Shanmoi was greatly surprised after hearing her words.
"Look at you, so young and inexperienced, which is why you don’t understand these things. Eventually, you’ll realize that it’s not just about two people liking each other to be together. So, you should cherish the opportunity to be with Li Si, and find a mont to speak to Miss about it. Otherwise, if you miss it, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life."
Shanmoi blushed slightly, "Li Si hasn’t ntioned anything to , how can I bring it up to Miss? It would seem like I’m thinking about him."
Hailan laughed, "There’s an easy way to handle this. I’ll have soone ntion it to Li Si at the right ti, to ask Miss on his behalf. You just need to respond accordingly, and it will naturally co together. Li Si and Zhang Wu are both close to the Marquis, and the two of us are maids close to Miss. Once we’re married, we’ll all be considered part of Miss’s people."
"Sister Hailan, you aren’t shy talking about these things." Shanmoi giggled and didn’t say more, tacitly agreeing to Hailan’s plan.
Hailan didn’t push further, knowing Shanmoi was prideful and worried more words might backfire.
Hailan hadn’t expected her matters to settle so early on, even earlier than Shanmoi’s.
That evening, after attending to Miss’s dinner, while the Marquis went to wash inside, Hailan spoke of Shanmoi’s situation. Lin Youning had been pondering this matter and rely nodded after hearing Hailan, instructing her to inform Shanmoi that she understood and to have Shanmoi co over the next day.
Hailan recognized this as Miss’s indirect way of lifting Shanmoi’s confinent and agreed with a smile.
Later that night, Lin Youning pleaded for rcy before Gu Yifeng let her go. Exhausted, she didn’t want to move. Gu Yifeng brought a warm cloth to wipe her down before holding her in his arms as they lay in bed talking.
"In the coming days, let’s prepare for the New Year. I’ve already arranged for tents and other necessities. But, I’m considering bringing your brother’s family, which may not be convenient at night. I’d like you to carry a child before the year’s out." As Gu Yifeng spoke, he placed a hand on Sister Ning’s belly, leaned in close and whispered near her ear.
With each warm breath brushing her ear, Lin Youning felt her body itch, shifting slightly to evade, she giggled, "Such things don’t happen so quickly."
Within the Marquis Mansion, despite the many won, there’d been little news over the years, with even Mrs. Dong only recently expecting.
Upon hearing her older brother’s words, Lin Youning wondered if their aunt had said sothing in her letters, or if Mrs. Dong had comnted, causing her brother’s urgency.
"If not, we could try a few more tis. I don’t mind putting in the effort," Gu Yifeng chuckled.
Embarrassed by his words, Lin Youning’s face flushed. Attempting to turn away, Gu Yifeng held her close, "Alright, if you don’t like such talk, I won’t say more. Let’s sleep. Tomorrow I’ll help prepare the hunting gear with you."
Lin Youning wanted to sleep, but with his restless hand on her, how could she?
Unwilling to say anything, Lin Youning tried to feign ignorance by closing her eyes, hoping when her brother lost interest, he’d stop.
Clearly, Lin Youning’s approach failed, leaving her snuggling into his embrace at last, only to hear Gu Yifeng’s low laughter above.
After so more playfulness between the two, they finally slept.
The next day, Shanmoi ca to attend, greeting Lin Youning with a bow, who prompted her to rise, "Keep such matters in mind. While I’m lenient with you, others could use it against you, taking your life or worse."
"This servant knows Miss ans well," Shanmoi blushed, her eyes slightly teary.
"Alright, enough of that. If you start crying here, it’ll make feel even worse." Lin Youning teased with a smile, "Otherwise, others might think I’m a harsh master, so stop crying. These days Hailan has been doing my hair, which she hasn’t done in years and is not doing much better. Co do my hair now."
Shanmoi smiled, beginning her work, while in the front courtyard, Gu Yifeng had called Li Si over to discuss Zhang Wu’s proposal. Li Si, surprised, listened intently but quickly grew anxious.
"Sir, what about the matter I brought up?"
Gu Yifeng gave him a glance, teasing, "Zhang Wu personally asked Madam for this. Don’t expect to resolve your matters too. Why should I co up with a plan for you?"
Smart Li Si understood his master’s hint, promptly kneeling to express gratitude. Gu Yifeng lightly chastised him, saying no more.
After breakfast, Li Si paid his respects to Lin Youning, expressing his wish to marry Shanmoi. Standing quietly inside, Shanmoi rely kept her head down upon hearing his words. Only when called did she approach the young lady.
"Alright, alright, I know your hearts are set on each other, so I won’t ask for your consent. Hailan’s matters have been settled, and yours with Li Si shall be too. You can marry now or wait until we return to the Capital," Lin Youning stopped Shanmoi from kneeling, addressing Li Si, "I’ll entrust her to you. She speaks honestly, don’t let her suffer."
Li Si, replying deferentially, grinned, "Our marriage was granted by Madam. We’ll wed whenever is convenient for her."
Blushing deeply, Shanmoi was too shy to lift her head.
Observing, Gu Yifeng remarked, "Let’s wait to handle everything upon returning to the Capital for a grand occasion."
With the Marquis’s word, Li Si expressed thanks again, Shanmoi joining him.
Gu Yifeng and Lin Youning discussed preparations for their outing, sharing lighthearted exchanges throughout the day.
The amicable relationship between the masters translated to the servants’ spirited deanor. Wu Xueqin caught whispers of the happenings in the main courtyard, montarily dazed into silence, while Yangtao relaxed upon seeing her mistress’s lack of response.
anwhile, in the Capital, as the New Year approached, the absence of a letter from the Marquis troubled Mrs. Dong. Though seemingly unconcerned, she twisted her handkerchief, unable to ignore the visible swell of her belly.
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