Songhe Hall in the Marquis' Mansion.
The eldest lady, Xiao Wei, brought her daughter Gu Mei and talked with the old lady, Wei.
Old Madam Wei casually asked, "Did Gu Yue and Gu Jiu have a big fight in the flower hall today?"
Gu Mei shook her head slightly, "Reporting to the old lady, it's not that great."
"Talk to me."
Gu Mei was a little hesitant.
Madam Wei nodded at her and said, "Just say whatever you want to say. Don't worry."
Gu Mei agreed, then continued, "Gu Yue probably wanted to expose Gu Jiu's nickname of a sickly girl, but unexpectedly, Gu Jiu not only confessed it, but also took the opportunity to insinuate that Gu Yue was a chatterbox and clueless. Gu Yue lost face, but was fortunately talked down by Gu Shan."
Madam Wei frowned. "I never thought that the girls from the neighboring mansion would start making trouble just the day after returning to the capital. It seems that there is a big conflict between those girls."
Old Madam Wei smiled and said, "Little girl Gu Jiu is quite clever and resourceful."
Madam Wei nodded, "I really didn't see it at first. Gu Yue looks smart and capable, but she's still not as resourceful as Gu Ji. Comparing those girls, Gu Ji is still the better one. It's just a pity that she's not in good health."
Gu Mei hurriedly said, "Sister Gu Jiu said herself that her health has improved a lot. She has been taking less medicine recently."
"That's good. Looking at Gu Jiu's complexion today, he certainly doesn't look like the sickly person the rumors say he is."
Madam Wei looked at Madam Wei again and said, "Madam, would you like to do what my sister-in-law Xie asked us to do?"
Old Madam Wei said, "Let's do it. I've already promised her that I would find a marriage for Gu Yue, and I can't go back on my word."
Madam Wei frowned. "It's just that Gu Yue's temper doesn't seem easy to get along with. She's stubborn and intolerant, so it's hard to say whether she'll get married. If she marries and brings disaster to the man's family, then people will blame me, the matchmaker."
As for Gu Jiu, as long as her health is good, it won't be difficult to find her a good match. She's a smart girl. People like us like girls like her who are smart and resourceful.
Old Madam Wei nodded repeatedly, "Now it seems that this child Gu Jiu has the ability to be the head lady of the family.
It's a pity that Xie never gave Gu Jiu the opportunity to practice. Gu Jiu has not yet become the housekeeper.
I have to take some time to tell Zhili that his daughters are all grown up and it’s time for them to learn how to manage the household.
In a family like ours, girls can’t be fools.”
"The old lady is right. My daughter-in-law thinks the same. We should think of a way to give Sister Xie some advice. Gu Jiu is nominally her daughter. If Gu Jiu can marry into a good family, she will have to help her brothers and sisters."
Old Madam Wei laughed, "Mrs. Xie doesn't look like such a generous person."
The old lady and young Wei discussed these topics without avoiding Gu Mei. In fact, this was to train Gu Mei.
Gu Mei's marriage is about to be finalized, and she will be getting married in half a year to a year at most.
So the old lady and little Wei took the time to train Gu Mei.
Learn more about the ways of the world at your parents' home so that when you encounter problems at your husband's home you won't be flustered and will be able to deal with them calmly.
Old Madam Wei then said to the First Madam, Little Madam Wei, "You should also pay more attention to Gu Yue's marriage. Do your best to help. You've already promised Xie, so it's hard to go back on your word."
The eldest lady, Xiao Wei, was a little embarrassed. "Gu Yue's temper makes it difficult to find a husband."
Old Madam Wei said, "The capital is so big, we can always find a suitable family. No matter what, you should come up with a few candidates, so that people know that our mansion has done its best."
Madam Wei nodded, "I'll listen to the old lady. What about Gu Zhen's marriage?"
"Just the illegitimate young master of the Haixi Marquis's Mansion. Let's find a chance to meet him. If he's not suitable, we can find someone else."
Old Madam Wei made the final decision, and little Madam Wei felt relieved.
It was already quite late, so Xiao Wei and Gu Mei said goodbye to the old lady and left Songhe Hall.
The mother and daughter returned to the main room.
