bantayden Chapter 523 - 515: Opposition
Chapter 523 - 515: Opposition
Gu Yifeng was also watched growing up by Nanny Chi. Though just a servant, she was respected as half of a master. Gu Yifeng, not one to lie, knitted his brows at Nanny Chi’s question but did not rush to answer.
Seeing his demeanor, Nanny Chi realized there was some hidden truth in this matter, and her expression grew tense.
After a moment, Gu Yifeng said, "Brother Zong is not a descendant of the Gu Family."
Nanny Chi was stunned upon hearing this, clearly shocked, and looked at Gu Yifeng in disbelief, "Marquis, is what you’re saying true?"
Gu Yifeng nodded and turned his back, "Nanny should know, a few days ago, a Daoist was sent into the palace; it was that person."
Nanny Chi was startled again, "Even the Holy Emperor knows?"
Gu Yifeng remained silent, but such silence was an admission.
Nanny Chi forgot decorum, clearly unable to support herself, and sat on the couch, muttering, "How could this happen? How could this be?"
Gu Yifeng did not turn around, his voice heavy, "In some way, I am to blame for Mrs. Dong. Her actions partly reflect my own causes. Sending them away now is for the best. It’s enough that you know this matter. As for Mother, let’s keep it from her. She is in poor health and cannot endure any shocks."
Nanny Chi, alongside Mrs. Gu Sr., had weathered many matters, but even she was shocked by this, appearing desolate, "Marquis, rest easy. I understand. It’s just a pity. How could Madam do something so foolish? You bear this burden out of necessity, yet haven’t demoted her from her position as Madam. Why couldn’t she accept it, unlike other women who bear such circumstances as men take multiple wives?"
"This is not something for you to worry about, Nanny. I will handle it," Gu Yifeng declared before striding out of the flower hall, only to find Sister Hui standing outside with a pale face.
Gu Yifeng’s steps halted for a moment but did not pause, striding away.
Sister Hui never expected to hear such words. No wonder Father wanted to send Mother and Brother Zong away. How could Mother commit such an act? She had even been advocating for Brother Zong. In other families, Mother and Brother Zong might not have survived, yet here they were, alive and being sent away by Father.
Sister Hui’s body swayed; what had she done?
An inkling of guilt arose in her heart.
Sister Hui didn’t know how she arrived at her mother’s courtyard. When she recognized her surroundings, she found herself standing before her mother.
Mrs. Dong lacked spirit, having been gravely ill and, after the events of last night, was even more depleted. Upon seeing her daughter, whose gaze was altered, she vaguely understood the situation and so remained silent.
"Mother, why did you do this? Did you think about your daughter still in the estate? Did you think about how your daughter would face everyone else? I’ve never asked anything of Mother, but why can’t you think of your daughter just once? Are those things truly more important than your daughter?" Sister Hui shouted loudly, using a voice she had never before used. After her hysterical shouting, tears fell, "I once thought I was alone, but now I see I truly am. In Mother’s eyes, I never existed. Now I understand and won’t hold any hope in the future. Mother, take care."
Sister Hui left, tears streaming as she turned and ran outside, colliding with the nanny holding the child. Stabilizing herself and seeing the nanny and Brother Zong, hatred flickered in her eyes. She bit her lip and ran away resolutely.
The nanny did not comprehend what had occurred. Usually, the young lady was affectionate and even doted on the little young master.
Uncertain of what to do and not daring to delay, the nanny carried Brother Zong inside, noticing Madam sitting dazedly on the couch. The nanny hesitated, but as Mrs. Dong heard the sound, she lifted her gaze, her eyes fixating on the nanny uneasily.
Mrs. Dong raised her hand, "Bring the young master over."
Only then did the nanny dare to approach.
Accepting Brother Zong, Mrs. Dong watched the child blowing bubbles, and a smile appeared on her face. The nanny sighed, but Mrs. Dong lifted her hand, intending to drop Brother Zong. The nanny was so frightened she forgot to stop it, but with her hand suspended, Mrs. Dong retrieved it, held Brother Zong close, and began to cry quietly, her face buried in the child.
The nanny was so scared she slumped to the ground, unable to rise for a long time. It was only when the older woman outside heard the commotion that she came in and saw this scene. The older woman said nothing and directly carried the nanny out.
Three days later, Mrs. Dong was sent away at night, accompanied by Li Si to Jiangnan. It was publicly stated that Mrs. Dong was ill and that the child couldn’t be separated from the mother, thus explaining her departure.
When Prince Shou heard the news, he immediately visited, his expression dark and examining Gu Yifeng thoroughly. However, Gu Yifeng maintained his composure, sitting steadily and unaffected.
Lin Youning, witnessing this scene, couldn’t suppress an urge to laugh, enduring it silently though the amusement in her eyes couldn’t be concealed.
The three sat silently in the flower hall, Prince Shou’s face sullen until, doting on his daughter, he could no longer hold it in, "Send her away? After many years, if she returns with the child, how will you keep the lie that they were both gravely ill? Then what of the child not being yours? You’ve been at the border all these years, yet you possess such weakness, leaving behind a major risk."
Seeing her father about to argue, Lin Youning quickly interjected, "Father, calm your anger. I instructed Big Brother to do this. I am about to give birth and wanted to accumulate goodwill. As for Mrs. Dong, I believe she won’t act out further. She is a mother and, for her child’s sake, will remain silent."
"And what of the Dong Mansion? Won’t they intervene?" Prince Shou snorted coldly, though his tone softened considerably.
Lin Youning knew her father doted on her and wouldn’t remain angry and smiled with squinted eyes, "The Dong Mansion currently cannot even manage its own affairs, so how could they have the energy to care about other matters?"