting in the room watched the scene, feeling worried. Although Consort Zhou was giving Lin Youning a hard time today, they were also present. Who knows if Dingyuan Marquis would turn his attention to them in the future?
Princess Yuanhua added, "Mother, you may not know, but this cousin-in-law is quite formidable. When I went to the mansion to ask what the Second Young Master was up to, she didn’t say anything to me. Instead, she called a servant to send me away, leaving me speechless. Thinking back, I can’t help but admire her skills. After all, she was raised by Mrs. Gu Sr., and her way of handling matters is impeccable."
Princess Yuanhua spoke as if praising someone, but it was clear she was fanning the flames. "I must say, I admire her ability. I’m afraid I could never learn such skills."
Consort Zhou glared at her daughter, "You are of the Royal Family; you don’t need to learn such things. Some matters only require you to speak, and there are people to handle them for you. Those of lower status only learn these things."
While educating her daughter, Consort Zhou indirectly demeaned Lin Youning.
Kneeling on the ground, Lin Youning, despite wearing thickened pants, felt discomfort as it was winter, and she was pregnant.
As Lin Youning moved slightly, Consort Zhou remarked, "Madam, are you tired? I was so engrossed in talking that I let you kneel for so long. I’ve heard you’re pregnant, so stand up. If anything happens to the child, I won’t be able to explain to Dingyuan Marquis."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Lin Youning didn’t say much, and after expressing gratitude, she supported herself by the ground and slowly stood up.
Princess Yuanhua advised, "Cousin-in-law, you should be careful. After all, you’re pregnant. You mentioned to me once how tiring it is to be pregnant. I’ll understand when it happens to me."
Everyone in the Capital knew that Gu Er was rendered infertile by Mrs. Kong. Although it wasn’t spoken of openly, it was widely rumored. Lin Youning’s remarks to Princess Yuanhua about understanding when she’s pregnant were clearly mocking!
Now, Princess Yuanhua brought up this matter in front of Consort Yun Zhou, causing a fierce look from Consort Zhou directed at Lin Youning to turn even colder.
"So, Madam was considerate of you. You should remember this, and when you return to the mansion, tell Mrs. Gu Sr. about it. After all, this is a senior’s care for you, and you shouldn’t disregard it." Consort Zhou’s advice to her daughter was another way to criticize Lin Youning.
After standing up, Lin Youning wasn’t told to leave by Consort Zhou, so she stood quietly, pretending not to hear the conversation between Consort Zhou and Princess Yuanhua. She knew there wouldn’t be anything good from coming to Zhou Mansion today.
Mrs. Zhou Sr. saw this and felt it was time to intervene, "Mrs. Gu, please take a seat. After all, you’re pregnant."
Lin Youning curtsied and thanked her, then followed a servant girl’s guidance to her seat.
Mrs. Zhou Sr. was clearly displeased with her daughter’s behavior. The gathering at their mansion was meant to garner support for the Eldest Prince, yet her daughter embarrassed the Gu Mansion in front of the other madams, which reflects poorly on Dingyuan Marquis and complicates matters with the noble families.
Dingyuan Marquis cherishes Mrs. Gu so much, yet Consort Zhou’s careless words would surely offend him. Naturally, Dingyuan Marquis might not side with the Eldest Prince, or even oppose him.
No noble family in the Capital is naive; aligning with the Eldest Prince would mean offending Dingyuan Marquis, leaving them to make their own choices.
Mrs. Zhou Sr. thought her daughter foolish; after years in the palace, she targeted a girl from a noble family, which seemed petty.
After expressing her attitude, Mrs. Zhou Sr. hoped her daughter would stop, yet Consort Zhou, defending her daughter, wouldn’t back down. Years in the palace taught her that few dared to oppose her. Her mother’s intervention was clear, but Consort Zhou paid it no mind.
"I’ve heard Dingyuan Marquis wants to send his wife to a monastery. Is Mrs. Dong present?" Consort Zhou spoke, causing Mrs. Zhou Sr. to frown deeply.
Mrs. Dong, mentioned by name, stood and curtsied, "The matters of the mansion have troubled Your Highness; please pardon my lack of decorum."
"In the palace, I enjoy hearing such things, so anything new reaches my ears. Madam, please don’t blame me for meddling. Dingyuan Marquis is a minister close to the Emperor, yet intends to send his wife away—a breach of protocol. I must ask the reason," Consort Zhou appeared to be advocating for Mrs. Dong.
Everyone knew the truth, widely rumored that Dingyuan Marquis favored the current madam, and Consort Zhou, by speaking for Mrs. Dong, targeted Lin Youning.
It was clear to all that Consort Zhou intended to suppress Mrs. Gu, and in doing so, they wouldn’t dare speak up. Unfortunately, the familiar Mrs. Xu Sr. wasn’t present.
Mrs. Xu Sr. was unwell, and Xu Ya’an attended alone, avoiding the situation without Consort Zhou’s summons.
Mrs. Dong curtsied slightly and began, "I apologize for troubling Your Highness. I was imprudent, speaking out of turn when the Marquis stayed at the East Mansion for days without returning. In anger, he decided to send funds to the monastery."