Madam Xiao Wei said to Gu Mei, "From now on, stay away from the girls from the neighboring Gu Mansion, especially Gu Yue and Gu Zhen. These two children..."
The rest of the words were left unsaid by Xiao Wei. However, judging by her expression, it was clear that Xiao Wei was very dissatisfied with Gu Yue and Gu Zhen. The behavior of these two girls was truly indescribable.
Gu Mei nodded in agreement, "I'll listen to mother. Then, does Sister Gu Jiu also need to stay away?"
Little Wei asked, "Tell me in detail what kind of person is Gu Jiu?"
Gu Mei then recounted her experiences during the day in detail.
Little Wei nodded secretly, "She's a smart child, so it's okay to interact with her more often. But she's at home with her stepmother, Mrs. Xie, in charge, so she's definitely not feeling very comfortable. It's probably going to be difficult for her to go out. If you have the chance to meet her in the future, please take good care of her."
"My daughter understands."
Little Wei sighed, "What a pity for Sister Su. Such a good person, but she passed away so early. If she were still alive, she would definitely be very happy to see her daughter grow up."
Gu Mei asked curiously, "What kind of person is Sister Gu Jiu's biological mother?"
Little Wei thought for a moment and said, "She's a good woman."
The three words "good woman" describe Su's life.
When she was at her parents' home, Su was a good daughter. After she got married, she was a good wife. After she had children, she was a good mother.
It’s a pity that he had a limited lifespan and passed away early.
Gu Mei asked again: "Mother, Aunt Su passed away. Is there anything strange about this?"
Little Wei frowned, "There shouldn't be anything strange. When she was a few months pregnant, Xie became pregnant soon after. When I went to visit her, she was in a depressed mood and seemed a little depressed. In fact, when Xie gave birth to Gu Yan, your Aunt Su was also a little depressed.
Later, Xie became pregnant again, which aggravated her condition.
It just so happened that at that time, something happened to the Su family and she couldn't help, so the child was born prematurely.
You know everything that happened next. The Su family fell into decline, and Xie's eldest brother became an official in the Eastern Palace, watching the Xie family grow richer and richer. It was all fate, after all."
Gu Mei said: "Sister Gu Jiu is also very lucky. She was able to grow up safely."
"Who said it wasn't? When I knew that his family was going to the northwest, I was worried that Gu Jiu wouldn't be able to raise a child."
The mother and daughter chatted for a long time. That night, Gu Mei stayed in the upper room, and it was a rare occasion for the mother and daughter to sleep together.
…
In the morning, Gu Jiu got up.
After washing up, as soon as I went out, I felt the biting cold wind.
It rained last night and the temperature dropped sharply.
Winter has finally arrived in the capital.
Qingmei quickly put the cloak on Gu Jiu.
"Girl, be careful not to catch a cold."
Gu Jiu tightened his cloak, turned up his collar to block the cold wind blowing into his neck, and prepared to go to Furongyuan to pay his respects to Mrs. Xie.
Yesterday, she and Xie had such a big conflict, but today everything has returned to calm.
Just do what you need to do, and it won't change because of yesterday's conflict.
In short, in the mansion, Gu Jiu will not avoid doing what he should do.
After all, Mrs. Xie is the mistress of the house.
Gu Jiu would follow the rules, at least on the surface, so that no one could find fault with her. She wouldn't let anyone catch her.
Gu Jiu took the maids out. As soon as they walked outside the yard, they saw Guo Taohua, who worked in Furongyuan, running towards them.
Guo Taohua ran to Gu Jiu and said, "This servant pays respects to the Second Young Lady. Madam ordered this servant to inform the Second Young Lady that she does not need to pay respects this morning."
Gu Jiu asked, "Is the Madam sick?"
Guo Taohua said hurriedly, "Madam is not ill. I heard that Madam received an invitation from the Xie family and will visit them today."
Gu Jiu asked curiously, "When did the Xie family send the invitation?"
Guo Taohua answered honestly, "The Xie family sent someone to deliver the invitation yesterday. At that time, the wife and the girls were having a drink at the Marquis' Mansion."
Gu Jiu nodded in understanding, "Thank you for the trouble. I understand."
Guo Taohua quickly waved her hands, clearly unused to being thanked. She was a little nervous, "It's all my duty. My servant, my servant..."
