Upon encountering Ms. Yan, Lin Youning was not particularly surprised. Although she was the adopted daughter of the Marquis Mansion, she was still of higher status than a concubine. She simply nodded and continued walking forward.
Ms. Yan hurriedly called out, "Miss, please wait a mont."
In the passageway, besides Ms. Yan and her maid, it was only Lin Youning accompanied by Shanmoi; there were no outsiders. Hearing herself addressed as "Miss," Lin Youning stopped.
Turning back to look at her, "Aunt Yan, is there sothing you need from ?"
In the mansion, because of Lin Youning’s presence, the others like Sister Hui were all referred to as ’Sister,’ while Lin Youning alone was addressed as ’Miss.’
Ms. Yan approached with delicate steps, while Shanmoi frowned but knew she couldn’t overstep and order the other to retreat.
Once close, Ms. Yan stopped and perford a curtsey, "I often hear Second Young Master ntion you, Miss, but I’ve never had the chance to et you. Today, we happened to run into each other, so I wanted to pay my respects."
Shanmoi glared angrily. What was Ms. Yan playing at?
Stopping the Miss just to say Second Young Master often ntions her — could it be a provocation?
How infuriating; she should have been dismissed earlier.
Lin Youning, however, smiled and spoke, "Now that you’ve paid your respects, I have things to attend to, so I won’t chat further with Aunt."
With that, she didn’t glance at Ms. Yan again and turned to continue walking forward.
Her actions were both gracious and composed.
As for Shanmoi, she gave a fierce glare to the little maid beside Ms. Yan before leaving, scaring the maid into shrinking her neck slightly.
Ms. Yan watched them disappear before murmuring, "Who knew such a dignified woman existed, making others feel ashad."
The maid serving beside her looked smug, "Indeed, the Miss has been favored by the Old Madam since she was young. I’ve heard from the old nannies in the house that when she was little, she was even more adorable, and the Old Madam couldn’t bear to let go, even giving her half of her dowry."
Ms. Yan smiled as she listened to the maid’s words, her eyes darting around as if plotting sothing.
Shanmoi, on the other hand, was angry, "Miss, Aunt Yan was too much. Stopping you on the way just to brag about how much Second Young Master dotes on her — so shaless."
"Enough, watch your words," Lin Youning interrupted her. "What she does is her business. If we don’t like it, we can keep our distance. There’s no need to speak in a way that lowers our own standards. What happened today need not be ntioned to others."
The more Ms. Yan acts arrogantly, the more disappointed Aunt will be with Gu Er. Hopefully, when the ti cos to deal with Gu Er, Aunt will rember her years of affection for and fulfill my wish.
Lin Youning certainly didn’t share her thoughts with Shanmoi.
There’s nothing in the Marquis Mansion that Mrs. Dong wouldn’t know, especially an event happening in the passage of Yingshui Courtyard. On hearing the maid’s report, Mrs. Dong rely waved her hand without saying much.
Mrs. Dong had her own thoughts; Sister Lin had been favored in the mansion for many years, and it was ti for her to experience being stepped on.
As for Mrs. Kong’s side, she wished to see this unfold of its own accord, with no need to intervene manually. Just let those two fight it out.
Of course, she wouldn’t tell Gu Er about this matter.
Thus, this matter was kept under wraps.
Ms. Yan was shrewd as well. After staying compliant for a few days, she understood the intentions of each courtyard and gained more confidence. Except for the Old Madam, everyone else was just a bystander, so who would stand up for an unsupported adopted daughter?
Ms. Yan finally relaxed, smiling as she gently caressed her belly. On hearing the servants in the courtyard paying respects, she knew Second Young Master had returned and went out to greet him.
"Second Young Master, how co you’ve returned at this hour today?" Ms. Yan smiled, welcoming him into the room.
"Second Sister is going to the temple. I thought I’d escort her there. Mother has already arranged for Lieutenant Zhao’s family to pick her up, so there’s no need for to make another trip," Gu Er replied, taking the warm tea Ms. Yan offered and drinking it in one gulp.
Ms. Yan teasingly remarked, "Second Young Master, drink slowly. You’ve been busy with Miss Lin’s affairs for so long, why not switch to another cup of tea."
Ms. Yan was clever, subtly sowing discord bit by bit.
Gu Er, however, did not take it to heart and explained, "She’s leaving the mansion tomorrow and needs to pack. She doesn’t have ti to bother with , which is just her personality. You’ll understand in ti."
Completely unconcerned.
But oh, how much he must care in his heart.
Ms. Yan gauged the situation, smiling as she replied, "Whatever Second Young Master says, I will listen. I trust Second Young Master."
Being adored and trusted in this way, no man would be displeased. Gu Er put down his tea and pulled Ms. Yan into his arms, gently stroking her belly. "Has he been behaving? I haven’t visited the academy recently. Otherwise, I should have a proper talk with your father. You’ve been wronged."
Ms. Yan’s smile faded slightly, "As long as I can be with Second Young Master, nothing else matters. I only worry about my father. After all, he raised us sisters by himself. Now, I’ve followed you and left him; how can he not be heartbroken? Entering the Marquis Mansion, I fear I may never see him again in this lifeti."
"That’s easy. Whenever you wish to visit him, I’ll take you back," Gu Er replied casually.
Ms. Yan secretly breathed a sigh of relief, showing delight on her face, "Is Second Young Master serious?"
Seeing her so joyous, the rules of the mansion flashed briefly in Gu Er’s mind, but he couldn’t bring himself to refuse her. "Of course, if you want, pack up and I’ll take you back tomorrow."
Although Gu Er appeared unfazed, being rejected by Sister Ning made him feel sowhat downhearted. Seeing Ms. Yan this happy, he felt it was right to agree with her, and seeing her so pleased made him feel much better.
Ms. Yan happily buried her head in Gu Er’s chest, "I have nothing to repay Second Young Master’s kindness, just wish to always be with you."
Gu Er, moved by her words, picked her up and headed towards the bed, while Ms. Yan instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.
In Jinghe Courtyard, Mrs. Kong, upon hearing the servant’s ssage, threw her teacup down in anger, "Shaless wench, enticing the masters in broad daylight. If she continues this way, does she even care about the entire Marquis Mansion?"
"Madam must be patient; this is just the beginning. Let her continue her antics, and the Old Madam won’t tolerate it," Nanny Guan advised in an attempt to appease her.
Internally, Nanny Guan felt helpless. Following the Madam, life was always nerve-wracking, and she wondered when it would end.
Mrs. Kong suppressed her anger, "What about the investigation? Any news?"
Nanny Guan smiled, "This is precisely why I ca to report, Madam. It’s been discovered that Ms. Yan has a paramour, who is also a teacher at the academy."
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