Hongye nodded thoughtfully, then said, "Miss, do you know? During the argument just now, Madam and Third Miss mentioned you."
Gu Qinlan was slightly taken aback and put down the wedding dress in her hands: "What did they mention about me?"
Hongye said, "Madam said that you have been clever and quick-witted since childhood, and you know better how to deal with people than the Third Miss. The Third Miss, on the other hand, said that you are hypocritical, gentle and virtuous on the surface, but actually scheming."
Gu Qinlan smiled, a hint of coldness flashing in her eyes: "They're right, I am indeed hypocritical, but it's also to protect myself. Hongye, do you know why I like the Prince Duan's heir?"
Hongye thought for a moment and said, "Is it because he is handsome and talented?"
Gu Qinlan gently shook her head: "It's not just that. The Prince of Duan's heir is calm and composed, and he has the world in his heart. Unlike others, he doesn't only care about power and status. I believe that with him, I will live the life I want."
A hint of envy flashed in Hongye's eyes: "Miss, you are so lucky to have found such a perfect husband."
Gu Qinlan smiled slightly and picked up the wedding dress again to continue embroidering: "Hongye, I am actually very lucky to have met such a good sister as you. Speaking of which, I should thank you for always being by my side."
Hongye's eyes reddened, and she hurriedly said, "Miss, please don't say that. It is I who should thank you for giving me a home. Miss, please rest assured, wherever you go, I will follow you."
Gu Qinlan felt a warmth in her heart and gently patted Hongye's hand: "Hongye, it's so good to have you."
...
The ninth day of the third lunar month is auspicious for marriage.
As dawn broke and the first rays of sunlight appeared, Gu Qinlan opened her eyes and immediately sensed something unusual.
She frowned slightly, feeling a bit dizzy, and the sound of the maids' blessings from the previous night seemed to still echo in her ears.
Suddenly, footsteps sounded outside the door, followed by the voices of Hongye and Fuyu.
“Miss, it’s already dawn, time to get up.” Hongye’s voice was gentle yet firm.
Gu Qinlan smiled slightly, sat up, and tidied her hair.
The door was gently pushed open, and Hongye and Fuyu walked in, their faces beaming with joy and anticipation. Hongye carried a brand-new wedding dress, while Fuyu held an exquisite makeup box containing various cosmetics for Gu Qinlan.
"Miss, today is your big day, let's get ready early." Hongye said, placing the wedding dress beside Gu Qinlan's bed.
Gu Qinlan nodded gently, a warm feeling welling up in her heart as she watched Hongye and Fuyu's busy figures.
"Hongye, help me take a bath," Gu Qinlan said, slowly standing up.
Hongye quickly took the clothes from Gu Qinlan's hands and nodded gently, "Yes, Miss."
After bathing, Gu Qinlan changed into her wedding dress.
The wedding dress was embroidered with exquisite flowers and birds, shimmering in the light, making Gu Qinlan look even more beautiful and charming.
Hongye and Fuyu watched from the side, occasionally offering a word of praise. Gu Qinlan looked at herself in the mirror, her heart filled with anticipation.
"Miss, you are so beautiful!" Hongye looked at Gu Qinlan with envy and joy in her eyes.
Gu Qinlan smiled slightly, spun around in place, and became more and more delighted as she looked at the girl.
After Hongye and Fuyu helped Gu Qinlian get dressed, they left the room and went to the main hall to guard the eighteen palanquins carrying the young lady's lavish dowry.
The two carefully inspected each load of dowry to ensure nothing was missed.
Then they stood side by side in the center of the hall, their eyes sharp and vigilant, watching their surroundings to prevent anyone from getting close to the dowry.
At this moment, Gu Qinlian quietly stepped out from behind the screen, glanced at Hongye and Fuyu, and a cold smile appeared on her lips.
She walked to the center of the hall, her gaze falling on the dowry that represented fields and shops, a flicker of jealousy flashing in her eyes.
Gu Qinlian walked up to Hongye and said sarcastically, "Hongye, look at the dowry in this courtyard. Don't you think your young lady, Gu Qinlan, is living a life of unparalleled luxury?"
Hongye lowered her head slightly and answered calmly, "Miss's dowry is indeed generous, but it is all rightfully hers. She is kind and fair, and everyone in the manor admires her greatly."
Gu Qinlian's face darkened. She glared at Hongye, then turned to Fuyu: "Fuyu, what do you think?"
Fuyu smiled smugly and said, "Miss's dowry is indeed enviable, but I know that it is all earned through Miss's hard work. Miss has been smart and diligent since childhood, and it is only right that she was able to marry such a good husband."
Gu Qinlian's face grew even uglier upon hearing this. She widened her eyes and gritted her teeth, saying, "You two are both saying this, do you think I'm jealous of your master?"
Hongye and Fuyu exchanged a glance, and Hongye said softly, "Third Miss, we didn't mean that. We just feel that everyone's destiny is in their own hands. If Third Miss wants to be successful, she can strive for it."
Gu Qinlian sneered: "Strive? Do you know why I can't be in the limelight? Because I have such an outstanding older sister who steals all the limelight!"
Hongye frowned and said, "Miss, you misunderstand. The eldest young lady didn't steal your thunder; she just did her job well. Besides, she has always cared about you and hopes that you can also live a happy life."
Gu Qinlian glared at Hongye, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes, but she quickly regained her indifference: "Concern? Hmph, when has she ever cared about me?"
In a fit of anger, she suddenly walked up to a dowry basket and reached out to grab the lucky charm hanging on it.
Hongye reacted immediately, rushing forward and grabbing her: "Miss, you mustn't!"
Gu Qinlian struggled and roared, "Why not? I'm going to destroy this mascot and make her lose her glory!"
Hongye held Gu Qinlian's hand tightly, frowned slightly, and said solemnly, "Third Miss, your marriage is a major event in the manor, and we servants will naturally do our best to protect your dowry. We will not let anyone who dares to lay a hand on you get away with it."
A flash of anger crossed Gu Qinlian's eyes. She glared at Hongye and said through gritted teeth, "Hongye, who do you think you are? You're just a bunch of lowly maids, how dare you lecture me here!"
Hongye remained calm and fearless as she replied, "Third Miss, although I am a maid, I know loyalty and duty. It is my responsibility to protect your dowry, and I will not back down even if you scold me."
Gu Qinlian turned pale with anger and struggled violently, trying to break free from Hongye's restraints. Seeing this, Fuyu immediately ran over and, together with Hongye, subdued Gu Qinlian.
"Third Miss, calm down!" Hongye and Fuyu shouted in unison.
Gu Qinlian glared at the two of them, her eyes flashing with anger and jealousy. She struggled for a moment, then finally gave up and sat down weakly on the ground.
Having failed to cause any damage and instead met with a rebuff, Gu Qinlian was somewhat embarrassed and annoyed. She stomped her foot and turned to go to Gu Qinlan's bridal chamber.
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