The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!-Chapter 209: Contact

Zhou Wu thought he did a great job, but just as he returned to the Zhou Mansion, before he could boast about his success, he was slapped senseless by Mr. Zhou.

"Father..." Zhou Wu didn’t know what he did wrong.

But he understood in his heart it was related to the incident with the Zhao Mansion.

"Do you think you’re the only one with brains? Do you think everyone at the Zhao Mansion is a fool? Useless, only good for ruining things. Think carefully about what you’ve done. Trying to earn Zhao Mansion’s gratitude, but now they’re probably resenting us. If not for Mrs. Zhou holding me back, I’d still take action."

Mr. Zhou had two sons and a daughter. However, after Mrs. Zhou gave birth to their eldest son, there was no movement for years until finally, they had a son and daughter. Therefore, they cherished this son and daughter deeply.

After all, the younger ones were not much older than their grandchildren.

Zhou Wu covered his face, "Father knows it was Brother Wang who fought, I just went to apologize. How did it become my fault?"

"You still dare to argue here? Where was the school located? In the West Market! What were you doing there? And why did you just happen to meet the Zhao Mansion there? If you don’t confess now, you’re really a fool, you insist on getting punished before being honest." Mr. Zhou was about to take action again.

Mrs. Zhou was by the side stopping him, "Dear, Wu was just trying to help his aunt, he meant well. The child wants to assist the family in matters, you should be glad. Wu is still young, he needs guidance when things go wrong."

"See, this is the rebellious son you’ve raised." Mr. Zhou flung his hands in anger, unwilling to deal with it further.

Mrs. Zhou breathed a sigh of relief, and once her husband left, she said, "Alright, alright, let Mother see if it’s swollen. You, child, if you fancy that Sister Lin, just tell me. No need to handle things on your own and anger your father." She called her son over to inspect him carefully, relieved to find no harm.

Zhou Wu tugged at his mother’s sleeve, acting coquettishly, "Mother understands me best. Marrying Miss Lin would be for the good of our family; Mrs. Gu Sr. dotes on her."

Mrs. Zhou poked her son’s head, "Only you, with your sweet talk! She’s just a girl, does she warrant such effort?"

Her son having someone he likes and being so diligent made Mrs. Zhou naturally pleased.

"Bringing a wife home is still to serve Mother." Zhou Wu picked the pleasing words to say.

Mrs. Zhou knew her son was flattering her, but she still laughed delightedly, "This matter must be approached gradually. If you’ve set your eyes on her, I’ll put the word out and see who dares confront the Zhou family. Even without considering your father, there’s still your aunt."

Zhou Wu’s eyes lit up, "Thank you, Mother."

Over at the Zhao Mansion, Lin Youning did not expect her elder brother to come personally. While the brother went to the study to discuss affairs, Lin Youning and her sister-in-law went to the kitchen. The kitchen was located in the passage; Li Si also came to lend a hand.

Liang Hui felt uneasy using him, but Lin Youning didn’t mind, asking Li Si to buy fish and meat. Li Si beamed, "Rest assured, Miss, I’ll be back soon."

Liang Hui watched him leave before daring to speak, "Is this appropriate?"

After all, he served the Marquis.

"Don’t worry, Sister-in-law." Lin Youning picked vegetables while instructing Shanmoi to follow him and then turned back to explain, "If you don’t let him do some work and just let us do everything, he will feel even more uneasy. It’s better to keep him busy."

Liang Hui thought for a moment and agreed with this logic.

The Marquis adored Sister Ning.

If Sister Ning was here cooking, how could a mere servant stand idly and stay calm?

Liang Hui resolved her thoughts and didn’t dwell on it further; Hailan took care of Sister Ling inside, and although Nanny Guo was from the palace, she hadn’t done this kind of work before, so she only helped around.

Gu Yifeng saw through the small window of the study room; just right, he could glimpse the kitchen in the passage, and seeing the figure bustling about with a smile, his gaze softened significantly. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

"The Zhou family is aiming for Sister Ning, they won’t let it go just like that. With their character, they’ll probably spread the word to discourage others from proposing," Gu Yifeng’s gaze was warm as he looked into the distance, yet his voice was cold.

"Sister Ning never intended to marry into a big noble family, not this year, anyway. And if no proposals come in a couple of years, I’ll choose someone from the camp for her. Small families’ internal affairs are quieter." Zhao Housheng thought the Marquis should share his views on this matter, so he spoke candidly.

Gu Yifeng furrowed his eyebrows but kept his back towards Zhao Housheng, ensuring he didn’t see his expression, "In a small household, can they protect Sister Ning, given her looks?"

His words seemed like a key unlocking Zhao Housheng’s mind. This hadn’t occurred to him before.

Without the Marquis’s reminder, he might not have realized it. If the day came, wouldn’t Sister Ning be at a loss?

"This issue isn’t urgent. As for the Gao Mansion, regardless of their actions, ignore them. Since you’re part of my Marquis Mansion, they won’t dare act rashly. I reckon Mr. Gao might not even know of today’s incident; it’s probably that young master from the Gao Mansion causing trouble." Gu Yifeng thought about that cheeky brat from the Zhou family wistfully eyeing the young girl; such overestimation.

Considering the Zhou family sided with the Imperial Concubine, they were not within Gu Yifeng’s option.

During lunch, Gu Yifeng and Zhao Housheng had their meal set in the study, served by Li Si, while Lin Youning and the others ate on her side.

Gu Yifeng frowned, "You’re now a third-rank Assistant General, you ought to change to a bigger residence."

There wasn’t even a decent flower hall to use for meals.

Were it not for considering Zhao Housheng’s dignity, Gu Yifeng would have suggested gifting a residence.

Sister Ning grew up cherished, living in such a small place now is an injustice to her.

Zhao Housheng’s face flushed, "I’ll go look in a few days."

Not feeling embarrassed but understanding that the Marquis was concerned for Sister Ning, Zhao Housheng felt guilty about making his sister endure hardships.

Seeing this, Gu Yifeng didn’t press further. After eating, he left.

The next day, Zhou Wu brought his nephew, Brother Wang, to the Zhao Mansion. Brother Wang was a ten-year-old child, with a robust, lively appearance yet his eyes harbored a vicious streak—wasting his looks.

Zhao Housheng’s nature was clear just from a glance, and he spoke coldly, "Young Master Zhou, you’d better take him back. We at the Zhao Mansion can’t bear the burden of your family’s apology."

Zhou Wu was unfazed, "Lieutenant Zhao, please don’t hold it against Brother Wang. He’s just been spoiled. Miss Lin has spent time at the Marquis Mansion and understands how noble families indulge their children."

As he spoke, his gaze fell on Lin Youning.