Lin Youning had nothing to say to Princess Yuanhua, so when she saw Princess Yuanhua coming in, she simply nodded politely. After all, when two people meet in the same courtyard, they should at least greet each other, so she didn’t plan to say much.

Unexpectedly, Princess Yuanhua did not walk away but came up to Lin Youning first, smiled and nodded, then said, "Sister-in-law, do you have a moment? I just have something to say."

"Then go ahead, sister-in-law," said Lin Youning, knowing that the visitor was not kind, and she was not polite either.

Nanny Chi watched from the side, her gaze cold, and did not step back. Princess Yuanhua was not afraid, although her brother and mother had lost power, Princess Yuanhua always maintained a high and mighty manner when outside. She slightly raised her chin, "Yesterday, the Marquis came to the mansion. What he said was in front of so many people. I don’t want to say much now, but some things said by outsiders are fine. However, when family members come home to bully, it is not good."

Lin Youning smiled slightly, "I’m not sure what was said. Please tell me, sister-in-law. The uncle didn’t mention it to me yesterday, so I don’t know."

Yuanhua’s face sank immediately. How could she repeat those words? Repeating them would be like slapping her own face. Lin Youning in front of her was bad news; just one sentence had put her in a passive position.

"Why aren’t you saying anything, sister-in-law? Just say it, if the uncle went too far, I will definitely talk to him. As you said, we are family. Although Aunt didn’t acknowledge you all back then, later you reconciled and became like family again. If there are misunderstandings, we should talk them out, not hide them in our hearts," Lin Youning continued as she didn’t speak, "I see you’re quite angry, coming to me now. I’m just a woman who can’t manage the household affairs or make decisions for the Marquis, but if the Marquis has done wrong, I would still have to say so."

Princess Yuanhua’s eyes widened, "You know perfectly well what it’s about, pretending to be confused. You want me to repeat it, just to make me look foolish. I may be dumb, but not so stupid as to not see through this."

Lin Youning was not angry at her yelling, but rather she laughed. Even though she was pregnant now, she was always delicate and pretty, her belly was big as if she had a ball tucked inside, but her face hadn’t changed. Her smile had a seductive charm.

Princess Yuanhua didn’t expect her to laugh, and was momentarily stunned. Such a smile, such appearance, how could it not make women jealous? How could it not make men like? Princess Yuanhua’s heart suddenly twisted painfully, she wished she could tear the person in front of her apart, and instinctively moved forward until someone stopped her. She realized it was Nanny Chi blocking her, only then understanding what she had been about to do in a trance.

Nanny Chi had a vigilant face. Lin Youning clutched her belly, stepping back a few steps with Hailan supporting her, "What does sister-in-law intend to do?"

Her eyes were cold.

Princess Yuanhua suppressed the chaos in her heart, explained, "I only wanted to see what’s so funny about you. You seem scared, as if I’d do something to you. Rest assured, with so many people watching now, even if I wanted to, it couldn’t happen." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Lin Youning smiled faintly, her gaze icy, "Perhaps so, but you didn’t realize the chill in your eyes. I was wondering where I offended you, making you hate me so much. You came to reason with me today, yet you won’t speak. If that’s the case, go about your business. You came to see Aunt, didn’t you? Then go inside and show your filial piety."

After speaking, Lin Youning didn’t say more, sidestepped her, and walked out with Hailan’s support. Princess Yuanhua bit her lip, watched Lin Youning leave, unable to do anything. On the other hand, Nanny Chi watched as Youning left before turning away, not even glancing at Princess Yuanhua behind her.

The servants in the hall continued their own work, making Princess Yuanhua feel very awkward, as if even the Marquis Mansion’s servants looked down on her. How could she stay, let alone visit Mrs. Gu Sr., who was bedridden with a stroke? She turned away in anger.

The incident where Lin Youning was nearly harmed by Princess Yuanhua quickly spread. Gu Yifeng had gone to the palace early in the morning because the issue with the Second Prince needed resolution, given that the new year was approaching.

Upon leaving the palace, he heard about the incident, and his face immediately darkened. Lin Youning, watching from the side, hurriedly said, "They find trouble but can’t find it now. Why bother with them, elder brother? I wasn’t harmed anyway. Besides, in the Marquis Mansion, how could she bully me?"

Gu Yifeng nodded, still called over Li Si, "How is the investigation of uncle’s side going? Have they caught the Daoist who was making the medicine?"

Li Si looked up, secretly glanced at the Madam sitting nearby, then lowered his head and replied, "The Daoist has been found."

"Follow the plan then," Gu Yifeng coldly snorted, "I originally wanted to leave them some face, but now it seems they don’t want it. Just expose the matter. They want to scheme against people, so let them understand that without the capability, they shouldn’t try to harm others."

Li Si acknowledged and retreated.

Lin Youning was confused by what she heard, but didn’t rush to ask, just glancing at elder brother. Gu Yifeng looked at her expression, his previously stern face revealing helplessness. He pulled her into his arms, "Why do you look at me like a little thief? Just say what you want. When have I ever kept anything from you?"

Lin Youning pursed her lips and smiled, "I just think elder brother handles everything so swiftly, I admire you a lot."

Gu Yifeng was stunned at first, then couldn’t help but burst into laughter, "Since when did you start saying such things to tease people?"

Lin Youning blushed, "It’s the truth, why are you laughing at me like that, elder brother? Then I won’t talk to you anymore. As for what you’re having Li Si do, I know it can’t be unrelated to that side, so I’ll just wait."

Gu Yifeng’s eyes squinted with laughter, though he said nothing, looking at his expression, Lin Youning blushed even more, embarrassed to face him. Whenever they were together, elder brother always looked at her this way, making her think of those intimate moments at night, causing her to blush.