"Big sister, fifth sister, please take a seat."
Gu Jiu stood up and greeted the two of them, and everyone sat down as host and guest.
Qingzhu served tea.
Gu Jiu looked at the two of them and said with a smile, "What's wrong with Big Sister and Fifth Sister? You look so angry. Who made you unhappy?"
Gu Zhen and Gu Lin glared at each other, then snorted in unison.
Gu Jiu pursed her lips and smiled, "Big sister and fifth sister, stop being angry with each other. We are all sisters. If you have any conflicts, talk about it."
"I have nothing to say to her." Gu Lin spoke first.
Gu Zhen smiled and said, "It just so happens that my fifth sister and I don't have much to talk about. This saves us a lot of trouble."
Gu Lin frowned and looked at Gu Zhen with squinted eyes, "Big sister, it's better to be kind in your words. You are the one who is going to propose marriage."
Gu Zhen was furious and her face suddenly turned ugly, and her only good mood disappeared.
She said to Gu Jiu, "Second sister, you heard it with your own ears. She spoke to me like this, without any manners at all."
"Why am I unruly?"
Gu Lin was not convinced.
Gu Zhen snorted coldly, "How can you talk to your elder sister like that? Your tone is so harsh that people who don't know you would think you are talking to your enemy. Humph, your attitude is really unruly."
Gu Lin opened her mouth and said, "My attitude is bad, and yours is the same. As the eldest sister, don't you know how to lead by example?"
"You, you're still stubborn."
"I'm telling the truth. If you really want to act like the eldest sister, learn from the second sister. If you act like the second sister, I'll respect you as the eldest sister."
“Ahem…”
Gu Jiu coughed lightly twice and said, "If you want to quarrel, just quarrel, don't involve her."
Gu Jiu glanced at the two of them and asked, "Big sister, fifth sister, how did you meet?"
Gu Linxian said, "I was bored in my room and wanted to talk to my second sister. I didn't expect to meet my eldest sister at the gate."
Gu Zhen laughed and said, "I came to see my second sister to tell you some news I just heard."
Gu Jiu responded appropriately, "What news?"
Gu Zhen pursed her lips and smiled before saying, "Did you know that the Haixi Marquis Mansion will be attending the banquet?"
Gu Lin hadn't remembered yet, so she asked directly, "Which Haixi Marquis' Mansion?"
Gu Jiu suddenly realized what was happening and said to Gu Zhen, "Congratulations, big sister."
The Haixi Marquis's Mansion and the Gu Mansion had no connection and had never interacted before. Being willing to attend the banquet must have had some thoughts about this marriage. Wanting to meet Gu Zhen in person would also be a good opportunity to get to know the Gu family.
Gu Zhen lowered her head and smiled, looking a little shy.
I thought to myself that talking to my second sister was the most comfortable thing.
Gu Jiu always said what she liked to hear, without being too extreme and sounding hypocritical, nor too cold and boring.
Gu Zhen smiled shyly and asked softly, "Second sister, do you think this can work out?"
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "As long as Big Sister behaves well, there won't be any problem."
The Haixi Marquis' Mansion is very powerful, and the Gu family's family background is not bad either, with the support of the Marquis' Mansion.
It should be enough for Gu Zhen to marry the illegitimate young master of Haixibo Mansion.
Gu Zhen nodded slightly, "I think so too."
"Ah, I remember now." Gu Lin realized belatedly, "Haixi Marquis' Mansion, that's the blind date that the eldest lady introduced to my elder sister when we went to the Marquis' Mansion last time."
Gu Zhen was in a good mood at the moment, so she didn't bother with Gu Lin's slow reaction.
Gu Lin continued, "The fact that the Haixi Marquis's family is attending the banquet means they want to meet my elder sister. As long as there are no problems, this marriage can be settled."
Gu Zhen smiled reservedly, and she didn't say anything at this time.
Gu Jiu understood and said with a smile: "Fifth sister is right. The reason why Haixi Bofu came to attend the banquet is most likely to see Big Sister."
Gu Lin became excited. "If the marriage goes through, wouldn't Big Sister be marrying into the Earl's Mansion? Oh my God, Big Sister, you are so lucky. The marriage arranged by the eldest lady of the neighboring Marquis' Mansion is really reliable."
