Mrs. Gu Sr. disliked Mrs. Dong's stern demeanor the most; clearly young in age, yet appearing more composed than herself, an elderly lady. With so few people in the mansion, their lifeless demeanor often reminded Mrs. Gu Sr. of the days when the family men died on the battlefield.
Mrs. Gu Sr.'s eyes were fixed on Mrs. Dong, but her thoughts drifted elsewhere, leaving Mrs. Dong to speak without response. Mrs. Dong didn't feel awkward, or perhaps she was accustomed to this, knowing her mother-in-law's gaze suggested she was deep in thought.
When Mrs. Dong first married into the Marquis Mansion, she harbored some resentment towards her mother-in-law's behavior. However, over time, she realized her mother-in-law wasn't doing it intentionally; she was genuinely lost in thought, so Mrs. Dong no longer paid it any mind.
When Mrs. Gu Sr. remained silent for a moment, Mrs. Dong seated herself on the brocade stool brought by a maid. She maintained her dignity and composure, indicative of her noble upbringing. As she seated herself, her eyes glanced briefly at Gu Yifeng on the other side of the couch. Her slightly curved red lips bore a sweet and serene smile, but her brows furrowed slightly when her gaze fell upon the creased portion of Gu Yifeng's robe at his chest.
The Marquis had always emphasized propriety, yet his robe's chest was full of creases, clearly from being grabbed. Mrs. Dong lowered her gaze thoughtfully. No man could approach the Marquis so closely, and even if they did, they wouldn't touch him. This suggested it must have been a woman.
There were two concubines in the Marquis Mansion: Aunt He, previously a chambermaid elevated to her position, who bore an illegitimate son, and a distant cousin raised to concubine status after Mrs. Dong spent three childless years in the mansion, who had given birth to a daughter three months older than Mrs. Dong's legitimate daughter.
Gu Yifeng generally kept his distance from women. On assigned days, he would reside at each concubine's place, but most of his time was spent in the main courtyard, rarely requesting amenities at the concubines' residences at night.
So, even though there were two concubines in the mansion, Mrs. Dong never let it concern her. He wasn't cold towards her alone; this was how he was with all women. Yet now, as the creases on his robe suggested some affair, Gu Yifeng didn't seem to mind, and Mrs. Dong felt a subtle stirring in her heart, though she hid it well.
The time it took for these thoughts to pass in Mrs. Dong's mind was brief, and Mrs. Gu Sr. had already begun speaking, "The family has limited heirs. You've given birth to Sister Hui, so your body is apparently healthy. It's time to hurry and bear a legitimate son. When the Imperial Physician visits next time, have him check you as well and prescribe some supplements to nourish your health."
"Thank you, Mother. It is my fault for troubling you, Mother," Mrs. Dong replied, rising to perform a courtesy.
After marrying into the Marquis Mansion, Mrs. Gu Sr. entrusted everything within the mansion to Mrs. Dong, without putting her as a new daughter-in-law through any difficulties or establishing strict rules. Instead, Mrs. Dong was excused from making daily morning visits, needing only to visit every first and fifteenth of the month because Mrs. Gu Sr. took time off to pray.
Over the years, although Mrs. Gu Sr. was aware of every affair within the mansion, she never intervened. Yet today, she brought this up during a period of mourning, and although Mrs. Dong's expression didn't change, her heart was greatly startled, realizing her mother-in-law was genuinely concerned about this matter.
It was no wonder that Mrs. Gu Sr., someone who adhered strictly to rules, would bring up this topic now. With the eldest son's wife having passed away suddenly, Mrs. Gu Sr. couldn't help but reflect on her own life, fearing she might unexpectedly depart as well. If the Gu Family had no legitimate grandson, how could she face her ancestors and husband in the afterlife?
As Mrs. Dong sat back down, she was no longer as composed as before. Despite usually being calm, she was merely twenty years old, lacking enough experience.
Mrs. Gu Sr., from the couch above, lamented, "The second son clamors to marry, but now that your eldest brother's wife has just passed, the marriage must be postponed. In the meantime, visit the Duke Mansion with some gifts and explain the situation to them."
Speaking of her second son, Mrs. Gu Sr.'s words became more abundant, "He favored his little sister when he was young, but now approaching marriage, he doesn't seem to get along with her, quarreling over trivial matters. She tends to keep things in her heart, causing me to worry about these two little nemeses. I only hope when I close my eyes for the last time, these little nemeses can live in harmony so I can face our ancestors and your eldest brother's wife without regret."
Upon saying this, Mrs. Gu Sr. wiped tears from the corners of her eyes.
"Mother, please take care not to harm your health over these matters. Uncle is young; once he marries and understands the efforts you've made for him, he will surely appreciate your feelings. As for matters between him and his little sister, don't worry, as there's a saying, 'True enemies always reunite.' I see this as destiny bringing them together. Uncle watched his little sister grow up, and their feelings are not ordinary," Mrs. Dong consoled gently, speaking well but emotionally detached.
Gu Yifeng, sitting beside her, furrowed his brows, "Leave this matter to me. Tomorrow, I shall have a discussion with him."
With further consolations from Wenxin and Suyi, Mrs. Gu Sr. finally stopped weeping. By then, everyone present had picked up on the subtleties. Although the second young master's arranged marriage was settled early on, no mention was made of it over the years, and no one paid it much attention. Now, hearing Mrs. Gu Sr.'s words, they understood the importance she placed on this marriage; in her heart, she already regarded Mr. Gu and his little sister as a couple. Otherwise, why use the term "little nemeses"?
"Little nemeses" often describe a couple with a deep bond who occasionally quarrel. For Mrs. Gu Sr. to use these words, it indicated her wholehearted approval of their relationship.
After consoling Mrs. Gu Sr. and exchanging further words, Mrs. Dong finally took her leave. She passed through the East Corner Gate by the pergola and the corridor, returning to Yingshui Courtyard, the main courtyard of the Marquis Mansion, next to the Marquis's study.
Yingshui Courtyard was quite symmetrical, with corridors surrounding it. In the center, paths linked together, and only a few potted plants served as decoration. However, in the southwest corner of the courtyard, there was a small pavilion adorned with rocks. With autumn already here, most of the lotus flowers in the pond had fallen, leaving a sense of lingering beauty.
Passing through a passage, Mrs. Dong entered her own courtyard. Upon entering the main room, an ink painting of landscapes hung above the Eight Immortals table, with couplets on either side: one reading "Spirit of iron and stone and plum blossom," the other "Grace of mountains and streams."
The calligraphy was lively and dynamic, indicative of skilled artistry.
Inside the east compartment stood a screen embroidered with orchids; behind it, a redwood couch lay against the window. Further inside was a beaded curtain, with a dressing table and a canopied bed beyond.
Mrs. Dong went straight behind the curtain and sat before the dressing table, allowing her maid to remove her makeup.
Gazing at her faint reflection in the bronze mirror, Mrs. Dong sighed. Little sister had just entered the mansion, and already the elderly lady doted excessively, speaking about her uncle and little sister's matters without regard for the Duke Mansion's feelings. Isn't this disrupting the rules?