After Lin Youning heard her grandmother’s words, she decided not to say more and began preparing sothing, but Mrs. Gao Sr. stopped her.
She laughed and said, "No need to prepare anything. I ca by carriage, and we can just ride together."
"When we return from your brother’s place, I’ll either drop you back on the way, or you can co ho with and see your grandfather. Although your grandfather appears stern, he has not been able to let go of your mother all these years. Your mother’s early passing was hardest on him. If you visit, it might ease his heart, but he can’t bring himself to invite you. Expecting him to ask you to visit is sothing he could never say."
When speaking about her daughter, Mrs. Gao Sr.’s eyes turned red.
"Grandmother, please be at ease. Although I’ve never t my mother, I know she wouldn’t want you both to be sad. If it weren’t for my brother’s accident, grandmother and grandfather wouldn’t have to grieve for her passing."
As long as they didn’t go to the mansion to seek people, they would remain unaware of her mother’s death.
Mrs. Gao Sr. understood this, patted Youning’s hand, and wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes with a handkerchief. "You’re a sensible child, just like your mother was when she was young. Back then, your grandfather adored her. But his stubborn nature ant we regret her loss for the rest of our lives. Now that I see you and your brother doing well, I feel relieved. Enough of this talk, let’s get our things ready to go see your brother."
Lin Youning wiped the tears from her eyes, stood up, and supported her grandmother as the three of them went to see her brother.
At the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, Mrs. Dong was listening to Jingfu’s report. Before Jingfu could finish, a young maid hurriedly ca in.
"Madam, a carriage from the East Mansion has already headed to the Zhao Mansion."
Mrs. Dong nodded and motioned for the maid to leave before saying, "It seems like our gifts were in vain. Mrs. Gao Sr. did not dine at the East Mansion."
She sighed, "I truly didn’t expect that Sister Ning would have such a background, being the granddaughter of Pri Minister Gao."
"Yes, when I first arrived at the East Mansion, Shanmoi and the others had already changed the way they addressed the young lady to ’madam,’" Jingfu comnted, indirectly relaying to Mrs. Dong what she’d witnessed.
Mrs. Dong only smiled slightly without saying more. The Marquis had already told her that he only considered Sister Ning as his sister, especially since they hadn’t consummated the marriage. Even if the servants changed the way they addressed her, what difference did it make?
Jingfu, seeing the mistress not upset, secretly breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn’t wanted to inform Madam about this matter, but it was bound to reach her ears eventually, so she preferred to deliver the news herself and offer comfort if needed.
At the Gu Mansion, Mrs. Gu Sr. also heard this news within half an hour but simply nodded without much comnt.
When Sister Ning and the others arrived at the Zhao Mansion, Zhao Housheng had already been brought back and was lying in bed with the Imperial Physician attending to him.
Liang Hui was thrilled upon seeing Sister Ning and was pulling her hand when she noticed the elderly woman beside her.
Lin Youning introduced, "Sister-in-law, this is Grandmother. And this is Uncle."
Liang Hui was surprised but quickly stepped forward to greet them.
Mrs. Gao Sr. had heard about her grandson’s situation from Sister Ning and knew the granddaughter-in-law was from a village. Despite so reservations, after seeing her, she nodded.
Though from the countryside, her deanor was grand, quite different from the Sun family of the mansion.
Everyone then moved to Zhao Housheng’s bedroom. With one leg broken, he lay on the bed after the Imperial Physician had changed his dicine. Upon seeing who entered, he imdiately understood.
When he was released from the prison, those carrying him had ntioned people from Pri Minister Gao’s mansion.
"How are you feeling now, child?" Mrs. Gao Sr. did not say much, went straight to the bed, and watched her grandson. His resemblance to her daughter moved her deeply.
A few words in, she began crying.
As she wept, others found it best to stay silent, but Liu Wen consoled her until she cald down. She held Zhao Housheng’s hand tightly, unwilling to let go.
Zhao Housheng lay there, saying nothing, yet his eyes beca red. Watching this, Liang Hui felt sad. Sister Ling curiously watched Mrs. Gao Sr. and the unfamiliar Liu Wen.
Lin Youning went over and patted Sister Ling’s shoulder, whispering to her quietly, leading Sister Ling to leisurely approach the woman.
"Great-grandmother."
Seeing the young girl in front of her, Mrs. Gao Sr. nodded and smiled, "Good child, good child. You must be Sister Ning, right? Your aunt looks so much like your grandmother, and so does your father. It brings joy to your great-grandmother."
Sister Ling’s clear eyes softened Mrs. Gao Sr.’s heart, halting her tears.
She held her tightly while conversing with Zhao Housheng, naturally asking about his conflict with the Heir of Prince Xian.
Upon hearing about the insults from the Heir of Prince Xian, Mrs. Gao Sr. was enraged, "Such arrogance! With your grandfather in charge, you needn’t worry about anything. Just rest and recover at ho."
Zhao Housheng nodded. "Sister Ning, you all step out. I have sothing to tell Grandmother and Uncle."
Lin Youning nodded and led her sister-in-law and Sister Ling out, leaving the three of them in the room.
"Did your mother leave any words when she passed?" Mrs. Gao Sr. asked with a stern face.
Zhao Housheng nodded, "Mother said if one day we reconnect with you and Grandfather, I should tell you not to grieve over her passing. Raised by you, she could not fulfill her filial duties and felt unfit as a daughter, burdening you with gossip and judgnt."
Mrs. Gao Sr. remained silent, using a handkerchief to cover her mouth, her tears flowing. She always knew how strong her daughter was, never blaming them, even in her final monts, feeling only guilt.
Thinking of all this, how could Mrs. Gao Sr.’s heart not ache?
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