Zheng Huaiyu also said with concern, "Mother, I can help too."
Only then did they realize that the current situation was so dire, and the entire responsibility of the Duan Prince's Mansion rested on Gu Qinlan's shoulders, naturally placing a heavy burden on her. They hadn't even noticed this before, which was truly a dereliction of duty.
Gu Qinlan smiled and explained, "I only said those words to Madam Liu."
"Did you all understand just now? Do you know why I said those things to Madam Liu?"
Zheng Huiyi looked slightly confused. Could it be that what her sister-in-law said was not true?
Zheng Huaiyu pondered for a moment and said, "Mother doesn't want to get involved in this conflict, does she?"
Gu Qinlan nodded slightly, a deep meaning flashing in her eyes. She was indeed avoiding direct involvement in this complicated conflict, while also silently searching for a solution.
Gu Qinlan gently raised the corners of her mouth, revealing a calm smile: "This is just the tip of the iceberg. As for the refugee issue, that is the responsibility of the imperial court. As a woman who lives a secluded life, I not only do not have that ability, but even if I did, I should not overstep my bounds."
"The nail that sticks out gets shot first; you must remember this principle."
"At any time, before you are absolutely certain, you should know how to keep a low profile and bide your time."
"Take the matter that Madam Liu mentioned today as an example. If I have the ability to resolve it and am willing to lend a hand, and if things go smoothly, then the higher-ups will definitely pay close attention to me and the entire Duan Prince's Mansion. Imagine, once the Duan Prince's Mansion is under close surveillance, every step we take will be questioned, and what consequences will arise from the slightest mistake?"
Zheng Huiyi suddenly had a flash of inspiration: "Any tiny mistake will be magnified and subject to severe accountability!"
Gu Qinlan smiled slightly and nodded: "That's right. If it's not handled properly, the consequences will be unimaginable. Do you know why Doctor Liu consulted me about this? The higher-ups are already having a headache over the refugee problem, and they need a scapegoat. If I don't become the sacrifice, who will?"
Both of them shook their heads at the same time.
Gu Qinlan's smile vanished, her tone turning cold: "The refugees have besieged the city, and the people inside are living in dire straits. Unrest is inevitable soon. The local officials will be directly responsible, and their positions will be in jeopardy if the court investigates. Therefore, they need to find someone influential to take the blame, and I am undoubtedly the best candidate. I am young, and my husband is a prince who is not at home. If I act rashly and volunteer to take responsibility, what will the outcome be?"
Zheng Huiyi and Zheng Huaiyu couldn't help but shiver. "Lord Liu is truly cunning; he actually schemed like this!"
If Gu Qinlan takes on this matter rashly, the entire Duanwang Mansion will be in danger!
A cold glint flashed in Gu Qinlan's eyes. Was Lord Liu acting out of his own volition, or was he acting under someone else's orders?
Gu Qinlan suppressed her doubts and said to the two of them, "You must be careful in your actions in the future, especially when others ask for your help and I hope you can make the decisions. The bigger the matter, the more you should keep your distance. If it is not your business, try not to get involved."
She looked at Zheng Huiyi and added, "If you really can't decide, just remember this old saying: it's better to do less than more."
Zheng Huiyi was completely overwhelmed. She had never realized that behind these seemingly simple matters lay such intricate and troublesome secrets.
Prior to this, no one had ever told Zheng Huiyi these warnings, and she was almost completely unaware of the need for caution.
Take today's events, for example. If she were to follow her straightforward personality, she would probably agree without hesitation, thus being manipulated and becoming a tool in someone else's hands.
The thought of the potentially serious consequences of this incident instantly plunged Zheng Huiyi into despair.
“Sister-in-law, I’ve made up my mind. From now on, I won’t step out of the house and will stay quietly at home.”
She felt that with her intelligence, if someone deliberately plotted against her, she probably wouldn't even have a chance to notice.
Gu Qinlan smiled and comforted her, "Actually, there's no need to be so cautious. If a person always stays cooped up at home and never goes out to experience the world, they can't truly grow. There's no need to worry too much about making mistakes; every mistake is a stepping stone to growth."
Zheng Huaiyu then wore a thoughtful expression.
She was naturally intelligent and proud, and was always flattered by the servants in her household, which made her somewhat arrogant. She mistakenly believed that with her family background, it would not be difficult for her to marry into the capital in the future.
However, she now realizes that things are far more complicated than she imagined.
Without sufficient wisdom and skill, and without even needing outsiders to scheme against her, the intricate schemes within her own household would be enough to overwhelm her.
From now on, she will no longer just consider the steps in front of her, but will plan ahead several steps in advance to ensure that she makes fewer mistakes, or even no mistakes at all.
The aunt and niece benefited greatly from this. Knowing that Gu Qinlan had other matters to attend to, they did not disturb her any further and politely said goodbye and left together.
Gu Qinlan then asked Hongye to invite Jin Tianming and his wife over.
As soon as Aunt Lian saw Gu Qinlan, she smiled as brightly as spring flowers: "Greetings, Madam. The dried vegetables that Madam sent over the other day have truly made us enjoy delicious food these past few days."
As she spoke, she handed over a box of pastries she had made herself: "These were made by my own hands, Madam, please have a taste."
Gu Qinlan smiled and accepted the pastry, then casually picked up a piece to taste. "Aunt Lian's skills are truly exquisite, no less than my aunt's."
In fact, the Jin family was not short of dried vegetables. Their grocery store was well-informed, and their food collection was as rich and diverse as Gu Qinlan's.
However, Gu Qinlan still specially sent some over. Although the gift was not worth much money, it was full of her heartfelt wishes.
They both knew the truth, and therefore felt immense joy.
After the two finished exchanging pleasantries, Jin Tianming asked, "Madam summoned us here. Is there something important you wish to tell us?"
Gu Qinlan nodded slightly and slowly recounted the story of Madam Liu's visit: "I have some doubts in my mind and am eager to know who Lord Liu has been in contact with recently."
Upon hearing this, Jin Tianming immediately replied, "Recently, there has indeed been a constant stream of people coming and going in the government office. I will compile a list for you, Madam. However, I will need to investigate further regarding their private interactions."
Gu Qinlan gestured to Fuyu to bring paper and pen.
Jin Tianming picked up his brush and wrote down the names of everyone who had been in contact with Lord Liu in the past few days.
Gu Qinlan took the list and browsed through it carefully; on the surface, it seemed flawless.
However, she found her adoptive father on the list, and the two had met twice in just a few days.
Gu Qinlan couldn't help but ask, "Does my father have frequent interactions with Lord Liu?"
Jin Tianming nodded: "They meet every few days, and since the refugee siege, they have met even more frequently."
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