Dream of the Red Chamber: My Daiyu Has Been Reborn

When Grandmother Jia heard about Pear Fragrance Courtyard, her brows furrowed.

The place was indeed a bit remote, but it was a secluded courtyard, which made it quiet and not too bad for Daiyu. However, seeing Wang's anxious look, it was clear that she had probably made other plans for the courtyard.

Gu Jinhong persisted, seemingly convinced of Lixiang Courtyard's existence: "It doesn't matter if we're not familiar with it yet; we'll get used to it after living here for a while. Second Madam, are you perhaps reluctant to part with it, or is this courtyard reserved for someone else?"

Madam Wang's face immediately darkened. No longer caring about appearances, she said coldly, "This is a family matter of the Jia family. How to arrange Pear Fragrance Courtyard is up to the old lady. I'm afraid it's not up to an outsider like Young Master Gu to interfere."

Grandmother Jia glanced at Madam Wang, her expression slightly displeased. Madam Wang's words were too blunt, which made her look foolish. However, she did not stop her, clearly indicating that she was also quite dissatisfied with Gu Jinhong.

Gu Jinhong raised an eyebrow, about to start a debate with her.

"Second Aunt, you are mistaken."

Since entering Rongqing Hall, Daiyu had only offered greetings and not spoken a word. Now, she raised her head and looked calmly at Madam Wang.

"When my mother was alive, she and Princess Anning arranged a marriage between Yu'er and Young Master Gu. My father was also aware of this. Although the formal betrothal ceremony has not yet taken place, it is the wish of both families. Logically speaking, Young Master Gu is not an outsider."

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia looked at Daiyu in disbelief. Madam Xing's mouth gaped open, and several gasps came from behind the screen.

Grandmother Jia looked at Gu Jinhong, her voice unconsciously rising a few decibels: "Second Young Master Gu, is what Yu'er said true?"

Gu Jinhong's heart was also churning with emotions. He never expected that Daiyu would bring up this marriage agreement at this moment, in front of all the masters and servants of the Jia family.

Since Daiyu arrived in the capital, he, her mother, and her father had never mentioned the marriage arrangement in front of her. It wasn't that they were unwilling to acknowledge it, but rather that Daiyu had just lost her mother and had come to the capital alone. If they brought up the marriage arrangement upon their first meeting, they feared it would cause her to feel resentful. It was better to get to know her slowly first and then formally discuss the engagement later.

But to his surprise, Daiyu said it herself.

Gu Jinhong turned to look at Daiyu, only to see her standing there calmly with her back straight, but the tangled fingers in her sleeves betrayed her inner turmoil.

She was not unaware of the weight of those words.

If an unmarried young woman publicly acknowledges an engagement, her reputation will be inextricably linked to Gu Jinhong's. If the Gu family later denies it, she will become the laughingstock of the entire capital.

But she still spoke.

Gu Jinhong withdrew his gaze and turned to Grandmother Jia, his expression now extremely solemn.

"What Miss Lin said is all true. This marriage was arranged by my mother and the late Madam Lin, and my father and the younger generation were all aware of and approved of it. It's just that Miss Lin is still young and has just arrived in the capital and hasn't settled down yet, so it hasn't been announced to the outside world."

Madam Wang's face was now ashen; she never imagined she had driven such a thing to this point. Despite her resentment towards Gu Jinhong, she had to admit it was an exceptionally good marriage. He was the legitimate son of the Marquis of Duanping and the Princess; how could this motherless girl, Lin, be so fortunate?

Daiyu, who had been trying to maintain her composure, blushed when she heard Gu Jinhong say that he approved. She lowered her eyes, secretly regretting her impulsive words.

Grandmother Jia was stunned by the news and remained silent for a long time. She looked at Daiyu, then at Gu Jinhong. If this marriage was true, then Daiyu would be the future second young mistress of the Marquis of Duanping's mansion and the daughter-in-law of the Eldest Princess.

This is not necessarily a bad thing for the Jia family. If they can manage their relationship with Daiyu well, the Jia family will have gained a great help.

