When the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion had not yet risen to prominence, it was just an ordinary military family. In a battle at the border, four members of the Gu Family's first and second houses, including General Gu, were killed, leaving only two direct grandsons from the second house.
It wasn't until the eldest grandson, Gu Yifeng, made outstanding military achievements at the border and was conferred the title of Dingyuan Marquis by the Emperor, that the Gu Family suddenly became a noble family in the Capital.
The influential residents of the Capital lived in the East Market, while the poor and those of lower status lived in the West Market. Although the Gu Family was not illustrious at that time, their old mansion was in the East Market.
After Gu Yifeng was conferred the title of Dingyuan Marquis, the Emperor took it upon himself to bestow two vacant houses adjacent to the left of the Gu Family to Gu Yifeng. These vacant houses were originally properties of the Duke Mansion; without waiting for the Emperor to ask, the Duke voluntarily returned these properties to the Emperor to gain favor.
Only two direct grandsons remained from the second house of the Gu Family, leaving few people and large houses. After becoming the Marquis, Gu Yifeng moved into the vacant house next to the Gu Family mansion. The original Gu Mansion was transformed into Madam's courtyard and garden, while the vacant house adjacent to the Duke Mansion was given to Second Young Master Gu Yixuan.
The main entrance of the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion was set in Gu Yifeng's house, and guests usually entered through there. To the left was Madam's residence, and to the right was Second Young Master's courtyard.
Lin Youning lived in Tingxue Hall, the third courtyard of Madam's main residence. Madam lived in the main room of Shi'an Garden in the second courtyard. Walking past the small garden led to Lin Youning's Tingxue Hall.
Exiting through the west corner gate of the courtyard led to the mansion's garden, which had artificial hills and a small lake where boating was possible in the hot summer.
Lin Youning revitalized herself, and looking at the blood bird's nest finally sparked her appetite. Just as her hand was about to touch the white porcelain bowl with green bamboo patterns, she was interrupted by the noise from the courtyard, with the chaotic footsteps growing closer.
She even heard the servants' greetings.
"Greetings to Second Young Master."
The voices rose and fell, becoming more distinct as the footsteps approached.
Lin Youning raised her head and saw a tall figure coming around from behind the screen.
A snow-white robe, a wide cloud-patterned belt around the waist, adorned with a piece of Mutton Fat Jade shaped like auspicious clouds, with blue tassels hanging below, making the jade even more conspicuous. As Lin Youning glanced over, the slender figure had already sat down across from her, moving casually yet exuding an undeniable nobility.
Without even looking at his face, just his elegant demeanor and attire told Lin Youning who it was. Unexpectedly, the first person she saw upon reliving this life was this 'fated adversary.'
"This bird's nest has gone cold, why was it still brought to the young lady to drink? How have you been attending to her?" Gu Yixuan's voice was as gentle as jade, matching his appearance.
Even words of reproach, coming from his mouth, carried a unique magnetism.
"Your servant acknowledges the mistake." Shanmoi had already knelt down.
Lin Youning raised her eyes to look across. Since Gu Yixuan came in, this was the first time she looked directly at him, though it was because he was giving her maid a hard time.
"Shanmoi, take it away and heat it up." Gu Yixuan, when not angry, was a gentleman, but when angry, behaved like an unreasonable playboy.
Lin Youning did not want Shanmoi to be punished for such a small matter, so she simply sent her away. This single sentence, however, drew Gu Yixuan's attention back to her.
In her previous life, Lin Youning held up the main house of the Gu House alone. Within just fifteen years, she gained a degree of cultivation and insight. Besides earning money to support the main house, she slowly figured out interpersonal skills and household management by herself.
When not socializing, she poured her heart into cuisine, attire, and the art of tea. Though not outstanding in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, her years in the marquis mansion exposed and refined her unique aesthetic and appreciation.
Managing the main house alone, being the one in charge, naturally she developed the aura of a matriarch. At this moment, Lin Youning's attitude towards Shanmoi was generous and kind, broad-minded.
In contrast, Gu Yixuan sitting across seemed petty and narrow-minded.
With just a sentence, retreating to advance, her words subtly pointed out Gu Yixuan's character, piquing his interest as he looked her over more closely.
Clearly still a face of childish innocence, yet performing actions with the bearing of an adult, making her all the more endearing to watch. Although she was thin, her delicate face bore a touch of sorrow. Her willow-like brows and apricot eyes, with children's locks on both sides of her big vertebrae, only adorned with a white flower made of burlap, at a glance made it clear she was in mourning.
At five years old, Gu Xuanyi knew that he would eventually marry two wives, one being the little sister in front of him. Now fifteen, he barely remembered anything before he was ten, except for the sight of his little sister drooling with a bare bottom.
He remembered having a fuss with his mother, not wanting to marry a little child.
As he gradually understood over the years, after spending time together, Gu Yixuan only regarded the little sister before him as a real sibling. Yet, for the first time, he saw the sorrow emanating from her, which made him feel heartache.
"Little sister, why have you grown so distant from Second Brother?"
Little sister was Lin Youning's childhood name.