Chapter 426 - 418: Visiting
That night, both of the adjacent Gu Mansions were bustling noisily, except for the East Mansion, which remained very quiet.
Although Lin Youning experienced some fetal distress, it wasn’t serious, and she took her medicine in time. After a night’s rest, she felt much better the next day, though she continued to lie in bed.
Having heard about the incident at the Marquis Mansion from her elder brother, Lin Youning was also surprised in her heart and finally understood the saying: even a rabbit will bite when cornered. Sister Jian had always been good-tempered, but now she had done such a thing, suggesting she had been pushed to her limit.
Sister Hui didn’t hold any resentment against Sister Jian; rather, she gave up her marriage to the Dong Mansion, probably thinking she owed Sister Jian from that incident.
"How elder brother handled this matter is right. Although Sister Jian was in the wrong, Sister Hui also had her faults. In the end, they are girls from the mansion, and the offspring of the Marquis Mansion have always been few. Now that something happened to the two girls, outsiders will only point and laugh. Moreover, they’re still young and might have acted on impulse."
"As for Mother, she’s so angry that she’s fallen ill, yet you don’t need to worry. The Imperial Physician has already seen her and advised her to rest. I’ve already asked Sister Hui to take care of her. Sister Jian will be sent away today, and as for the Dong Mansion, Mrs. Dong will deal with it." Gu Yifeng thought that when he had some free time today, he would go talk to Gu Er.
But Gu Yifeng didn’t mention this matter, and he didn’t plan on telling Sister Ning.
Lin Youning nodded, though she understood in her heart. What could Mrs. Dong possibly say to her own family? However, her nephew getting into such an incident was indeed quite disgraceful.
In the morning, an invitation was sent from the Zhou Mansion, expressing the desire to visit. Upon learning this, Gu Yifeng directly refused. But who would have thought, even with the refusal of the invitation, Mrs. Zhou Sr. still came bringing gifts.
By that time, Gu Yifeng had already left the mansion and gone to see Gu Er. So, upon hearing the news, Lin Youning could only ask someone to invite Mrs. Zhou Sr. to the backyard.
Upon seeing Lin Youning lying in bed, Mrs. Zhou Sr. immediately started expressing many apologies, "It was Yuanhua being spoiled that made you laugh, and now she almost harmed the child in your belly. Her Highness has been very unsettled. Before leaving, she reminded me to come and visit you. I originally planned to come, and this morning, Her Highness sent a multitude of gifts from the palace, asking me to bring them to Madam."
"There wasn’t much going on, no need for the worry from Madam." Lin Youning was disinclined to engage in pleasantries with the people from Zhou Mansion and replied simply, without much warmth.
Mrs. Zhou Sr. noticed this and didn’t linger longer. Having expressed her heartfelt apologies, whether or not she would be forgiven was now irrelevant to her.
Furthermore, having heard the previous day from her son about the Eldest Prince’s actions, Mrs. Zhou Sr. realized that there could be no close relations with the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion.
Mrs. Zhou Sr. came quickly and left just as briskly, thus avoiding any disturbance to others, while Gu Yifeng was now in the study with Gu Er.
A cold smile adorned Gu Er’s face, lacking the usual respect. Gu Yifeng knew about the commotion Gu Er had made and also understood what was on his mind and paid no heed to it.
"You heard about what happened yesterday, right? I want to ask what Princess Yuanhua intends. If there are any dissatisfaction, it could be directly communicated instead of involving Consort Zhou. Bringing the Royal Family into this makes it hard to resolve. I came today to discuss the matter. If Princess Yuanhua feels it remains unresolved, we shall take it to the Holy Emperor to decide." Gu Yifeng, without any intention to threaten, nevertheless expressed his resolve, "I know what’s on your mind. It’s what you incited at the Marquis Mansion. Sister Ning is doing well. If you would handle it as you suggested before, it would push her into an abyss. If you truly care for Sister Ning and your sister, stop entertaining those thoughts. As for my feelings for Sister Ning, I admit, I do like her."
"You finally admit it, don’t you? So can you admit that you’ve always liked Sister Ning and plotted against her? You always speak of righteousness, putting on a virtuous front, yet harbor such vile thoughts. I am what I am now because you orchestrated it all!" Gu Er sneered, "You say I caused a scene at the Marquis Mansion. Do you know why? Because I realized only just now that I was manipulated like a fool. I’ve now become the laughingstock of the entire Capital city. Are you satisfied? Yesterday, Yuanhua merely spoke some truths. However, Consort Zhou has her own thoughts, which we cannot decide. If elder brother wishes to report to the Holy Emperor, that is elder brother’s business alone, unrelated to us."
Although Gu Er was dissatisfied with Princess Yuanhua, seeing his elder brother’s accusatory presence now, he certainly wouldn’t lean towards supporting his elder brother’s side.
Especially having just watched his elder brother admit to liking Sister Ning, Gu Er knew he could not win against the person before him, lest his fists would have already been raised.
After having an argument with the Yuanhua Mansion yesterday, Gu Er stayed in the study. Originally, his heart was filled with resentment over Princess Yuanhua’s actions. However, upon facing his elder brother here, Gu Er found himself ridiculous, maybe realizing that Princess Yuanhua was the only one who still cared for him in this world.
Though her actions upset him for Sister Ning, he felt they were deserved, as Sister Ning betrayed him.
Moreover, with his elder brother confronting him here, Gu Er suddenly realized in this moment that he shouldn’t blame Princess Yuanhua, but thank her instead for standing up for him.
Gu Yifeng looked coldly at him, "This is the first and last time I will come to you to talk about this. We all know the truth of the matter, and if this continues, I won’t hold back. Since you are now with Princess Yuanhua, you should live your life rightly. The state you’re in now is all on you, and no one else is to blame."
Gu Yifeng stood up and looked towards the door, "Since Princess Yuanhua is here, come on in. There’s no need to eavesdrop outside; I’ve come today to see you both."
As soon as he finished speaking, the study door was pushed open, and Princess Yuanhua strode in.