Princess Yuanhua laughed after hearing it. Although they were unhappy, the other side would not be pleased either.

But after laughing, Princess Yuanhua couldn’t maintain her smile. She had come to make peace, and as they had more interactions, there would be other matters to attend to. Now that the relationship had turned sour, visiting in the future would be difficult.

However, seeing the Second Young Master in a good mood, Princess Yuanhua did not say much else. She then thought of what Gu Yifeng had said, biting her lip in shame and annoyance. In the whole of the Capital, who dared speak so directly? Yet Dingyuan Marquis pointed it out blatantly, showing he didn’t take her seriously.

The two people in the front courtyard had different thoughts. Meanwhile, in the back courtyard, ever since her big brother left, Lin Youning had been worried. Seeing him from afar, she hurried to meet him.

"Didn’t I tell you to stay inside? Why have you come out? And wearing so little too." While speaking, Gu Yifeng removed his cloak and draped it over Sister Ning.

Lin Youning smiled, "I’m just worried that they’ll keep pestering big brother and not let him go."

Silently observing her big brother’s expression, although he seemed fine, Lin Youning still noticed that he appeared somewhat unhappy.

Gu Yifeng smiled and led her inside, "Don’t worry, he can’t do anything to me."

Lin Youning merely smiled in response. This time, she didn’t ask further. After her big brother went to the Warm Pavilion to change clothes, Lin Youning quietly pulled Hailan aside to inquire about the front hall.

There was a little maid serving, so it was easy to find out what was said. After hearing what Gu Er had said, Lin Youning was so angry that she gnashed her teeth. She knew Gu Er lacked character; clearly, he was in the wrong, yet he blamed others in the end.

"Miss, there’s no need to get upset over this idle talk. It’s not like Second Young Master ever spoke anything pleasant. Just look at what he has done; even Mrs. Gu Sr. severed their mother-son relationship. This shows there’s an issue with his character. Now Mrs. Gu Sr. doesn’t even see him, and in the future, the servants have been instructed to turn away anyone who comes on his behalf, to avoid souring our mood over unworthy people," Hailan advised.

Lin Youning nodded, "I know he’s like that, but to think he could say such things. I’m only grateful I didn’t marry him; who knows what kind of life I’d be living."

Lin Youning knew well how it would end, so she felt all the more grateful.

As for what Gu Er said, Lin Youning didn’t refute much. She was a bit guilty, for she liked her big brother, and she admitted it, so Gu Er wasn’t lying entirely.

With that, Lin Youning instructed, "Let’s not talk about this anymore."

Lin Youning feared her big brother might overhear, especially since he was in a bad mood now.

Hailan promptly agreed.

In the Marquis Mansion, after hearing Li Si’s report, Mrs. Gu Sr. asked, "Is the Marquis staying there?"

Li Si replied, "Because the Second Young Master went over, the Marquis did not return."

Mrs. Gu Sr. nodded, thinking of her troublesome son, she lacked the energy for anything else, and merely waved Li Si away.

She knew her second son was unwilling to resign himself; after all, Sister Ning’s status had risen, and marrying such a noble lady promised a lifetime of great fortune.

But unfortunately, such fortune wasn’t destined for her second son.

Yet causing such a scene wasn’t right either. Knowing her eldest son’s temper, after another incident like this, who knows what might happen.

Though Mrs. Gu Sr. had disowned her second son, she still couldn’t let go.

After much hesitation, she called Nanny Chi in, "Go check on Brother Xuan, and ask him to visit the mansion when he has time."

Gu Chaoxuan? The eldest son?

Nanny Chi was surprised Mrs. Gu Sr. wanted to see the eldest son. Despite her inner shock, she agreed without asking further, and sent the message out early the next day. As a result, Gu Chaoxuan returned to the Marquis Mansion by the morning.

After greeting, Mrs. Gu Sr. dismissed everyone else to speak privately with Gu Chaoxuan, "Over the years, you’ve been away, and we haven’t spoken much, so I had you called back because there’s something I need to discuss with you. Have you been close with your Second Uncle’s side recently?"

Gu Chaoxuan found the summons from his grandmother surprising, but he was happy nonetheless. His father disapproved of him and didn’t want him at the mansion, so he dare not return. Now being able to come back meant, in the eyes of outsiders, he was still the Marquis Mansion’s eldest son.

But he did not expect his grandmother to inquire about his Second Uncle. Although unclear about her intentions, he answered truthfully, "I encountered Second Uncle a few times before with the Second Prince, but now the Second Prince rarely comes out, so I haven’t seen Second Uncle again."

Mrs. Gu Sr. nodded, "Though I severed ties with your Second Uncle, he carries my blood. I’m old and can’t manage him anymore. Since he and your father are distanced, as a descendant of the Gu Mansion, you should maintain their relationship and prevent further estrangement."

Gu Chaoxuan was unexpectedly moved by this task and stood, clenching his fists, "Brother Xuan will remember Grandmother’s instructions."

Mrs. Gu Sr. nodded in satisfaction, "How are things between you and Qining? Is there any sign of pregnancy yet?"

Had she not been concerned about her youngest son, Mrs. Gu Sr. wouldn’t have called Brother Xuan over. After what Brother Xuan did, she used to detest this grandson.

But now, there was no choice.

"Lin hasn’t shown any signs of pregnancy." Gu Chaoxuan seemed less spirited mentioning this, "Grandson knows such matters shouldn’t trouble Grandmother, but Lin won’t allow a concubine to conceive. Grandson wishes to give Grandmother some great-grandchildren but finds himself helpless."

Mrs. Gu Sr. disliked concubines the most. She only inquired to not send Brother Xuan off without a word, as she’d summoned him. But she didn’t expect his inappropriate plea for concubines to bear heirs.

Though internally displeased, Mrs. Gu Sr. showed no sign, "Lin is right; you should have a legitimate heir before considering a concubine’s offspring. You live separately now, but the rules still apply."

Gu Chaoxuan quickly agreed. After sitting a while longer, Mrs. Gu Sr. dismissed him, "Go see your aunt too; she misses you."