Gu Zhen squinted at Gu Lin and said, "The marriage arranged by the Marquis' Mansion is naturally not bad. Fifth sister, you have to change your bad habit of talking nonsense. A wealthy family will not marry someone as careless as you."
Gu Lin was immediately unhappy. "Who said I'm not careful with my words? Compared to my third sister, I'm much better than her. Over the years, she has offended so many people. My third sister is fine, so why should I be in trouble?"
Gu Zhen rolled her eyes. "Fifth sister, you're not crazy, are you? Third sister is the legitimate daughter, and you're the illegitimate daughter. How can you compare? Third sister is doted on by the wife, while fifth sister is doted on by Aunt Bai.
But can you rely on Aunt Bai for your marriage? Who would discuss their daughter's marriage with an aunt? You are really... What can I say about you? "
Gu Lin's face darkened and he snorted, the boss was unhappy.
Gu Jiu advised, "Big sister, please be quiet. Fifth sister is still young, and it will be several years before she gets married. Wait until next year, and invite a nanny to take care of her. Fifth sister will learn the rules well from the nanny, and she will get better and better."
Gu Lin's anger turned into joy, and she pulled Gu Jiu's arm, "I like my second sister the most. I will definitely get better and better, and maybe I can even beat my eldest sister in marriage."
After saying that, Hao laughed at Gu Zhen.
Gu Zhen was so angry. Gu Lin was deliberately going against her.
Gu Zhen said with a stern face, "Fifth sister, stop daydreaming. You want to surpass me, do you think it's possible? With your big mouth, who would like you?"
"I'm not a big mouth. I will change this bad habit in the future. Just like my second sister said, I will get better and better."
Gu Zhen sneered, "It's easy to change the country, but it's hard to change one's nature. Fifth sister will understand my good intentions in the future."
Fart good intentions.
Gu Lin pouts so much that a soy sauce bottle could be hung on her lips.
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Stop arguing. Marriage is a matter of fate for everyone. Stop arguing about who is superior to whom. Marrying into a wealthy family doesn't necessarily mean you will have a good life, and marrying into a poor family doesn't mean you will have a miserable life."
Gu Lin nodded frequently, "Second sister is right."
Gu Zhen was a little unhappy, feeling that Gu Jiu was partial to Gu Lin.
Gu Jiu spoke first: "Big sister, have you prepared the clothes you will wear on the banquet day?"
"ah?"
Gu Zhen cried out, "Thank you, second sister, for reminding me. The banquet is still seven or eight days away, and I don't know if it's too late to make new clothes now. I remember my aunt still has a few pieces of cloth, I have to go check it out."
It was definitely too late to find a sewing shop to make new clothes at this time. I could only rely on myself and the maidservants around me.
After Gu Zhen finished speaking, she stood up and said goodbye, and left in a hurry with her maid.
Gu Lin watched Gu Zhen leave, then took Gu Jiu's hand and asked quietly, "Second sister, can the marriage at the Haixi Marquis' Mansion really be successful? Can my eldest sister really marry into the Haixi Marquis' Mansion?"
Although Gu Lin expressed disdain for Gu Zhen, she was actually envious of her for having such a good marriage.
Gu Jiu said, "The fact that the Haixi Marquis's Mansion is willing to attend the banquet represents a certain attitude. As long as Big Sister is as good as the Marquis' Mansion says, this marriage should be possible."
"How did the Marquis' Mansion introduce my elder sister?" Gu Lin was very curious.
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "She's just well-behaved, talented, literate, and kind. She's been with her father in office, so she's quite knowledgeable. She's not the kind of girl who's been stuck in the backyard all year round and has no experience."
Gu Lin looked at Gu Jiu, "Is that it?"
Gu Jiu nodded, "This introduction is enough."
Lord Gu did not serve as an official in the Northwest from the beginning. Before going to the Northwest, he served as an official in the South for several years.
From the south to the northwest, and then to the capital, most girls of this era will not have such an experience.
Many people live in the same place from birth to death and have almost no chance to go out and broaden their horizons.
