Lin Youning nodded. These words her elder brother had told her before, and she had always kept them in mind. Despite this matter being unrelated to her, she still felt guilty.
Now reaching this point, even though Mrs. Dong made mistakes, not pursuing them could be considered as her compensation.
"Elder Brother, why not use Brother Zong’s poor health as an excuse for Mrs. Dong to leave with him, then after a few years people will say it’s due to health issues, and let them change their nas and leave. This way, no one will feel guilty," Lin Youning bit her lip, "I’m about to beco a mother, and having gone through so much, I believe Mrs. Dong will also be willing. The Dong Family can abandon her for their own interests, she should understand the cold realities of the world and will know the kind of life she wants."
Gu Yifeng nodded, "Alright, whatever you say. But we should still discuss this with your father; you know he worries about you the most."
"Elder Brother, are you doing this for ?" Lin Youning suddenly asked.
Gu Yifeng was taken aback, then laughed, "Why did you suddenly think of asking this?"
Lin Youning pursed her lips with a smile, "Even though Elder Brother doesn’t say it, I can see it. You’re worried that people in the Capital will critique because you seem biased towards . Is that why you want to bring up Brother Xuan’s matters to damage the reputation of the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, hoping the Holy Emperor will revoke the Marquis title? I didn’t think of this before, but after listening to you talk about court matters, I suddenly understood."
Lin Youning looked at the man before her; it was this man who wanted to give her the best of everything, who wished her no harm.
Gu Yifeng, under her gaze, felt a bit uncomfortable and gently pulled her closer to his embrace. "Dong Boyun and Wang Wen have left the Capital, heading to their hotown. Wu Xueqin sent a letter to Wang Wen, but he refused and returned it imdiately."
Lin Youning noted Elder Brother’s deliberate change of topic, understanding he didn’t want to discuss it further. Moved by his actions, she followed along, "Dong Boyun sent a letter when she left. She also ntioned past events at the mansion. I know we can’t return to how it was before, so I don’t dwell on these matters. Also, regarding the Xu Mansion, Xu Ya’an sent a letter wishing to visit . I declined, saying the mansion is busy. She replied saying she and her grandmother wanted to visit Madam at the mansion."
"Xu Kuan and his son have returned, I know. Given the matters at the Sun Mansion, Xu Kuan needs to carry on the family line, they can’t delay any longer." Gu Yifeng lightly pinched her nose, "They both have interest in you. Do you have a favorite?"
Lin Youning was slightly stunned.
Gu Yifeng knew what she was thinking and laughed, "Xu Kuan confessed publicly; Xu Yuxian did so at the Wu Mansion, right? I knew about those matters all along. Back then, if you truly liked them, I would have found a way to help through mother. But later, seeing no reaction from you, I realized you weren’t interested."
Lin Youning’s face turned red, "I’ve always kept it a secret, as it wasn’t easy to talk about. Especially since Xu Ya’an was involved. I never really liked it, thinking Xu Ya’an shouldn’t have acted that way. Yet, every ti I saw her, she would hold and talk, and I never knew what to say."
Gu Yifeng laughed, "Now you’re my madam. Who would dare have designs on you? Rest assured. As for the Wu Mansion’s sches against you, they are reaping what they’ve sown. Wu Xueya’s subsequent experiences after marrying could serve as a reminder for everyone against her."
Though Gu Yifeng wore a smile, his tone carried a chilling note.
Lin Youning, understanding her elder brother well, sensed his jealousy, which sweetened her heart — his jealousy showed he cared for her.
Seeing her suddenly silent, Gu Yifeng looked down at her and caught her sneaky smile. Rembering sothing, he wore a wry smile full of indulgence.
And the next day, Xu Ya’an, whom Lin Youning ntioned, ca to visit Mrs. Gu Sr. along with Mrs. Xu Sr. at the mansion. Accompanying them was Xu Yuxian. With Mrs. Dong now confined to the courtyard and Mrs. Gu Sr. having suffered a stroke, Lin Youning naturally took on the role of hosting the visitors.
Xu Yuxian, having trained at the border, appeared even more rigid. Upon entering, his gaze fell on Lin Youning, and when it landed on her belly, a hint of disappointnt crossed his eyes.
Though Xu Yuxian didn’t stare, that trace of sadness was caught by Gu Yifeng, who glanced away coldly.
Xu Yuxian instinctively felt a chill, glanced around, finding nothing amiss, and then refocused his attention on Lin Youning.
Lin Youning didn’t mind him and simply continued chatting with Mrs. Xu Sr. Seeing Mrs. Gu Sr.’s condition naturally saddened Mrs. Xu Sr., given their years of acquaintance, sharing a bond incomparable to others. At her age, witnessing such events invoked an empathetic reflection.
Understanding, Lin Youning softly comforted her, "Even though Madam can’t move, the Imperial Physician did say with proper care, she could recover. Her mind is still sharp, which is better than those whose thoughts beco muddled from a stroke, unable to recognize people. Madam should be relieved and take care of yourself as well, especially since Sister An ntioned your health has been unsteady lately."
Mrs. Xu Sr. nodded, "My health isn’t great, all thanks to those troubleso sons. Either they don’t listen, or there’s chaos at ho. Resting is a luxury I can’t afford."
Mrs. Xu Sr., not seeing Lin Youning as an outsider, voiced her frustrations openly.
Xu Yuxian, standing by, felt embarrassed and interjected, "Grandmother, these matters should remain private."
"You brat, you’re concerned about sha now? Everyone in the Capital knows our affairs!" Mrs. Xu Sr. retorted with a sneer. "Stop talking about disgrace, you’ve already disgraced us enough."
Rebuked publicly, Xu Yuxian felt humiliated before Lin Youning, but dared not retort, only bowing his head silently.
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