Gu Qianluo naturally saw through her perfunctory attitude and responded with a slight smile.

"In that case, we won't keep Aunt Xu any longer. Please come and visit Luoying Palace whenever you have time."

Upon hearing this, Aunt Xu replied impatiently, "The mistress has just entered the household and has many affairs to attend to. Manlian will not disturb the mistress any longer."

Gu Qianlu narrowed her phoenix eyes slightly and smiled, "I'm new here and don't know much about the people and things in this mansion. I hope you can give me some pointers in the future."

After speaking, Gu Qianluo placed a jade earring in Aunt Xu's hand and said gently,

"Take care, sister."

Looking at the exquisite and beautiful earrings in her hand, Aunt Xu's dull eyes suddenly lit up.

As expected of the daughter of a wealthy merchant from the capital, she was able to acquire such rare and high-quality items from the old silver shop.

With a smile on her lips, Aunt Xu hid the jade pendant in her sleeve, then affectionately took Gu Qianluo's hand and said,

"Oh, Madam, you're too kind!"

If you ever want to know anything in the future, just call me over.

Although I haven't been in this mansion for long, I've already done some research on the people and affairs here.

Upon hearing this, Gu Qianluo's eyes lit up slightly, and she smiled flatteringly.

"I didn't expect that Aunt Xu was good at this?"

"Hehe, I know exactly who in this mansion is not to be trifled with, who is easy to manipulate, who is loyal, and who is two-faced."

"Let me tell you, that one in our household..."

Gu Qianlu leaned against the stone table, listening to Aunt Xu's detailed account. A satisfied expression appeared in her eyes. She thought to herself, "I really didn't choose the wrong person. Aunt Xu is easy to control."

In no time, the two had been chatting in the flower hall for more than half an hour.

Once Aunt Xu started speaking, the topics she wanted to discuss were like a flood that had breached a dam, flowing out in a torrent.

As Gu Qianluo was thinking of a way to leave, Xiao Cui tactfully came to her side, saying, "Xiao Cui greets Aunt Xu."

Aunt Xu smiled slightly and said, "No need for formalities."

"Cui'er, is Miss Ping'er tired?"

"Second Madam, not only is Miss Ping'er not tired, but she also took out all of your writing brushes and ink and copied them."

A special envoy has come to inquire when the young lady will fulfill her promise.

Aunt Xu, quick-witted, straightened her clothes, curtsied, and smiled.

“Since you have an appointment with Ping’er, I won’t bother you any longer.”

"Okay, sister, come visit more often when you have free time."

Upon hearing this, Aunt Xu's eyes lit up with joy, and she nodded happily, swaying her hips as she walked towards the gate of Luoying Palace.

Seeing Aunt Xu walk out of the courtyard with a beaming smile, the two women exchanged a knowing smile.

"Miss, you are really capable. You can fool Aunt Xu to the heavens with a fake."

Gu Qianlu frowned, clenched her fist, and tapped Xiao Cui on the head. "Who said it was a fake?"

"Huh? No way! Miss, you're being way too generous!"

"What do you know? Aunt Xu is the Third Old Madam's distant niece. She is knowledgeable about jewelry and other such things."

If she knew I was fooling her with a fake, wouldn't I become the laughingstock of the entire Marquis's mansion?

Today I'm exchanging precious gifts for Aunt Xu's sincerity, so that she can be of use to us in the future!

"Oh dear, Miss is so insightful. Why can't I grasp even a little bit of this?"

"Hehe, that's because you're not worldly enough. Once you've met more people, you'll understand the intricacies of it all."

"By the way, Miss, you should hurry over to the study! Miss Ping'er has been waiting for you for an hour."

Gu Qianlu was startled, and suddenly remembered that she had promised Ping-jie.

"Hurry! The general will be back soon. Ping'er said he doesn't like girls studying. I need to teach her more before he comes back."

Inside the study of Luoying Hall, Ping'er was dozing off, leaning against a mahogany armchair.

Gu Qianlu saw her resting from afar and, not wanting to disturb her, tiptoed in.

Ping'er held the pile of ink and brushes she had just copied in front of her as if they were a precious treasure.

Gu Qianlu raised an eyebrow and slowly reached out to take a picture from in front of her.

As soon as her jade-like hand touched the Xuan paper, Ping'er seemed to sense it and held the Xuan paper in her arms even tighter.

Seeing that she was completely unresponsive, Gu Qianluo quickly took off her cloak and covered her with it, instructing her to...

"Cui'er, go and fetch a basin of warm water to wash Ping'er. Look, she's drooling."

Xiao Cui brought a basin of clean water from outside and was about to wipe Ping'er when Gu Qianlu spoke up.

“I’ll do it! Cui’er, go to the kitchen and prepare some pastries and sweet tea. Take some for Ping’er to try later.”

"Alright, what would you like, Miss? Green tea crisps or taro cake?"

"Bring some of everything over here."

Gu Qianlu reached out to test the water temperature and, seeing that it was still a bit hot, scooped up a ladle of cold water from beside her and diluted it.

Once the water temperature was suitable, she gently laid Ping-jie down on the table and placed her on her lap.

Ping'er was fast asleep and wouldn't wake up no matter how Gu Qianlu tried to move her.

A moment later, a maid from the Marquis's kitchen came in carrying three boxes of food and a large cup of sweet tea, and reported,

"Madam, the desserts are ready. Please enjoy them."

Gu Qianlu nodded slightly and softly instructed, "Open the lid of the sweet tea and leave it there for now."

A sweet and pleasant scent wafted into her nose on the breeze. Ping'er sniffed and slowly opened her eyes.

As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw Gu Qianluo gently waving a fan in one hand and holding a copy of the "Classic of Filial Piety" in the other, reading it intently.

"Madam, what are you looking at?"

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