The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!-Chapter 262 - 263: Conduct

Lin Youning didn’t know how long she talked, but eventually, her eyelids grew heavy and she fell asleep.

Gu Yifeng looked at the little girl in his arms, indulgently tucking her hair behind her ear. He gently sat up and took off his outer robe, leaving only his middle garment, and covered her with his outer robe.

Who would have thought that someone whose expression was usually so devoid of emotion could act with such tenderness?

Only then did Gu Yifeng lie down again, gently pulling the small body beside him into his arms. The small figure in his arms seemed to sense the warmth and unconsciously nestled closer to him.

Gu Yifeng closed his eyes, savoring this moment of tranquility, something he had never experienced before. He hadn’t realized he felt this way about Sister Ning.

The sky outside was faintly brightening, and Gu Yifeng estimated the hour, knowing it was almost noon. After all, they were in a forest, the trees blocking out the sunlight, and they were lying in this small wooden cabin, making it naturally darker outside.

He faintly heard a commotion outside. Alert, Gu Yifeng sat up upon hearing the whistle outside. He gently placed Sister Ning back down on the bed and walked outside.

A few men dressed in black knelt on the ground, "Master, we are late. Please punish us."

Gu Yifeng nodded, "How are things in the Capital?"

"On the way here, we’ve dealt with those assassins. The Capital has already received a message saying that the master has taken madam to stay at the estate for a few days."

Gu Yifeng nodded, "Have someone keep a close eye on the Prince Mansion and report any developments immediately. Also, send a message to the Zhao Mansion and the Prime Minister’s Mansion."

Only then did Gu Yifeng turn and return to the small cabin, gently cradling the sleeping person on the bed before striding out of the cabin.

Gu Yifeng’s actions were extremely gentle, and the hidden guards following behind were slightly surprised, but immediately lowered their heads respectfully.

The group moved through the forest for nearly half an hour before a narrow mountain path appeared ahead, with a few horses waiting there. Only when on horseback did the jostling awaken Lin Youning from her sleep. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

Seeing who held her, her frantic heart settled down. Looking back at the hidden guards following them, she knew they had been found by the guards.

"There’s still over a day’s journey to the Capital. You should take another nap. When we reach the inn, I’ll have them bring some clothes and food over," Gu Yifeng lowered his head and softly spoke to the person in his arms.

Lin Youning nodded, but on horseback, she couldn’t fall back asleep. Gazing at the scenery ahead, it was clear they were on a mountain path, sparsely populated, with only birds startled by the horses’ hooves taking flight.

Being held in his arms, Lin Youning didn’t feel tired. At first, she was a bit scared since it was her first time on horseback, but as she became accustomed, she began to enjoy the scenery, feeling increasingly at ease.

Gu Yifeng’s eyes occasionally drifted to the small body fidgeting in his arms, a doting smile playing at the corners of his lips.

The troupe traversed the main road for two to three hours before spotting an inn.

Lin Youning was indeed hungry, having been frightened yesterday and falling into the water, she hadn’t eaten at all. Now, it was already evening.

At the inn, there was hot water for washing, and meals were brought to the room. After washing up, Lin Youning saw the clothes placed in the inner room, knowing they were found by her elder brother. Though made of coarse cloth, they appeared to be new.

Once dressed, Lin Youning exited the room. Her elder brother stayed next door. It was already evening, and no one wanted to travel further, especially after the events of last night.

So that night, they would rest at the inn.

There wasn’t anything particularly delicious about the inn’s meals, mostly common dishes. But having not eaten for a day and a night, Lin Youning ignored her usual household dining etiquette, eating rapidly until she finished half a bowl of rice before slowing down.

Glancing at her elder brother seated next to her, Lin Youning blushed slightly, noticing that her brother wasn’t eating much either, behaving just as he did at home.

Looking at herself, she realized that just experiencing this incident made her abandon her usual manners.

Gu Yifeng seemed unaware of her embarrassment, continuing to fill her bowl with dishes while softly saying, "Eat more. You usually eat lightly, and these dishes should suit your taste. I initially thought they’d arrive late, and I’d catch a wild chicken in the mountains for you to enjoy, but it seems that opportunity will have to wait until we go to the Northwest."

At the mention of going to the Northwest, Lin Youning forgot her embarrassment and perked up, "Can you hunt wild game in the Northwest?"

"Though it’s dry there, in places like the dunes, there are many wild rabbits. Once you’re there, I’ll take you to see around and explore," he replied.

Lin Youning nodded. That evening, they didn’t converse much since neither had slept well the previous night, merely having napped a bit in the morning. She returned to her room to rest early.

The next morning, a knocking at the door woke Lin Youning. Hurriedly, she got up to open it, finding her elder brother handing her a parcel, then closing the door without saying much.

Back in her room, Lin Youning opened it and found a brand-new silk outfit. Happily, she put it on, considering she’d have to wait until reaching the Capital for new clothes. Yet here, her elder brother had been so considerate, acquiring new garments overnight.

After breakfast, the group continued towards the Capital. Though she had fallen into the river, they traveled by land heading back.

Given that this place was far from the Capital, they stopped at the inn along the way, had lunch, and reached the Capital by afternoon.

Lin Youning didn’t return directly to the East Mansion but headed straight to the Zhao Mansion. Zhao Housheng had long known his sister was kidnapped. Had it not been for Liang Hui’er holding him back and Li Si advising by his side, he would have undoubtedly gotten out of bed to find her.

Fortunately, having received news during the day, seeing the Marquis return with his sister allowed Zhao Housheng to finally relax.

Liang Hui, looking weary from lack of rest these two days, hurriedly approached Sister Ning, taking her hands and examining her closely. Seeing no injuries, she dabbed tears from her eyes with a handkerchief.

Gu Yifeng had already entered Zhao Housheng’s bedroom, while Lin Youning remained outside, knowing her elder brother had matters to discuss with her brother, so she sat with her sister-in-law, recounting the past few days’ events.