This erald bracelet was recognized by Lin Youning. In her past life, it was Xu Kuan who sneaked into her boudoir at night to give it to her. Xu Kuan had said it was sothing his mother wore all her life, and before she passed, she entrusted it to him to give to his future wife.
In such a situation back then, how could Lin Youning possibly remarry? She refused outright and did not accept it. However, after Xu Kuan left, she found the gemstone bracelet placed on her dressing table. She feared that sending it back through a servant might lead to rumors of a secret affair, so she thought about returning it when an opportunity arose. Yet, who would have thought that when she was reborn, she still hadn’t returned it, and it continued to lay in her jewelry box.
Now, upon seeing this erald bracelet again, Lin Youning couldn’t quite describe her feelings. She even had the impulsive urge to imdiately see Xu Kuan, and then... then what would she say?
Thank him for his affection?
Apologize to him?
Lin Youning smiled bitterly. Having lived another life, could Xu Kuan still have those feelings for her?
"Sister Ning?" Lin Youning’s expression while looking at the bracelet drew concerned glances from Mrs. Xu Sr. and Mrs. Gu Sr.
With a gentle call, Lin Youning finally ca back to her senses.
"Madam, this item is too valuable; I cannot accept it. I rely ntioned it before, but speaking of it, it was my lack of manners to interfere with the matters of your mansion. It is a good thing the Madam does not bla ," Lin Youning, knowing the value of the bracelet, was even more reluctant to accept it.
She even had a thought rising in her mind: as long as she refused this erald bracelet, her fate would change and wouldn’t be like the previous life.
Mrs. Xu Sr. smiled and exchanged a glance with Mrs. Gu Sr., "Look at this child, how well-behaved she is. Unlike the mischievous little imp in my house, who doesn’t stop raising havoc all day. I am content."
"In families like ours, girls should be raised daintily." Mrs. Gu Sr. took the complint graciously and said to Lin Youning, who was beside her, "Since it’s from Madam, you should accept it."
Lin Youning felt a repulsion in her heart, but Aunt spoke up. If she continued to refuse, she would be seen as immature. She could only accept it dejectedly, thank them, and then turn to hand it to Nanny Chang to keep.
The outsiders viewed her dejected look as being shyly obedient, earning her more praise from Mrs. Xu Sr. Mrs. Gu Sr. noted that Mrs. Xu was not in a hurry to leave and knew she had business, glancing at the weather outside.
Only then did she wave to Nanny Chang, "Take Sister Ning to the courtyard for a walk. Staying cooped up inside will sap one’s energy."
Carried out of the room by Nanny Chang, Lin Youning was not spirited. She actually did not wish to leave; she hoped to overhear Mrs. Xu Sr. talking about Xu Kuan, to learn a bit about him. If indeed, she had to marry Xu Kuan, it might not be a bad choice after all.
Nanny Chang, carrying Lin Youning, dared not go far, only strolling in the courtyard. Although Lin Youning’s body was that of a child, her mind was that of an adult. She struggled out of Nanny Chang’s arms, squatting near the flowers to play with ants.
Nanny Chang saw she was quietly watching and did not stop her, thinking, after all, she was just a child.
Not long after, a little maid was seen peeking from the courtyard gate. Being Mrs. Gu Sr.’s accompanying maid and married to the mansion’s head steward, Nanny Chang imdiately scolded her in a low voice.
"Where did this maid co from, behaving so disrespectfully?" As Mrs. Gu Sr. and Mrs. Xu Sr. were talking in the main room, Nanny Chang kept her voice down.
The little maid, startled, awkwardly stood up, twisting the handkerchief in her hands. Nanny Chang coldly scrutinized her, "Which courtyard are you from? Why are you so unfamiliar?"
Lin Youning was feeling bored when she saw a little maid co out. She glanced over and imdiately recognized her as a second-class maid nad Hongzhi from beside Kong Tianru.
Now appearing ek and soft, she would later beco a main maid beside Kong Tianru, with ruthless ans, secretly engaging in many clandestine activities.
This inconspicuous and timid maid had once secretly caused much trouble for Brother Zong in Marquis Mansion.
Suddenly, all those seemingly forgotten things from the past ca rushing back into her mind with increasing clarity.
"Why don’t you answer? Didn’t you learn manners?" Nanny Chang’s face turned stern.
Only then did Hongzhi quickly greet her, softly replying, "Replying to nanny, the servant is a second-class maid from the Duke Mansion. My lady sent the servant to see if Miss Lin’s health has improved."
"So you’re from the Duke Mansion. Since you’re here to inquire after soone’s health, send soone openly. This secretive behavior is beneath the dignity of the Duke Mansion. You should go back." Nanny Chang’s eyes were as cold as ice.
Hongzhi, trembling with fear, quickly excused herself and hurried away.
However, just as Hongzhi disappeared from view, reprimanding and low pleading voices could faintly be heard outside.
Nanny Chang’s face carried a heavy expression. When she turned to look towards Lin Youning, who had already shifted her gaze back to the ants on the ground, she heard Nanny Chang say, "Sister, the mountain air is cold, let’s go back inside."
Lin Youning nodded, being held in Nanny Chang’s arms, listening closely to the commotion outside. In her past life, she must have been quite foolish to be manipulated by Kong Tianru.
Sending a little maid to gather information would have been acceptable, but reprimanding the maid outside the courtyard lacked etiquette and cunning.
Lin Youning tugged at the corners of her lips. What was there left to worry about?
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