"The palace should be run by you. As long as you are in charge, any debt can be paid off."
Su Zheng was very serious when he said this.
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Cousin Su, don't praise me. I don't want to take over such a big mess. If I do it well, it's what I should do. If I don't do it well, I will become the target of public criticism. This is not an easy job."
Su Zheng nodded, "That's true. Has anyone in the palace been giving Cousin Xiaojiu any trouble?"
"Thank you for your concern, cousin Su. Do you think I'm someone who would be bullied?"
Su Zheng laughed out loud, "I was just worrying for no reason."
Gu Jiu said, "Today's a rare opportunity. Cousin Su, is there really no girl you like?"
When this topic was brought up, Su Zheng seemed embarrassed.
He said, "Marriage is a serious matter, decided by parents and matchmakers. Today I just want to go out and relax."
Gu Jiu pursed his lips and smiled, knowing that Su Zheng was too embarrassed to talk to girls.
She said, "Don't worry, Cousin Su. Several marquisates will host a banquet on the high platform later this evening. Cousin Su can attend along with Third Brother Gu Ting and Sixth Brother Gu Cheng. The sound of flowing wine flowing through the winding stream will definitely not stop Cousin Su. As long as you seize the opportunity, you will definitely shine."
Su Zheng's eyes lit up, "I didn't expect the Shangsi Festival in the capital to have so many events."
Gu Jiu asked curiously, "Didn't cousin Su go out during the Shangsi Festival last year?"
Su Zheng said frankly: "I am short of money, how can I dare to go out casually."
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "I didn't have the chance to go out last year."
Su Zheng sighed, "When I first came to the capital, I thought it was the most strictly governed place in the world. After almost two years here, I've discovered that the capital is more open than many other places. New things always appear in the capital first."
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "The capital city is indeed the place with the strictest rules in the world."
As she spoke, she pointed in the direction of the palace.
Then he continued, "It is also the most unruly place in the world."
This time, she also pointed in the direction of the Imperial Palace. "The capital is always the capital. Cousin Su, there's no need to make it a myth. Just treat everything with a normal mind."
Su Zheng's heart was shaken, and he bowed, "Thank you, cousin Xiaojiu, for teaching me. I'm older than you, but I don't see things as clearly as you do."
Gu Jiu quickly moved away and said in a serious tone, "What are you doing, cousin Su? We were chatting for a few minutes, and you kept bowing. I won't dare to talk to you next time."
Su Zheng was stunned for a moment, then smiled awkwardly, "The one who is more accomplished comes first. Cousin Xiaojiu taught me to treat it with a normal attitude, so I should naturally bow."
Gu Jiu waved his hands repeatedly, "You should study hard, but you can't believe everything in books. If you do everything according to the book, few people can stand it. Cousin Su, you should change and stop being so bookish."
Su Zheng seemed to be thinking about something. "Cousin Xiaojiu is right. I need to get rid of the bookish air in me. But how should I do it? Please teach me, cousin Xiaojiu."
Gu Jiu pointed at the group of men bathing in the river not far away and said, "Follow their example. Look, Gu Cheng even jumped into the river."
Su Zheng hesitated for a moment, "Will that get rid of my bookish air?"
"No! But it can help you let go of the burdens on your shoulders. Going out for a spring outing is all about relaxing completely. But Cousin Su is still tense, which is not good. A good balance between work and rest is the best policy."
Su Zheng frowned in thought.
Gu Jiu said to him, "Cousin Su, take your time to think about it. I'll go talk to the sisters."
Gu Zhen and Gu Mei have both arrived.
Both of them had bulging bellies and looked very pregnant.
Gu Mei waved to Gu Jiu, "Little sister Jiu, come and sit down."
The maid placed a carpet on the lawn. Gu Mei sat directly on the carpet and felt comfortable all over.
Gu Jiu walked over and looked at her belly. "Sister Mei is about to give birth, right?"
Gu Mei touched her big belly and said, "There are still more than two months left. I stay in my room all day and can't go anywhere. It's really suffocating. I heard that everyone is going to come for a spring outing today, so I asked my mother-in-law for permission. So I went out specially to join in the fun. Sister Xiaojiu, can you take a look at my baby for me? Is it okay?"
