Gu Yifeng was dressed in a deep red Daoist robe, a departure from his usual Python Robe as a military general, presenting a rarely seen scholarly appearance.
Although it was an ordinary Daoist robe, Gu Yifeng wore it with an air of Daoist serenity and immortal grace.
Nowadays, scholars typically wore such upper and lower garnts, coupled with wide-sleeved Daoist robes; another variant was an outer Daoist robe or tunic, or simpler narrow-sleeved long robes.
The first style was mostly worn by those inclined towards tranquility and freedom, the second by renowned scholars, and the last by ordinary people.
The first style, with its grandeur, was favored by the aristocracy, embodying elegance and charm.
Gu Yifeng was usually perceived as stern and distant; today, this charming deanor left everyone present astonished.
The older nannies were less affected, unlike the young maids who might stir their affections.
Therefore, it was not until Gu Yifeng and Xu Kuan approached that everyone snapped back to reality and began to greet them.
"What’s happening here?" Gu Yifeng imdiately noticed the swelling on half of Lin Youning’s face, his brows furrowing.
Xu Kuan stood beside Gu Yifeng, his outer robe a crossover collared green with black edges and cloud patterns, his inner wear a white high-collared tunic, his deanor unmistakably that of a military man.
His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, finally resting on Lin Youning, cradled in Nanny Chang’s arms.
Being asked a second ti, Nanny Chang dared not delay and recounted the entire incident, then looked to Gu Yifeng for his decision.
After all, in essence, Gu Yifeng was the true master here.
Everyone in the estate knew that this girl had caught the Marquis’ attention. Even the legitimate daughters of the estate had never been held by the Marquis, yet he truly cherished this girl deeply.
Nanny Chang, who had been Mrs. Gu Sr.’s maid since childhood, was personally assigned to Lin Youning, showing the genuine affection Mrs. Gu Sr. had for her.
Having grown up with Mrs. Gu Sr. and seen much within the mansion’s walls, Nanny Chang was well aware of the importance placed on Lin Youning by the household.
The more important Lin Youning was, the more careful one had to be, especially since she had been struck.
anwhile, at the Duke Mansion, Kong Tianru, upon seeing Gu Yifeng, was terrified, biting her lower lip and lowering her head, wanting to leave but unable to muster the courage.
Earlier, she had been impulsive.
Having assaulted soone and stirred such trouble, she now realized the severity of her mistake, fear escalating within her.
Her body trembled with the weight of impending consequences.
"Take the young lady back." Gu Yifeng’s voice revealed no emotion as his eyes swept over Shanmoi and Tingnan, "You two failed to protect your mistress. Report to Housekeeper Gu for twenty strikes when you return."
Steward Lin, who had accompanied General Gu on battlefields in his younger days, was honored with the Gu surna by the General.
Shanmoi and Tingnan, terrified, knelt to the ground and apologized, only rising after thanking him and hastily following Nanny Chang.
Gu Yifeng then instructed Li Si nearby, "Go to the rear mountain and invite Master Yuanji to examine the young lady."
Master Yuanji, renowned in the Capital for his exceptional dical skills, was often beyond the reach of noble families, yet with just a word, Gu Yifeng secured his attention for a five-year-old child, demonstrating his seriousness.
Nanny Guan, another longstanding fixture in the Duke Mansion, perceived Gu Yifeng’s deanor and disregard as an implicit criticism and authority, fear creeping into her heart.
Despite serving Madam for many years, failure to oversee the young lady today, allowing such a disgraceful incident, left her uncertain of her future consequences.
"Elder Brother..." Kong Tianru bit her lip and raised her head.
As a child, Kong Tianru often played at the Marquis Mansion, which was then the Gu Mansion. After Gu Yifeng returned victorious, she continued to address him as ’Elder Brother.’
However, Gu Yifeng’s aloof nature always induced a sense of apprehension in Kong Tianru.
"Since you’ve fallen into the water, take good care of yourself and rest." Gu Yifeng’s expression remained indifferent, an icy deanor.
Kong Tianru, her face wrought with fear and tears brimming, seed on the verge of weeping.
Gu Yifeng rely nodded slightly and turned away, walking off with long strides.
Xu Kuan, with an amused glance at the stiffly standing master and servant duo, quickly followed, only speaking when they were left behind, "That little person, with a face swollen like a bun, staring blankly - perhaps she was struck silly?"
It was no wonder this often unflappable man had been provoked to anger.
Even that singular look could freeze a person in place.
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