In this respect alone, Gu Zhen is better than many people.
Even though Gu Zhen and Gu Lin quarreled every day and seemed to have a bad temper, she behaved very well when they were outside.
When she was in the northwest, all the ladies in the mansions would praise Gu Zhen and say how good she was, but it was a pity that she was born out of wedlock.
Last time in the Marquis' Mansion, if Gu Zhen hadn't lost her mind and made up a story about Gu Jiu being a sickly person, everyone in the Marquis' Mansion would have had a very good impression of Gu Zhen.
Gu Lin bit her lip, feeling a little jealous.
She asked Gu Jiu, "Second sister, can my marriage also be arranged by the Marquis' Mansion?"
Gu Jiu nodded, "Of course. But fifth sister, you are still young, you don't need to think about these things now."
Gu Lin twisted her handkerchief. How could she not think about it?
Aunt Bai kept nagging in her ear every day. As her sisters had a promising future, she would think more.
I don’t dare to compare myself with my legitimate sisters, but I must at least be better than Gu Zhen.
Gu Lin took a deep breath and said, "Second sister, from today on I will work hard. I want to surpass my eldest sister."
Gu Jiu smiled and nodded, "Not bad, you have ambition."
Gu Lin was full of enthusiasm. He stood up to say goodbye and went to see Aunt Bai.
She is also a person who gets excited after only three minutes.
Seeing Aunt Bai, she no longer wanted to work hard. Aunt Bai arranged everything for her anyway, so why should she worry about it?
But, is it really not necessary to work hard?
Gu Lin was conflicted and would occasionally take out a book to read, practice calligraphy, and learn some principles.
But each time it doesn't last long.
Her level of effort was not even one-tenth of Gu Jiu's.
My childhood friends all said that Gu Jiu’s hard work was comparable to those of the students taking the imperial examinations.
Gu Jiu chuckled softly, "How can I be compared with those who studied so hard? I read too many different books, and I don't have their solid knowledge. By the way, is cousin Su sure you will come to the banquet tomorrow?"
Qingmei nodded, "Master Su has told Erzhuang that he will definitely come to tomorrow's banquet."
Gu Jiu felt relieved. "That's good. Cousin Su has been in the capital for half a year. I wonder how he is doing?"
"With the money the girl gave me, it shouldn't be too bad."
"Living in the capital is not easy. That little bit of silver may seem like a lot, but it won't last long."
When the time came, Gu Jiu brought Qingmei to the outer courtyard to visit Gu Ting.
After a period of recuperation, Gu Ting was able to walk again.
"Brother, how are you feeling today?"
"It's good. I can use my strength now."
Gu Jiu took out a sewing kit, which contained 108 silver needles.
In order to treat Gu Ting's injury, Gu Jiu specially asked someone to make a silver needle, which was very effective.
Because she was weak and lacked strength, she was afraid of hurting Gu Ting, so she secretly tried the acupuncture technique on herself. After confirming that there was no problem, she began to give acupuncture to Gu Ting.
Today is my fifth acupuncture treatment.
Gu Jiu said, "Brother, roll up your trouser legs."
Gu Ting smiled cheerfully. He had no objection to acupuncture. It didn't hurt, just a little numb and itchy afterwards.
However, every time he got an acupuncture injection, he felt his injured leg became stronger.
It rained a few days ago, but he didn't feel any pain in his legs.
Gu Ting rolled up his trouser legs and said, "I'm going to have to trouble you again today, sister."
Gu Jiu rolled his eyes at him and asked, "Have you finished reading the book I sent you last time?"
Gu Ting chuckled, feeling guilty.
From his expression, I could tell he hadn't finished reading it.
Gu Jiu sat upright on a chair, making preparations while saying, "Brother, after your leg is healed, don't run around outside all day and be invisible. At least take some time to read a book. Reading more books will do you no harm."
Gu Ting grinned and said, "I'll listen to my sister."
"It's no use just saying you'll obey me. You have to actually memorize what's in the book."
While speaking, the preparations were completed.
Disinfect the silver needle and wash your hands clean.
Find the acupuncture point and start acupuncture.
The silver needle slowly entered the flesh, and Gu Ting didn't feel any pain at all.
