Zheng Huiyi hugged Zheng Qinlan tightly, crying her heart out.
Just as Zheng Qinlan was about to answer, Zheng Huaiyu rushed in and grabbed Zheng Qinlan's other arm.
"Mother, have you been wronged at home?"
"Who made you unhappy, Mother? Tell me, and I'll take care of it for you!"
"Did the Gu family say or do something? Mother, don't be afraid, I'll write to Father right away."
"Mother, we have already lost our biological parents, we cannot lose you too. Please have pity on us and let us stay."
Before Zheng Huaiyu could finish speaking, Princess Duan walked in with tears streaming down her face.
"My child, you can't leave us like this, it will kill me."
Princess Duan wanted to hug Zheng Qinlan, but her daughter and granddaughter had already gotten there first. Helpless, she could only sit down opposite Zheng Qinlan, grab her hand, and gently rub it in her palm.
"Qinlan, I used to be an unreasonable and useless person. When you first came into the family, I did many wrong things. Although I didn't say it, I always remembered it. I was not a good mother-in-law. I am sorry."
"Please don't leave. I've already sent Granny Zhang to tell those concubines to pack their bags tonight and we'll send them away before dawn tomorrow."
On the way there, she was so anxious that she almost stumbled. Worried that she would fall, Granny Zhang supported her while comforting her, and finally brought up the matter of the concubines.
"Madam, as a wife yourself, you have experienced the hardships of being a daughter-in-law, so you naturally know how deep the wounds that accepting concubines can cause to a woman's heart are. I remember that not long after you entered the household, the general was summoned away by imperial decree. You were already filled with sorrow. But then you suddenly married four concubines. Isn't this like cruelly stabbing a sharp blade into your heart?"
Upon hearing this, Princess Duan burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably: "At that time, my only concern was Dinglian's future, fearing that he would have no heir to please me..."
Granny Zhang said solemnly, "It was all too hasty. The lady has only just entered the house, and you've already taken such action. If it were the eldest daughter or Miss Huaiyu who were treated this way, how would you feel?"
Princess Duan was filled with remorse and slapped herself twice. No longer needing Zhang Mama's support, she immediately ordered Zhang Mama to dismiss the concubines.
Zheng Qinlan watched this scene, feeling both amused and exasperated, yet a warm feeling welled up inside her.
Human hearts are, after all, made of flesh and blood.
Although Gu Qinlan was prepared to leave the Zheng family at any time, she couldn't help but feel a touch of emotion upon seeing their reaction. In her previous life, she had given her all to the Ji family, only to be met with betrayal and scheming in return. In this life, she had learned her lesson, and her involvement with the Zheng family was cautious and limited, with many of her actions motivated solely by a desire to avoid future trouble for herself.
She only intended to maintain a superficial harmony with the Zheng family and had no intention of developing a deep relationship with them. However, that's the beauty of interpersonal relationships.
Isn't this just like the saying goes: "If you plant flowers with intention, they may not bloom; if you plant willows without intention, they may thrive"?
Gu Qinlan felt a slight warmth in her heart. She looked up and saw Zheng Fenghui carrying Zheng Fengyun on his back, panting heavily as he ran in. The child had initially carried his younger brother but couldn't run more than a few steps before he became too weak and had to carry him on his back instead.
At this moment, the members of the Zheng family finally gathered together.
Zheng Fengyun jumped off Zheng Fenghui's back and ran lightly to Gu Qinlan, saying in a soft tone, "Mother, things are in chaos outside. Let's wait until the world is at peace before we leave."
Upon hearing this, the other members of the Zheng family all cast reproachful glances at him.
They were trying to dissuade him, but he just encouraged them instead.
Zheng Fengyun seemed oblivious to their gazes, nestled close to Gu Qinlan: "Mother, I know you must have your reasons for wanting to leave. Go do what you want to do, don't let other people's opinions weigh you down. The affairs of the Zheng family are not your responsibility, you don't need to have any concerns."
"Your son will only recognize you as his mother in the future. I will study diligently and strive to achieve academic success and become a prominent official. I will do everything in my power to protect you and make your life more comfortable than anyone else's. Please rest assured, Mother, I will work even harder and will not keep you waiting too long."
Although he was only four or five years old, his words were clear and powerful, and his thinking was quick and mature.
These words even moved Gu Qinlan, who had lived two lifetimes.
Gu Qinlan slowly extended her only remaining mobile right hand and gently stroked Zheng Fengyun's cheek.
She had only taken the child into her yard for a short time when she first entered the household. Unexpectedly, in that brief period, the child was able to perceive her thoughts so clearly.
He truly lives up to his reputation; a future powerful minister, he is already adept at winning people's hearts.
Several people, who were preoccupied with their own thoughts, were momentarily stunned, and the scene fell silent.
The three women of the Zheng family stared intently at Zheng Fenghui.
You busybody!
Zheng Fenghui looked confused. He swore that he had indeed heard Gu Qinlan declare with her own ears that she wanted to leave the Duan Prince's Mansion!
Who would have thought she would go back on her word like this? Isn't she deliberately trying to embarrass him?
Despite his secret delight, Zheng Fenghui couldn't help but let out a wry smile.
Staying here isn't so bad; what does it matter if I get a few cold shoulders?
Zheng Fenghui's lips curled up slightly, revealing a bitter smile.
Gu Qinlan took in the changes in everyone's expressions and couldn't help but chuckle, saying, "Feng Hui, you didn't mishear me, I did say that."
Upon hearing this, everyone's anxiety was palpable.
Gu Qinlan waved her hand gently, signaling everyone to calm down: "Since we've come this far, I might as well speak frankly. Please have a seat."
Fuyu, quick-witted and nimble, immediately instructed the maids to remove the dishes from the table and replace them with a pot of tea.
After everyone was seated, Gu Qinlan smiled gently and said slowly, "Mother, to be honest, I don't have much expectation for marriage. Back then, the Gu family originally intended for Gu Qinlian to marry into the Zheng family, but Qinlian ultimately chose the Ji family, so it was my turn."
“If it weren’t for societal pressures, I would rather remain unmarried for life and create my own world. However, as a woman who is devoted to her family, I cannot escape their constraints. They have the right to decide who I will marry, and my fate seems to have already been arranged.”
“I am willing to become Princess Duan for two reasons. Firstly, the Duan family’s social standing is far superior to that of the Ji family. Secondly, I have great faith in the Crown Prince’s character. He was able to accept the First Madam’s remarriage, and I believe he will support my pursuit of freedom in the future.”
"On the very night the Crown Prince left the manor, we reached an agreement. I agreed to protect the Duan Prince's manor, and he promised that if I longed for freedom, he would grant me liberation."
"Therefore, I will not leave until the Crown Prince returns in glory. Please do not worry."
Although Zheng Dinglian had promised her that she could remarry if he did not return, she knew that given his character, he would agree to a divorce even if she initiated it. Therefore, her statement to the Zheng family was not inappropriate.
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