However, Grandmother Jia was somewhat displeased, as no one in the Jia household knew about this matter.

"If that's the case... this marriage was arranged when Min'er was alive, and as her maternal grandmother, I naturally acknowledge it. As for Yu'er's residence in the manor..."

She hesitated for a moment, then looked at Madam Wang with a hint of displeasure. If it weren't for Madam Wang, Daiyu wouldn't have been forced to reveal the marriage agreement in public, putting her, the maternal grandmother, in such a passive position.

Grandmother Jia finally made the decision: "Although Pear Fragrance Courtyard is a bit far from here, it is suitable for Yu'er to recuperate. Let's prepare Pear Fragrance Courtyard for Yu'er to live in. The two nannies will also be settled there. If she needs anything, just ask Feng'er."

Even if Madam Wang was unwilling, she dared not utter another word at this moment.

When Grandmother Jia looked at Gu Jinhong again, her tone was much warmer: "Since we have this relationship, our two families should get closer together. Young Master Gu, you are welcome to visit our residence more often when you have free time."

"That's how it should be. Now that I've completed what my mother instructed, I must return to report, so I won't linger any longer." Gu Jinhong turned to Lin Daiyu, "If Sister Lin has anything to say, just send someone to the Princess's residence to deliver a message."

Daiyu happened to be looking at him too. Their eyes met, and Daiyu looked away first, her voice tinged with shyness: "I understand."

After Gu Jinhong took his leave, the atmosphere in Rongqing Hall became somewhat subtle.

The three sisters behind the screen had quietly slipped away at some point.

Although they didn't show themselves during the exchange, they heard everything clearly from behind.

Tan Chun, pulling Ying Chun and Xi Chun along, walked quickly down the corridor: "This Sister Lin is really bold."

Yingchun whispered, "I'm afraid the Second Madam is even more unhappy now."

Xi Chun, though young, blurted out, "So what if she's unhappy? Sister Lin is now the future daughter-in-law of Princess Anning. Does the Second Madam think she can eat her alive?"

After a long silence inside Rongqing Hall, Grandmother Jia finally spoke.

"Feng girl, is there any area around Pear Fragrance Courtyard that needs repair?"

"Reporting to the old lady, the courtyard was recently renovated, and all the furniture inside is newly purchased. I have just sent someone to clean it, and we can move in this afternoon."

Wang Xifeng glanced at Madam Wang's face: "It's just that some of the furnishings that were originally prepared in that courtyard need to be replaced, which may take some effort."

Grandmother Jia could easily understand the meaning behind her words, and gave Lady Wang a brief, indifferent glance.

"Bring whatever you have, and make up for the lack from my allowance. Yu'er is Min'er's own flesh and blood. Let alone her living in one courtyard, even if she lived in ten, I, as her maternal grandmother, could afford it."

These words, seemingly meant to support Daiyu, were actually a warning to Lady Wang.

Now that Daiyu's engagement to the Gu family is out in the open, even if Grandmother Jia has many grievances against this granddaughter, she must put on a good show.

Daiyu saw all of this clearly. In her previous life, she had caused so much trouble by living in the Green Gauze Pavilion. In this life, living directly in the Pear Fragrance Courtyard saved her a lot of trouble, which suited her perfectly.

"Thank you, Grandmother." Daiyu curtsied.

Looking at Daiyu's appearance, Grandmother Jia felt a little annoyed. This girl was so young, yet she was so composed.

"I'm tired too, you should all go and rest first." Grandmother Jia waved her hand, then called Yuanyang over, "Take Miss Lin to Pear Fragrance Courtyard and see if she needs anything, just tell me."

Everyone obeyed and withdrew.

Once Wang Xifeng left Rongqing Hall, she finally couldn't hold back her smugness any longer and revealed a hint of schadenfreude: "Ping'er, did you see that just now? Second Madam's face looked like she'd swallowed a live fly."

Ping'er quickly tugged at her sleeve: "Grandma, keep your voice down, don't let anyone hear."

Wang Xifeng snorted, "Today was truly enjoyable."