The new mother's experience was even more tragic than his. She lost her birth mother at a young age, and then her stepmother entered the family, with a stepsister of similar age. She spent a difficult childhood under her stepmother's control, and even her mother's dowry was seized by her stepmother through trickery and coercion.
What they fear most, and at the same time yearn for most, is the genuine care and love of others.
What they fear is that the love might disappear at any moment. If they had never had it, that would be one thing. But if they had it and then lost it, the pain would be unbearable for them.
However, deep down they desperately crave someone to truly love them.
Therefore, if the Zheng family can genuinely care for the new mother and touch her heart, she will surely be willing to stay.
The three women from the Zheng family exchanged glances with Zheng Fenghui.
Is it really that simple?
Zheng Fengyun looked serious, his face tense, and said, "I'm not sure if this method will really work, but we have no other choice at the moment."
Zheng Huiyi tapped the table lightly and said resolutely, "Forget it, we might as well try anything. This is worse than us being helpless and forcing my sister-in-law to stay. Even if she still doesn't want to stay in the end, at least she won't hate us."
Zheng Huaiyu wholeheartedly agreed, nodding repeatedly: "Auntie is right. We have indeed made Mother work too hard in the past. From now on, we will do our best to make up for it and repay her with double the love."
Therefore, the plan was unanimously approved by the Zheng family.
At this moment, the Zheng family was overjoyed because they had found their way.
On the other side, Gu Qinlan, facing her four tearful concubines, felt utterly overwhelmed.
Last night, Princess Duan gave clear instructions to have Zhang Mama dismiss these concubines.
In these turbulent times, their path to survival becomes increasingly difficult once they leave the Zheng family's protection. Therefore, they all turn to Gu Qinlan for help.
"Madam, we beg you to have mercy and grant us a chance to live."
"This servant swears that she will never have any improper thoughts in the future and will serve the lady wholeheartedly."
“Madam, if I leave the Prince Duan’s mansion, I fear my parents will sell me into prostitution. I beg you, Madam, to have mercy and allow me to continue serving in the mansion. I am willing to endure any hardship, I only beg you to grant me a way to live.”
The four concubines, and even the spies lurking in the shadows, all groveled at Gu Qinlan's feet, pleading tearfully.
Gu Qinlan has always been tolerant of women. She never regarded these four women as competitors and therefore had no ill will towards them.
Of course, there wasn't much of a deep emotional connection between them.
She only saw them as people she needed to look after temporarily.
Originally, Princess Duan intended to punish them, and Gu Qinlan had no objection, nor did she find it a matter of concern. However, faced with four charming women kneeling and begging, even a heartless person would inevitably feel pity.
Gu Qinlan rented a small, exquisite courtyard in the city center, next to the Jiang family's residence, and properly settled the four women there.
Fuyu and Hongye assisted Gu Qinlan in handling this matter.
They escorted the four to the courtyard, and facing their four bewildered and uneasy faces, they spoke gently:
“Since the old lady has already decided to send you out of the manor, it would be inappropriate for the madam to keep you here any longer. Besides, the madam is not lacking in helpers.”
"This is your indenture. You must keep it safe and not lose it or let it fall into the hands of others. It would be best to go to the government office to change your household registration. From then on, you will no longer be slaves."
"The lady instructed that although the city is relatively peaceful at present, many families may already be experiencing food shortages. In order to avoid causing you unnecessary trouble, not too much food will be stored here. You can go to the Prince Duan's residence every three days. The lady has instructed the servants to prepare food. These rations will continue to be distributed until the refugee crisis is over. After that, your path in life will be entirely up to you."
Hongye had a large pile of packages brought over, containing their valuables and clothing. She carefully reminded them, "These are all your belongings. Please check them in person to make sure nothing is forgotten."
Although they were extremely unwilling, they understood that their wish to return to the Prince Duan's mansion had been shattered like a bubble.
The current arrangement is undoubtedly a kind act of leniency from Gu Qinlan. If they still do not understand the situation, they may even lose their place to live.
The four then picked up their respective bags and carefully inspected them again.
All their personal belongings were included, without omission. Among them were their treasured jewelry and the monthly allowance they had accumulated since entering the household.
Fuyu smiled calmly: "Since there is no mistake, you can stay here in peace. If you need anything, you can return to the Prince Duan's residence for help."
Hongye reminded them, "The world is dangerous these days. You must not go out casually. It's best to stay in the courtyard. Otherwise, if you are kidnapped, there may be no one to help you."
“I can trust my neighbors on both sides, and I have already informed them in advance. If anything happens, I just need to shout for help and they will come to my rescue.”
Gu Qinlan had considered everything thoroughly, taking into account all aspects.
Such meticulous arrangements were truly remarkable, so none of the four harbored any resentment towards Gu Qinlan.
After all, Gu Qinlan had no obligation to them whatsoever, and even if she expelled them from the mansion, no one would point fingers at her.
After properly settling the four people, Fuyu and Hongye returned to report.
Gu Qinlan knew they had accepted reality, so she stopped asking about it.
She changed her clothes and, accompanied by her entourage, went to the warehouses of the Gu family that had caught fire.
The Gu family's warehouses are located in the four cardinal directions of the city, with one or two warehouses in each direction.
Gu Qinlan instructed Polang to set fire to the warehouse solely to create chaos, causing Gu Dingli to suffer financial losses and thus disqualify him from boarding the Fourth Prince's ship.
Unexpectedly, Gu Dingli died in a panic.
Gu Qinlan felt no remorse whatsoever for this.
After all, Gu Dingli was not innocent.
Her mother's death, the Jiang family's fate, and her own tragic end were all inextricably linked to Gu Dingli. If not for her social status, she would have loved to end his life herself.
This outcome can be considered fair, as Gu Dingli is dead and the elderly in his family are old and frail.
Among the third generation of the Gu family, Gu Xun was still young and lacked the necessary experience and ability. In comparison, although Yao's illegitimate son was slightly more outstanding, the old master Gu still dared not let him easily touch the family's business lifeline.
So, Old Master Gu's gaze involuntarily turned to her.
The reason he handed over control of the family business to her was not because he valued her management skills, but because he was attracted by the prestigious Prince Duan's Mansion behind her.
By closely linking her fate with the Gu family's business, it would be tantamount to tying the Gu family's future to the power of the Prince Duan's Mansion. In this way, at least within the sphere of influence, the Gu family could be safely protected.
Even if the family's distant businesses are unfortunately swallowed up by competitors, it will not endanger the foundation of the Gu family.
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