Fuyu felt a little uneasy, her brows furrowed like a sky covered with dark clouds: "Miss, do you think the mastermind behind them really believes us?"
Gu Qinlan gently bit her lip, her tone calm: "Probably not for now. Because in their eyes, the Duan Prince's Mansion is not worth worrying about at present."
After General Zheng Wei and his two sons died heroically on the battlefield, the Zheng family's status plummeted. Zheng Dinglian was young and held a low-ranking official position, and his influence in the army was far less than that of the old general and his two elder brothers.
They are still waiting for Zheng Dinglian to prove his strength before deciding how to treat him.
Otherwise, they wouldn't have sent such a person to infiltrate the Prince Duan's residence as a spy.
Gu Qinlan was so cautious because she knew that Zheng Dinglian was about to return with his military achievements.
At that time, these two princes might take advantage of the current situation of the Duan Prince's Mansion to make a big fuss.
Therefore, she had to plug this potential loophole in advance.
Fuyu then asked quietly, "So, Miss, don't you plan to take any action against Dongzhi, whom the Emperor arranged to come in?"
Gu Qinlan replied, "Of course we cannot act rashly. Not only can we not act, but we must also inform Dongzhi that the identities of these two spies have been exposed. The Prince Duan's Mansion must remain neutral and loyal only to the Emperor."
Military generals have always been a thorn in the side of emperors.
If one wants to live a peaceful life, one must completely put the emperor at ease.
Toshiba was the key to ensuring the emperor's trust in the Zheng family.
Two days later, in the afternoon, Po Lang rushed over to report: "Toshiba has already passed on the message."
Gu Qinlan remained calm and casually said, "Just keep an eye on things secretly; there's no need to interfere."
Po Lang asked curiously, "So, what are your thoughts on those two, Madam? Should we let them continue to stay in the manor?"
Gu Qinlan smiled slightly and said calmly, "Indeed, let them stay. With Jin Chen's medication, they won't dare to harbor any further disloyal thoughts."
Now that we know their secrets, there's no need to worry excessively about them misbehaving. Recruiting new people and spending time investigating their background is simply too troublesome.
Po Lang was extremely impressed by Gu Qinlan's ingenious technique.
Gu Qinlan spoke to her kindly, "I have an idea, and I'd like to ask you to help me train a team as capable as yours. Would you be willing to lend me a hand?"
Although some people are willing to provide assistance, they all belong to their own factions and may leave at any time.
Although Jin Tianming is well-informed, he is, after all, a businessman, and he may not be willing to get too involved in matters outside of business.
Therefore, in order to make it easier to use manpower, it is still necessary to cultivate a reliable team ourselves.
Po Lang nodded readily in agreement: "Of course, but are you not afraid that this news will reach the ears of the Emperor, Madam?"
Her slender fingers pointed to the sky.
That emperor was always suspicious and extremely wary of military generals. If he found out that a military general was secretly cultivating his own power, he would probably suspect that the Zheng family harbored rebellious intentions.
Gu Qinlan said softly, "Therefore, this matter must be kept secret. I have some estates in excellent locations that are part of my dowry. You can choose a suitable one to carry out this in secret."
After carefully selecting a manor that was neither too far away nor too secluded, Po Lang confidently said, "If you trust me, Madam, you can entrust this matter entirely to me."
Gu Qinlan smiled slightly and replied, "That would be ideal. If you need money, just let me know and I will withdraw it from my personal account."
These were people she had personally trained, and they had no connection whatsoever with the Prince Duan's residence.
Po Lang raised a handsome brow, a playful smile on his lips: "Is the line between Madam and Martial Uncle really drawn so clearly?"
Gu Qinlan simply smiled and remained silent.
After resolving the thorny issue of the spies, Gu Qinlan's envoys sent to the capital also returned in triumph.
This envoy was no ordinary person; he was none other than her uncle, Jiang Wenyuan.
Gu Qinlan couldn't bear to entrust such an important matter to anyone else. Jiang Wenyuan was a seasoned veteran in the business world, and his extensive experience made him the most suitable person to handle the Zhao family's affairs.
Upon returning from the capital, Jiang Wenyuan immediately visited the Prince Duan's residence.
To avoid attracting attention, he deliberately came with Mrs. Liang, making it seem like a visit between ordinary relatives.
Upon meeting, Madam Liang grasped Gu Qinlan's hands tightly and asked with concern, "How come you've become so thin?"
These days, Gu Qinlan has indeed had no peace for a moment; even someone with a body of steel would find it hard to bear.
Her once slender face is now even more gaunt, making her look pitiful.
Gu Qinlan seized the opportunity to make a request: "If Aunt is free these days, why not come and keep me company? I would like to taste the delicious dishes she cooks."
Liang was a highly skilled cook, especially adept at making medicinal cuisine. In her previous life, Gu Qinlan had enjoyed countless delicacies from her.
It had been a long time since she had tasted such delicacies, and she still vividly remembered and longed for them.
Madam Liang did not want to burden Gu Qinlan, but seeing how thin she was, she said softly, "Then I will not go back today. I will do everything I can to help you get back to your former appearance."
A hint of joy flashed in Gu Qinlan's eyes, and she said with a smile, "That's wonderful. Aunt is still staying in the previous guest room, and I'll instruct the servants to tidy it up right away."
Instantly, Fuyu responded eagerly, "This servant will begin making arrangements immediately."
Madam Liang couldn't help but smile wryly, thinking to herself, "Are you all afraid I'll change my mind at the last minute?" But a warm feeling, as gentle as spring, welled up inside her.
Before stepping into the Prince Duan's residence, she couldn't help but feel a little uneasy, worried that she wouldn't get along with her niece. After all, she was all too aware of her family's current situation. Her niece had never met them before, so how could they have any deep feelings for each other? In addition, she was about to become a member of the Prince Duan's residence, with a noble status, which was worlds apart from theirs. If they didn't get along, it would be extremely awkward.
However, after several encounters, she discovered that the child was pure of heart, without a trace of arrogance, and the sincere affection in his eyes was almost overflowing with tears.
Although she didn't understand why Gu Qinlan had such deep feelings for her, who would resist such sincere emotions?
Thinking of how this child lost her mother's love at a young age and suffered countless hardships in the Gu family to grow up to this day, Liang felt a pang of pain in her heart and wished she could hold Gu Qinlan tightly in her arms and take good care of her.
So she disregarded everything else and said to Fuyu, "Go and arrange for the servants to clean the room. Take me to the kitchen, and I will immediately prepare some delicious food for Qinlan."
Upon hearing this, Fuyu immediately smiled broadly and nodded in response, "Aunt, please come this way with me."
After they left, Gu Qinlan instructed Hongye, "Go and invite Qingyu over."
Soon, Zhao Qingyu stepped into Gu Qinlan's courtyard, followed by Fuling.
The moment Zhao Qingyu stepped into the main house, she bowed respectfully to Jiang Wenyuan: "Qingyu greets Uncle."
Now that she had become sworn sisters with Gu Qinlan, the Jiang family had become her relatives. Moreover, Jiang Wenyuan had gone to great lengths for her this time, and she was filled with gratitude.
Upon thinking of this, Zhao Qingyu couldn't help but feel nervous.
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