She had to secure a backup plan for herself and for the Lin Residence.
The Empress was unreliable, and now with the emergence of a legitimate eldest Prince, it was still unclear what attitude the Emperor and court officials had towards him.
This was the legitimate eldest son, not like Prince Qin, who had no background, no power, and was a younger sibling born out of wedlock.
Since she couldn’t rely on the Empress, she indeed needed to prepare thoroughly for herself and the Lin Residence, rather than foolishly handing everything over.
No, this matter was of great importance; she had to discuss it thoroughly with Lin Xingyi.
"Hen Xiang, go see if the master has returned. If he has, tell him that Madam has important matters to discuss with him."
Thus, the maid of the old Madam and the maid of Mrs. Lin both stood by the main gate, eagerly waiting.
Meanwhile, the main subject, Lin Xingyi, a man who always abided by the rules and was very self-disciplined, wouldn’t come home in the middle of the night unless summoned by the Emperor. Yet, tonight, no one knew where he had gone.
Upon realizing she had been betrayed, Gu Youyou was extremely furious.
"All of you ingrates, I’ve been providing for you well, and this is how you repay me? I don’t expect you to maintain your integrity in wealth or poverty, or remain unbent in the face of power. But at least be smart about it, don’t blurt out everything you shouldn’t! Sigh, Xiang Chun doesn’t matter, but Searcy, aren’t you usually clever? How could you not handle such a small matter?"
Yet Searcy simply responded indifferently, "Should I waste my thoughts on such trivial matters? Boring."
Gu Youyou: "...Damn it all!"
"What are you worried about? Your sneaky ways aren’t a long-term plan anyway. Isn’t it better this way? Why not take this chance and clear things up? Even if you’re just a concubine, at least it’s a recognized status. What do you count as by following him this way?"
Gu Youyou leaned on the table by the window, stunned. She wanted to sit down, but her buttocks still hurt, so she had been leaning there all day.
Her thoughts, unlike those of Searcy, always diverged; after all, she was a woman brought up in a plentiful ancient household, always believing that social status was of utmost importance, hence she couldn’t understand Gu Youyou’s actions.
Xiang Chun stood to one side, tears reddening her eyes, said, "Miss, apart from your low birth, you’re superior in every way. You mustn’t belittle yourself by willingly becoming a shady woman. Searcy is right, even being a concubine would grant you some status. If that man won’t even give you that much, you should stop associating with him. Madam wants to keep this matter under wraps. As long as it doesn’t get out, your reputation will remain intact—no need to worry!"
Facing such advice, Gu Youyou truly didn’t know what to say.
She sighed deeply, looking out at the pitch-black sky, feeling as dark inside as the heavens.
"I can’t get through to you, it’s a severe generation gap. Anyway, don’t worry about this matter, I won’t become anyone’s concubine or mistress. As for the specifics, I can’t clearly explain them to you right now; it’s late, everyone should go wash up and sleep!"
Searcy just snorted and went off to sleep.
Seeing Gu Youyou’s attitude, Xiang Chun couldn’t help but worry excessively, still earnestly advising, "Miss, this isn’t a matter to be taken lightly; it’s crucial, affecting your whole future. You mustn’t be so capricious; please think it through."
Gu Youyou, supporting her still aching back, walked to the bed and said, "For now, I’ll focus on my lower body, still hurt from the beating I received yesterday in the palace. Xiang Chun, help me to bed."