Gu Jiu smiled softly, "Just say whatever you want to say."
Guo Taohua finally mustered up her courage and asked boldly, "I want to ask about Jiang Yan's whereabouts."
Gu Jiu raised his eyebrows, "Didn't Jiang Yan tell you?"
Guo Taohua shook her head.
Gu Jiu used the excuse he had prepared earlier to tell Guo Taohua: "Jiang Yan was ill, and the contract she signed was a living one, so she was sent out of the house. I don't know exactly where she went."
Guo Taohua was very worried, "Then she..."
"She has money and is smart, so you don't have to worry about her."
Guo Taohua was comforted, "Thank you, Second Miss."
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "You go and do your work. I should go back to my room and rest."
Gu Jiu returned to Zhilan Courtyard.
There was a charcoal brazier burning in the study, making the room warm.
Gu Jiu took off his cloak, sat at the desk, and prepared to practice calligraphy.
She asked Qingmei, "Do you know where my cousin from the Su family lives?"
Qingmei nodded, "I know the address. It's just that I haven't been free these past two days, and Erzhuang hasn't had time to visit the Su family's young master."
Gu Jiu said to Qingmei, "After this period of work is over, ask Erzhuang to meet the cousin from the Su family. Tell him that my brother and I invite him to our house."
Qingmei responded and went to the outer courtyard to find Li Chuan to pass on the message.
After returning to the capital, everything was fine, except for the fact that going out was severely restricted.
The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, is in charge of the household and keeps the gates strictly guarded.
Gu Jiu wanted to repeat the same trick, bribe the maid at the back door, and sneak out through the back door, but it was almost impossible.
Now, if he wanted to communicate with the outside world, he could only rely on Li Chuan, Gu Ting's servant, to pass on the message. He also had to go through Er Zhuang, who lived outside the mansion, to do the work.
Er Zhuang did not follow Gu Jiu into the mansion.
Gu Jiu asked Erzhuang to rent a house in the capital to live there first. After getting to know the situation in all aspects of the capital, he could make plans for the next step.
Gu Jiu sighed secretly.
What a talent.
What is most lacking in this era is loyal and reliable talents.
There are very few people who Gu Jiu can trust and entrust with tasks.
It would be appropriate to have a few maids around her.
It’s a pity that the maids can’t leave the house easily, let alone do things for her outside.
Gu Jiu wrote five pages in one breath, and she was quite satisfied with it.
Qingmei came back from outside, bringing with her the chill of winter.
Gu Jiu saw her and asked, "Is it raining again?"
Qingmei nodded, "It's drizzling a little, I wonder if it will get heavier."
Gu Jiu said, "It's raining, I wonder if Madam will change the time to visit the Xie family."
Qingmei said, "When I came back from the outer courtyard, I saw Madam's carriage leaving the mansion. The Third Young Lady, the Fourth Young Lady, the Sixth Young Master, and the Eighth Young Master all followed."
Gu Jiu smiled knowingly.
At this time, Wang Yi came in with a cup of warm tea, "Miss, have some tea."
Gu Jiu looked at Wang Yi and suddenly asked curiously, "Can you fly to the roof?"
Wang Yi was stunned for a moment, seemingly unresponsive. Then she waved her hands repeatedly, "I don't have that ability. I'm quite good with a stick, but I can't climb as high as a roof. An ordinary courtyard wall shouldn't be a problem for me."
It turns out there is no such thing as Qinggong!
Gu Jiu was a little disappointed.
She thought of the young master Liu whom she met in the northwest. Without moving at all, the boat rushed out like an arrow and sailed freely in the lotus pond.
It seems that Wang Yi's fighting ability is not on the same level as that of Mr. Liu.
Gu Jiu asked Wang Yi again, "Are you used to it now that you're in the capital?"
Wang Yi nodded repeatedly, "I am able to eat my fill every day. I am used to it."
Gu Jiu laughed, "You'll get used to it. If you have any questions, just ask Qingmei, Qingzhu, and Xiaocui. If you have any difficulties, feel free to ask them."
"I have no difficulties. My parents and elder brother are all gone, and I am the only one left at home."
This topic is a bit heavy.
Gu Jiu said a few more words of concern and let Wang Yi go about her business.
