The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!-Chapter 183: Wild Imaginings
After the coming-of-age ceremony, the news spread that the Sister Lin, who had been raised for many years at the Marquis Mansion, was not a daughter of the Lin Mansion but was adopted from outside. The Capital was abuzz with gossip.
Everyone was also keeping an eye on the movements at the Marquis Mansion, wondering how Mrs. Gu Sr. would deal with this adopted girl of unknown origin.
However, shortly after, news spread about the engagement between the Lin Mansion’s young lady and the illegitimate son of the Marquis Mansion.
At the Lin Mansion, upon hearing the news, Lin Sheng’s face turned ashen, "Didn’t we already send a message to the Marquis Mansion saying that the betrothal doesn’t count? Why are such rumors still spreading?"
"If you’re asking me, who am I supposed to ask? I attended a banquet and ended up getting my Sister Ning involved as well. Do you think I want to argue with the Marquis Mansion? But how does a small family like ours dare to confront the Marquis Mansion?" Lady Lin lamented, blaming her husband with resentment, "Over the years, you’ve been focused on the welfare of the people and dealing with matters fairly, gaining a good reputation, yes, but you’ve offended the higher-ups. Now, you’re stuck as a seventh-rank official, and even when our daughter suffers grievances, we have to endure it. What are you even doing this for?"
"You’re right, it’s my fault as a father." Lin Sheng stood up and left in a huff.
Lady Lin was not bothered by his departure and muttered to herself, "Every time I say something, you just storm off in anger. If you truly had ambition, why not try to curry favor with the higher-ups? Maybe you wouldn’t still be in this position."
Lin Qining sat there with red eyes, wiping her tears continuously. Her heart was set on the Marquis himself; originally, she also could have married him. But now, she’s betrothed to an illegitimate son, thinking how she previously flaunted her status among legitimate daughters, only to find herself a laughingstock now.
The more Lin Qining thought about it, the more sorrowful she became, and she burst into loud tears, lying on the small table.
"Child, why are you crying? There’s no other way right now. When your father sent a message to the Marquis Mansion, I was also thinking that if it’s called off, we could plan differently in the future. But now, it seems unlikely. However, we must look on the bright side. The Marquis currently has only this one son, so won’t the entire Marquis Mansion belong to you in the future?" Lady Lin, unwilling to see her daughter cry, tried to console her, though reluctantly.
"The Marquis is about to marry a concubine wife and will continue to have heirs. How can an illegitimate son inherit the Marquis Mansion?" Lin Qining said with wide eyes.
Lady Lin snorted, "Foolish girl, have you not considered that the Marquis Mansion has concubines too? If anything had happened over the years, it would have surfaced by now. What difference does it make if more people enter? If they can’t bear children, they just can’t bear children."
Lin Qining was momentarily stunned.
"That illegitimate son is also quite talented. Besides, he, being an illegitimate child, wouldn’t look down on our small family background, especially with your maternal grandfather’s support. Don’t you think he would treat you well?" Lady Lin, persuading her daughter, ended up convincing herself, with a gradually triumphant look on her face and even a flash of ruthless intent, "Even if one of the Marquis Mansion’s concubines does stir things up, they might not be able to have the child. What are you worried about?"
Lin Qining’s eyes flickered, and she finally stopped crying, but still pouted, "An illegitimate son is still an illegitimate son, and that can’t be changed."
Lady Lin poked her head, frustrated at her lack of ambition, "What’s wrong with an illegitimate son? This isn’t just any illegitimate son; it’s the illegitimate son of the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, destined to inherit the title. Keep these thoughts to yourself and don’t speak them outside. If I hadn’t seen you crying and complaining, how could I have said such rebellious words? If this reaches the Marquis Mansion, wouldn’t you offend everyone before even entering the house?"
Lin Qining reluctantly nodded, "Then what about Lin Youning? Will she really get off so easily?"
"I would like to drive her away, but it seems I underestimated Mrs. Gu Sr.’s affection for her." Lady Lin considered it a troubling matter, "Let’s observe the situation for now; if she doesn’t target you, she can assume the position of mistress of the Gu Family’s main household. If she starts making trouble for you, I have my ways to deal with her."
She’s just an orphan girl, relying on Mrs. Gu Sr., but how many more years can Mrs. Gu Sr. live?
Once Mrs. Gu Sr. is gone, wouldn’t she be at our mercy?
Though Lin Qining wasn’t satisfied with this response, she knew there was no alternative. After all, Mrs. Gu Sr. favored Lin Youning.
She had spent two days at the Marquis Mansion and saw nothing special about Lin Youning, yet Mrs. Gu Sr. favored her. How could this not be infuriating?
Over at the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, although Mrs. Gu Sr.’s health was not seriously affected, she didn’t seem very spirited. Mrs. Dong rarely got the opportunity to serve her closely in Shi’an Garden.
Mrs. Dong reported the Lin family’s message to the old lady and also mentioned the rumors outside, "This marriage might not go as Lin Mansion wishes."
"Since the matter occurred in our mansion, we must take responsibility for the young lady’s reputation." Mrs. Gu Sr. wasn’t too concerned about it, "When Dalang returns, you two should discuss it, and then you should personally visit the Lin Mansion. No matter what, bring sincerity with you. I’ve heard Mr. Lin is a man of integrity, and your personal visit will show it’s not them currying favor with the Marquis Mansion."
Mrs. Dong respectfully agreed.
"You’re the legitimate mother, so it is also your duty to handle this matter personally." Mrs. Gu Sr. shifted her gaze lazily.
Mrs. Dong’s expression remained unmoved, but she clenched the handkerchief in her hand slightly tighter.
The old lady has always been displeased with her; she knows.
Especially now, adding such a remark can only be considered a slap in the face.
She may be clueless, but she knows her role as the mistress. But for Mrs. Gu Sr. to point it out so blatantly is humiliating.
Despite her dissatisfaction with old lady, Mrs. Dong dared not express it, especially since her last intrusion had thoroughly offended the old lady.
In Tingxue Hall, Shanmoi anxiously glanced at her master. Ever since returning from Shi’an Garden, her master had not gone to the front courtyard. On ordinary days, she would certainly go to dine with the old lady in the main courtyard.
Now that the matter of the young lady not being from the Lin Mansion has been revealed, is she afraid that old lady wouldn’t like her and thus avoids approaching?
Shanmoi was lost in her thoughts and had no idea that when Lin Youning returned from the front courtyard, Mrs. Gu Sr. had already told her there’s no need to go today.
Since she wasn’t attending personally, she naturally didn’t know.
As for the others in the mansion, they were also unaware and guessed like Shanmoi did.
Mrs. Gu Sr. still treated her the same way, but it became noticeable through a small sign: the breakfast the main kitchen sent the next morning.
