Lin Youning didn’t mind and just headed towards the flower hall.

Wu Xueqin acting like this now only proves she’s not doing well. If her words made Youning feel bad, that would be foolish.

Shanmoi remained silent since the young lady didn’t speak.

Hailan felt that Shanmoi had learned much more than before, at least knowing when to speak and when not to.

After the three master-and-servant left, Liu Xin came out from the corner, watched their figures fade away, and then returned to report back.

Upon hearing Liu Xin’s words, Li Min furrowed his brows. Although he wore a scarlet robe, there wasn’t a hint of joy on his face, "Make arrangements, I want to personally meet Madam Gu."

Liu Xin acknowledged and withdrew.

Although it wasn’t long before the wedding ceremony, Liu Xin knew that whatever their master said, it would be done. He went to make arrangements; instead of using any other means to bring out Lin Youning, he had a little maid enter to invite her. Hearing it was Consort Zhou requesting her, Lin Youning naturally couldn’t refuse.

As Mrs. Liu Sr. was about to rise, Lin Youning shook her head and reassured Mrs. Gu Sr. not to worry, then followed the little maid. Passing through a small garden, Lin Youning found they were heading to the front courtyard and stopped the maid in front.

"Is Her Highness in the front courtyard?" Lin Youning stood still, "If Her Highness is here, why aren’t the madams being called to welcome her?"

"It’s the Eldest Prince looking for Madam. Since the madams of various families are in the flower hall, it wasn’t stated truthfully. We ask for Madam’s understanding." The maid curtsied and apologized.

Shanmoi and Hailan stepped forward upon hearing this. Shanmoi questioned, "Why would the Eldest Prince want to see our Madam on his wedding day? You all knew it was inappropriate to say this in front of the other madams but still did so. Do you have no regard for my Madam?"

The maid remained composed and silent, and as Shanmoi was about to scold, Hailan stopped her. From around the corner, out came the eunuch Liu Xin, who was by the Eldest Prince’s side.

Liu Xin came forward to greet, "Madam, please calm down. My master just has something to ask Madam. There’s no one else around here. My master will be here shortly."

Liu Xin glanced at the maid, and she retreated.

Soon, Li Min emerged from the corner, in a red robe, and greeted Lin Youning very respectfully. Lin Youning knew she couldn’t avoid it and returned the salutation.

She had found it strange when she first came out, but figured that if the Eldest Prince wanted to see her, she might hide once but not necessarily a second time. Now, the Eldest Prince was courteous enough to invite her because of her status as the First Lady of the Gu family, which was already commendable.

If he sent people to her residence like last time, the hardness would have harmed the child she was carrying.

Li Min’s face bore a faint smile, "Sorry to trouble Madam today. This prince wanted to ask where Dingyuan Marquis has gone."

"As a mere woman, how could I know where the Marquis has gone? He only said he was going out for business. As to what kind of business, I have no idea." Lin Youning smiled faintly.

Li Min had anticipated her response, "Madam may not know, but my father’s health has deteriorated. The affairs of the court are now mostly handled by me and the Crown Prince. Logically, the Crown Prince, being the ruler of the nation, should marry before me, yet I am marrying first. Madam should see the situation clearly. There’s no fault in Dingyuan Marquis’s loyalty, but opposing this prince doesn’t bode well for Madam either."

Lin Youning lowered her head, not speaking. With the authority he held, it wasn’t appropriate for her to refute him, and given his threats, she certainly shouldn’t respond.

So, the best way was to remain silent.

Only when the Eldest Prince left did Lin Youning raise her head. Shanmoi and Hailan, pale-faced, stepped forward, "Miss."

Being in the Prince Mansion and facing such treatment from the Eldest Prince unnerved them.

Lin Youning’s face bore no smile, "Let’s go back. We are in the Prince Mansion; nothing will happen."

Lin Youning already knew the Eldest Prince had ill intentions; hence she wasn’t scared. But now it seemed the Eldest Prince’s dispatched people had lost track. With the Holy Emperor’s health failing, how could the Eldest Prince not be anxious?

"Don’t mention today’s events to the elders. It’s just words. The Eldest Prince won’t act rashly with just words." Lin Youning instructed the two.

The two agreed without further comment.

On the other side, seeing her return quickly and without any apparent issues, Mrs. Gu Sr. and the others were relieved. Lin Youning realized that Consort Zhou had visited but didn’t disturb anyone, merely showing her face and leaving.

Lin Youning thought, Consort Zhou does care for her son. By doing so, she helps the Eldest Prince silence the others, as no one had mentioned her visit.

"I was delayed on the way back. I didn’t expect Her Highness to arrive before me." Lin Youning explained with a smile to her grandmother.

Her voice wasn’t loud, but those around could hear it.

This explanation clarified why she was called out by Her Highness, while Her Highness visited, yet she was outside, making the story plausible.

During the meal, Lin Youning barely ate, holding out till the gathering ended before returning home, feeling as though she might fall apart. Once home, she didn’t talk much to Sister Hong and others, suggesting they do as they pleased, then went to her room to rest.

She called for Hailan, "Go inform Zhao Wu about today’s event and have him instruct the guards to be extra vigilant in the coming days."

Hailan acknowledged gravely, and Lin Youning waved her off, "I’m fine, just tired from today’s events."

Only then did Hailan leave.

Lin Youning reclined on the couch but couldn’t sleep, tossing and turning and losing track of time. When Hailan came in, she realized it was already dark, time for dinner. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Too tired to move, she let Sister Hong and the others dine in her courtyard while she ate a bowl of bird’s nest on her couch before resting again.

Hailan was still concerned, but seeing that the young lady was in good spirits, she asked Nanny Guo about it, who assured her there was no need for concern. Hailan finally felt at ease.

Meanwhile, the newly married Eldest Prince no longer felt the joy of the wedding chamber, with a grim face, "She entered Pure Path Temple and couldn’t be found? Pure Path Temple must be covering for her."