Gu Yifeng nodded. For him, this matter did not require any special preparation. Whether Mrs. Dong was at the manor or back at the mansion made no difference. His mother insisted on talking to him about this today; he understood it was just her lingering unease, wanting to pass the time by keeping him here.

"This is easily handled. Once Mrs. Dong returns, matters of the mansion are managed by Sister Hui until she marries. Mother will oversee everything. If she marries, it will be managed by Aunt Lv, under mother’s watchful eye. Although Aunt Lv is related to Mrs. Dong, she doesn’t dare overstep. I feel reassured without needing to safeguard against her." Gu Yifeng reiterated his thoughts, aligning them with what had already been discussed recently.

Mrs. Gu Sr. nodded, "Aunt Lv is indeed smart. She knows what’s beneficial for her. Since you disagree with bringing people into the mansion, these matters can only be entrusted to Aunt Lv. However, I heard that because of Sister Jian’s troubles, Aunt Lv has been unwell lately."

"Her worries are only about Sister Jian. I have already found good families for our girls. Once Mrs. Dong returns, the girls can start discussing marriages. I’ve given the list to mother, so she can take it upon herself to select suitable families for them." Gu Yifeng was not worried, "These families are my trusted subordinates over the years, with clear backgrounds. The girls won’t suffer where they’re going."

Mrs. Gu Sr. pondered, "Now that Consort Zhou has lost power, we don’t need to fear reprisals from the Zhou family. The girls of the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion needn’t marry below their status. Except for Sister Jian, it was her disregard for her own reputation that led her to your subordinates’ households."

"Mother," Gu Yifeng interrupted, "Please trust me on this. Mrs. Dong’s poor reputation makes it hard for Sister Hui to fare well even in big families, especially with the past broken engagement. We don’t expect our daughters to bolster the mansion’s prestige. As long as they live comfortably after marriage, why force them into prominent families? Mother knows what inner households of noble families are like."

Mrs. Gu Sr. protested, "By your logic, is marrying into noble families harming them? You make it sound as if noble families are treacherous. You don’t understand internal household issues. Regardless, for Sister Hui and Sister Ran’s marriages, I intend to select good matches."

Mrs. Gu Sr. showed reluctance to discuss further. Feeling helpless, Gu Yifeng knew better than to insist and opted to change the topic, "Sister Ning is accompanying Prince Shou to the palace today for an audience with the Holy Emperor."

Mrs. Gu Sr. remained silent for a moment, then said, "This is good news. Sister Ning is a Commandery Princess, the Emperor’s granddaughter. It’s perfectly normal for her to be summoned."

Gu Yifeng stood, "Brother Xuan has some matters needing attention; I shall take my leave unless there’s anything else."

Knowing he wouldn’t meet anyone upon hearing Sister Ning entered the palace, Mrs. Gu Sr. simply waved him off without further delay.

Meanwhile, Lin Youning had already entered the palace. The Holy Emperor was in early court, so Prince Shou took her to wait in the rear hall.

When Consort Zhou arrived, Lin Youning was playing chess with her father. As her father’s concubine, naturally, Prince Shou had to pay respects. Consort Zhou, wearing a smile devoid of warmth, allowed them to sit before speaking.

"Prince Shou has been back for a while now, but we haven’t met until today by chance." Consort Zhou smiled, though her eyes were cold. "The Holy Emperor worried for you, sending search parties over the years without success. Even the Second Prince went searching past the frontier for months, all with no news of you. Your brother always valued family—they couldn’t leave you outside indefinitely."

"Now you’re back, fulfilling your brother’s filial duty." Consort Zhou smiled faintly.

Prince Shou listened without offering much in return.

Lin Youning pursed her lips. Consort Zhou was trying to claim credit; she never expected such a side to the high and mighty consort.

Consort Zhou, unbothered by Prince Shou’s silence, focused her attention on Lin Youning. Her past indifference toward Prince Shou stemmed from his past at the palace, making him known to her.

But for Consort Zhou, Lin Youning represented an incident which had cost her face among Capital’s noblewomen.

Previously, she had underestimated Lin Youning as merely a child bride, from a family with no standing—a Third-rank General’s sister.

But within months, Lin Youning’s status transformed immensely.

She became a Commandery Princess.

Though Lin Youning did nothing, her very existence seemed like a slap to Consort Zhou.

With Prince Shou, Consort Zhou remained composed, but her body tensed toward Lin Youning, almost as if she sought to humble herself.

"I’ve met Sister Ning before; there were misunderstandings between us. To think we’re family now." Consort Zhou’s struggle ended quickly as she smiled and beckoned Lin Youning forward. Though reluctant, Lin Youning approached to pay respects.

Consort Zhou took her hand, "We’re family; no need for formality. Don’t dwell on past misunderstandings. Now that we’re together, we’ll have more time to bond. The Holy Emperor often muses about having grandchildren; and now you provide exactly that!" 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Consort Zhou spoke enthusiastically, lively, whereas Lin Youning shyly lowered her head, uninterested in engaging.

Prince Shou lowered his gaze, "Her Highness handles the palace’s myriad affairs. Today you’ve graced us unnecessarily; I’m sorry for the trouble."

"Oh, come now, we’re family. I should have visited you upon your return," Consort Zhou chuckled softly. "Now, with your family complete, your mother can rest easy in her resting place."

Prince Shou respectfully agreed yet remained silent otherwise.

Known for being detached, his indifferent regard toward Consort Zhou was apparent.