Gu Jiu sat in the study, writing, drawing, and reading, and the day passed quickly.
This is the third day since returning to the capital.
There was a lot of chaos over the past two days, with everything from this to that.
Nothing happened today and it went on peacefully. It was surprising and a bit uncomfortable.
Qingmei came in with some snacks and said with a smile, "Miss, don't expect anything to happen. It's a rare moment of peace and quiet, so let's all have a good New Year."
Gu Jiu pursed his lips and smiled, "I was just saying it casually."
Qingmei placed the snacks on the table and said, "I heard from Xiao Cui that the Madam just entered the second gate."
"Is the wife back?"
Qingmei nodded. "He's back. Xiao Cui said that the Sixth Young Master's clothes were different from the ones he wore when he went out this morning. He must have changed. Xiao Cui also said that the Sixth Young Master was very cold when he spoke to his wife."
Huh?
Gu Jiu was curious.
"Xiao Cui went to the second gate to check?"
Qingmei smiled and nodded, saying, "Xiao Cui knew that the young lady was concerned about the Madam. As soon as she heard that the Madam had returned, she ran to the second door to watch. She just came back and said a few words, then ran out again. She said she was going to Furong Courtyard to have some snacks with the little maids."
Gu Jiu laughed, "Xiao Cui is now a true gossip girl."
Qingmei sighed, "I used to think Xiao Cui was dumb and had a slow brain. I never thought she could be such a gossip-monger and do it so well."
Gu Jiu pursed his lips and smiled. Xiao Cui's talent was probably all in getting information. She wasn't very good at serving people, which was why everyone thought Xiao Cui was stupid.
…
After a few days, there were rumors in the mansion that the Xie and Gu families were going to get married.
When Gu Jiu heard this rumor, he was stunned.
The Xie and Gu families are married? Impossible.
When he was in the northwest, Lord Gu had already made it clear that he would not marry into the Xie family.
How come there is a rumor now that the Xie and Gu families are getting married?
It feels so weird.
Gu Jiu was wondering where the rumor came from when Xiao Cui ran in to report.
"Excuse me, Miss, Mrs. Xie has brought the young lady and young master of the Xie family to visit your residence. Madam has asked everyone to go to Furong Courtyard to meet the guests."
Gu Jiu blinked and asked Xiao Cui, "Are you sure it's the eldest wife of the Xie family who's here?"
Xiao Cui nodded, "It's absolutely true. I saw with my own eyes that Madam Xie brought the young lady and young master of the Xie family into Hibiscus Courtyard."
strangeness.
Lord Gu made it clear that he wanted to turn against the Xie family.
But from what we see now, the Xie and Gu families are clearly interacting normally.
A few days ago, Xie visited the Xie family.
Today, Mrs. Xie brought people to the door.
Could it be that Lord Gu has changed his mind and wants to continue to get along with the Xie family in a friendly manner?
Gu Jiu came to Furongyuan with questions.
When I was almost at the gate, I met Gu Zhen and Gu Lin who were rushing over.
"I heard that Mrs. Xie is here." Gu Zhen was very curious.
Gu Lin secretly curled her lips and looked at him with contempt.
Gu Jiu said, "Let's go in. We don't want to keep the guests waiting too long."
"Second sister is right."
As I walked into Furong Courtyard, I heard bursts of laughter coming from the main house.
Chun He lifted the curtain and walked out of the main room. "Young Lady, Second Young Lady, Fifth Young Lady, you are finally here. Madam has been waiting for you for a long time. Please come in, young ladies."
"Sister Chunhe has worked hard."
Gu Jiu stepped forward and held Chun He's hand. A small purse was placed in Chun He's hand.
Chunhe smiled and calmly accepted the purse.
"It's not hard for me, it's all my duty. Second Miss, please go in quickly."
"Isn't the master coming?" Gu Jiu asked meaningfully.
Chun He said, "The master went to the Ministry of Personnel. I heard that he will have a drink with some of his classmates in the evening."
It turns out that Lord Gu is not at home.
Gu Jiu pursed his lips and smiled, "Thank you, Sister Chunhe."
"The second young lady killed this servant."
Gu Jiu let go of Chunhe's hand and walked into the main house first.
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