The letter was written in strong, flowing handwriting, each word brimming with deep affection and concern: "My dearest, I have already put on the golden silk armor you gave me. It is incredibly comfortable, and it has repeatedly helped me escape danger on the battlefield. Every time I put it on, I can deeply feel your meticulous care."

As your husband, I don't have much to offer in return. Those two silver notes are a token of respect from the local officials, and I'm giving them to you now to purchase some clothes and jewelry. If the amount of silver notes is insufficient, you can take more from my private treasury.

Now that we are husband and wife, there's no need to be so particular about our finances; you don't need to be so polite to me. If all goes well, we will spend the rest of our lives together, and every penny I earn will belong to you.

Gu Qinlan's cheeks flushed red instantly, like the sunset.

Although Zheng Dinglian's words are not fancy and lack ornate language, this straightforwardness and frankness are all the more likely to touch people's hearts.

She felt overwhelmed by the frankness and wanted to stand up and escape the awkwardness. However, Fu Yu was gently fanning her from the side, and she was too embarrassed to even raise her head, afraid that Fu Yu would notice her embarrassment.

She didn't have the courage to continue reading the rest of the letter, fearing it might contain even more explicit language.

If Fuyu saw this, given that girl's personality, she would probably bring it up to tease her every few days.

She really couldn't take such a joke!

However, wouldn't not looking at it only make Fuyu more confused?

Just as Gu Qinlan was struggling with her inner turmoil, Hongye rushed in and reported, "Miss, the eldest young lady beat up Granny Zhang."

Gu Qinlan was taken aback and asked in surprise, "What happened? Why would she hit Granny Zhang? Has she lost her mind?"

Do you think you can just beat a governess?

Does Zheng Huiyi have any sense at all?!

Hongye replied, "After receiving the young lady's message, Granny Zhang added half an hour to the eldest young lady's training time tonight. The eldest young lady was probably angry because of the young master's letter, and she was unwilling to cooperate. Granny Zhang criticized her a little, and the eldest young lady got angry and slapped Granny Zhang twice. She even tried to run away from the mansion, saying that she was going to find the old lady. I stopped her in time."

Gu Qinlan frowned and ordered, "Take her back to the courtyard and lock her up. I'll go check on Granny Zhang."

She placed the letter on the table and was about to get up when the maidservant came to report again: "Madam, Granny Zhang has arrived."

"Quickly, invite the old nanny in."

Soon, Granny Zhang was led into the study.

Upon seeing Gu Qinlan, Granny Zhang was about to bow when Gu Qinlan quickly stopped her: "Granny, there's no need to be so polite. Did that unruly Huiyi hurt you?"

With tears welling in her eyes and her voice slightly choked, Granny Zhang confided to Madam Gu Qinlan, "Madam, I have taught countless young ladies, but I have never encountered such a difficult situation. I am truly worried that I may not be able to fulfill your important task. I beg you to find another capable person."

Gu Qinlan immediately stepped forward and carefully helped Granny Zhang to sit down on the soft couch. She gently comforted her, saying, "Granny, I know how much you have suffered today. Huiyi's actions are indeed infuriating, and I am filled with remorse. But please be magnanimous and don't stoop to the level of that brainless person. For my sake, could you please let this matter rest?"

Granny Zhang looked troubled and hesitated, "This..."

Gu Qinlan held her hand tightly and patted it gently: "Granny, I understand your worries, fearing that she will be disrespectful to you again in the future. I assure you, it will never happen again. Granny, your current situation is not easy either. If you leave here, it will be difficult to find a new master in a short time, which will be a great impact on you. How about this, you stay for now, and if another family invites you, I will allow you to leave at any time, what do you think?"

"If you are willing to stay in the manor long-term, once you have taught the two young ladies proper manners, you can come and assist me. As for your son's studies, I am also willing to find a way to help him."

Granny Zhang was so surprised she couldn't speak. After a long while, she asked in disbelief, "Madam, is what you're saying true? You really want to keep me in your service? But what about my past treatment of you..."

Gu Qinlan smiled and replied, "Of course it's true. Your strictness towards me in the past was simply to follow the master's orders. Moreover, you have indeed taught me a lot of valuable knowledge. Furthermore, I cherish your qualities greatly, and having you by my side is of immeasurable value to me."

Granny Zhang was so moved that tears welled up in her eyes.

Before this, she entered the Prince Duan's residence with trepidation, fearing that Gu Qinlan would take this opportunity to oppress her. After all, when she taught Gu Qinlan, her methods were so strict that they bordered on harsh. No matter how well Gu Qinlan performed, she could still find fault and a reason to punish her.

If it weren't for her family's financial difficulties, she would never have dared to set foot here again.

Unexpectedly, Gu Qinlan not only didn't criticize her at all, but treated her so well. She was utterly ashamed.

It's important to know that very few of these governesses were able to die peacefully in their later years. They all longed to find a kind master so they could live out their remaining years as law-abiding citizens by their master's side.

Among wealthy and powerful families, the most valued quality is the unwavering loyalty of their servants. Those servants who have not signed a contract of servitude often find it difficult to hold their heads high, let alone gain the deep trust and trust of their masters.

The opportunity for Gu Qinlan to disregard past grievances and continue to keep her by her side was truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance. How could she easily refuse such a precious opportunity?

Granny Zhang immediately prostrated herself on the ground, her head touching the earth, and kowtowed three times: "Madam, from now on, this old servant's crippled body is willing to serve you."

Gu Qinlan gently helped her up: "Granny, you are too modest. Please get up quickly."

Her decision to keep Granny Zhang by her side was naturally driven by deeper meaning. Although Granny Zhang had made things difficult for her in the past under Song's orders, if we put aside that old grudge and look solely at Granny Zhang's abilities, she was indeed a person of exceptional talent.

More importantly, Zhang Mama's son will become Ji Yinli's biggest rival in the imperial examinations three years from now.

In his previous life, Ji Yinli was able to stand out entirely because of the path she paved. However, Zhang Mama's son, Deng Chengkun, was a truly talented scholar with real ability.

Unfortunately, Deng Chengkun's fate was fraught with misfortune. He fell ill during the examination and was nearly expelled midway. Even so, with unwavering determination, Deng Chengkun passed the examination and achieved the honor of becoming a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations).

If it weren't for that illness, Ji Yinli would never have been among the top three that year.

She kept Granny Zhang around to assist Deng Chengkun, not to deal with Ji Yinli. After all, Ji Yinli's abilities were simply not enough to pose a threat to her.

Her goal was to establish a friendship with Deng Chengkun in advance, thus providing a solid foundation for her future.