After Mr. Dong Sr. was beaten and sent to Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, he was initially left to cool his heels. Now, after meeting the Marquis and hearing about the things his sister had done, he wished he could find a hole in the ground to hide in.

He had no grounds to question others, and instead had to bow his head and apologize cautiously.

Gu Yifeng sat there, took a sip of tea, and then said, "One issue after another keeps happening in the mansion; this isn’t the first time. Mrs. Dong is the head mistress, and according to Mother’s original idea, she was to be sent back to the Dong Mansion. But Sister Hui pleaded for her mother, so she was sent to the countryside, explaining to the outside world that it was due to her poor health and she needed a retreat to recuperate."

Gu Yifeng’s words made it clear that sending Mrs. Dong to the countryside was already an act of mercy; otherwise, she would have been directly divorced.

Having put it that way, Mr. Dong Sr. knew there was no use saying more. He asked a few words about Sister Hui, then got up to take his leave; even though it was nearing noon, Gu Yifeng did not invite him to stay for a meal at the mansion.

Remembering what Mrs. Dong had done before marrying into the mansion, yet all along people thought she had waited many years for him, Gu Yifeng, though unwilling to pursue the matter, didn’t want to interact with the Dong Mansion anymore.

Upon leaving Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, Mr. Dong Sr. was far from relieved; his brow furrowed even deeper. The Marquis’ attitude towards him was clearly different. Could it be that he’s still angry about the Side’s matter concerning the Dong Mansion?

To think his son was gone because of that, yet the Marquis still bore a grudge; it was somewhat unreasonable and quite petty.

He worried that perhaps the Marquis had discovered something. After all, the Marquis had been investigating the liquor kept at the household by his father. Having done something wrong, Mr. Dong Sr. was uneasy, knowing that if this issue was brought to light, it would indeed spell the end for the Dong Mansion.

Having seen Mr. Dong Sr. off, Gu Yifeng went to Shi’an Garden.

Mrs. Dong Sr. was reading scriptures. Seeing her son come in, she set the book down, and Suyi also went out to serve tea; Nanny Chi and Nanny Chang sensibly retreated as well.

Mrs. Gu Sr. inquired, "How is Sister Ning?" 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

"Didn’t Mother just visit her yesterday? She’s doing well; there’s no need for you to worry," Gu Yifeng replied, happy that his mother cared so much for Sister Ning, though he found her exceedingly anxious.

Mrs. Gu Sr. nodded, "I’ve sent Sister Hui to accompany Mrs. Dong to the countryside; Nanny Chi and them hurried back last night. Sister Hui said she would stay a few days with her mother there. She’s a filial child, but has a mother like Mrs. Dong. Now there are only two concubines in the mansion. You have confined Aunt He because of Sister Jian’s matter, and Aunt Lv has also quieted down. I think the mansion can’t be without a manager. What do you think of bringing in a well-disciplined girl from another family?"

Gu Yifeng refused, "Mother knows that I’ve always been indifferent to matters between men and women. The mansion is stable now, and once Sister Hui returns, she can oversee everything. Right now, we also have to find marriage prospects for the young ladies. Bringing in another person will only complicate matters. If she’s docile, she may not be capable of managing the household. If she’s formidable, she may not be content. It’s better as it is now."

"I’ve considered your points too, but we can’t just let things be in the Marquis Mansion. You are, after all, the Marquis here. I won’t comment on your favoritism toward Sister Ning, but you must remember, you are not only the eldest son of the Gu Family but also the Marquis of Dingyuan Marquis Mansion. You can’t focus on just one aspect," Mrs. Gu Sr. warned again. "Since you say so, I won’t press further now. Sister Ning is pregnant, so let’s discuss this again once she has given birth. This time, I will personally choose someone suitable for you, someone prudent and understanding of reason. Although Brother Zong is already here, the family line is still rather thin, so it wouldn’t hurt to bring in more family members and have more descendants."

Gu Yifeng agreed and didn’t speak further. He reminded his mother to take care of her health before taking his leave.

Mrs. Gu Sr., however, frowned deeply. She cared for Sister Ning and understood her son’s attachment to her, but her son carried great responsibility. Now that Mrs. Dong was sent away from the Marquis Mansion, the lack of an official lady in charge was unjustifiable.

Furthermore, now that Sister Ning was expecting, and Mrs. Dong had given birth to Brother Zong, there were no issues with the son. It was entirely feasible for the mansion to welcome more grandchildren.

When Gu Yifeng returned to the East Mansion, Lin Youning was already tired and sleeping, leaning against a soft couch. Gu Yifeng instructed not to disturb her, changed his robe, and lay beside her on the couch, not reading, but half-closed his eyes, lost in thought.

He understood his mother’s concern that he only cared for Sister Ning. The reason for her words today was likely because she would indeed bring someone into the Marquis Mansion after Sister Ning delivered the child. Gu Yifeng frowned, realizing he had to find a way to dispel his mother’s thoughts.

He did not mention this matter to Sister Ning. Three days later, Zhao Housheng and his family finally arrived in the city. Lin Youning did not go to greet them outside the city and waited at the residence.

Zhao Housheng saw his sister’s now rounder face and slightly protruding belly, smiling broadly. Though he couldn’t say much in front of people, his happiness was evident.

Lang Hui was thrilled, pulling Lin Youning aside to ask many questions, and seeing the care in her sister-in-law’s eyes made Lin Youning’s smile unwavering.

Sister Ling was also curious; after nearly a year apart, she had grown taller and looked even more like Lin Youning.

When Lin Youning went to rest, while Liang Hui directed the servants to organize their things, Sister Ling brought out gifts she had collected from the border city, claiming they were for the future little nephew.

Lin Youning merely smiled and patted her on the head, but when Zhao Housheng entered, she asked about Nanny Wang, "Isn’t Nanny Wang supposed to be with you? Why don’t I see her?"

"A while back, Nanny Wang didn’t seem to enjoy the household life, so I sent her to the Pure Path Temple outside. She hasn’t been brought back since. Now that Brother is here, we might as well have Nanny Wang return. She doesn’t like staying in the East Mansion, so keeping her with Brother might work better," Lin Youning suggested, looking at her brother. "Brother, have there been any updates on Father?"

Previously, not knowing that Father was still alive, she never thought about it, but since learning it from Nanny Wang, Lin Youning would occasionally think of this father she had never met.

So far, she hadn’t even considered herself as the daughter of a prince.

Zhao Housheng nodded, "When Father decides to come back, he will definitely return."