Chapter 438 - 430: Urgency
When it came to the marriage of two people, Zhao Wu appeared more composed, showing little expression on his face, but Li Si was visibly more excited, smiling broadly with a wide grin.
Gu Yifeng saw his demeanor and didn’t say much, simply waving his hand to let the two leave. Thinking of Sister Ning in the backyard, he didn’t stay long in the study and walked over in large strides.
Gu Yifeng was aware of the situation but didn’t reveal anything. Meanwhile, at the Dong Mansion, after his son took his own life, Mr. Dong Sr. had been holding up strongly. During the day, whenever guests came, he would receive them. But at night, after sending the guests away, he would lock himself alone in the study.
When Dong Poming pushed open the study door and walked in, she saw her father standing coldly in front of the window. She hesitated for a moment before entering.
"Father, you still need to mourn Brother’s passing. Grandmother and Mother in the mansion have both fallen ill, and if anything happens to you, I don’t know how the mansion will hold together."
Upon hearing his daughter’s voice, Mr. Dong Sr. turned around, his hands behind his back, his face somber, "Is there any news from the Eldest Prince these past days?"
"The Eldest Prince heard about the family’s affairs and sent someone to inquire, but nothing more was said. I came today because there’s something I want to discuss with you." Seeing her father’s nod, Dong Poming continued, "I’ve noticed that Grandmother has been acting a bit strange these past days. Father, you should take some time to visit."
Mr. Dong Sr. furrowed his brow, not understanding the meaning behind his daughter’s words.
Dong Poming explained, "I heard from the maid beside Grandmother that after Aunt left, Grandmother became spirited again and wasn’t depressed following Brother’s passing. I don’t know what she’s preparing, but it seems she’s planning a marriage for Brother. I’m worried Grandmother has been affected, so I thought Father should visit."
Mr. Dong Sr. nodded, "I understand; you should take care of your mother, and your sister. Has she been staying at the mansion these days?"
Mr. Dong Sr. knew his younger daughter had returned but didn’t know if she stayed in the mansion.
"Sister Yun came back with her husband. She returns every morning, and after the guests leave at night, she goes back with her husband. Her husband said that since Sister Yun had a miscarriage, it’s not good to stay at the mansion." Dong Poming said, though her expression was slightly odd, "It’s not that I’m suspicious, but I feel like Sister Yun might have told her husband about our family’s matters. Otherwise, why would her husband seem so estranged from us, as if he’s afraid of having any connection with us?"
Mr. Dong remained silent, his brow tightly knit. He felt guilty towards his youngest daughter. Due to the family’s issues, he had made her do so many things, leading to her miscarriage and the estrangement from her husband. He knew his elder daughter was trying to sow discord in front of him, but he didn’t wish to say more. Both were his daughters, and he didn’t want to favor one over the other.
Seeing her father silent, Dong Poming didn’t say more. She curtsied and left. Mr. Dong Sr. noticed it wasn’t too late outside, so he sighed and left the study, heading towards his mother’s courtyard.
When Mr. Dong Sr. arrived at the courtyard, he indeed found his mother in high spirits. She even smiled when she saw him coming, which was clearly unusual.
"You’ve been busy these days. Why are you here at this hour? Have you had dinner yet? You look much thinner." After he sat down, Mrs. Dong Sr. held his hand and spoke, "I thought of calling you over to talk after you’re done with the recent matters. Since you’re here today, it’s a good time to discuss something."
"I was thinking, since Side’s gone just like that... although he was quiet, he was a dutiful child. Didn’t he like Sister Jian from the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion? I thought I’d lend him the money to marry her into the mansion, and have her bring his memorial tablet into our home. In the future, we could even have a child born under her name, then Side would know under there and be at ease. I’ve already set these matters in order, waiting for the Dingyuan Marquis to send the birthdates over to match the horoscopes. Once they’re matched, it’s settled."
Upon hearing this, Mr. Dong Sr.’s veins bulged, "Mother, I know you’re saddened by Side’s passing. The mansion’s already in such a state; please don’t do this. The Dingyuan Marquis Mansion hasn’t done us any wrong; it’s our own son who couldn’t live up to expectations. I know you loved Side, but such a thing should never be done. They are the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion. Let’s put this matter to rest. Mother, please don’t bring it up again."
"What do you mean, Dingyuan Marquis Mansion? Are we supposed to fear them? They owe this to our Side. Alright, alright, I know what you’re worried about. Rest assured, I will have the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion agree to it willingly. My good grandson is gone just like that, and now, I can’t bear the thought of him being alone down there. In the future, someone should offer incense to him. I’m already this old; with Side gone, all my hopes are dashed. If you stop me from doing this, I’ll act as though I don’t have a son."
Hearing his mother’s words, Mr. Dong Sr. felt both sad and angry. He stood up, "Mother, I understand your feelings; Brother De was my son as well, and his loss wounds me more than anyone. I can understand your feelings, but at such a time, you must not do this. Rumors in the Capital are already against our family; we can’t stir up more trouble. Sister Ming will soon enter the Prince Mansion; those of us who are alive must keep going."
"Are you insisting on opposing this? It’s only been a few days since Side’s passing, and you’re already this heartless, leaving the child alone and desolate down there?" Mrs. Dong Sr. retorted.
Mr. Dong Sr. sighed helplessly, "If you’re worried about him being alone, we can find a girl who hadn’t established a family and arrange a ghost marriage. Let’s not harm a good daughter."
"No, I don’t agree to this; it would be an injustice to our Side."
"Does Mother wish to force me to death? I know the means you’re considering to have the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion marry their daughter to us, but think carefully; it was our Dong Mansion that was at fault."