Lin Youning was secretly observing here, while Jingfu by Mrs. Dong’s side was ordered to take sothing to the Dong Mansion.
Jingfu returned after delivering the item, seemingly without arousing any attention, but accompanying her was a maid from Mrs. Dong Sr.’s side, who personally t with Mrs. Dong, handed her a letter, and then left.
After Mrs. Dong opened the letter and saw its contents, she tightened her grip but didn’t delay for a mont, lighting the letter on fire and watching it burn to ashes before calling Jingfu in to clean up.
Jingfu slled sothing burning but asked no questions. She cleaned up personally and then left the room. Since Madam beca pregnant, she had been acting strangely, her actions peculiar, especially regarding the Dong Mansion, with constant interactions, making even the closest maids feel untrusted.
The letter only ntioned that soone noticed, and that the Imperial Physician was being followed. Mrs. Dong couldn’t help but worry, although her mother had assured her it wouldn’t be discovered. It hadn’t even escalated, yet it was found out. If the Marquis learned it was truly her doing, she could foresee the Marquis would directly divorce her.
Mrs. Dong was currently furious at her mother for not dealing with the Imperial Physician. Who was the Marquis? If he wished to uncover sothing, he would. Now that the Imperial Physician was clearly being watched, why not deal with it? Did her mother truly have confidence that the Imperial Physician wouldn’t divulge anything?
The more Mrs. Dong thought, the more unsettled she beca, pacing impatiently in the room. Even when the nanny brought her son over, Mrs. Dong couldn’t muster any enthusiasm.
Having sent the nanny away, Mrs. Dong asked Jingfu, "How are things on the Marquis’ side?"
"I heard the Marquis is no longer in any serious condition, and he hasn’t left the Woodland Pavilion," Jingfu replied.
Mrs. Dong nodded and stood up, "Let’s go, let’s also check on the Marquis. The Marquis is ill; as the Madam of the house, how could I not visit?"
Though the Marquis rejected her yesterday, making Mrs. Dong lose face in front of the servants, she felt uncomfortable but knew there was no other choice; she must go to the Marquis.
When Mrs. Dong arrived, Gu Yifeng didn’t stop her this ti. She entered the study to find the Marquis writing sothing. As she glanced around, her eyes fell back on what he was writing—a brief for court use. It was the first ti Mrs. Dong saw the Marquis handling official matters, and she was sowhat curious.
Gu Yifeng finished writing the last few words, set down his pen, and then looked up, "Sit down."
Mrs. Dong curtsied before sitting.
She felt puzzled by the Marquis’ changed attitude towards her. After sitting down, she asked with concern, "Is the Marquis feeling better?"
"It’s nothing serious," Gu Yifeng replied calmly. After getting up and sitting by the tea table, Li Si from outside brought in tea. Gu Yifeng took a sip and then said, "The Holy Emperor heard there’s a legitimate son in the household and asked about it during court. I think it’s still early to establish a Princely Heir, as he’s only a few months old, so I refused. You don’t have any objections, do you?"
Mrs. Dong was dumbfounded, a hint of anger rising, "The Marquis has already refused. Asking now, does what I think even matter? I know the Marquis always makes his own decisions, but regarding the matter of the title, shouldn’t the Marquis consult ? I’ve always known the Marquis holds in little regard and that none of my actions ever pleased him, yet I believe I’ve done nothing wrong all these years."
Thinking about how the Holy Emperor already ntioned the Princely Heir position and the Marquis refused, Mrs. Dong couldn’t help but feel like crying, "Or does the Marquis have soone else in mind? Prefer soone else to inherit the title?"
Gu Yifeng was unmoved, "He’s still young. As long as he grows up well, the title will naturally be his."
Mrs. Dong’s tone grew sharper, "The Marquis’ words offer no reassurance."
Having said so, Mrs. Dong stood up, her gaze icy, "I’ve never thought I was wrong before, but now, I feel I haven’t erred."
With that, she strode out.
Gu Yifeng continued sipping his tea, unaffected by Mrs. Dong’s words, although he understood what she hinted at in her last remark.
He never intended to exploit the matter to make Mrs. Dong realize any remorse over anything, but in thinking about it, it might only push the Dong Mansion to bigger actions. After what happened with Sister Ning, Gu Yifeng had already started planning things slowly. He always preferred to handle things in a straightforward and clean manner.
Back at Yingshui Courtyard, Mrs. Dong threw a massive tantrum, unable to dispel the lancholy in her heart. She had her belongings packed and returned to the Dong Mansion.
Once Mrs. Dong left, Gu Yifeng imdiately received word, and those secretly watching followed.
Mrs. Gu Sr. in Shi’an Garden, after reciting scriptures, called Suyi over, "Go to the East Mansion and check if Sister Ning is truly asleep?"
Suyi’s heart tightened, knowing the old Madam’s suspicions were stirring, and she kneeled, as Mrs. Gu Sr.’s gaze narrowed, "Speak, what’s happened?"
"The young lady instructed not to inform the old Madam," Suyi raised her head, her eyes red, "The young lady has overexerted herself and is resting in bed."
Mrs. Gu Sr. stood abruptly, "When did this happen?"
"I didn’t ask in detail then, just took a glance inside; the young lady was resting, looking thinner. However, Nanny Guo ntioned the young lady seed quite calm."
Suyi, seeing the old Mrs. Gu so agitated, began to worry, wondering if concealing this from her had been the wrong decision.
Mrs. Gu Sr. glared at Suyi with resentnt, "How could this possibly be hidden from ? Even though Nanny Guo is knowledgeable, she isn’t seasoned in this matter. Sister Ning is so young, isn’t it distressing for her to go through this? Poor Sister Ning, so unfortunate to encounter such a thing. Did you find out what exactly happened?"
As Mrs. Gu Sr. spoke, she had already started walking, and Suyi quickly stood to follow, along with Nanny Chang and Nanny Chi, but Suyi was clueless about it all, which only made Mrs. Gu Sr. more anxious. Fortunately, with things being this way, and Mrs. Dong not being in the mansion, they didn’t attract outside attention.
In the eyes of the servants, it seed as if the old Madam simply wanted to visit the elder Madam.
Lin Youning had just taken her dicine and was leaning against the bed when she heard a commotion outside, followed by her aunt’s entry.
Lin Youning was just about to get up when Mrs. Gu Sr. had already strode to the bedside, "Lie down, my child. How can you move around when you’re overexerted?"
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