Gu Er couldn’t understand this. Sister Yue was a young lady, although she was still young, she was nearing the age of marriage, so naturally, she understood this.

Princess Yuanhua sat beside her; she should have understood this truth as well.

But Princess Yuanhua sat by without interfering, even watching with curiosity, and this behavior naturally provoked Sister Yue.

Sister Yue had always been unimpressed with her father, feeling that he had already lost face because of Princess Yuanhua, and yet he still listened to her words. Especially these days, who in the mansion didn’t understand that her father followed Princess Yuanhua’s advice?

Now, in front of Princess Yuanhua, he slapped her in the face, leaving Sister Yue with a cold heart. How could such a father be worthy of her respect?

"In father’s eyes, mother is just a bad person, so naturally, you and Brother De have always disliked us. Father only knows how to blame us, but has he ever thought, when has he ever taken care of us over the years? Now he only knows how to accuse me and Brother De, and accuses me in front of the servants. How will people in the Capital speak of me? Now that father has said such things, what reason do I have to refute? If father wishes to scold, just scold as you wish. I will listen," said Sister Yue as she knelt down, her eyes fixed on the ground, not looking up.

Gu Er was at a loss, not knowing what to say for a long moment after being rebutted. Princess Yuanhua smiled, "Sister Yue, don’t blame your father for this; men ultimately manage the outside, how could they understand the affairs inside the house? Today, your father wasn’t saying you were bad, he just heard you went to the Prince Xian Mansion. After all, your mother is married now, and if you go there, wouldn’t it give others a reason to ridicule and criticize your father? Your father was upset because of this matter. Speaking of which, ultimately, you are the daughter of the Gu Family, and it’s important to care for your reputation here."

Only then did Gu Er remember the reason he had called Sister Yue over. His expression darkened, ** "Your mother was right. You just went to the Prince Xian Mansion like that, aren’t you adding insult to my injury? You spend all day accusing me of not doing well as your father, but look at what you’ve done? Sister Yue, I know you’re dissatisfied, but right now, you don’t mind your own reputation and just think about going there. Your biological mother is now a concubine in the Prince Xian Mansion. To say nicely, she’s a concubine; to say it poorly, she’s just a mistress. What good does having such a biological mother do for your reputation? You’re at the age of discussing marriage now. If you disregard these things, even if you have your own ideas, go as you wish, I can’t stop you anymore."

Gu Er waved his hand, "You can leave now."

He did not want to say another word.

Sister Yue just kowtowed, then stood up and left without a word.

No matter what Princess Yuanhua said, her father believed it. Sister Yue had long turned a deaf ear to the so-called great truths from her father’s mouth.

Gu Er saw Sister Yue’s behavior, and he was so angry that he shouted until she was gone, "Look at her attitude! I am her father, and just one word from me made her like this. Isn’t she just like her mother?"

Princess Yuanhua stood up and smiled, "No need for Second Young Master to get angry. In the future, just find a good match for Sister Yue, and she will naturally know who truly cares for her. As for Mrs. Kong, she’s just new to the mansion, let her be proud for a few days. In the future, she will be too busy to take care of herself, so why should Second Young Master worry?"

Gu Er nodded, holding her hand, "Who still respects me now? Since the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion severed ties with me, those who once fawned over me now avoid me. Mrs. Kong has done such things too, and I know many people are laughing at me behind my back. Right now, only you have stayed by my side."

"Listen to what Second Young Master is saying," Princess Yuanhua sat on Gu Er’s lap, and the servants in the room all retreated, "We haven’t been together for long, but a lot has happened in between. They say time reveals a person’s heart, and I believe this saying."

Gu Er held her in his arms, "I wonder if the medicine for the Princely Heir has been administered."

"Even if he didn’t eat meals on the wedding night, what does it matter? As long as she’s in the Prince Xian Mansion, there will be opportunities to administer medicine." Princess Yuanhua seemed unconcerned, "We will just wait and see, as long as there are no children."

Gu Er nodded.

The two talked about harming Mrs. Kong, and their mood improved. Meanwhile, Sister Yue, upon returning to the courtyard, took the opportunity to vent her anger on the servants there.

After venting, Sister Yue lay on the bed and cried quietly before calming down. Then she thought about seeing Sister Hui at the mansion gate, who was living more comfortably than she was, and she couldn’t help but feel upset.

As things turned chaotic around Jinghe Courtyard, Princess Yuanhua couldn’t care less, so the gossip quickly spread to the Marquis Mansion and East Mansion.

After returning to the mansion, Lin Youning let Sisters Hong rest, while she leaned against the soft couch, daydreaming. Hearing the rumors from outside brought by Shanmoi, Lin Youning shook her head, "In the future, there’s no need to tell me about the matters of their mansion, lest my ears be sullied." 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Shanmoi agreed, then raised her head and glanced at her mistress, "Mistress, I’d like to return to the back courtyard. There’s nothing for me to do at the front, and now that you’re pregnant, there are only Nanny Guo and Hailan with you."

"Sending you to the front courtyard wasn’t because I disliked you, but to let you learn more together with Li Si and grow more composed. Now that you are married, you will be a mother in the future. Besides, you can’t let Hailan clean up after you forever. By learning gradually in the front, you’ll be able to handle things independently," Lin Youning smiled and shook her head, "This is for your own good. I have Nanny Guo and Hailan with me, and besides, it’s just a few steps between the front and back courtyards. You make it sound like a life-and-death parting."

Shanmoi blushed and lowered her head, "I promise not to disappoint and to learn the rules well."

Lin Youning beckoned Shanmoi and Hailan to come closer, and as they approached the couch, she began, "You’ve been with me since we were kids, and though you watched me grow up, you are only a few years older than me. To me, even though I’ve found my family now, you are still my family. I wish the best for you, but in the future, when you have your own children, they shouldn’t have to serve others, right?"

"Mistress." Shanmoi’s eyes reddened.

Hailan also pressed her lips tightly.

Lin Youning smiled, "Come on, I’m just sharing my thoughts with you. Now you’ve ended up with red eyes because of it."