Zhang originally intended to use Lin Ruoyan's position in Chen Jinheng's heart to suppress Gu Qianluo.
This made Gu Qianluo realize her own limitations and implied that she shouldn't try to climb over Zhang Shi's head.
Now that Gu Qianluo has brought it up so directly, he suddenly feels that his roundabout ridicule of Gu Qianluo today was a bit too much.
Seeing that Gu Qianluo remained silent, Zhang continued to patiently persuade her.
"Second sister-in-law, it's best if you and I keep this matter to ourselves, and don't spread it around."
If word gets out, it won't be good for your reputation.
Jinheng is also preparing to go to war, so please don't discuss these trivial matters with him for now, lest he be distracted.
As Zhang's words became increasingly outrageous, Gu Qianluo's furrowed brows gradually relaxed, and she said calmly,
"Sister-in-law, Qianluo has received your kindness."
Jinheng loves children, and I share the same sentiment. I hope the children are doing well and grow up quickly.
Now that I have married into the Marquis's household, I will certainly treat Jinheng's children as my own.
Seeing Gu Qianluo speak so calmly, Zhang felt a surge of admiration for her, and with a hint of a smile in her eyes, she said...
"My second sister-in-law is kind-hearted and a role model for us women."
"Sister-in-law, you flatter me."
Actually, Gu Qianluo wasn't magnanimous; she simply took a detached view of love and didn't care about it.
"I heard that Miss Lin is currently recuperating at Jing'an Temple, and Jinheng is planning to entrust the two children to his aunt's care. Is this true?"
"This was originally Qianluo's idea, but because Ange'er and Ping'er were unwilling, it ultimately came to nothing."
"It's alright, Miss Lin will be back in a few days."
Upon hearing this, a dark glint flashed in Gu Qianluo's eyes.
"Sister-in-law, you may have misheard. I heard Jinheng say that Miss Lin is going to rest at Jing'an Temple for a while before returning home."
"That's how it should have been, but His Majesty moved up the date of the troop deployment and plans to send the soldiers off before the Lantern Festival."
"Jinheng saved Miss Lin's life; she will definitely come back to see her off."
Upon hearing this, Gu Qianluo replied calmly, "I see."
"Madam, the eldest son and the second son have arrived."
As the two were chatting, the gatekeeper suddenly stepped forward to report.
"Madam, Second Sister-in-law, Yushan, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
Hearing the sound, Gu Qianluo snapped out of her thoughts and saw Chen Jinheng and Chen Jinran striding towards them from the main entrance of the flower hall.
Chen Jinran walked ahead and bowed to the stewards attending the banquet. Zhang Shi rose and, together with Chen Jinran, greeted the stewards and then notified the kitchen to begin serving the dishes.
Because he rarely participated in the affairs of the mansion, Chen Jinheng simply followed behind. After nodding and greeting the various stewards, he couldn't wait to sit down next to Gu Qianluo.
A moment later, Chen Jinran and Zhang Shi also took their seats.
Recalling her conversation with Gu Qianluo, Zhang felt guilty towards her. She turned to Chen Jinheng, smiling and praising him.
"Jinheng, your second sister-in-law is shrewd and capable; you've married a wonderful wife!"
Despite knowing Zhang's insincerity, Chen Jinheng still smiled smugly upon receiving her praise and said,
"Don't worry, sister-in-law, Jinheng will definitely cherish it."
Gu Qianlu was still angry and didn't want to talk to him. Seeing this, the man's eyes dimmed.
He raised his hand to brush across her brows and eyes, then turned his palm to force her to look at him, and said...
"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Madam."
The two had only known each other for a few days, yet the man was making such intimate gestures. Gu Qianluo felt a little uncomfortable, so she covered her mouth and coughed lightly, then whispered beside his shoulder,
"My lord, please behave yourself in public."
Upon hearing this, Chen Jinheng's eyes darkened instantly, feeling somewhat annoyed. He stared at Gu Qianlu for a long while.
Gu Qianlu noticed someone's gaze out of the corner of her eye, and deliberately turned to look at Yu Shan, pretending to be having a pleasant conversation with her.
Suddenly, I felt a warm, rough texture in my hand.
Gu Qianlu tried to pull her hand back, but the man gripped it even tighter.
Gu Qianlu stared at him silently, her eyes filled with anger.
Seeing the fire blazing in her eyes, Chen Jinheng softened his gaze and gently apologized in her ear.
"Is my wife still angry with me because of Ping'er?"
Gu Qianlu glared at him fiercely and retorted, "How dare Qianlu hold a grudge against her husband?"
"Still denying it? You're never this cold to your husband before?"
"Qianlu was a little tired, that's why I spoke like that," Gu Qianlu explained calmly.
"I just discussed Ping'er's matter with my elder brother."
Upon hearing this, Gu Qianlu's lips curled up involuntarily, and she asked, "What conclusions have you drawn?"
“My brother’s opinion is exactly the same as mine. However, Ping’er can come and attend classes at the school you’ve set up here.”
"Really? Then Ping'er will be able to go to school soon?"
Upon hearing that Ping'er had the opportunity to study, Gu Qianluo's eyes lit up.
Chen Jinheng had seen this kind of light when he was a child, and he would remember it forever.
"I never lied."
“But Ping’er hasn’t had any formal lessons yet, how can she go to school?” Gu Qianlu asked worriedly.
"It's alright, isn't it because we have our stepmother here?"
Gu Qianluo understood. The man's concession made her extremely happy. She picked up a piece of braised pork knuckle from the table and placed it in front of his large bowl, asking with concern,
"You will be going to war in a few days. You won't have enough to eat on the battlefield, so eat as much as you can now."
Looking at the large piece of meat in the bowl, Chen Jinheng suddenly smiled broadly, "Thank you, Madam."
"You're welcome. This is a reward from me! It's a reward for your understanding of righteousness and your ability to admit and correct your mistakes."
Chen Jinheng's eyes were fixed on the meat in his bowl as he picked it up and began to eat with gusto.
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