Gu Jiu squatted down and stretched out his hand to feel the patient's pulse.
She smiled and said, "The pulse is strong, and it's a healthy baby. The baby will be born in more than two months. Sister Mei, make sure to eat less and move more, and the birth will be easier."
"Thank you, Sister Xiaojiu. Doctor Hu also gave me the same advice. I always remember that I dare not overeat or oversleep, for fear that the birth will be difficult."
She held Gu Jiu's hand and said in a low voice, "I've been thinking about my sister-in-law recently. I think about how she risked her life to give birth to a child. I'm really scared."
The sister-in-law that Gu Mei mentioned was Jia, the wife of Gu Rui, the eldest son of the Marquis's Mansion.
Jia Shi tried to preserve her pregnancy from the moment she became pregnant, but ultimately failed and died of depression.
Come to think of it, Gu Mei experienced this incident personally, so it’s no wonder that she was traumatized.
Gu Jiu comforted her, "Sister Mei, please don't scare yourself. Read more books and do the Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art when you have time. It will make your child smarter."
"Really?" Gu Mei looked surprised.
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "A mother's mood and thoughts will affect the baby in her belly. Sister Mei will also experience this."
Gu Mei nodded repeatedly. "When I'm calm, the baby is very well behaved and doesn't kick me. When I'm irritable, the baby starts to make a lot of noise in my stomach."
"That's because children can keenly sense their mother's emotions."
"Then when I get back, I'll read more books when I have time. I'll do the Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art as you suggested. I won't be like his uncle, who has no knowledge of economics and spends all day reciting poems and writing couplets, indulge in unrealistic fantasies."
Gu Jiu blinked.
Gu Mei explained, "My brother-in-law has been surrounded by women since he was a child, and the old lady in the mansion dotes on him, so he is very lawless.
Although he is young, he is lustful and does ridiculous things. He only knows how to talk big but can't get anything done.
Yet, everyone praised him for his intelligence and wit, simply because he could write some sarcastic poems.
I really look down on him, but I don't know how to say anything.
Every time I see his thieving eyes rolling around, I get mad. Look, that's my brother-in-law."
Gu Jiu followed the direction of Gu Mei's finger and looked into the distance.
A young man in bright clothes and riding a horse stands out in the crowd.
It was simply because that young man had red lips and white teeth, and was very handsome.
"That's your uncle?"
Gu Mei nodded, "That's him. He has a good appearance. I wonder how many young ladies are falling in love with him today."
Gu Jiu burst out laughing when he heard this.
"He doesn't look like a Han family member."
Gu Mei married Han Dalang, a family whose fortunes were built through military exploits, with all the members being military commanders.
This Han Wulang, with his red lips and white teeth, is very different from the Han family's usual military image.
Gu Mei said, "That's right. But the old lady dotes on him and treats him like her precious baby. When his father-in-law and mother-in-law want to teach him a lesson, the old lady won't let them and just blindly protects him."
Gu Jiu said casually: "It's not good to be too pampered."
"There's nothing we can do. He's the old lady's darling, no one dares to touch him. But the family doesn't expect him to inherit the family business, so let him be. As long as we can ensure his wealth and prosperity for the rest of his life, that's all that matters."
Gu Jiu nodded, "Sister Mei, don't get angry with irrelevant people. Your emotions are fluctuating greatly right now, so try to rest and recuperate."
Gu Mei nodded, "I'll listen to Sister Xiaojiu."
Gu Zhen was in the distance, and Gu Jiu waved to her, "Big sister, come sit over here."
Gu Zhen walked over with a smile.
Her belly wasn't that big yet, it was two months younger than Gu Mei's, so she felt quite relaxed at this time.
Unlike Gu Mei, her figure already looked particularly bulky.
Gu Jiu took Gu Zhen's hand and calmly checked her pulse. He asked, "How are you these days, big sister? I haven't seen you for a long time. You look a little plumper."
Gu Zhen touched her face and smiled brightly. It was obvious that she was living a comfortable life.
