Chapter 4 Clear Mind
Lin came here to comfort Ling Wei.
She was incredibly intelligent. Observing Liu Yiyi's behavior in the library today, she knew that Ling Wei had been pushed out as a target and a scapegoat by the aunt and niece from the second branch of the family.
If successful, with Ling Wei, who shamelessly seduced her cousin, leading the way, Liu Yiyi, who was always hanging around in front of Yan Ge'er, would have her reputation turned around.
However, they underestimated Madam Lin's sincerity towards Ling Wei, thinking that when it came to Yan Ge'er, she would also dislike Ling Wei directly, just like the old lady.
Looking at the girl in front of her, whose features resembled her deceased younger sister, Lin felt a pang of sadness. She pulled Ling Wei into her arms, her eyes reddening before she could even speak.
Ling Wei nestled into Lin's warm and fragrant embrace, feeling the tenderness that was like that of a mother, and almost burst into tears.
An orphan girl who has lost both parents, trying to curry favor with someone as high-ranking as Gu Qingyan is nothing short of delusional.
The reason why the original owner was easily bewitched by Liu Yiyi and developed unrealistic fantasies was because of Lin's unreserved love and care.
At this moment, even though it involved her own son, Lin felt no blame towards Ling Wei, only heartache and lingering fear.
She gently stroked Ling Wei's hair, blaming herself, "Good child, it was your aunt's negligence that failed to protect you. You are so clever and quick-witted, yet you almost fell for the tricks of a villain..."
The two embraced and tears streamed down their faces. Gu Qingyu poured herself a cup of tea and began to drink.
While eating, she scolded Liu Yiyi with exasperation: "That Liu Yiyi is obviously no pushover, yet you treat her like a treasure, what a waste of such a smart brain."
Thinking back to how she had kindly reminded Ling Wei that Liu Yiyi was not trustworthy, and how Ling Wei had innocently said something like "talking about people behind their backs is not the behavior of a gentleman," she almost choked on her words.
Ling Wei lifted her head from Lin's embrace and looked at Gu Qingyu with sincere eyes: "Qingyu is right to teach me a lesson. I misjudged people."
Gu Qingyu felt a little uncomfortable under her gaze, turned her head away and snorted: "Never mind, never mind, it's normal that you don't understand since you haven't experienced these dirty things before."
Ling Wei looked at her intently until Gu Qingyu's ears turned slightly red, before slowly saying:
"When it comes to judging people and things, and being worldly-wise, Qingyu is much more insightful than me. You are very good, there's no need to always compete with me in academic matters." The words directly addressed Gu Qingyu's obsession with not being as good as Ling Wei in academics.
Gu Qingyu blushed at her straightforward praise, lowered her head and drank her tea in large gulps, giving a muffled "hmm".
Others may not know, but Ling Wei knows that she truly covets that person's son/brother.
So she stepped out of Lin's embrace, knelt down solemnly before Lin, and kowtowed.
"Weiwei! What are you doing, child? Get up quickly!" Madam Lin was startled and hurriedly reached out to help her up.
Ling Wei said frankly, "I'm sorry, Aunt. I do have feelings for my cousin that I shouldn't have."
Gu Qingyu, who was drinking tea, suddenly spat out a mouthful of tea.
Lin was completely stunned.
Ling Wei lowered her eyes, not daring to look at her expression again: "Although I was instigated these past few days, but... these feelings really existed in my heart. Fortunately, my cousin is kind-hearted and covered for me without holding a grudge. I... have let you down."
They treated her like family, and she didn't want to hide it from them.
Before she could promise that she would never bother Gu Qingyan again, she heard Gu Qingyu burst into laughter.
Ling Wei looked up in surprise and met Lin's loving eyes.
Lin pulled her up, embraced her again, and said gently with a knowing smile:
“Silly child, ‘The plum tree has fallen, and its fruit is seven. I seek a gentleman, while the time is auspicious.’ It is only natural for a young girl to admire a young man; what is wrong with that?”
Seeing Ling Wei's stunned expression, Gu Qingyu couldn't help but laugh: "Hahahaha! I knew it! So you figured it out all along! I was even whispering to my mother, 'Is there really anyone in this world who can resist my brother's charm?'"
She's not bragging, but in this capital city, which young lady of marriageable age wouldn't want to be her sister-in-law!
She'd let them down; no way, she'd laugh herself to death.
When Lin mentioned Gu Qingyan, she said with pride, "Yan-ge'er is indeed good at recruiting people, it's not your fault at all!"
Ling Wei: ......
Madam Lin gently stroked Ling Wei's cheek again: "Since you like Yan Ge'er, then your aunt will think of a way. Our Gu family's reputation doesn't necessarily need to rely on marriage to enhance it. Wait until your uncle returns from court..."
Wait, wait, wait!
Wait a moment!
Is it that easy?
Liu Yiyi knew that she was about to get so angry that her nose would be crooked.
But Ling Wei's spirit returned to its place, and she felt boundless courage, wanting to try the possibility in her heart, so she quickly stopped Lin Shi.
She repeated what she had told Gu Qingyan to Madam Lin.
Lin was still skeptical and wanted to say more, so Ling Wei had no choice but to unleash her ultimate move.
"Aunt, I don't want to get married. I want to... become a lady-in-waiting."
Upon hearing this, Gu Qingyu's mouth dropped open in surprise.
Madam Lin was instantly drawn to the topic as well, forgetting the previous conversation, her brows furrowing: "A female official? No way!"
She immediately recounted in detail the current state of the female official system in the Zhaoyin Dynasty, her tone heavy:
"Our founding emperor, the Holy Ancestor, had no sons, only a brilliant and talented Princess Yongning. The Holy Ancestor overruled all objections and made her the Crown Princess."
When Empress Yongning ascended the throne, she was eager to recruit talented individuals, appointing them regardless of their background. At that time, indeed, there were women of both talent and virtue who, dressed in official robes, stood proudly in the court, participating in state affairs, enjoying unparalleled prestige. The system of female officials reached its zenith.
Lin's tone carried a hint of reminiscence for past glories, which then turned into deep helplessness: "But... ever since the Empress passed away, all the emperors who succeeded her were men. Until a certain generation..." She lowered her voice, with a hint of unease.
"After that emperor ascended the throne, he felt that it was against the moral order and discipline for women to stand in the court. He first set up many restrictions, driving female officials away from the front court and only allowing them to walk in the inner court. Later... he suppressed them several times, and the position of female official became a mere formality."
Even now, though a few female officials still hold official titles in the harem, they are merely figureheads, performing insignificant and idle tasks; not a trace of their former glory remains.
"Weiwei, this road is blocked and the danger is unpredictable. Don't think about these things anymore."
Lin softened her tone, "If you enjoy reading, your aunt will find you a good family with upright character and a peaceful household, so you can study freely."
The path to becoming a female official is undoubtedly a dead end in the present day.
Ling Wei knew that this matter could not be rushed, so she could only suppress her thoughts for the time being and proceed step by step.
After the complete integration, Ling Wei's mind became as clear as a mirror.
She then realized that what had captivated her gaze when Gu Qingyan left court was not his handsome face, but rather the robes that symbolized power, responsibility, and ambition—
Crimson official robe!
Madam Lin then mentioned that she planned to take her to the princess's spring banquet in a few days.
The system alerted: "Weiwei, the wicked woman of this world, is coming."
Unlike the previous world, where the protagonist was immediately persecuted by a wicked woman, in this world, the persecution by the wicked woman is still in the future.
Compared to her, Liu Yiyi's tricks were simply child's play.
This villainous woman is very special; she doesn't belong to this era, which is what people often call a time traveler.
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