The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!

Chapter 543 - 535: Concealment

No one in the hall said a word, and Gu Yifeng sat dumbfounded in the chair. This was the first time he had shown such a look in front of outsiders.

Gu Yifeng had always been the backbone, and now that he was down, let alone others. Liang Hui had someone help Mrs. Liu Sr. leave, while she looked to her husband for help. Seeing him nod, she followed the others out.

Sister Ling was completely stunned, while Sister Hong and Sister Ying, being older, had already been sent back to the Prime Minister’s Mansion. Sister Ling watched as her mother left, then followed like someone who’d lost their soul. When she left the courtyard, she looked back at the people in the hall, gritted her teeth, steeled herself, and ran towards the backyard.

Shanmoi and Hailan had been keeping watch in the room. Lin Youning had taken a nap at noon, and now Hailan and Shanmoi were serving her dinner. White rice porridge with eggs, accompanied by some light side dishes. Since giving birth, this was the first proper meal Lin Youning had since the broth.

She also knew not to eat too much, and the porridge was prepared with broth. After just a few bites, the sound of hurried footsteps came from outside.

Shanmoi and Hailan’s expressions changed. They had not even had time to ask when Sister Ling rushed in, heading straight to the bed, kneeling at the foot.

Lin Youning was startled by her appearance, "Sister Ling, what’s wrong? Weren’t you going back to the mansion with your mother? Did you have a falling out with her again?"

Sister Ling immediately began to cry. Having cried all day, her eyes were already swollen. Now, even when she opened them, they seemed like they were closed.

Seeing Sister Ling like this, Shanmoi and Hailan knew something was wrong. Hailan passed what she was holding to a maid, then hurried over to support Sister Ling, "Cousin, the floor is cold, and you have a delicate body. Please stand up. Our madam is in her confinement, and emotional turmoil is not good for her. Talk things out, there’s no rush between family."

Shanmoi shooed the young maids serving in the room away, fearing any embarrassing scene that might erupt.

Sister Ling refused to get up, "It’s my fault. I won’t get up. Let me kneel here for Aunt."

Hailan grew more anxious hearing this, "Cousin, I beg you. Our madam is currently in her confinement, and her body is frail. If she falls ill during this period, it will affect her for life."

Sister Ling halted her cries and stared blankly at the anxious Hailan. Hailan understood this was bad. The madam was so intelligent, how could she not perceive it?

Lin Youning had been silent, but she noticed the oddity in Hailan’s words. Seeing Sister Ling’s state, her heart sank. She didn’t want to overthink, but Sister Ling’s demeanor, and Hailan’s attempts to hold her back, were clearly related to that matter.

Sister Ling had already been helped up by Hailan, and Lin Youning steadied her mind, "Hailan, you two leave and let Sister Ling stay."

Hailan stiffened.

Seeing her reaction, Lin Youning’s heart twisted, and her tone brooked no refusal, "You two leave. Let Sister Ling stay."

She didn’t want to wait a moment longer.

Hailan and Shanmoi saw the madam’s stern face, something they’d never seen before, and went pale. They didn’t dare say more, bowing and retreating.

Sister Ling was also frightened, standing still by the bed. Lin Youning beckoned her over, "Sister Ling, come sit by Aunt."

Sister Ling hesitated but then moved in small steps to sit beside the bed, "Aunt, it’s my fault. Just scold me, or hit me if you wish."

As she spoke, Sister Ling began to cry again.

Lin Youning felt a tightness in her chest that made it hard to breathe, but she forced herself to comfort her, "Silly girl, no matter what happens, Aunt won’t blame you. Tell me what happened."

"Aunt, Sister Hailan just said you’re in confinement. Did I do something wrong again? But seeing Father and Mother so worried, and Uncle too, I knew it was my fault. I thought it best I tell you myself." Sister Ling had resolved.

Lin Youning patted her head, "Good child, our Sister Ling has grown up. It’s right to take responsibility for your actions, and we should also share our parents’ burdens."

Sister Ling bit her lip, "Aunt, Brother Zong is missing. Sister Yue took him, but she had an accident on the road and passed away, so no one knows where Brother Zong is. Everyone was afraid to tell you, fearing you’d be unable to bear it. But I... I..."

"There’s no need to explain. I understand. You’ve suffered. It’s not your fault. Even if you were there, she would have taken Brother Zong." Lin Youning felt a twinge in her nose, trying hard not to cry in front of Sister Ling, but the tears fell uncontrollably.

Seeing her weep terrified Sister Ling. She fished out a handkerchief in a panic, "Aunt, please don’t cry. You’re not supposed to during confinement, or it’ll hurt your eyes."

Lin Youning nodded repeatedly, "It’s alright, I’m fine."

But thinking of Brother Zong, the tears flowed unrestrainedly. How could her Brother Zong have such a fate? In her previous life, she hadn’t fulfilled her duty as a mother, and in this life?

She had let someone take Brother Zong away. In her past life, Mrs. Kong had harmed her, and in this life, it was also Mrs. Kong’s daughter who took Brother Zong. Why could she never be free from Mrs. Kong in both lives?

Sister Ling, seeing Aunt’s increasing tears, also started crying, "It’s all my fault, Aunt. Scold me. If Brother Zong isn’t found, I... I won’t live either."

Lin Youning felt pained, but seeing Sister Ling’s state, she could only wipe her tears and comfort her, "Alright, Aunt won’t cry, and Sister Ling shouldn’t say such silly things. Aunt is just sad."