"The old lady and mother-in-law in the mansion are very caring towards me. They instruct the kitchen to prepare delicious food for me every day. How is Second Sister doing in the palace? I hope no one is giving you any trouble."
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Don't worry, big sister, I'm fine."
Gu Zhen's pulse is good, but she ate a little too much.
Gu Zhen said, "I heard that Gongzi Zhao was imprisoned in Zongzheng Temple, and I've been worried about you. Seeing that you are doing well today, I'm relieved."
Gu Mei also asked, "Sister Xiaojiu, will Gongzi Zhao be okay?"
"Thank you both sisters for your concern. He's fine. He'll be released soon."
"That's good. If Gongzi Zhao is released sooner, you won't have such a hard time in the mansion."
Gu Jiu pursed his lips and smiled, "Don't worry about me. Take care of the baby in your belly first."
Gu Zhen and Gu Mei laughed in unison.
"Seeing you like this, I feel relieved. Sister Xiaojiu, after Master Zhao is released, you should also have a child as soon as possible." Gu Mei said sincerely.
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "We'll talk about this later."
She had no intention of having children so young. She wanted to wait another year or two until she was healthier before having children.
Gu Zhen asked, "Second sister, have you seen third sister?"
"You mean Gu Yue? I've been here for such a long time, but I haven't seen her."
"I saw her when I got off the carriage. She seemed to have come with the women of the Haixi Marquis's Mansion. We have to send someone to look for her." Gu Mei said.
Gu Zhen sat down next to Gu Jiu, "During the first month of the year, you didn't go back to your parents' home, so Gu Yue and I went back."
Gu Jiu asked curiously, "Did she say anything?"
Gu Zhen whispered, "Gu Yue went to see the Madam, and they talked for half an hour behind closed doors. I heard the Madam got really angry, and the mother and daughter had a falling out right there."
Gu Jiu blinked. She really didn’t know about this.
Gu Zhen added, "Fourth sister should know the most about this matter."
Gu Shan was playing in the water with the other sisters, in high spirits. The three of them unanimously decided not to disturb her.
Speak of Cao Cao and he will appear.
Gu Mei pointed to the hillside not far away and asked, "Is that Sister Gu Yue?"
It’s true.
Gu Yue also saw the three of them, hesitated for a moment, and then walked straight towards them.
"Three sisters, why are you sitting here? It's so hard for me to find you."
Gu Zhen asked with a smile, "Is Third Sister really looking for us? Why aren't you with the people from Haixibo Mansion?"
Gu Yue knelt down and sat down. "What's the fun in being with them? I'm more comfortable with you sisters."
Gu Jiu looked at Gu Yue carefully.
Gu Yue had obviously changed. Not only was she thinner, but her temperament had also changed.
In the past, Gu Yue was arrogant and conceited, with a pair of eyes that seemed to grow on top of her head. She didn't take ordinary people seriously at all.
Now, she lacked that madness, but her eyes were filled with a cruelty that chilled people's hearts.
It takes so much negotiation to bring about such a huge change.
Gu Yue glanced at Gu Jiu and said, "I haven't greeted my second sister yet. Since the New Year, the palace has been in turmoil. Is my second sister okay?"
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern, Third Sister. I'm fine. But Third Sister, did Zhao Erlang still suffer for you?"
Gu Yue raised her hand, covering her face with her sleeve, and said with a smile, "Second sister is really not good at chatting. She always brings up things that are not related to the topic. Today, when we are together as sisters, let's not talk about him, okay?"
The three of them looked at each other.
Gu Yue has changed so much.
In the past, Gu Yue would never have said this. She would have been so desperate to save face that she would have to say how good Zhao Erlang was to her.
Gu Jiu nodded, "Okay, let's not talk about him today."
Gu Yue lowered her arms and said, "The spring weather is beautiful. Just basking in the sun makes me feel comfortable."
"Sister Yue looks a little pale. You should get more sun." Gu Mei said kindly.
Gu Yue's eyes flickered, "Sister Mei, you are pregnant, you need the sun more than I do."
