The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!-Chapter 208: Taking Action

From the first to the seventh, it’s still double votes. Everyone placed their bets at the beginning of the month, right?

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It wasn’t the presence of people from the Zhou Mansion that froze Lin Youning, rather it was the sinking feeling in her heart.

Yes, it was the family of Consort Zhou, from the Minister of Zhou History Mansion.

"Sister Ning, don’t worry, nothing serious, they’ve already called for a doctor, just a bump to the head." Liang Hui, clearly anxious with tears streaming down, came over to hold her hand comfortingly upon hearing Sister Ning had returned.

"How did she get injured at the academy?" Lin Youning took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

Having lived for another lifetime, even though she was worried about Sister Ling, Lin Youning composed herself calmly since there were people from the Zhou Mansion present.

Zhou Wu had already strode over, cupping his hands in a salute, he said, "Miss Lin, it was truly a misunderstanding, my little nephew was playful and today he accidentally injured the young lady from your mansion. I have already sent for an imperial physician, he should be on the way now."

Zhou Wu, at only fifteen years old, exuded the grace of a noble family with his youthful charm. Especially when he raised his eyes to look at you with a smiling gaze after greeting, any girl from the boudoir would surely find herself attracted to such eyes.

Unfortunately, Lin Youning wasn’t a young girl, though she couldn’t discern his intentions, it was evident to her that Zhou Wu was trying to lure her.

This realization amused Lin Youning, knowing the Zhou family’s ambition to help the Eldest Prince ascend the throne, the Zhou Mansion was trying to rally noble families to their cause, and she, coming from the Gu Mansion and favored by Mrs. Gu Sr., was naturally a part of their plan.

This was what she least wanted to see. Sister Ling being drawn into this, her injury must have been a scheme by the Zhou Mansion, right?

Lin Youning narrowed her eyes, sorting it all out in a split second, and nodded courteously yet distantly, "Thank you for your trouble, Young Master Zhou."

She said no more, pulling Liang Hui along, "Sister-in-law, where’s elder brother? Since Young Master Zhou is here, let elder brother come out to entertain him. It’s not convenient for us women from the inner court."

Liang Hui nodded, then offered pleasantries to Zhou Wu, "Young Master Zhou, please wait a moment. The master will return shortly."

Zhou Wu’s expression remained unchanged, "Thank you, Madam."

Lin Youning and Liang Hui walked inside, Liang Hui didn’t dare to look back until they were inside and out of sight, finally allowing herself to exhale.

"Sister-in-law, don’t worry, everything will be fine once elder brother returns." Lin Youning reassured her sister-in-law, feeling guilty inside, "Let’s check on Sister Ling first."

If not for her, such trouble wouldn’t have come to their mansion.

Everything indeed comes with a price, as she received Marquis Mansion’s affection, she naturally became entangled in the power struggles.

"It’s okay, just that things happened too suddenly, now that you’re back, I’m much relieved." Liang Hui quickly wiped her tears with a handkerchief, then hurriedly approached the bed.

Sister Ling lay unconscious, the wound on her head was pressed with clean cotton, the bleeding had stopped and her face wiped clean of blood, appearing less frightening than earlier.

But her face was slightly pale, lying there so quietly as if she had stopped breathing altogether.

Liang Hui glanced and couldn’t bear to look further, while Lin Youning sat by the bed, gently holding Sister Ling’s hand, feeling its slight coldness but still warm.

"What did the academy say about this?" Lin Youning asked.

"They just said some boys were mischievous outside, provoking Zhou Mansion’s nephew, causing trouble at the academy, and eventually hurting Sister Ling." Liang Hui was angry about it too.

Initially, Liang Hui didn’t think much, but witnessing Zhou Wu’s actions left no doubt in her mind.

They aimed to link Sister Ling with the Zhao Mansion, their target being Sister Ning.

Thinking about how high their noble doorways reach, willing to use any means to achieve their goals, Liang Hui harbored resentment. How could they be so heartless to such a young child like Sister Ling?

Lin Youning sneered, "No need to be disheartened, sister-in-law. Though our Zhao Mansion lacks reliance, we’re not ones to be easily manipulated either. Zhou Mansion’s underhanded methods will cost them regret for today’s actions."

Liang Hui’s eyes flashed with determination, "You’re right, our family may not have a century-long history, but we’ve earned it through your elder brother’s valor, not to be exploited by just anyone."

Lin Youning thought for a moment, then called upon Nanny Guo by her side, "Nanny, please make a trip to Marquis Mansion, inform aunt about the situation here, and have her be on her guard."

In the past life, this time would have seen her trapped by Kong Tianru’s scheme, locked within the Gu Family, preparing for marriage with Gu Er, thus uninformed of these events. Now that she remained unscathed, it seemed avoiding such matters was impossible.

Nanny Guo, having come from the palace, was unfazed by these matters, "Miss, rest assured, I will go right away."

Lin Youning always trusted Nanny Guo’s efficiency and didn’t have to instruct further.

Liang Hui felt much steadier at heart, knowing with Marquis Mansion on their side, there was no need to fear the maternal relatives of Consort Zhou.

Within a quarter of an hour, the imperial physician invited by the Zhou family arrived. After examining the wound, he concluded it was only a superficial injury and provided medicine from the palace that, when applied regularly, would leave no scar.

Zhao Housheng had been on duty, and by the time he returned upon receiving news, the imperial physician had left, Sister Ling had been awakened, given some medicine, and had fallen asleep again.

Zhou Wu was still present, insisting on apologizing personally, and gifts from the Zhou Mansion had also arrived.

Zhao Housheng wore a dark expression, "Young Master Zhou’s thanks are unnecessary. Since this matter was provoked by the nephew of the Zhou family, have them come to apologize."

Zhou Wu remained unfazed, still courteous, "Lieutenant Zhao is right, my nephew has been grounded by my elder brother for causing trouble, we’ll definitely bring them to apologize personally tomorrow."

"Very well then." Zhao Housheng maintained his stern demeanor, "Our young daughter is injured, we will not detain Young Master Zhou any longer."

He essentially sent him away.

Zhou Wu smiled and said, "Lieutenant Zhao, you truly possess the straightforward character of a soldier. Having settled some affairs with you today, I shall take my leave and visit again tomorrow for a proper discussion."

After Zhou Wu left, Liang Hui and Lin Youning emerged from the house, faced with Zhao Housheng’s stern countenance, "Just a minor Minister of the Ministry of History dares to act so presumptuously."

"Husband, you noticed it too?" Liang Hui was relieved.

Blame it on how her husband typically displayed a rather blunt temperament, worrying Liang Hui he’d only know how to fight on battlefields, oblivious to such matters.

Zhao Housheng chuckled, "Rest assured, previously we hadn’t considered their extended influence, but since we know now, precautions will be taken henceforth."