"My sister's technique is becoming more and more skilled."
Gu Jiu laughed, "Brother, you are my first patient. You allowed me to practice so many times. Thank you, brother."
"Why thank me? Just keep stabbing me. As long as you don't kill me, that's fine."
"Pah, pah, pah!"
Twenty-one silver needles were inserted into Gu Ting's injured leg, so densely packed that it looked a bit scary.
"Brother, you can't drink at tomorrow's banquet. You must not drink a single drop of alcohol until your leg injury is completely healed."
Gu Ting said, "Don't worry, sister. I don't really like drinking. Let Li Chuan watch me tomorrow. I will definitely not drink a drop of alcohol."
"Get along well with the brothers and sisters in the Marquis' Mansion, and don't cause conflicts with them."
"Don't worry about these things, sister. I'm good at making friends."
Gu Jiu laughed. She was indeed worrying for nothing.
Back when he was in the northwest, Gu Ting had friends everywhere.
Another hour passed in the blink of an eye.
Guanbo took the needle and told Li Chuan to take good care of Gu Ting before leaving.
In the garden, Gu Jiu met Gu Yu, the fourth brother.
Gu Yu is my cousin, and his family is also in the capital, but not in Baiyi Lane, but in the East Market.
Some time ago, he went back home and stayed there for a while.
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Hello, Fourth Brother Gu. Are you done with your family matters?"
Gu Yu nodded slightly, "Thank you for your concern, second sister. Everything is fine at home. At tomorrow's banquet, second sister, you must behave well."
Gu Jiu raised his eyebrows, confused.
Gu Yu whispered to her, "Master has not only invited the Haixi Marquis' Mansion, but also the Zhuguo Duke's Mansion, the Dai Marquis' Mansion, and even the Lu Marquis' Mansion. These families have all agreed to attend the banquet."
Gu Jiu was secretly shocked. Is Lord Gu going to wipe out all the noble families in one fell swoop?
She asked curiously, "How could father invite so many nobles?"
It's unbelievable that the Gu family has such amazing connections.
Gu Yu pondered for a moment before saying, "On the one hand, the Marquisate is acting as a matchmaker, and on the other hand, the master has been a local official in the northwest for eight years. Those nobles might want to take the opportunity to talk to the master about the situation in the northwest."
Gu Jiu's eyebrows jumped, and he suddenly felt frightened.
"Fourth Brother Gu, could it be that the stances of these noble families are all against..." the Crown Prince?
Gu Jiu didn't finish the rest of his words.
Gu Yu understood.
He nodded slightly, "Second sister is indeed smart."
Gu Ji would rather not be so smart, so that he wouldn't have to worry about this and that.
Sometimes, ignorance is also a kind of bliss!
Damn, the Empress is still lying in bed, and these nobles are already eager to jump out and become the vanguard of the rebellion against the Crown Prince. Are they really not afraid of death?
Do you really think that the Queen lying in bed is helpless?
Gu Jiu had heard rumors about the Empress, a woman of extraordinary ability, as capable as any man. She was skilled in both civil and military matters.
The queen had fallen out of favor at that time, but she still supported her son to the position of crown prince, and he sat on the throne for twenty years.
Over the years, so many people have rebelled against the Crown Prince, yet he remains well and firmly in his position.
It can be said that the prince’s current situation is due, firstly, to the credit of his uncle, the Duke of Zhenguo, and secondly, to the credit of the Empress.
What exactly is Lord Gu thinking?
The fight for the throne is such a dangerous matter, why should he, a prefect of the capital, get involved in it?
Could it be that...
Gu Jiu looked at Gu Yu, his mouth dry, "Fourth Brother Gu, has the Marquis' Mansion already taken a stand?"
Isn't it said that the Marquis's position is to support whoever becomes emperor? Why did the Marquis's also jump out? They are really not afraid of death.
Gu Yu nodded slightly, "The Marquis' Mansion has always had a position."
Gu Jiu felt his brain was lacking oxygen and felt a little dizzy.
"Second sister probably doesn't know what's going on in the court."
"What happened in the court?"
Something big must have happened to stimulate these nobles to join forces and rebel against the prince.
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