After she finished speaking, she giggled, "Sister Mei is about to give birth. I wonder if it's a boy or a girl? I'm hoping that Sister Mei will give birth to a boy, which would bring more joy. But what if she gives birth to a girl? Sister Mei won't dislike her child just because it's a girl, right?"
Gu Mei was unhappy and said, "Whether it's a brother or a sister, they are both my children and descendants of the Han family. Sister Yue is worrying too much."
Gu Yue pursed her lips and smiled, "Sister Mei is right. But I heard that if the first child is a girl, there is a high probability that the second child will also be a girl. What if Sister Mei gives birth to two girls in a row? Will the Han family's brother-in-law despise them? Will he favor the concubine? What if he favors the concubine over the wife? What should we do?"
Gu Mei's face darkened. "Can you speak? Sister Yue and I have no grudges in the past or present. Why are you deliberately trying to anger me?"
"Sister Mei, calm down."
Gu Jiu held Sister Mei's wrist and kept an eye on her pulse.
Gu Yue chuckled, "When we're chatting, of course we can speak freely. What I said was also out of concern for Sister Mei, and to remind Sister Mei to prepare early. I didn't mean to deliberately anger you. Sister Mei, you can't misunderstand my good intentions."
Gu Mei laughed in anger, "Good intentions? I think you have evil intentions. Just based on your mouth, the Haixi Marquis's Mansion is unwilling to treat you well, and it's all your own fault."
Gu Yue didn't care at all and said casually, "Do I care if the Haixi Marquis' Mansion treats me well? Even if I am a well-behaved daughter-in-law with sweet words and a kind heart, will the Haixi Marquis' Mansion really treat me well? Haha... Three sisters, if you want to laugh at me, just say it directly. Why bother saying one thing and thinking another."
"Third sister, watch your mouth."
Gu Jiu stared at Gu Yue, "Big sister and Sister Mei are both pregnant. If you make them angry, do you think you can get away with it? The Han and Xu families will tear you apart.
Also, everyone is talking here normally today and no one is bothering you.
But when you arrived, you were sarcastic and your words were full of thorns. If you have resentment in your heart, you can vent it at Haixibo Mansion and Zhao Erlang if you have the guts.
Taking out your anger on your own sisters, what kind of skill is that? Or are you just a bully at home?"
Since Gu Yue is a ruthless person, he should use his ruthlessness to fight against everyone in Haixibo's mansion.
What kind of ability is it to be violent and aggressive in front of your own sisters and take your anger out on them?
Gu Yue smiled contemptuously at Gu Jiu.
"Oh, it's been a while since I was scolded by my second sister. I really missed it. Second sister, how about you scold me again?"
Gu Jiu narrowed his eyes. Is Gu Yue crazy today?
Seeing Gu Jiu's puzzled look, Gu Yue burst into laughter.
"I was just saying it casually, did you take it seriously, Second Sister? It's a pity there's no wine, otherwise I would punish myself with three cups to make amends to Second Sister."
Gu Jiu suddenly grabbed Gu Yue's wrist.
Gu Yue cried out, "Ah!" "Second sister, what are you doing? Are you going to hit me? I can't handle being hit. If you hurt me, you'll be held responsible."
Gu Jiu pushed Gu Yue away and said, "I thought you were seriously ill, but it turns out I was overthinking it."
Gu Yue smiled proudly, "This is the first time I know that my second sister can take a pulse."
Gu Zhen looked unhappy, "Gu Yue, did you take the wrong medicine today?"
"No! I'm fine."
Gu Zhen asked again: "Are you stimulated?"
"You're the one who got stimulated."
Gu Yue cursed back angrily.
Gu Zhen covered her abdomen and said, "Humph, I won't argue with you."
But I was thinking in my heart that if this continued, Gu Yue would sooner or later become obsessed with gains and losses.
Gu Yan noticed Gu Yue and walked over.
"Third sister, are you okay? Did Zhao Erlang come with you?"
Gu Yue glanced at him and asked, "Sixth Brother, why did you mention Zhao Erlang?"
Gu Cheng frowned, "You and him fell out again?"
Gu Yue lowered her head and smiled, "When have I ever been at peace with him?"
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