The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!-Chapter 20: The Fool

The Xu Family has long been stationed at the border. Although they are not well-known in the Capital, their strength cannot be underestimated. Like the Gu Family, they are a military family and naturally have a good relationship. However, back then, Gu Yifeng made his achievements in the Northwest while Xu Kuan guarded the Southeast, each defending on their side.

When Lin Youning saw Xu Kuan in her past life, her Brother Zong was only a young boy, and Xu Kuan was the same age as Gu Yifeng, naturally in his thirties. Her deepest memory was of his tall and strong stature and his cold, commanding eyes that seemed to gaze arrogantly at the world.

His demeanor was equally domineering. Knowing that she was an orphan with a husband who married into two families, he still insisted on sending a matchmaker. Even after the matchmaker was chased away, he sneaked into the Gu Mansion at night to explain his rash actions, arrogantly claiming that he wouldn’t marry anyone but her.

He was clearly a boorish man who intruded into a woman’s boudoir at night, a domineering person who looked down on everything, yet he acted in such contradictory ways.

Lin Youning remembered rejecting him fiercely, but it was as if they had made a vow. Until her death, he did not marry another, and whenever she needed help, he silently solved everything.

Lin Youning once again looked towards the mountainside, where the tall and sturdy figure stood in contrast to Gu Yifeng’s calm demeanor, making it impossible for her to look away.

In her past life, she felt guilty towards this man. Bound by propriety, she couldn’t respond to his feelings. In this life, she wonders if there will be a chance.

A sudden clearance of her mind made Lin Youning realize that if she were to marry Xu Kuan in this life, given his feelings for her in the past life, starting anew might not be bad.

While Lin Youning was lost in thought, she didn’t miss the conversation between Mrs. Gu Sr. and Gu Yixuan. "So it’s Zichang. I heard his first wife passed away. Seeing him here today, it seems true."

Zichang is Xu Kuan’s courtesy name. Since the Xu Family had only one son in Xu Kuan’s generation, and being a military family, they naturally hoped their son would live a long life, hence they gave him the courtesy name of Chang.

Lin Youning learned this from her servant after Xu Kuan pursued her.

Xu Kuan’s wife’s family is the daughter of the Commander of the Nine Gates in the Capital, a common military marriage. The marriage was granted by the Emperor, showing his regard for both families. Yet, in just a few short years, a funeral was held.

Lin Youning was somewhat familiar with the Xu Family’s affairs. Xu Kuan had no concubines, only a legitimate son and daughter. The daughter, the same age as her, was spoiled and pampered, raised by Mrs. Xu Sr. after her mother’s early death, naturally being indulged more.

Gu Yixuan’s words brought Lin Youning back to reality, "I’ve heard that the Song Family even intends to marry their second daughter into the Xu Family."

"The Xu Family is unlikely to agree," Mrs. Gu Sr.’s face revealed nothing, but her words hinted at knowing some inside information.

Gu Yixuan, seeing his mother say no more and look ahead, followed her gaze, where their little sister didn’t let the servants assist her. She held up the sides of her dress, revealing embroidered shoes, taking one step at a time up the mountain. With each step, the veil on her hat fluttered in the wind, adding a vivid grace to her small figure, making it hard for people to look away.

The two individuals on the mountainside were also drawn by the commotion, and Xu Kuan was momentarily stunned before teasing, "Yifeng, since when did you have such an agile daughter?"

Gu Yifeng smiled lightly, "This is my cousin."

Xu Kuan’s rugged face froze for a moment, then he asked, "Is she the child bride adopted by the main family?"

Gu Yifeng didn’t respond, only glanced at Xu Kuan, as if to ask when he became so gossipy. He then shifted his gaze back to the foot of the mountain. Xu Kuan followed, seeing a five or six-year-old child looking up, waving a hand. The veil lifted, revealing curved eyebrows and a particularly sweet smile.

When addressed as ’big brother’, the voice was unusually clear.

Xu Kuan rarely saw a faint smile on Gu Yifeng’s face.

Gu Yifeng had already shifted his gaze, "The current political situation in the court is unstable. Your wife’s family supports the Eldest Prince born to Her Highness."

"I am merely a military general stationed at the border. Their attempts to win me over are useless. Distant water cannot put out nearby fires. I’d rather stay at the border and let them decide who sits in that position; it is of no concern to me. But as for you, are you really intending to mourn for your aunt for three years?"

"Why not?" Gu Yifeng sneered.

Seeing that Gu Yifeng was unwilling to say more, Xu Kuan didn’t press further. "My mother is still on the mountain, so I’ll go ahead first and visit Aunt this evening."

Lin Youning was about to reach them when two figures emerged from the shadows beside the trees. They were the personal servants of Gu Yifeng and Xu Kuan.

"Miss," Li Si greeted Lin Youning with Xu Kuan’s servant.

Lin Youning nodded, the movement just making her veil sway slightly, "And this is?"

"I am Zhang Rang, greeting Miss," Zhang Rang stepped forward to pay his respects.

Lin Youning recognized him, but had to pretend not to, standing still to receive the courtesy, "Whose servant are you?"

"I am the servant of General Xu. The master has gone ahead, so I take my leave, Miss," Zhang Rang paid his respects again.

"Then you may go." Lin Youning had hoped to make a familiar face, but it seemed there was no opportunity.

Unfortunately, she hurried over and still missed the chance to meet Xu Kuan now. She wondered if there would be another opportunity to reunite at the temple later.

With the veil covering her face, naturally no one could see the look of disappointment on Lin Youning’s face.

"Miss, the Marquis is waiting for you ahead." Li Si, being observant, sensed the young lady’s slight sadness, although he thought it must be an illusion.

How could the young lady be affected by a servant leaving, especially when it was their first meeting?

Listening to this, Lin Youning perked up, looking upwards. Still, her mind seemed unwilling to comply. As someone with two lifetimes’ experiences, every memory of being held by Gu Yifeng made her blush and her breath quicken.