Lin Youning returned to Zhao Mansion the next day and heard the rumors outside.

These were gathered by Wang Er, who was by Zhao Housheng’s side, "Currently, noble families across the Capital know that the Holy Emperor has no intention of passing the position to the Eldest Prince. Furthermore, there are rumors in the palace about Prince Shou returning. The explanation in the palace is that due to Prince Shou’s youth and frail health, he sought medical treatment outside, and now that he’s recovered, he’s returned to the palace. It’s said that some officials have started referring to the Eldest Prince as the Second Prince."

"The Second Prince has remained at his residence these days, while those families who previously sided with the Eldest Prince are now seeking to establish connections through the Crown Prince’s physician." Wang Er spoke with increasing satisfaction on his face, "Some have discovered that the young master and the girl are the children of the Prince, and many families are sending invitations to the mansion. They used to look down on our mansion, but now they bow and scrape to send invitations, attempting to visit. Their appearance is so pitiful that even the servants despise them."

Lin Youning and Hailan listened and then pressed their lips together in a smile. After Lin Youning stopped smiling, she said, "We know this in our hearts, but at this time, we should not be smug. We must not give others the impression that we cannot maintain our composure. Even without our father’s identity as Prince, our brother is a Third-Rank Assistant General, which is not a low rank. It’s just that our family background cannot compare with their centuries-old noble families. But which noble family did not rise from humble beginnings?"

"What Grand-Aunt said is quite right; the young master is distinguished for his age. Among those of his age in this position, none have achieved what the young master has." Wang Er spoke of his young master with distinct pride.

Lin Youning smiled and said, "Yes, do not concern yourself with what others think. Others may look down on us, but we must not look down on ourselves. Alright, I understand these things. Are father and the others still in the front courtyard?"

"The young master and the Prince are in the front courtyard, and the Marquis has come too, saying he will come to see Grand-Aunt when it’s time for dinner." Wang Er had come to deliver this message, and being so happy, only remembered it after saying all this.

Lin Youning laughed and said, "I know. You may also go and serve in the front courtyard."

Wang Er then took his leave.

Hailan watched him leave, then smiled, "The Marquis always fulfills his promises to the girl. Not long ago, I was wondering when the Marquis would arrive, and now here he is."

Lin Youning rose and supported herself with one hand on her waist, "Let’s go over and have a look too."

Hailan stepped forward to assist her. Although the conversation with her sister-in-law went well last night, Lin Youning still felt somewhat worried when alone at night.

Now that her elder brother had arrived, she just happened to go see him.

The two exited the house as the snow began to fall outside. When they reached the front courtyard, Lin Youning was about to head to the study but saw Wang Er running in from outside the mansion gates.

"Another invitation delivered?" Lin Youning asked with a smile.

Wang Er approached, paid his respects, and handed over the invitation, "It’s an invitation from Dong Mansion for Grand-Aunt."

Lin Youning paused, surprised that the invitation was for her.

Hailan had already accepted the invitation, and Wang Er added, "Someone from Dong Mansion is waiting outside. When they handed the invitation to the servant, they said to let Grand-Aunt read it first and then respond."

Lin Youning nodded, and Hailan opened the invitation and handed it over. After reading the contents, Lin Youning furrowed her brows slightly, "Go tell the people from Dong Mansion that I’m not available at the moment and ask them to return."

Wang Er did as instructed and left without further inquiry. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Hailan glanced at the invitation. From the looks of it, it was delivered by Miss Dong herself, or perhaps sent personally.

Lin Youning thought for a moment, "Hailan, please go and tell Miss Dong that I know it wasn’t intentional, so I won’t hold it against her. She need not take it to heart, and in the future, there will be no relation between us, so she need not apologize for this matter in front of me anymore."

Hailan agreed but didn’t rush off, "I’ll take you to the study first before going."

Lin Youning waved her hand, "You go first. I’m fine here alone. I’m afraid if you don’t go, Wang Er might come back."

Hailan sensed that Miss Dong wouldn’t be easily dissuaded, so she agreed and left.

Upon reaching the mansion gates, Hailan indeed found Miss Dong’s maid pleading with Wang Er. She quickly stepped forward, "Is Miss Dong inside the carriage? Our young lady asked me to convey some words. Is it appropriate to say them now?"

Dong Boyun lifted the window curtain, "Sister Hailan, go ahead."

Hailan gave a slight bow and said, "Our young lady asked me to tell Miss Dong that the young lady knows Miss Dong was unaware and holds no grudge against her. Miss Dong need not feel guilty, nor is there a need to apologize."

This was a roundabout way of telling her not to come anymore.

Dong Boyun understood, nodded, showing a hint of disappointment on her face, "I understand. Please convey to your young lady that it’s my fault."

Dong Boyun sat back inside the carriage, and her maid, after several glances, returned to it. The older woman then drove the carriage away.

Hailan watched the carriage depart and turned back towards the mansion, seeing Wang Er watching her. She smiled, "Let’s go inside."

Wang Er chuckled, "Grand-Aunt is truly perceptive. I didn’t know it was Miss Dong coming, yet Grand-Aunt guessed it without stepping outside."

"Save those words for Grand-Aunt herself," Hailan laughed.

Thinking about the young master, who seemed reserved, Wang Er turned out to be quite talkative. It was hard to understand how such a personality developed, yet surprisingly, the young master kept him by his side.

Lin Youning had entered the study long ago, seeing the three people conversing. After entering, she first greeted her father, then looked towards her elder brother, but before she could speak, Prince Shou addressed her, "Sister Ning, I’ve already discussed with the Marquis. Once the palace residence is granted in the coming days, you and your brother will return to the manor with me. You are a Commandery Princess. Though married, you should stay at the manor for a while to restore your reputation before the people of the Capital."

Lin Youning had no objections, obediently agreeing, and Prince Shou continued, "The Marquis arrived straight from court; he must be tired. Take him to the back courtyard to rest."

Lin Youning and Gu Yifeng withdrew, and Gu Yifeng wrapped an arm around her, leading her while draping his cloak over her shoulders, "It’s snowing so heavily outside, why did you come over? I told you to take care of yourself. Why are you so reckless? If this continues, I’ll ask Nanny Guo to come over, so I don’t have to worry about you all the time."