Mrs. Gu Sr. brought the daughter of Vice Minister Zhang’s family to the mansion and even called the Marquis to sit in the courtyard. Just these two acts were enough to cause a stir among those with an agenda.

Sister Ran sat in Aunt Lv’s room with a displeased look on her face, "I told you she’s not a good person. Now she wants to enter our Marquis Mansion, and she’s only fit to be a concubine."

She and Zhang Xian had formed a rivalry, and now, seeing Grandmother’s intentions, it seemed she wanted to bring Zhang Xian into the mansion as a concubine for Father. Sister Ran grew increasingly frustrated, which led her to Aunt Lv’s courtyard.

Aunt Lv had been kicked by the Marquis due to Sister Jian’s matter, which caused her to fall seriously ill. Even now, she coughed occasionally. Listening to the news brought by her daughter caused little reaction from her, whereas in the past, she would have been actively seeking information.

But the affection she held for the Marquis had been kicked away by his foot, and she recognized her status and current predicament, where even jealousy no longer mattered.

Sister Ran was dissatisfied seeing Aunt Lv silent, and remarked, "What’s happened to Aunt these days? Father has always been indifferent to people, why must Aunt be so heartbroken?"

Aunt Lv glanced at her younger daughter, "You’ve been getting close to the young lady from the Prime Minister’s Mansion lately. That’s good, maintain that relationship; Sister Ning isn’t petty, and you won’t be deprived of benefits in the future. Your father will be pleased to see it."

Sister Ran paused, then nodded, "Aunt, rest assured, I won’t flatter them but also won’t remain as resentful and discontented as before."

"You’ve become sensible, but it’s a pity for Sister Jian. Why does she grieve so?" Aunt Lv sighed deeply.

Sister Ran couldn’t stand seeing Aunt Lv like this, "Aunt, don’t mention it anymore. If you’re worried, go see her. Now that Mother isn’t at the mansion, no one will find fault with Aunt."

Aunt Lv lowered her head without a word.

Sister Ran, unwilling to watch any longer, stood up, "Aunt, rest well. I’ll be leaving now."

Aunt Lv couldn’t sit still after her daughter left. She stood up, sat before the mirror, gazing at her frail reflection—how she transformed in just a few days, offering a bitter smile.

With Mrs. Dong no longer in the mansion, her situation should have improved, yet it turned out like this. On top of that, the Marquis was preparing to bring someone new into the mansion.

In the evening, everyone had dinner in Mrs. Gu Sr.’s courtyard. Gu Yifeng gestured for Li Si to enter, speaking openly despite the audience, "Has any news arrived from Zhao Mansion?"

Li Si leaned forward and replied softly.

Mrs. Gu Sr. had already seated with the ladies, and there weren’t many people in the mansion, so there was no need for separate tables for men and women; everyone dined together.

Gu Yifeng asked openly, causing Zhang Xian some embarrassment. After all, the mansion was aware she was to enter as a concubine, leading her to bow her head and pretend not to hear.

Mrs. Gu Sr.’s expression was displeased, yet she didn’t rebuke her son, but instead called Zhang Xian over for conversation, "Are there dishes you like on the table?"

Zhang Xian smiled shyly, "These are all favorites of Sister Xian."

Mrs. Gu Sr. chuckled, "You’re such a contented child."

She smiled and patted Zhang Xian’s hand before turning to her son, "Eldest son, the dishes will get cold, let’s eat. We have guests at the mansion today."

Gu Yifeng finally gestured for Li Si to leave, standing up to approach the table. Zhang Xian sat to Mrs. Gu Sr.’s right, Gu Yifeng to her left.

Below them were Sister Ran and Sister Hui.

A little maid served dishes nearby, and apart from Mrs. Gu Sr. urging Zhang Xian to eat more, there was little conversation during the meal.

After dinner, Mrs. Gu Sr. took several young women to an inner room. Gu Yifeng didn’t go, "I have matters in the front courtyard, I’ll be busy."

Without waiting for Mrs. Gu Sr. to insist he stay, Gu Yifeng left abruptly.

Mrs. Gu Sr. was displeased but recognized today her son had shown her respect by staying, and pressing further would trigger his temper.

Mrs. Gu Sr. understood clearly but still smiled at Zhang Xian, "Later, as you stay in the mansion, we’ll meet often, don’t feel restrained. We’ll all be family."

Zhang Xian bowed her head shyly.

Sister Ran, disliking Zhang Xian, couldn’t tolerate her demeanor, standing up abruptly to leave, stating she had matters to attend to. Sister Hui also got up to take her leave.

Mrs. Gu Sr. didn’t say much, instead chatting briefly with Zhang Xian, then sent her with Suwan to rest as dusk approached.

Once people left, Mrs. Gu Sr. immediately inquired, "Is the Marquis in the front courtyard study or has he returned to East Mansion?"

"In the front courtyard study," Nanny Chi replied hesitantly, face showing concern.

Mrs. Gu Sr. noticed and said, "You’re like family, just speak your mind if there’s something to say."

"Today, the Marquis seemed displeased. Old Madam, you should proceed cautiously. The young woman was taken back to Zhao Mansion, the Marquis must be upset about it. Forcing him now might have the opposite effect," Nanny Chi advised.

"Don’t worry about that, I have it under control," Mrs. Gu Sr. replied, still annoyed by her son’s comments earlier.

Though she knew her son had a point, she couldn’t let him act recklessly given the situation. Despite the silence, she knew he didn’t want new additions to the mansion but was aware.

Nanny Chi said no more.

Meanwhile, Lin Youning had just received a letter delivered by Li Si. Upon reading, she couldn’t help but smile, considering how her eldest brother had been confined at Shi’an Garden all day, imagining his displeasure even without seeing him.

Li Si commented, "The Marquis bought some pastries Madam likes, asking the young lady to stay here and not to worry about the mansion. The Marquis returned directly from court yesterday."

Lin Youning put away the letter, "I understand. It’s fine, you may go. Tell the Marquis that everything here is fine, no need to worry."

Li Si smiled as he agreed and left.

Liang Hui, seated beside her, remarked, "Little sister, cherish the bond with the Marquis, don’t let outsiders interfere with it."

Lin Youning smiled, "I understand. Did sister-in-law hear something? Is it about the Vice Minister’s Mansion’s young lady entering our mansion?"

Liang Hui was slightly surprised, "You’ve heard?"

Lin Youning nodded, "The Marquis mentioned it. Otherwise, why would he have me return home with Father and Elder Brother today?"

Liang Hui smiled, relieved, "The Marquis is on your side, now I’m reassured. I was pondering how to tell you, glad it’s resolved."