xymnovel Chapter 526 - 518: Wild Notions
Chapter 526 - 518: Wild Notions
Gu Yifeng held her in his arms. Although Sister Ning said nothing, he knew what she was thinking.
"Back then, Wu Xueqin stumbled over Wang Wen and was mocked by people in the Capital. She was not favored by the Holy Emperor. How could she let it go like that? I’ve always wondered what she would do, but I never expected her to choose such a method. She told the Holy Emperor that she had not resisted Wang Wen when they parted ways. Now that she is pregnant, she doesn’t want to harm an innocent life. She confessed in front of the Holy Emperor, and now she is seen as the victim and is sympathized with. With just this one move, she has turned the tables completely."
Lin Youning, seeing that what her elder brother said aligned with her suspicions, sighed, "Isn’t the Wang Family doomed then? I thought they had maintained a clean reputation for a lifetime, but now it’s all ruined in Wang Wen’s hands. Has the matter really been thoroughly investigated? Is it really Wang Wen’s doing?"
Lin Youning was still somewhat incredulous about this matter.
Gu Yifeng smiled faintly, with a hint of sarcasm, "This matter is indeed credible. Wu Xueqin wouldn’t dare to play such a huge game unless she was fully determined."
Lin Youning said bitterly, "How could Wang Wen do such a thing? Truly misjudged him. I thought he was sincere with Dong Boyun."
It now seemed that there was not a single good man.
Gu Yifeng whispered in her ear, "Don’t worry, I am not like that."
Lin Youning felt a twinge of guilt, but she quickly laughed, "Anyone might be like that, but not me and my elder brother."
Just those simple words made Gu Yifeng tighten his embrace on the little figure in his arms, "Having Sister Ning trust me like this is more important than anything to me."
Lin Youning, held tightly, also embraced him in return. She understood why her elder brother was so moved, just like back then when she wished for someone who would truly love her and treat her well. She had searched for two lifetimes, and her elder brother was no different.
The sky outside was already bright, and only then did they get up. Gu Yifeng had to go to the Crown Prince Mansion, while Lin Youning was still pondering about Wu Xueqin’s matter. By noon, she heard that Lady was visiting.
Shanmoi placed the invitation on the tea table, "She’s just outside the mansion. She delivered the invitation personally."
Lin Youning understood the situation, "Just say I’m feeling unwell and let her return."
Shanmoi’s face lit up with joy, "I’ll go relay the message right away."
However, she went out happily and returned with a gloomy face not long after, "She said it’s about the Crown Prince’s wedding."
"That means I can’t refuse?" Lin Youning set down the goat’s milk in her hand, "Let her in then."
Shanmoi went out again, visibly deflated.
When Wu Xueqin came in, Lin Youning noticed Wu Xueqin’s belly had already grown. Adding up the time since Dong Boyun and the others left, Lin Youning’s expression turned cold.
Wu Xueqin seemed oblivious to the coldness on Lin Youning’s face, "Mr. Wu doesn’t know what I’m here for?"
"As the Crown Prince’s niece, you ought to do something for the Crown Prince’s wedding. After all, it should stand out."
Lin Youning responded flatly, "Mr. Wu, please go ahead."
"I want to prepare some fresh flowers. I heard Marquis built a greenhouse for Madam, and the flowers there can’t be found elsewhere. Even the palace has received many flowers from there, some of which are no longer available even there." Wu Xueqin gently caressed her belly, "The Holy Emperor trusts me. Now that I’ve come to Madam, I just want to make the wedding lively and special. The Holy Emperor also said that after the Crown Prince’s wedding, he can take on greater duties."
Lin Youning nodded, "I understand. But for this matter, sending a servant would suffice. There’s no need for Mr. Wu to come personally. Now that you’re pregnant, raising a child alone is no easy task. Take good care of yourself."
Wu Xueqin caught the sarcasm but remained indifferent, smiling, "Yes, raising a child alone isn’t easy. You must take good care of yourself, unlike Madam, who is cherished by the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion and has a strong family background. Who could compare? Even the Marchioness of Dingyuan has left the mansion, so I’m most envious of you, Madam. You have to do nothing. As long as you have a man to rely on, it’s enough."
Shanmoi’s eyes widened nearby.
Lin Youning simply smiled, "Indeed, I’ve always believed that as long as it’s not me exerting the effort, I can rely on anyone. There’s no need to put in the effort myself. A woman’s life, if married to the right person, has no worries, with men everywhere to solve problems."
As she said this, Lin Youning paused, "Mr. Wu was granted the title of Lady by the Holy Emperor. Finding someone to marry shouldn’t be difficult, so why insist on keeping this child? Letting him be born only to be pointed at. Besides, for you, Mr. Wu, isn’t this kind of thing not the first? You must be accustomed to it by now. I used to value Mr. Wu and thought you carried yourself with dignity, but I was mistaken."
"Hmph, what difference is there between what I do and what Madam does? Didn’t Madam also snatch someone else’s man? I just don’t have the looks, nor the family background like Madam, so I end up like this. If I had a prince as my father like Madam, I would live well too." Wu Xueqin’s smile grew deeper, showing no sign of anger.
She hid it well, but one could still see through it at a glance.
Lin Youning had heard her say these words more than once, "What others say and spread is their business. I’m responsible for the main house, not snatching someone else’s man. What Mr. Wu did is even less than a mistress, who at least admits she is one, while Mr. Wu keeps insisting on your innocence. People like us can’t walk the same path, and coming here today is just to show off. But living like this doesn’t make me see you any better. Your victory is self-destruction."
"Your ideas are unique; I have admired you before." Lin Youning shook her head, not speaking further, directly dismissing her, "As for the flowers you need, just send someone to the mansion to pick them up. I’m tired today, so I won’t stay to chat. You may leave."
Wu Xueqin stood up, "Now the Wang Family has submitted a memorial to the Holy Emperor, proposing to welcome me as the second wife. Even though Dong Boyun and Wang Wen have fled to their hometown, what can they do? I, Wu Xueqin, have never admitted defeat. Since my fate is sealed, why should I let them live happily?"
Leaving her words, Wu Xueqin held her waist and left with large strides.