The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!-Chapter 16: The Reprimand

Mrs. Gu Sr. is a widow. After the men in the family passed away, she always lived with her eldest daughter-in-law. She has always been a person with a good temper. Even though her son was granted the title of Dingyuan Marquis, there weren’t many rules on her side. After her son got married, she handed over everything in the mansion, only staying in the old residence.

She felt sorry for her youngest son, who lost his father at the age of ten, and thus was lenient in his upbringing. Seeing her son develop some of the pampered tendencies of wealthy young men, she felt regret, though it was too late.

Fortunately, although her son was a bit mischievous, he had a good heart and never caused any real trouble.

But today, after hearing her son say such things, Mrs. Gu Sr. was disappointed.

Although it was already late autumn and the flowers and plants outside seemed withered, the camellias in the side hall of Shi’an Garden were in full bloom. Accompanied by the dim candlelight and a faint floral scent, ones restless heart slowly calmed down.

Mrs. Gu Sr., although only in her forties this year, had a head full of white hair, making her look a decade older. She dressed casually at home, in a blue vest, and the whole of her bore a sense of being worn down by time.

At this moment, her face was filled with sadness.

On the flower-stone floor of the side hall, Gu Yixuan knelt with his head bowed. "Mother, calm your anger. I acknowledge my mistake."

"No, you do not know what your mistake was, nor do you know where you went wrong," stated Mrs. Gu Sr. "I have always been lenient with you and strict with your elder brother. Your brother has to shoulder the future of the Gu Family, and you are the youngest. I felt sorry for you losing your father’s guidance early on, yet I raised you with this personality. I know you resent me, resenting the lack of attention from me."

"I was indeed envious of the strictness you showed my brother, thinking you focused all your attention on him. Only later, when I gradually understood your painstaking efforts, did I realize. That’s why I never resented you. It’s foolish of me, I won’t dare to speak those reckless words again. Please don’t get angry, harming your health would make me even more ashamed to face you." Gu Yixuan’s head was already pressed to the floor.

Mrs. Gu Sr.’s face was filled with loneliness; whatever one sows, so shall they reap. Back then, she only thought about pushing her eldest son to support the Gu Family, ignoring the youngest son. How could she have known the youngest would mature early and believe she was partial, never being as close as when they were young?

"My second son, whether you resent me or not, this matter is decided. Tomorrow, your sister-in-law will go to the Duke Mansion to discuss postponing the marriage. It’s getting late, you should return." Disappointed, Mrs. Gu Sr. waved her hand.

She worried again about whether her second son’s dual responsibility with two families could handle it in the future.

Thinking of her little sister’s fragile appearance like a pear blossom in the rain, her brow furrowed even more.

"I will leave everything to Mother’s discretion," Gu Yixuan stood up from the floor, breathed a sigh of relief, bowed again to his mother, and then retreated.

As there was no one else in the side hall, Wenxin stepped closer, gently advising, "Madam, it’s getting late, your health is not well, you should rest early."

Though disappointed with her youngest son, Mrs. Gu Sr. was broad-minded and did not dwell in her disappointment for long. "Rest, add a bed tonight, let little sister sleep here."

"I knew you would think so. Suyi has already arranged a bed there, and the girl is probably already asleep," Wenxin replied with a smile, assisting Mrs. Gu Sr. further inside.

"Little sister likes to bottle things up, overthinks, and is often sad alone; otherwise, she wouldn’t be so delicate. Now that she lives by my side, we must help her open up. Tomorrow, buy a few lively and similarly aged maidens to keep her company," Mrs. Gu Sr. said, walking around the screen. "Her two maids are too quiet, not like ten-year-old girls."

Upon hearing movement, Suyi came forward, supporting Mrs. Gu Sr. on the other side. Coming to the bedside, they saw the little one already asleep, her delicate face still young but showing hints of beauty, suggesting she would be a great beauty in the future.

"With such a delicate temperament, coupled with the muddle-headed nature of the second son, I wonder if they can manage the main household in the future." Mrs. Gu Sr. couldn’t help but worry.

"Although the Second Young Master is a bit mischievous, he is also filial. Moreover, he has already passed the scholar exams and is not reliant on the mansion. Being your son, you should have faith in him," Wenxin said with a clear laugh.

Mrs. Gu Sr. was amused, "You all just cover things up in front of me, only hoping that when little sister grows up, the second son’s nature will stabilize."

"Madam, just be at ease," Suyi deftly removed the ornaments from Mrs. Gu Sr.’s hair, then helped her to the bedside with Wenxin.

With the help of the two maids, Mrs. Gu Sr. had her face wiped and her robe removed, but her brows remained tightly knit, never relaxing.