Mrs. Gu Sr. saw that her son was insistent and understood that saying more would be futile, so she didn’t press further. However, her expression was not pleasant. Gu Yifeng remained silent; he had his own bottom line. As long as it wasn’t crossed, he wouldn’t interfere, but once it was, nothing anyone said would matter.

Mrs. Gu Sr.’s displeasure silenced her, and Gu Yifeng quietly sat by without leaving. He knew that if he left abruptly, his mother would be even more dissatisfied.

As expected, after a silent spell, her displeasure gradually diminished, and she finally spoke, "Have the people been sent to fetch Mrs. Dong? How soon will she return to the mansion? Has Aunt Lv been informed? It was Mrs. Dong who brought her into the mansion, and now she’s managing affairs here. You must consider what happens if Aunt Lv harbors other intentions, as we can’t always keep watch."

"Don’t worry, Mother. Aunt Lv is no fool. She’s well aware of Mrs. Dong’s current predicament and wouldn’t blindly involve herself," Gu Yifeng assured her.

Mrs. Gu Sr. let out a faint snort, unable to pick faults in her son, and waved her hand, "Alright, alright, leave now."

Gu Yifeng, unoffended, smiled, stood up to take his leave, aware that his mother was still unhappy. It wouldn’t be easy to gain her acceptance immediately. After leaving Shi’an Garden, he called for Li Si.

"Have they been safely brought back?"

Li Si responded with precision, "As you predicted, someone attempted to intercept halfway, but they were repelled by the hidden guards. However, we couldn’t trace where they fled to."

Gu Yifeng coldly smiled, "As long as they’re safely back at the mansion, that’s what matters."

Li Si nodded, and Gu Yifeng strode out of the Marquis Mansion to the East Mansion.

Over at Mrs. Dong’s side, the journey from the village to the mansion, which should only take two days, extended to four. She finally returned, looking weary.

Sister Hui and Sister Ran waited nearby. Upon seeing their mother, Sister Hui, despite knowing it was her mother’s fault and was self-inflicted, couldn’t help but tear up.

Mrs. Dong’s face remained cold as she saw Sister Hui, showing no emotion. Once inside their courtyard, two unfamiliar nannies stood by the door. Sister Hui glanced at them before telling Sister Ran to leave, while she entered.

Mrs. Dong sat alone on the soft couch, lost in thought until someone approached, prompting her to look up. Hesitant, Sister Hui eventually stepped forward.

"Mother," Sister Hui gently called out.

Mrs. Dong nodded, a small gesture that nonetheless surprised Sister Hui, emboldening her to sit across on the couch, "Brother Zong is well at Grandmother’s under Nanny Chang’s care. Now that you’ve returned, you can spend more time with Brother Zong."

Mrs. Dong coldly laughed, "I’ve not spent time with him for so long, better to leave him with your grandmother. Besides, as a mother confined, I can’t provide him with a good life. A woman cast aside by her family should be content with each day lived."

"Mother, what’s the matter? I understand it’s hard for us, but you made a mistake; things must resolve gradually. For now, don’t overthink; it’ll get better," Sister Hui perplexedly replied.

"Perhaps you’re right, Sister Hui." Mrs. Dong suddenly smiled, sending a chill down Sister Hui’s spine.

Uncertain of what to say, Sister Hui watched her mother visibly relax, "While I was away, what happened in the Capital?"

"In the Capital, it’s mainly about Aunt’s side," Sister Hui cautiously began, noting her mother’s unchanged expression before continuing, "Aunt’s biological father is Prince Shou, and he’s acknowledged her now."

"Is she due soon?" Mrs. Dong queried.

Sister Hui, puzzled by her mother’s demeanor, still replied, "Aunt is only five months along, not yet six, so she hasn’t given birth."

"She’s living well, it seems." Mrs. Dong stood up, "I’m tired. You may leave. How’s your marriage proposal progressing?"

"Grandmother is searching," Sister Hui shyly admitted.

Mrs. Dong moved towards the bed, "Take your time. With the Marquis Mansion’s standing, you won’t be matched poorly."

Sister Hui left as her mother grew silent, and once alone, Mrs. Dong lay on the bed, quietly wiping away tears. Her family aimed to manipulate the Marquis Mansion, even plotting her death, abandoning their daughter.

She understood the Dong Mansion wanted her killed to implicate the Marquis Mansion, forcing them to yield, but she hadn’t expected they’d sacrifice her.

Initially seeking stability in the Marquis Mansion to help her family, Mrs. Dong had crossed lines, yet this was the return for her efforts?

As Mrs. Dong faced house arrest, cut off from many, Lin Youning simply acknowledged her return to the East Mansion.

Shanmoi nudged towards Hailan, who smiled, "Her return isn’t our concern, don’t worry yourself."

Shanmoi, spotting Lin Youning’s smile, joked, "Perhaps I’m overthinking."

After sending Shanmoi off, Hailan mused, "That girl has matured with Li Si."

Lin Youning nodded, "I’ve heard Dong Boyun visited again?"

"Stopped outside by Shanmoi," Hailan advised, "You’ve done no wrong by her; leave her affairs alone."

Support resting on her hand, Lin Youning reclined, "I suspect Dong’s return will bring the Dong Mansion’s eldest daughter here."

"How do you know?" Hailan wondered, intrigued by her sudden statement.