Mrs. Gu Sr. sighed and patted Sister Ning’s hand. Lin Youning noticed her aunt looking at her, not understanding why her aunt was watching her in such a way.

She hesitated for a moment, "Aunt, is there something you want to say? I was raised by you and have grown up by your side all these years. You can speak openly; I’m not an outsider."

"You clever girl, nothing escapes you. At my age, what worries could I have? You needn’t worry. Now that Mrs. Dong has been sent to the estate, Aunt Lv doesn’t handle affairs, and Aunt He is confined, this residence has only Sister Hui managing the inner chambers. But Sister Hui will eventually marry, and I don’t plan to let Dong Di return here. With Brother Zong being young, I can’t just leave him with a concubine, and I really don’t know what to do. Whenever I think about this, I get a headache."

"Your elder brother never cares about these things. Even if I’ve brought it up several times, he doesn’t pay it any mind. Your elder brother has always been independent and won’t listen to anything I say."

"I’m getting old, and who knows how many more years I have left. After I’m gone, I don’t know what will happen to the Marquis Mansion, but as for matters at your Dong Mansion, my heart is at ease because you’re there." As Mrs. Gu Sr. spoke, her eyes swept over Sister Ning’s face.

Making sure not to miss any expression.

Lin Youning’s heart sank with her aunt’s words. Her aunt had spoken so plainly; how could she not understand? Her aunt wanted her to persuade her elder brother and hint at remembering that her elder brother shoulders responsibility for both households.

Indeed.

How could she forget this?

Though her aunt favored her, she always prioritized Dong Mansion’s matters, just like previously when she schemed against her. Thinking of this made Lin Youning feel uneasy.

But then, concerning Gu Er being her aunt’s biological child, it seemed not to matter. For the Gu Family’s reputation and for her, her aunt renounced even her biological son.

Now, what reason did she have to resent her aunt?

Her aunt always thought of the Gu Family.

After contemplating all this, Lin Youning took a deep breath, her feelings now calm, "Once I see my elder brother, I will persuade him on behalf of my aunt."

Lin Youning knew expressing her stance would finally ease her aunt’s worries.

Perhaps her aunt was concerned about her feelings, and that’s why she hadn’t used her usual forceful means to bring women into the mansion. Now, understanding that avoidance isn’t possible, and she can’t selfishly only think of herself, it’s best to relieve her aunt’s concerns. As for whether her elder brother will accept, that’s beyond her control.

"There’s no need for you to persuade him. I know Da Lang’s temperament; persuasion won’t work. Instead, maybe I should directly bring someone into the mansion; otherwise, he won’t act." Mrs. Gu Sr. also expressed her thoughts openly.

"That may be better." Lin Youning nodded with a smile.

It was now clear that her aunt’s previous words were to test her, and now seeing she wasn’t angry, her aunt revealed her thoughts, right?

Mrs. Gu Sr. considered explaining a few things but decided against it. When the girls returned from the garden, it was lunchtime; everyone enjoyed themselves in the mansion until the afternoon. After Lin Youning had lunch, she took a nap before she and Sister Hong and Sister Ying returned to their mansion.

Sister Ran looked reluctant to part, and though Sister Hui didn’t say anything, her expression while glancing at Sister Hong showed reluctance as well. It was rare for the four of them to get along so well. Although Lin Youning was of similar age to them, having lived two lifetimes, she understood their feelings.

"Why don’t you visit the mansion tomorrow? I’d like Sister Hong and Sister Ying to keep me company for a few days. I usually too lazy to move; you’re welcome at the East Mansion." Lin Youning’s suggestion cheered up their faces.

Mrs. Gu Sr., seeing this, also smiled. When Lin Youning and her companions left, they happened to meet Sister Yue returning from outside at the mansion’s gate.

Because the three Gu Family manors are adjacent, the gate of Jinghe Courtyard, where Gu Er lives, once connected to the Marquis Mansion, was sealed after the family split, and they now each use their own main gate.

The East Mansion, on the other hand, has a separate courtyard.

When Lin Youning left, Sister Hui and Sister Ran escorted them to the gate, so when Sister Yue saw them together, she was visibly stunned.

Lin Youning paid little heed to Sister Yue upon noticing her and nodded at Sister Hui before heading to the East Mansion with Sister Hong.

Sister Yue cast a cold glance at them, raised her chin, and entered Jinghe Courtyard, albeit not as calmly as she seemed.

Today, she was sent by her mother, who had her visit Prince Xian Mansion. However, after entering, she encountered the Heir of Prince Xian and was ridiculed, which drew laughter from several servants. Her mother didn’t defend her, merely urging her to endure.

Now that her mother is married into Prince Xian Mansion, she is still told to endure. She doesn’t know how long she must endure.

Coming back to find Sister Hui and the others still entertaining guests, she felt as though it was all deliberate.

Upon returning to the mansion, just when she was about to vent her anger, a maid came along, "Miss, your father is waiting for you. He has been waiting for quite a while."

Sister Yue scowled, "Why does Father want to see me?"

"The master heard you went to Prince Xian Mansion and is furious." The maid didn’t hide the truth.

Sister Yue sneered, "The manor is all under Princess Yuanhua’s control. She knows all my movements anyway, but it’s fine; it’s not like I planned to hide anything. By the way, has the young master returned?"

"The young master hasn’t returned," the maid replied.

Sister Yue then strode toward the main hall, where inside, Gu Er sat beside Princess Yuanhua. After Sister Yue saluted them, Gu Er didn’t tell her to rise, but she was indifferent and got up by herself.

Seeing this, Gu Er’s expression became grim. He had intended to make things difficult for her, but the girl clearly didn’t care to put him into consideration.

"Rude. Where did you learn your manners?" Gu Er slammed his hand on the table.

Sister Yue was unfazed, "I wonder why Father called for me?"

"Wonder why? You dare ask me? Good, very good, your temperament clearly takes after your mother. You seem well-mannered on the surface, but inside, you have your own mind—a truly stubborn block." With servants present in the flower hall, Gu Er shouted loudly.

Being her father, speaking such words about his daughter, how would Sister Yue’s reputation fare?

Gu Er was in a fit of anger, and since he usually cared little for manners, he naturally didn’t notice.