The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!-Chapter 266 - 267: The Reason

When she arrived at Shi’an Garden, Lin Youning had already been summoned by Mrs. Gu Sr. earlier, receiving instructions on what to pay attention to and what to bring for her trip to the Northwest. Mrs. Gu Sr. also spoke of finding some items for her from the private treasury.

Just as they were talking, a little maid outside announced that Mrs. Dong had arrived.

Mrs. Dong entered with a smile, glanced up and down at Sister Ning alongside Mrs. Gu Sr., and then said with a smile, "It seems that every time I see Sister Ning, she’s more beautiful than before."

Lin Youning smiled but didn’t say much. The relationship between her and Mrs. Dong was such that Mrs. Dong’s enthusiasm felt awkward, regardless of how clean things remained between Youning and her elder brother. Even Lin Youning herself felt a bit awkward.

"I just came over because I have something to discuss with Mrs. Gu Sr. and Sister Ning. Since Sister Ning is here, I can spare myself a trip to the East Mansion. Last night, I discussed with the Marquis; for your trip to the Northwest, Aunt Wu will accompany you. If anything arises, you can instruct Aunt Wu to handle it. There’s no need to trouble yourself, after all, you’ve been pampered in the mansion. The Marquis wouldn’t want to burden you with certain tasks. Since Aunt Wu is just a concubine, let her handle everything." Mrs. Dong patted her hand with concern. "Although I’ve never been to the Northwest, it’s surely a long and arduous journey, not likely to be easy. I’m not worried about the Marquis, but your frail health and the lack of experience traveling such distances for your maids might lead to inadequate care. Finding an Imperial Physician there would be inconvenient. Aunt Wu knows many books and is aware of some remedies and tips, having her along gives me peace of mind."

Mrs. Gu Sr., sitting above, observed Mrs. Dong feigning friendliness towards Sister Ning. Her eyes flickered with sarcasm, but she remained silent.

In Mrs. Gu Sr.’s view, as long as Sister Ning was present, no one else mattered in front of her eldest son.

Mrs. Dong had been pretending to be magnanimous these past days. Yet within a single day, she couldn’t help but reveal her true intentions; let her carry on with her antics. Besides, Aunt Wu was just a concubine always kept at a distance by her son.

Mrs. Dong continued chatting with Sister Ning before finally turning her gaze to Mrs. Gu Sr., "Originally, I intended to consult with you, Mrs. Gu Sr., about this matter, but last night during my visit to the Marquis, the decision was finalized. Do you think it’s suitable for Aunt Wu to go over there, Mrs. Gu Sr.?"

"This is a decision for you to make yourselves. One is the East Mansion, the other is the Marquis Mansion, and there’s no entanglement between the two," said Mrs. Gu Sr. in a nonchalant tone.

Yet this indifference, along with her words, inadvertently slapped Mrs. Dong in the face.

This indirectly accused Mrs. Dong of overstepping her bounds; she ought to focus on managing the Marquis Mansion. After all, that’s the East Mansion, and Sister Ning stands as the head Madam there. As it stands, if anything, Mrs. Dong should refer to Sister Ning as sister-in-law. Now she’s merely presenting herself with the guise of familial respect and status before Sister Ning. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Mrs. Gu Sr. didn’t agree to these matters, merely sparing Mrs. Dong’s face. Considering her behavior these days, she’s somewhat magnanimous, so Mrs. Gu Sr. decided to observe what Mrs. Dong intended to do.

However, from what could be seen now, evidently, Mrs. Dong couldn’t change her nature, her heart as narrow as a needle.

Mrs. Dong’s smile grew rigid, "Since Madam said so, the remaining matters I shall find time to discuss with Sister Ning."

"No need for further discussion. You should focus on your tasks. I’ve already commanded others to prepare everything Sister Ning needs for her trip to the Northwest. There’s no need for you to worry. Your concern for Sister Ning is noted, but truly, Sister Ning is the Lady over there. You can’t constantly hold her in hand, teaching her, as this showcases her as a non-functional Lady, leading others to not heed her commands and resulting in her being underestimated." Mrs. Gu Sr.’s words became more pointed as Mrs. Dong continued.

Mrs. Dong accepted with a smile and dared not speak further. Mrs. Gu Sr. ignored her and focused on engaging Sister Ning in conversation.

Sister Ning showed no sympathy for Mrs. Dong. After all, these matters were brought upon by herself. Earlier, Mrs. Gu Sr. had hinted at her actions, yet she proceeded the same way. Lin Youning couldn’t fathom what was motivating Mrs. Dong—perhaps she eagerly wanted to convey something.

Was she trying to express genuine concern for her? Yet such overt gestures made it appear disingenuous, as if she had ulterior motives.

Mrs. Dong held back as Mrs. Gu Sr. hinted again, but she didn’t leave until Sister Ning finished speaking with Mrs. Gu Sr. By then, realizing it was almost noon, Sister Ning opted not to remain in the mansion for lunch, prompting her to take leave.

Mrs. Dong initially hoped to leave with Sister Ning, evidently having private matters to discuss, but Mrs. Gu Sr. directly called her back.

Lin Youning pretended not to notice, striding directly away.

Mrs. Gu Sr. maintained a faint smile, yet even such a smile made Mrs. Dong feel fearful.

"I happen to have something to discuss with you. Initially, I planned to stay at the Pure Path Temple for half a month. With my eldest son leaving, there’s nothing happening in the mansion, and I thought I’d extend it to a month. All these years, I’ve gone alone or taken Sister Ning without bringing you. This time, why don’t you accompany me to the Pure Path Temple?"

Mrs. Gu Sr. said these words with an air of affection towards her daughter-in-law.

But the Pure Path Temple, what sort of place was that? Meals there were solely vegetarian, and neither the accommodations nor facilities compared to the mansion. Moreover, a month-long stay wouldn’t accommodate Mrs. Dong’s ways; she’s never visited such places, how could she adjust?

"Over the years, the two of us have never left the mansion together. With my eldest son leaving, let’s take this opportunity to visit the mountains as in-laws while leaving matters in the mansion to Sister Hui. It’s time Sister Hui learns about managing domestic affairs, for she’ll need these skills when she marries." Mrs. Gu Sr. offered no room for input, "Since Aunt Wu is set to travel to the Northwest, packing might be challenging. As a concubine, she lacks belongings. You should see if anything is missing and have it packed for her. She’ll accompany my eldest son, so ensure there’s no cause for ridicule over there."

Mrs. Gu Sr. hinted again at Mrs. Dong, implying to avoid stinginess and to provide ample belongings for Aunt Wu to prevent outside mockery.

Mrs. Dong smiled and accepted, biting her lips only after leaving Shi’an Garden. Contrary to her past behavior of breaking things and throwing tantrums, it seemed Mrs. Dong had changed, truly heeding Mrs. Gu Sr.’s instructions and visiting Aunt Wu.