The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!-Chapter 362 - 354: Return

Lin Youning had yet to find out who was behind the schemes or how the poison was administered. Nanny Guo had taken charge of all the food, from ingredient procurement to meals on the table, with Shanmoi and Hailan assisting her.

Four or five days passed like this. During this time, Lin Youning visited Mrs. Gu Sr. at the Marquis Mansion. Mrs. Gu Sr. was aware someone had targeted Lin, so she did not invite Lin to eat at the mansion, given the proximity of the two residences.

Lin Youning received news of her grandfather and others returning to the Capital just as she was two months pregnant. The letter was personally written by Mrs. Liu Sr. to Lin Youning.

After receiving the letter and calculating their arrival date in the Capital, Lin realized the letter was sent half a month ago. According to their departure date, they should arrive in the Capital tomorrow.

Being her relatives, Lin Youning decided to meet them outside the city. She discussed her plan with her elder brother. Gu Yifeng agreed and even suggested accompanying her. Lin Youning was naturally pleased. Gu Yifeng instructed Li Si to prepare things, and the next morning, after breakfast, they boarded a carriage with guards and maids headed to Ten-Mile Pavilion outside the city.

They reached Ten-Mile Pavilion by noon. In the evening, they saw a group of people on horseback approaching from afar. As they drew closer, they realized it was Liu Wen from the Prime Minister’s Mansion leading the group.

Upon stopping, Chancellor Liu opened the curtain of his carriage, peered out, and smiled when he saw Gu Yifeng and Lin Youning. After saying something, Mrs. Liu Sr. also peeked out, and Lin Youning and Gu Yifeng went up to greet them.

Chancellor Liu and Mrs. Liu Sr. were assisted down. Mrs. Liu Sr. held Lin Youning’s hand, scrutinizing her, and nodded contently upon seeing she had gained weight.

"It’s not an appropriate place to talk, and given the hour, let’s get on the carriage and discuss things at the mansion," Chancellor Liu spoke first. Both parties got back on their respective carriages.

The two groups proceeded towards the Capital to the Prime Minister’s Mansion.

Upon entering the mansion, the women of the household came out to greet them. Only Chancellor Liu and his wife traveled with their son this time.

Mrs. Liu Sr., delighted to see Sister Ning, took Lin Youning to her courtyard, despite feeling travel-worn. While changing clothes, she conversed with Sister Ning about her experiences at the border. Upon hearing about Sister Ning’s pregnancy, Mrs. Liu Sr. was both joyous and concerned, remarking Sister Ning should not have ventured so far to Ten-Mile Pavilion.

Lin Youning merely smiled without saying much, knowing her grandmother would react this way upon learning of her condition.

After calling out for food, Mrs. Liu Sr. was worried about Ning’s famished state.

Lin Youning explained she had snacked on the way and wasn’t too hungry, but she recounted her poisoning incident, which didn’t faze Mrs. Liu Sr.

"Such is the ordeal of living in a grand mansion. Your mother disliked it, which is why she married someone of lower status," Mrs. Liu Sr. reflected. "You’ve married the Dingyuan Marquis. Although he shoulders many responsibilities, he is biased towards you, which is apparent to everyone, not just others. He has a wife and a legitimate son now, but how could she not be envious? These are trials you must endure; you must protect yourself and the child, as it’s imperative for a woman in such circles."

Lin Youning didn’t expect her grandmother’s understanding and insight. "Rest assured, grandmother. I didn’t anticipate these things before, but now that they’re happening, I will be cautious."

Mrs. Liu Sr. nodded satisfactorily, and they proceeded to the flower hall, where Chancellor Liu and Gu Yifeng had begun drinking. Seeing them, Chancellor Liu complained slightly. Mrs. Liu Sr. smiled, said nothing, and led Lin Youning to sit at the table.

Lin Youning had no concerns about the food at the Prime Minister’s Mansion. After dining with her grandmother, night had fallen. Mrs. Liu Sr. insisted they stay the night, which led Lin Youning to share a rare evening with her grandmother.

"The Marquis cares deeply for you; it’s a blessing you must cherish," Mrs. Liu Sr. remarked.

Lin Youning agreed and voiced her concern, "Grandfather’s assignment outside was because of me?"

"Don’t listen to idle chatter. This time, your grandfather’s mission was assigned by the Holy Emperor for other reasons. It seems it involves your brother," Mrs. Liu Sr. explained.

Lin Youning was surprised, finally understanding why her grandfather was sent away. Could it be related to the Eldest Prince’s journey to the border before New Year?

"Is the Holy Emperor searching for someone? Could my brother uncover information?" Lin Youning asked.

Mrs. Liu Sr. laughed, "It seems you’re aware. Yes, it’s true, but we didn’t go to the border but elsewhere. We have already sent your brother a letter, instructing him to deliver his reply to the Capital." 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"Who are they looking for?" Lin Youning was curious.

"A Prince, the current Holy Emperor’s son, who left the palace after a scolding and hasn’t been heard from since. Now, the Holy Emperor seeks to reconcile in his old age, yearning for his children and grandchildren around him. Although he publicly declared the son dead years ago in anger, with time those sentiments have faded, prompting his search," Mrs. Liu Sr. disclosed. "It’s a vast world; finding a person isn’t easy. It’s said the Emperor’s Hidden Guard discovered a Jade Pendant. It’s an item your brother acquired and gifted, which belongs to the Emperor’s long-lost son. Hence, your brother got involved. If your brother received it from an acquaintance, he might know the Prince, but its resolution awaits his reply."

"And Grandmother and Grandfather’s expedition, was it related to spotting him in those places?" Lin Youning continued.