The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!

Chapter 534 - 526: In the Shadows

Lin Youning kept this matter in her heart and did not rush to verify it. During the day, she went to the Marquis Mansion and saw that her aunt still seemed spirited. After a few words exchanged, she learned that Mrs. Dong and Brother Zong had been sent away, and Mrs. Gu Sr. nodded in satisfaction.

Nanny Chi, however, was very worried in private and pulled Lin Youning aside to talk, "Miss, you should persuade the Marquis. This is not the time to be soft-hearted. What if Mrs. Dong has some other intentions? The bloodline of the Marquis Mansion cannot be tainted."

Upon hearing this, Lin Youning knew that the nanny was aware, and Nanny Chang was also standing beside them. Clearly, both of them knew, so she nodded, "Nanny, rest assured. Big Brother knows what he’s doing, and everything has been arranged. You know how Big Brother handles matters over the years. As for Aunt, she seems well; did the Imperial Physician mention when she can move?"

"The Imperial Physician didn’t say much. He mentioned she might remain like this for the rest of her life," Nanny Chang’s face was full of worry, "The old lady seems calm now, but she frequently loses her temper these days. I’m afraid if this continues, she won’t last long. Miss, you should expedite the marriage arrangements for the girls in the family."

Lin Youning smiled, "Don’t worry, nanny. The Marquis has already made selections, and after the New Year, they can meet. They are all from the Marquis’s circle with respectable family backgrounds. As for Sister Hui, she wants to find a simple family, not from a noble one. I tried to persuade her, but she insists. Ultimately, it’s her marriage, so let’s follow her wishes. What do you think, nannies?"

These two nannies were servants by her aunt’s side and had watched Lin Youning grow up. Naturally, she respected their opinions, which often reflected her aunt’s own thoughts.

Nanny Chang nodded, "Let Miss follow Sister Hui’s wishes. It concerns her entire life’s happiness."

Nanny Chi also nodded, "That’s indeed true."

Hearing their agreement, Lin Youning asked no further questions and returned to the East Mansion. That evening, Gu Yifeng came back home for dinner.

After the meal, the two sat on the couch and talked. Lin Youning shared the rumors she heard outside, and Gu Yifeng nodded, "I’ve heard about it too. People are buzzing, and it clearly doesn’t bode well for the Crown Prince. He already knows and has secretly sent someone to investigate. Don’t worry yourself over it. If there’s any news, I’ll inform you. With the New Year approaching, just take care of yourself."

Lin Youning nodded, "I hadn’t expected things to escalate like this. How about the Imperial Tutor Mansion? Has Feng Yufu returned? Sending a granddaughter from a distant branch just to maintain ties with the Crown Prince, now causing such a ruckus."

"I’m afraid the Imperial Tutor Mansion might have planned this," Gu Yifeng showed no sympathy, "The Emperor’s stance is clear, and yet someone dared to act like this, evidently disregarding the Emperor. Let’s see who is pulling the strings from behind."

Hearing this gave Lin Youning a headache, and seeing that it was late, the two retired early to bed.

The next day, Liang Hui came to visit with Sister Ling. Sister Ling liked Shanmoi and went off to play with her after paying respects, while Liang Hui stayed to chat with Lin Youning in the parlor.

"Your elder brother has been busy with the Crown Prince’s wedding preparations lately. Now that he’s finally free and with the New Year approaching, the Emperor summoned him to the palace again. He can only come home every few days. Normally, it wouldn’t be concerning, but I can’t help but worry now."

"Sister-in-law, don’t worry. Without Consort Zhou in the palace, nothing will happen to Brother in there." Such a connection eased other concerns.

Liang Hui nodded, "But last time, when your brother came back, I noticed a fragrance of rouge on his robes."

When talking about this, Liang Hui appeared slightly embarrassed, "I’m not doubting your brother; it was just sudden. I didn’t dare ask him for fear of seeming suspicious."

Lin Youning was slightly taken aback, "There’s only consorts and palace maids in the palace. This shouldn’t be speculated about, but don’t worry, sister-in-law. When Brother comes over, I’ll check."

Liang Hui nodded embarrassedly. She and Sister Ling stayed for lunch at the East Mansion before returning to the Prince Shou Mansion. However, Lin Youning felt unease. She didn’t believe her sister-in-law would mention this for no reason, implying something had happened.

When Hailan came in with a basin of warm water and saw Lin Youning’s furrowed brows, she put down the basin and spoke, "Miss, since you’re expecting, perhaps set other matters aside for now. Some things shouldn’t involve you, and given the kind of person the young lord is, there’s bound to be a misunderstanding that even an outsider like me can see. The elder madam likely mentioned it out of concern. With the New Year approaching, perhaps, Miss, you should let it go."

Lin Youning nodded, accepting the warm basin only when it cooled, "I understand everything, but some things I still need to inquire about, given sister-in-law’s waiting. Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing."

Seeing her resolve, Hailan did not say more and left the matter aside.

Lin Youning waited for her brother to visit the mansion. With the New Year imminent and still no sign of him, she grew impatient and sent a message to the Prince Shou Mansion.

The message was sent in the evening, and surprisingly, her brother arrived shortly after.

Seeing her brother not wearing his official robes, Lin Youning knew he had just returned and quickly arranged for water for him to freshen up before asking, "Have you eaten? There’s no rush; I merely asked you to spare some time in the coming days."

"I thought it must be urgent for you to summon me. Otherwise, when have you needed me?" Zhao Housheng appeared quite concerned, "I haven’t eaten yet, just left the palace. Let them bring me a bowl of noodles."

Lin Youning chuckled, instructing Hailan to prepare noodles while dismissing other servants from the room. Then she asked, "Brother, how are things in the palace? Who serves you there?"

Her questioning was quite straightforward.

Adjusting his sleeves, Zhao Housheng raised an eyebrow at her question, "Did you hear something?"

Lin Youning smiled and nodded.

Zhao Housheng inquired further, "Did Sister-in-law tell you this?"

Lin Youning arched a brow, "Brother, you already know about this?"

Zhao Housheng nodded, "If your sister-in-law hadn’t mentioned it, how would you have known? Palace matters don’t leak easily."