The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!-Chapter 234 - 235: Recognizing Kin

Mrs. Gu Sr.’s face was filled with an uncontrollable smile, and if it weren’t for the persuasion of Nanny Chang and the others beside her, she would have quickly risen from the couch to welcome them.

Mrs. Dong watched everything from the side, tightly gripping the handkerchief in her hand, almost squeezing out a hole.

Aunt He looked much older due to matters concerning Gu Chaoxuan; she had always stood expressionlessly behind Mrs. Dong, and upon hearing Lin Youning’s arrival, she suddenly looked towards the door, a flash of hatred in her eyes.

If it weren’t for Sister Ning, how could Young Master Xuan end up like this? And now she’s married to the Marquis, without a care, enjoying all the ready-made benefits.

And what about Aunt Lv?

Ever since the news got out that the Marquis wanted a family, Aunt Lv has been tirelessly trying to draw him to her courtyard, hoping to get pregnant. Despite her efforts and constant medication, there had been no signs of change.

Consequently, the courtyard admitted another aunt, Aunt Wu, which disturbed Aunt Lv; however, luckily, Aunt Wu was quite well-behaved, and the Marquis hadn’t once visited her courtyard, which put Aunt Lv at ease.

As for the Marquis wanting a family, again because of Sister Ning, Aunt Lv could only swallow her bitterness, knowing well that as an aunt, she couldn’t possibly prevent it.

Now hearing that the Marquis has arrived, Aunt Lv looked out as well, wanting to see Sister Ning’s expression.

After all, they were the Marquis’s women, and knew he was always quite indifferent in that regard.

As everyone awaited with varying thoughts, Lin Youning and Gu Yifeng walked in one after the other. In Mrs. Gu Sr.’s eyes, they appeared as a perfect couple.

Holding back after the formalities, Mrs. Gu Sr. smiled and said, "Alright, alright, they’re not outsiders, no need for so many pleasantries. Now, eldest, take Sister Ning to the ancestral hall; upon your return, we’ll have the meal. I’ve had the kitchen prepare breakfast early, just waiting for you to pay respects to the ancestors and then eat."

Seeing his mother happy, Gu Yifeng couldn’t bear to disagree with her, so he left with Sister Ning, while Mrs. Dong and the others waited to recognize their kin upon their return.

Being ignored like this, Mrs. Dong gritted her teeth, especially since the Marquis hadn’t even glanced at the female members.

Once out, Mrs. Dong sat there, feeling as if she were worlds apart from the Marquis, her heart void.

Originally, their marital relationship was quite cold, and considering the Marquis’s affection for Sister Ning, now they were husband and wife, and even though they hadn’t spoken just moments ago, the Marquis had been attentive to Sister Ning’s feelings, leaving Mrs. Dong with a tearing pain in her heart.

"Let the aunts rest in the side room, they can come for the meal later," Mrs. Gu Sr. said indifferently.

The three aunts quickly stepped forward for the formalities and then withdrew.

Wu Xueqin tightened her lips, carrying a smile; she could see the Marquis valued Lin Youning’s feelings, even looking to the side during the formalities.

Even such a small gesture indicated the Marquis had Lin Youning in mind.

Wu Xueqin sneered inwardly; what cold-hearted Marquis, encountering a woman like Lin Youning, which man wouldn’t be moved, especially as newlyweds, still in the phase of fondness.

In the past, whenever Mrs. Dong was left alone by the elder lady, she would be nervous, but today she was keeping it in, wondering what the elder lady intended to say; accuse her?

The Marquis had left already, what more accusations could there be?

Sister Jian glanced around, uncertain whether she should leave; since Grandmother hadn’t said anything and had only mentioned the aunts, perhaps they were meant to stay?

Sister Hui was more composed, though her gaze towards Mrs. Dong showed her concern.

Sister Ran, being timid, couldn’t hide her excitement; though their legitimate mother treated them well, they were ultimately concubine’s daughters, and now seeing Grandmother about to lecture their legitimate mother made her happy.

"Sister Ning is now part of the main household; though she grew up here as your sister, you must consider her by her rightful title as elder sister-in-law without any hard feelings—it’ll come naturally with time," said Mrs. Gu Sr. publicly, avoiding harsh words. "You’ve been taking the medicine prescribed by the Imperial Physician; how’s your health now?"

This topic deflated Mrs. Dong like a burst balloon. "The Imperial Physician said there’s no issue with my health."

Mrs. Gu Sr. sighed, "There hasn’t been any progress in the family for years, and it’s uncertain when news will come from Sister Ning’s side."

The two of them aren’t living together, uncertain if she could ever outlive the situation.

How should Mrs. Dong respond?

Praise that it won’t take long?

She couldn’t manage that.

Mrs. Gu Sr. hadn’t expected her to say anything noteworthy; she was like this when first married into the family, maintaining her stature then—unlike now, the older she gets, the less composed she seems.

Naturally, Mrs. Gu Sr. grew increasingly displeased, "The three sisters are of age; it’s time to consider their marriages. If there are decent families, settle it soon."

Mrs. Dong responded affirmatively but said no more.

In the flower hall, the atmosphere was tense; Mrs. Gu Sr. ignored it, simply asking if Suyi had returned yet, then instructed the kitchen to serve the meal.

Mrs. Dong rose to help organize.

Meanwhile, Lin Youning and Gu Yifeng walked slowly back along the corridor from the ancestral hall.

"The account books are stored in the study; though you haven’t looked at them in months, I’ve reviewed them recently, so you need only manage household affairs now, organizing staff and workforce," Gu Yifeng, before the marriage, was unsure how to engage with Sister Ning.

But overnight, it seemed they gradually reverted to their old selves.

Lin Youning wanted to break the awkwardness, saying with a smile, like always, "That makes it easier for me; I never liked flipping through those account books, and you have a steward beside you anyway, why not let it be taken care of together."

"You cheeky girl, I thought you’d be overwhelmed just taking over, and here you are, pushing it all onto me," Gu Yifeng shook his head.

Lin Youning laughed, her bright smile like a summer flower.

She felt that interacting like this with her older brother was good; if they were too reserved, it would cause awkwardness.

All along, making idle chat, they returned to Shi’an Garden; before entering the flower hall, their laughter had already carried inside.

Mrs. Gu Sr. felt pleased hearing it, while Mrs. Dong’s fingers arranging dishes turned pale.

The little maids drew the curtains aside, Gu Yifeng strode in elegantly, coming face to face with Mrs. Dong’s slightly reddened eyes; he hesitated briefly as Mrs. Dong turned her head away.

Though Gu Yifeng said nothing, his lively expression visibly dimmed, and Lin Youning, upon meeting her aunt, felt a mix of emotions, so she fell silent upon entering.

This way, she didn’t notice her older brother’s change.