After Nanny Chi and the others fed Mrs. Gu Sr. and gave her medicine, and she finally settled down and looked asleep, Lin Youning and the others came out.

Gu Yifeng’s expression was not good as he sat on the armchair in the flower hall. Lin Youning sat on the couch above him. The flower hall was quiet, with only Nanny Chi, Nanny Chang, Suyi, and Suwan attending to Mrs. Gu Sr., and the little maids from Shi’an Garden were all called here.

The atmosphere clearly indicated something significant was happening.

"Tell me, what happened today?" Gu Yifeng was busy with matters concerning his mother’s health during the day, so he hadn’t inquired much about other affairs.

Lin Youning, fearing to frighten Nanny Chang and Suyi, said, "Suyi, since you were serving by the side, it’s best for you to explain."

Suyi responded and stepped forward, "After Consort Kong came to the mansion, Mrs. Gu Sr. mentioned that Second Madam was pregnant. Consort Kong merely smiled and said coincidentally, she was also expecting. Although Mrs. Gu Sr.’s expression was unpleasant, nothing occurred. However, Consort Kong brought up the medicine that Second Master had been taking. She said it was from Miaojiang and no one had ever heard of it working, suggesting we should discreetly check the child’s paternity. Mrs. Gu Sr. became furious upon hearing this, and while Second Master was arguing, Princess Yuanhua was also clamoring for Mrs. Gu Sr. to intervene. Suddenly, Mrs. Gu Sr. became incapacitated."

As Suyi spoke, her head remained lowered. However, Lin Youning could sense that as she continued, the room grew colder, particularly from her elder brother, whose expression darkened ominously.

Recalling the events from her past life, hearing such things from Mrs. Kong, combined with Young Master Yuanhua’s conflicting behavior, it was no wonder her elder brother’s expression was so grim. It was likely that the truth was as they suspected.

On Aunt’s side, she might have also guessed this, becoming so angry that she suffered a stroke and became paralyzed.

Recalling how Aunt urged Gu Er and others to leave after waking up, perhaps it was because Aunt believed this in her heart?

With a sigh, Lin Youning said, "This must be Mrs. Kong’s nonsense. Ensure the servants in the courtyard do not spread these rumors. Although the Emperor has demoted Princess Yuanhua to a commoner, she is still his daughter and should not be spoken of in such a manner."

Suyi replied, and seeing that her elder brother’s expression remained displeased, Lin Youning said, "Nanny Chang, you’re an elder in the mansion. Suyi and Nanny Chi have to take care of Aunt. Please take extra care of the courtyard’s affairs."

Having made these arrangements, Lin Youning continued, "Elder brother, shall we stay here or return to the East Mansion?"

She didn’t like staying there, but given Aunt’s condition, orchestrating a return seemed inappropriate.

Gu Yifeng understood her hesitation, "In your current state, you wouldn’t be much help here. Besides, both mansions are next to each other. It’s better to return home. You’re pregnant, and changing residences might be uncomfortable."

Lin Youning bowed her head, feeling a bit sheepish, knowing her elder brother was biased in her favor. When they returned to the East Mansion, Lin Youning didn’t want to sleep as she had some words for her elder brother. But seeing his demeanor, clearly not wanting to talk more, she held back, and unexpectedly fell into a deep sleep once closing her eyes.

Gu Yifeng only gently set her down once he was sure the little one in his arms was sound asleep. Then he called Hailan to carefully attend to her before striding away. He didn’t know that as soon as he left, Lin Youning woke up.

Hailan was slightly surprised, "The Marquis said he had matters to attend to, but did not specify what."

Lin Youning nodded, turning over, "I know he went over to Second House. Earlier at the Marquis Mansion, he was probing around, probably afraid I’d worry. Now that I’ve fallen asleep, how could he not go over?"

Aunt having a stroke can be forgiven, but as Mrs. Kong said, whose child does Princess Yuanhua carry? What are Gu Er and the others plotting? Given her elder brother’s temperament, he wouldn’t let it slide, so he surely went to ask.

Hailan understood, but asked no more, "Miss, since you know, don’t overthink it. The belly is growing larger day by day. Just looking at the size makes this servant anxious, no wonder the Marquis is also worried."

Lin Youning laughed, "Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. I’m more concerned about elder brother, fearing he might get upset."

Men often take such things more seriously than women, like how her elder brother is still unsure that Brother Zong is his son, so he isn’t closely attached to him.

Outsiders didn’t know and assumed it was because of her, but she understood where her elder brother’s unresolved emotions lay.

Hailan saw her mistress close her eyes again in silence and breathed a slight sigh of relief. She knew the Second Master’s group was troublesome, always creating drama. Now that Mrs. Gu Sr. had a stroke and was paralyzed, it was uncertain how they would cope in the future. If Mrs. Gu Sr. remained clear-minded, it would be manageable, but if her mind clouded, it would be much worse.

Gu Yifeng on the other side didn’t know Lin Youning understood he went to Second House. Upon his arrival, Gu Er and Princess Yuanhua were taken aback. Gu Er hesitated a bit.

"Why is he coming? Earlier he forced us out, and now he’s storming into our home to scold us. I refuse to meet him." Gu Er immediately demurred.

Princess Yuanhua also seemed uneasy, "Then let’s have someone inform him we’re not home. With Mrs. Gu Sr. angry, we should avoid involvement. When the temper subsides, we can return."

These words were excuses for themselves. Gu Er nodded, "Let them respond that way."

He walked out the room, intending to exit through the back.

Princess Yuanhua wasn’t worried. She didn’t believe the Dingyuan Marquis would trouble a woman. But before Gu Er could leave, Gu Yifeng stopped him.

Gu Er’s face darkened completely, "Elder brother, isn’t this too oppressive?"

In what world does one come to another’s house to block their passage?

And that so brazenly?

It’s no wonder even the household servants, who are supposed to be his, don’t take him seriously as a legitimate host; the thought of it infuriated Gu Er.

Gu Yifeng glared at him coldly, his eyes sharp like blades, capable of piercing through him in an instant.