Grace sighed and said, "I really shouldn't have been so thoughtless. For the past ten years, I've taken so much of my cousin's mother's love, and now I'm keeping Auntie from reuniting with my cousin. Whenever Auntie is ready to leave, just let me know, and I'll have Father arrange the best and most comfortable carriage for you!"
Grace swore she meant it. If Auntie left, she'd even beg Marquis Qingyun to arrange an eight-carrier sedan chair for her!
In the original owner's memory, Aunt Ning always fulfilled her requests. Whatever the original owner wanted, Aunt Ning would provide. There were no memories of Aunt Ning treating her poorly, which led to years of the original owner only listening to Aunt Ning and being estranged from her own family elders.
In Qiyu Garden, Aunt Ning had absolute authority. Servants like Caiyun, who were fed by the Marquis's household, worked as Aunt Ning's errand runners! Grace felt like a puppet controlled by Aunt Ning. What kind of situation was this?
Aunt Ning's constant indulgence seemed beneficial, but for a child just a few years old, once spoiled, their nature would become irreversibly unruly. The original owner had been spoiled to arrogance and ignorance. Shouldn't Aunt Ning bear some responsibility for this?
Don't talk about having no achievements but having made sacrifices. The Marquis's household was not short of people to take care of the original owner. She hadn't been nursed or fed by Aunt Ning; all her needs were provided by the Marquis's household. Aunt Ning's contribution was only in education.
Even if Lady Xing couldn't care for her, and the two aunts weren't yet married into the family, the Marquis could have easily hired a proper nurse. Aunt Ning wasn't irreplaceable.
Since Aunt Ning took on this responsibility, shouldn't she have made an effort to raise the child properly? Instead, she turned the Marquis's good daughter into this state under the guise of love, acting indulgently. How was this kindness? It was practically enmity!
For the sake of the twelve years Aunt Ning had spent, Grace was willing to give her an out and not tear the matter open.
If Aunt Ning were sensible and left the Marquis's household gracefully, they could all maintain a dignified relationship and continue to interact in the future. Sending her out with an eight-carrier sedan chair would be ideal.
Aunt Ning stood up abruptly after hearing this, "Are you trying to drive me away? I left my son to care for you for over ten years, and now you're telling me to leave?!"
Grace also stood up, supporting her waist, "Auntie, you misunderstood. How could I want you to leave? But now that my cousin has started his career, and with future promotions, you'll become a lady of rank. How could I selfishly keep you here to toil for me?
"Moreover, my cousin isn't married yet. You've already given so much for me. Even if I can't bear for you to leave, surely you wouldn't neglect your own son's marriage, would you?"
Grace's sincere expression effectively silenced Aunt Ning.
Aunt Ning had initially come to discuss Caiyun's recent unruly behavior. She couldn't believe that Grace, who used to follow her every word, would use Caiyun against her! Even if she had bribed Caiyun, it was for Grace's own good, to prevent Lady Xing's people from leading her astray!
Despite all her precautions, this brat had still turned bad!
Not only had she used Caiyun to provoke her, but now she was even plotting to send her away?
Aunt Ning's eyes reddened as she sat back down and soon started crying. Initially, it was just sobbing, but it gradually turned into weeping.
Grace didn't want to make the situation awkward. The current arrangement had lasted over ten years, and without concrete evidence, if Aunt Ning were to act out of spite, it would harm both herself and the Marquis's reputation.
For now, let's consider her contribution valid.
Softening her tone, Grace said, "Auntie, don't be sad. My cousin surely misses you too. You've worked hard all these years and deserve to enjoy life. For his sake, you should be by his side so he can work without worries."
Aunt Ning remained silent.
Grace continued, "I can't ignore your situation. My cousin is already eighteen and not yet engaged. Outsiders won't blame him but will gossip about you, saying you're neglecting your son's important affairs as his mother."
Aunt Ning finally quieted down, deep in thought.
Marquis Qingyun strode into the room, startling the maids Xiaolan and Xiaojv, who were peeking from outside. "Marquis!"
Aunt Ning looked up and immediately stood, "Brother-in-law!"
Grace, slower to react, also greeted him after the others, "Father."
Seeing his stern face, Grace realized he might have heard their conversation. She felt a sudden panic, unsure of his stance on the matter. What if he disagreed?
"Su'er is right. You should consider it. Raising Cheng'er alone hasn't been easy. Now that he's started his career, you should reunite with him. No one will say you're wrong for it."
Grace felt a surge of relief, her posture straightening.
Aunt Ning, with her chest heaving, glanced around the room before addressing Marquis Qingyun, "I want to speak with you alone."
"It's inappropriate for us to be alone. Whatever you have to say, say it here."
Marquis Qingyun sat down. Grace quickly served him tea.
Aunt Ning blurted out, "After all these years of effort for your family, can't I even have a private conversation? Are you afraid?"
Her voice softened, and her eyes took on a challenging look. "When Su'er was crying for her mother, and only I could comfort her, you didn't say this!"
Marquis Qingyun's face darkened, "State your demands clearly."
He had no intention of playing the emotional card.
Grace sat on the edge of the chaise longue.
Aunt Ning's face flushed, "Did I take care of Su'er for a reward? I did it out of genuine concern!"
"Even if it was genuine, we can't ignore your efforts. State what you want."
Exactly. She kept mentioning her twelve years of effort, yet claimed not to expect anything in return. Without compensation, who knows what she might say in the future?
The original owner might have had some genuine feelings for Aunt Ning, but Grace did not. Even if there were feelings, they were likely manipulated by Aunt Ning.
Given Aunt Ning's scheming, there was no room for sentimentality in Grace's stance.
Grace handed Aunt Ning a cup of tea, "Yes, Auntie, whatever you need, just say it. If it's within Father's power, I'm sure he won't refuse."