When Lin Youning agreed, the next day Gu Yifeng sent someone to deliver a message to the Prime Minister’s Mansion, and that day they replied, with Sister Hong and Sister Ying coming along. Lin Youning felt a bit awkward seeing them follow the reply back to visit, but understood that it must be because her grandmother was worried about her, hence sending them along.

Hurriedly, she pulled them into the room, and after sitting down on the soft divan, she chuckled and said, "I’ve been staying alone in the mansion, feeling a bit dull, so I thought of inviting you both to stay for a while. Grandmother is rather hasty and immediately sent you over, but I hope it hasn’t interrupted anything for you?"

"Sister and I usually just learn household management with Auntie in the mansion; we came in such a rush, without bringing clothes or jewelry. Grandmother mentioned she’d send someone over with them," Sister Ying spoke frankly in front of Lin Youning and didn’t elaborate much.

Upon hearing this, Sister Hong wanted to stop her but knew it was too late.

Lin Youning smiled and said, "Since you’re here to accompany me, I will send word to Grandmother, and she won’t mind sending over those things. As an elder sister, I can certainly provide my younger sisters with some clothes and jewelry."

"Dear cousin, that won’t be necessary; it’s not appropriate to take your things," Sister Hong quickly refused.

Lin Youning did not respond, but instructed the little maid beside her, "Have someone fetch the shopkeepers from the clothing shop and the jewelry shop outside."

Once the maid acknowledged and left, Lin Youning continued, "There’s no need to be formal with me. Since you’re here today, it’s perfect timing. You’re familiar with the two maids beside me; it’s their wedding today, and the house is just behind. Let’s join the fun together."

Upon learning there was a joyous occasion, the two naturally felt happy. Lin Youning then led them to the house in the alley behind, where it was bustling. Many of those who came to help with the celebration usually worked in the mansion. Seeing Lin Youning, they all came forward to greet her.

Nanny Guo was managing the festivities, and Lin Youning told them to continue their work, and then followed Nanny Guo to the bridal chamber. As they were servants, there was no formal wedding procession; Shanmoi and Hailan stayed in the bridal chamber directly.

Lin Youning first visited Hailan’s side; Hailan didn’t follow formalities, even when Lin Youning advised her not to remove her bridal veil, she still took it off.

Knowing that this maid was always headstrong, Lin Youning didn’t say more after seeing her take off the veil, and handed her a red envelope. Sister Hong and Sister Ying hadn’t prepared anything since they came unexpectedly, so Sister Hong removed her Jade Pendant, while Sister Ying took off a pair of earrings.

Hailan kept refusing to accept them until Lin Youning persuaded her, then she finally took them. When they arrived at Shanmoi’s side, Sister Hong took off her earrings this time, and Sister Ying gave a Jade Pendant. After walking around the house, they returned to the mansion, with Lin Youning simply smiling at the two.

"You went out with me, and now you’ve given away all your belongings. If Grandmother finds out, she’ll surely scold me for bullying her granddaughters. So when they arrive later, take your pick, saving me from Grandmother’s scolding."

Sister Hong understood that cousin was teasing them and taking the chance to gift them things, so she laughed and said, "Your kindness doesn’t compare to your gifts; just make sure not to regret it later, cousin."

Sister Ying joined in the fun, saying, "Regretting won’t help; I’ll choose a lot today since I have the chance."

Girls from the Prime Minister’s Mansion wouldn’t lack such things.

Lin Youning assured them, "No worries, just pick whatever you like."

When Gu Yiwai returned outside, hearing about the day’s events in the mansion, Gu Yifeng smiled. When Li Si and the others bowed during the ceremony, Lin Youning and the others went over again. Watching the couple get married, Gu Yifeng also separately rewarded them with a red envelope.

Later that night, while resting, Lin Youning still couldn’t help but talk about how Sister Hong and Sister Ying gave those gifts, making Gu Yifeng simply watch her laugh in his embrace, finding it not at all boring.

Once Lin Youning finished speaking about the internal affairs, Gu Yifeng finally said, "It seems having them here to accompany you was indeed a good idea; it has been a while since I’ve seen you so happy."

"I’m just as happy when you’re with me, dear brother," Lin Youning protested at the remark.

Gu Yifeng chuckled, "Tomorrow I’ll be at the Pure Path Temple with your brother. You stay in the mansion, but don’t go out. If there’s anything you need, instruct Zhao Wu, while I’ll take Li Si along."

Lin Youning quickly gathered her smile, nodding earnestly, "Don’t worry, dear brother, I understand."

They had discussed it last night, and Lin Youning knew the importance, just hoping nothing would go wrong. As for her brother’s meeting with the emperor, she didn’t ask about it, understanding that if her brother didn’t share, it meant it wasn’t an issue.

The next morning, after leaving East Mansion, Gu Yifeng returned to the Marquis Mansion, visiting Mrs. Gu Sr. in Shi’an Garden. When Mrs. Gu Sr. heard that her son would be going out with Zhao Housheng on business, knowing it was significant, she reassured him about the mansion affairs.

Once Gu Yifeng left, Mrs. Gu Sr. naturally remained worried. Since it had been years since her eldest had treated matters with such seriousness, suddenly acting this way was naturally concerning.

Lin Youning also anticipated Aunt’s worries and after breakfast with the Sister Hong siblings, she went to the Marquis Mansion. Seeing them brought a smile to Mrs. Gu Sr.’s face, even calling Sister Ran over, who had heard they were there and had already come over.

Mrs. Gu Sr. told Sister Hui, "Go play with them; you’re still so young but always staying quietly with me, growing quieter."

Sister Hui knew that Grandmother was caring and agreed with a smile. Although she had interacted with Sister Hong’s group before, it was while helping Grandmother with Aunt’s designs, leading to less closeness. Things were different now, her mindset shifted, and their interaction was much closer than before.

There weren’t outsiders in the room, so Lin Youning spoke, "Aunt, there’s no need to worry, dear brother will certainly be fine."

"You smart girl, coming over with a pregnancy to ease my worries. Rest assured, seeing you puts my heart at peace," Mrs. Gu Sr. laughed. "Men handle big matters outside, if women inside aren’t steady, causing them concern, wouldn’t that be a burden? Though aged, Aunt easily forgets this. Thankfully you’ve come to remind me, enlightening Aunt."

"I’m hardly that capable; it’s Aunt who’s been holding the mansion together for all these years," Lin Youning knew that Aunt wanted genuine reassurance, speaking so to make her truly at ease.