Gu Qianluo's invitation marked the first time since Aunt Xu entered the Marquis's mansion three years ago that she had the opportunity to dine at the same table as Chen Jinheng.
Aunt Xu didn't want to waste this great opportunity, so she quickly took Aunt Zhu's hand and said enthusiastically,
“Aunt Zhu, since the mistress has extended such a warm invitation, why don’t we stay? You’re just sitting idly in the courtyard anyway.”
Upon hearing this, Aunt Zhu frowned deeply.
She thought to herself, "This Aunt Xu is really blind."
Knowing that Chen Jinheng wanted to enjoy some time alone with Gu Qianluo, Zhu Manlian decided not to stay and be a third wheel, lest she anger Chen Jinheng.
Although Zhu Lingxiang also admired Chen Jinheng, she was shy and didn't want to see anyone better than her.
She didn't want to sit there, staring at Gu Qianluo being pampered by Chen Jinheng, and gently declined.
"No, no! I just remembered that a carpenter came to repair the yard today, and he should be here by now."
I must go and check on them. I won't disturb the master and mistress's meal any longer."
After saying this, Aunt Zhu lifted her skirt and walked towards the door, leaving Aunt Xu behind.
Seeing Aunt Xu standing there blankly, Gu Qianluo quickly tried to persuade her.
"Aunt Xu, please sit down! Tell me about all the interesting things that have happened in this mansion!"
Gu Qianlu was busy chatting with others, so Chen Jinheng took over the task of serving the dishes.
Gu Qianluo picked up a piece of taro cake from her bowl, put it in her mouth, smiled back at Chen Jinheng who was serving the food, and said lightly,
"Husband, eat something too, don't just think about me!"
"Madam, you probably don't know, but there are actually many stories in the back mountain of this mansion!"
Aunt Xu was a chatterbox. As soon as she heard that Gu Qianlu wanted to hear a story, she began to tell her all sorts of interesting things that happened in the mansion.
......
"Haha, I didn't know the back mountain was so interesting. Husband, when you have some free time, may I go and play there?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Jinheng's brows, which had just relaxed, furrowed tightly again, and he said coldly, "Fine, but I must accompany you."
"Oh," Gu Qianlu replied disappointedly, then chatted warmly with Aunt Xu about everyday matters.
"By the way, my lord, I heard that the teacher will send Sister Ping over today."
Upon hearing this, Gu Qianluo's eyes lit up again, and she asked Chen Jinheng curiously,
"Husband, who is Sister Ping?"
You'll find out soon enough!
So mysterious? Could she be another close friend of Chen Jinheng?
Half an hour later, Zhu Ying led a child into the front yard.
Gu Qianluo turned her gaze and glanced at Chen Jinheng beside her. "Is she Ping'er?"
Chen Jinheng's eyes revealed a rare joy as he said softly, "She's a good child, Luo'er will definitely like her."
This was the first time Gu Qianluo had met Ping-jie.
As she ran towards Chen Jinheng, a bright and cheerful smile graced her lips.
"Father! Ping'er misses you so much!"
Upon hearing this, Chen Jinheng took Gu Qianluo's hand and walked towards Ping'er.
As the lovely person approached, Gu Qianlu's brows furrowed with joy.
Her hair was styled in two buns, adorned with light blue and gold tassel pendants. Her eyes were as bright as jewels, and her rosy cheeks were youthful and adorable, exuding an air of innocence.
She wore a bright green, mid-sleeved Hanfu shirt with a pleated skirt embroidered with colorful butterflies on the hem. She had a gold gourd pendant tied around her waist and embroidered shoes with auspicious cloud patterns and jade rabbit designs on her feet.
Her every smile and gesture was lively and adorable, like a doll in a painting.
Chen Jinheng raised his hand and gently stroked Ping'er's forehead, his eyes full of affection, and said softly with a smile,
"Ping'er, you've grown taller and prettier! It seems this study tour was very useful!"
Ping'er's smile brightened even more after his praise. She put her hands behind her back, bowed her head humbly, and said...
"Thank you for the compliment, Daddy! Hehe!"
Chen Jinheng's brows relaxed further, his eyes suddenly brightening considerably. He pulled Gu Qianluo into his arms and introduced her gently.
“Ping’er, this is your legal mother.”
Ping'er raised her bright eyes and met Gu Qianluo's eyes, then gave a slight curtsy.
She wasn't as resistant to her as Ange'er was, which made Gu Qianluo have a good impression of her.
"Good stepmother, good stepmother, you are so beautiful, Father is so blessed."
Upon hearing the girl's ingratiating words, Chen Jinheng's lips unconsciously curled into a smile.
"You have such a sweet tongue, child."
Upon hearing this, Gu Qianluo crouched down to meet Ping'er's gaze and said softly,
"Ping'er, be good. You must come to Luoying Palace to play with your stepmother more often in the future!"
Upon hearing this, Ping'er's eyebrows curved into crescent moons, revealing a beautiful smile. She leaned slightly forward, whispered in her ear, and asked...
"Does the mistress know how to write? Ping'er wants to learn to write, but Father won't allow it."
Upon hearing this, Gu Qianluo glanced sideways at Chen Jinheng and whispered in the girl's ear,
"After lunch, I'll teach you, okay?"
Chen Jinheng frowned, puzzled as he watched the two whispering to each other. He then spoke sternly to Ping'er.
“Ping’er, don’t bully your stepmother. She’s new to the household and doesn’t know the rules.”
Upon hearing this, Ping'er pouted and took small steps to run behind Gu Qianluo.
Gu Qianlu gave the little girl behind her a look and whispered instructions.
"Ping'er, go play in the study for a while. The mistress will be here soon."
Upon hearing this, Ping'er's eyes lit up instantly, and she nodded vigorously at Gu Qianluo.
"Mmm!" she said happily, and ran towards the study.
As the girl's figure receded into the distance, Chen Jinheng's eyes turned cold as he inquired of Gu Qianluo beside him.
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