Lin Youning had never met her father. Seeing how confident her brother was, she understood that her brother must have met their father and understood his character. Now hearing her brother say this, she was convinced he wasn’t lying.

"Big Brother, you said that the Holy Emperor already knows of our existence. Could it mean that we’ll become involved because of something in the future?" Lin Youning felt that their background wouldn’t bring any good, only making their situation dangerous.

Although her big brother hadn’t mentioned this matter, Lin Youning couldn’t help but think about it, "Now that you’re recalled, it’s clearly the Emperor’s intention. You’ll meet the Emperor tomorrow. You’re always a person who knows what’s important; don’t ever think about riches and honor during your audience with him."

"Rest assured, I understand all of this." Zhao Housheng narrowed his eyes slightly, "Nanny Wang said she’s not used to staying in the mansion. I fear she learned something about Father and went out to find him. You’re pregnant, and I’ve heard some things from your sister-in-law about your household. Now that you’ve recuperated, Nanny Wang has left the mansion; otherwise, she wouldn’t have left. It seems there is some news about Father. All these years, Father hasn’t sent me any message. Even when he left back then, he only instructed me to say publicly that we don’t have a father. Now that he’s found you, and with the Holy Emperor searching for him, Father must know too, but I don’t know what he thinks."

Speaking of this, Zhao Housheng sighed, "But don’t worry, now that it’s come to us, the Holy Emperor knows our identity, Father certainly won’t ignore us. I understand the Eldest Prince’s intention, but I fear he’ll be disappointed."

Zhao Housheng didn’t say much more on the matter, "The Marquis said he’s coming over with Grandfather and the others, so I suspect it’s around this time. Let’s head out together to wait. You should walk more since you’re pregnant."

Without their mother around, Zhao Housheng, although awkward with these things, had only one sister, so he earnestly reminded her.

Lin Youning smiled and got off the chaise. Zhao Housheng, still worried, called the maid from outside to assist. Lin Youning had Hailan change her shoes and then followed her brother out of the room.

In the courtyard were many boxes. Liang Hui was directing people where to place them, and Shanmoi was helping at the side. Lin Youning frowned, "Big Brother, you should add more servants to the mansion. This isn’t sustainable, and Sister-in-law, after all, is the Madam of the house; how can she manage everything alone?"

"Your sister-in-law said she doesn’t like having too many people in the house. I think it feels more like a home this way." Zhao Housheng saw Wang Er running in, then added, "Perhaps Grandfather and the others have arrived, let’s go greet them."

Lin Youning responded. Liang Hui handed over her tasks to Shanmoi, and they all went out to greet, arriving at the gate, where indeed they saw the Prime Minister’s Mansion’s carriage.

Gu Yifeng and Liu Wen got off their horses, while Chancellor Liu and Mrs. Liu Sr. sat inside the carriage.

Upon meeting, there was no shortage of inquiries. Mrs. Liu Sr., while speaking, didn’t let go of Lin Youning’s hand, "The other day, when I went to the Zhou Mansion as a guest, I still feel angry when I think about it. Consort Zhou is also from the mansion, yet she acts so petty."

She also complained to Chancellor Liu at her side, "When you went to the palace to meet the Emperor, you should have mentioned this, but you didn’t say a word."

Since there were no servants around, Mrs. Liu Sr. wasn’t afraid of being overheard.

Lin Youning smiled, "Grandmother, given that the recognition is from the Emperor and unlike ordinary families, you shouldn’t blame Grandfather. Besides, look at me, I’m fine."

"You don’t need to defend your Grandfather. Consort Zhou embarrassed us in front of the entire Capital; it’s too disgraceful. As Chancellor, and an aide to the Emperor, your Grandfather should mention such matters." Mrs. Liu Sr. had her own thoughts.

Lin Youning saw that the more she spoke up for Grandfather, the more her Grandmother got upset, so she stopped saying more and just smiled softly.

Zhao Housheng was pleased to see his sister and Grandmother getting along well. He felt that his sister was somewhat filling the void left in their Grandmother’s heart by their mother’s absence.

Gu Yifeng and Liu Wen sat drinking tea by the side, not participating in the conversation.

As a woman, Liang Hui also refrained from speaking much.

For a moment, no one defended Chancellor Liu. He shook his head, "Even if we don’t mention it, the Holy Emperor will know. Now isn’t the time to dwell on this. If Youning and Housheng’s identities get exposed, they’ll be in danger."

"You always have a reason." Mrs. Liu Sr. chastised him but said no more.

Chancellor Liu maintained a serious look, but everyone present felt amused since who would’ve thought that the seemingly strict Chancellor Liu would be afraid of his wife.

They stayed at the Zhao Mansion until after lunch, dispersing in the afternoon. As Lin Youning was leaving, Liang Hui took her hand, "Stay well in the mansion. Once things are settled in a couple of days, I’ll bring Sister Ling to visit you. You’re pregnant, so no wandering around."

Lin Youning agreed, and with her elder brother’s support, she got into the carriage. Gu Yifeng didn’t ride a horse either but entered the carriage. From afar, Mrs. Liu Sr. watched this scene through the window, a faint smile on her face.

Chancellor Liu huffed, "You’ll only be able to smile for a few more days. Even though the Dingyuan Marquis is responsible, some things can’t go on like this indefinitely. Even if Mrs. Gu Sr. dotes on her, she won’t let things continue this way. It would have been better if Mrs. Dong hadn’t been sent away."

Having been in the court for many years, Chancellor Liu could see at a glance what the future looked like and understood it well.

Mrs. Liu Sr. wasn’t foolish, and with just a word, her expression immediately showed concern, "Now that you mention it, I realize it’s true. If Mrs. Dong were still in the mansion, there’d be a proper woman in the Marquis Mansion. Mrs. Gu Sr. wouldn’t say anything, but things are different now. There are only two longtime concubines in the mansion. This can’t continue as is. Why didn’t you remind me earlier? I could have warned Sister Ning."

She couldn’t bear her granddaughter being mistreated.

Chancellor Liu was in no hurry, "There’s no point telling you these things. Since it’s happened, we can only figure out a solution. As for Sister Ning, you needn’t worry. The Dingyuan Marquis won’t let Sister Ning be unhappy."

Mrs. Liu Sr. said nothing, but inwardly she disagreed, as how many good men stick to their ways when they see a woman?