The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!-Chapter 198: Estrangement

Xu Kuan hadn’t stood under the wall for long when he seemed to think of something, chuckling softly a few times before striding away.

The alley was silent, the footsteps grew distant till they couldn’t be heard anymore, yet Li Si could feel the waves of cold air emanating from another branch.

Gu Yifeng was hidden among the branches, his stern face indeed emanating a chilling light; his eyes were slightly narrowed, staring at the end of the alley, lost in thought.

Li Si didn’t need to look to guess what kind of expression the Marquis had at that moment: cold and indifferent, showing no hint of emotion, yet most frightening.

But what truly shocked Li Si was, when did General Xu start to like Miss Lin? Such a discovery, let alone the Marquis being enraged, even he was startled.

"Have someone check what General Xu has been busy with lately." Gu Yifeng leaped down from the branch.

Li Si followed closely behind, yet sensed murderous intent in the Marquis’s aura. In the moonlight, he could see the icy expression of the Marquis from the side, and Li Si thought to himself that this matter was going to be trouble.

General Xu and the Marquis had been friends for many years, and it would be unfortunate if a misunderstanding arose over Miss Lin. Li Si followed closely behind his master, hesitating slightly, wondering whether he should send a message to Miss Lin, so she might explain later.

But he knew that if he did, he wouldn’t have to stay by the Marquis’s side in the future.

Li Si tightened his robe around him, though it was summer, he inexplicably felt very cold all around.

Lin Youning didn’t know about any of this; with the approach of Qixi, she had Shanmoi pick out some cloth and made a close-fitting blouse for Mrs. Gu Sr. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Lin Youning wasn’t good at needlework and time was tight, so she didn’t let Shanmoi and the others help. After several nights of staying up late, she managed to finish the blouse only the day before Qixi.

Having something to do, Lin Youning felt time passed quickly, especially at night, she felt it wasn’t so unbearable, at least she wouldn’t remember those unwarranted hopes.

One might even say, absurd hopes.

When Qixi arrived, Lin Youning just wore an ordinary pink robe, with a white skirt underneath, her hair done in a simple style, small delicate flowers inserted on one side, and the hair comb made with dark green pearls was placed at the highest point of the bun, revealing rows of dark green pearls. She looked gentle and graceful without losing vibrancy.

Liang Hui looked and felt satisfied; Sister Ling was also making a fuss to go out. Liang Hui said she’d take her out in the evening, which finally calmed her down.

Lin Youning also took out jewelry she wore in her childhood, picking out simple pieces for Sister Ling, though simple, they were still very precious.

After all, they were items prepared for a girl from the Marquis Mansion, how could they not be valuable.

Sister Ling happily pulled Shanmoi to have her help with her hair, Liang Hui shook her head, lightly scolding Sister Ning for spoiling Sister Ling too much.

Lin Youning smiled gently without speaking; the young maid came to announce that the Marquis Mansion’s carriage had arrived, so Lin Youning had Hailan and Nanny Guo take the carriage to the Marquis Mansion.

As for Shanmoi, she stayed behind to leave with Sister Ling in the evening, they agreed to meet at the Fragrant Pavilion.

As she got off the carriage, Lin Youning didn’t expect to see her aunt waiting by the mansion’s gate, so she quickened her pace to go over.

Mrs. Gu Sr. was supported by Nanny Chang, all the while admonishing, "Slow down, slow down, don’t fall."

"Aunt," Lin Youning rushed over directly.

Yet she didn’t dare to use force, fearing she might knock her over.

"Alright, alright, no crying, see, I’m doing just fine." While Mrs. Gu Sr. spoke, she also helped Lin Youning up from her embrace and sized her up carefully. Seeing that Lin Youning hadn’t lost weight, she squinted her eyes with a smile, "Alright, alright, let’s go inside to talk."

Lin Youning dabbed the tears on her face with a handkerchief, then nodded with a smile.

When Mrs. Dong heard the news and came over with Sister Hui, Mrs. Gu Sr. and Lin Youning had already reached the passage and were about to enter Tingxue Hall.

Mrs. Dong went forward to greet Mrs. Gu Sr., while with a smile she spoke to Lin Youning, "Sister Ning, you’re finally back, the old lady has been thinking of you these days."

"Madam," Lin Youning turned and curtsied.

Mrs. Gu Sr. was watching from the side, and when she heard the word ’Madam,’ her eyes flashed with satisfaction.

Which made Mrs. Dong’s expression turn awkward, as Lin Youning calling her Madam obviously distanced herself from her.

Sister Hui knew that Sister Ning simply didn’t want to be involved with her mother, so she hurried forward to greet them, "Grandmother, Little Aunt is back, let’s go back to the courtyard first. Yesterday you started preparing food, today I want to eat at your place."

Mrs. Gu Sr. didn’t want to dampen her granddaughter’s spirits, "Since you opened your mouth, how could I deny your request? But you cannot snatch Little Aunt’s favorite dishes."

This was a teasing remark.

Sister Hui laughed, "Don’t worry, Grandmother, as long as I have food, it’s fine."

Mrs. Gu Sr. also laughed.

The awkwardness brought on by Lin Youning towards Mrs. Dong dissipated, and together everyone headed towards Shi’an Garden, making a stop at Tingxue Hall along the way.

"The way it was when you were here, it remains unchanged. It’s always ready for when you come back for a short stay," Mrs. Gu Sr. was like showing off her treasure to a child.

Lin Youning naturally wouldn’t disappoint her, playfully pouting, "I knew Aunt was good to me."

"You little girl, when have I ever been bad to you?" Mrs. Gu Sr. feigned anger, but the smile on her face was undeniably evident.

Sister Hui from time to time chimed in with a compliment, making the atmosphere filled with laughter, while the smile on Mrs. Dong’s face appeared somewhat forced.

The entire morning, Mrs. Gu Sr. held Lin Youning’s hand tightly, never letting go. Though a small gesture, anyone discerning could see that Mrs. Gu Sr. deeply cherished Sister Ning, otherwise why would she be so excited.

It was only during lunch that Lin Youning learned her eldest brother would also be coming. Mrs. Gu Sr. continued, "I already told him you’d return to the mansion today, and Dalang said the family should eat together, so we’re waiting for him midday."

"At the Wu Mansion, there’s a wedding to take care of; originally, he should have gone, but the Lin Mansion is also pressing for the wedding, lest rumors spread outside. It’s planned to be handled after autumn."

"This is a good thing, the mansion hasn’t had a happy occasion in many years," Lin Youning nodded.

Mrs. Gu Sr. was in high spirits, "Indeed, I’m hoping once they’re married, perhaps I can hold my great-grandson too."

Going deeper into thought, one might interpret it as regret for not being able to hold the grandson who married.

Mrs. Dong sat nearby; such words she hasn’t heard often throughout the years. Yet, in the past two years, their relationship had soured, and the old lady would occasionally bring such matters up.

Now, mentioning it in front of Sister Ning wasn’t to lend her face, but to give her a slap.

She is the mistress of the mansion; yet the old lady favored an outsider to put her down, how could Mrs. Dong feel good about it?