"Mother, I really don't want to marry into the Prince Duan's mansion."
Gu Qinlian looked at Madam Song with a pitiful expression, shook her arm, and said with a hint of pleading in her voice, "I've heard that the men in the Prince Duan's mansion never have a good ending. If I marry into that mansion, won't I suffer the same fate? I don't want to become a widow. I don't want to spend my whole life in sorrow."
Looking at her daughter's sorrowful eyes, Madam Song felt a pang of pain in her heart. She gently patted Gu Qinlian's hand and said softly, "But Lian'er, you should also know that the Ji family is not doing well right now. The whole family is crammed into a small courtyard, and life is very crowded. If you can marry into the Duan Prince's Mansion, at least your life will be better."
“That’s not the case. We should take a longer-term view.” Gu Qinlian shook her head vigorously and said seriously, “Mother, the border war is tense, and the Prince Duan’s heir may go into battle at any time. If I marry him, what will I do if something happens to him? I am not a coward, but I have to think about my future.”
In the back garden, flowers bloom in profusion, and a gentle breeze carries their fragrance.
Madam Song sat on a stone bench, holding a cup of tea in her hands. Upon hearing her daughter's words, she slowly put down the teacup and looked at Gu Qinlian with loving eyes.
"Lian'er, why are you doing this to yourself?" Madam Song sighed softly, her tone full of helplessness and affection. "The marriage between our Gu family and the Prince of Duan's heir is a matter of great importance, personally arranged by the Emperor. If you are worried about the war, how many people in this world can be carefree?"
Gu Qinlian bit her lower lip tightly, a resolute glint in her eyes: "Mother, it's not that I'm afraid of death, it's just that I don't want to live a lonely and miserable life after marrying into the family."
She sighed, then changed the subject: "Mother, you don't know this. Although Ji Yinli's family has fallen on hard times, he passed the imperial examination at the age of thirteen and is truly talented. He will surely make a name for himself in the future!"
In his previous life, Ji Yinli became famous throughout the world in the second year after his marriage, having achieved the highest honor!
The situation was quite different for Prince Duan's heir, Zheng Dinglian. On his wedding night, a sudden imperial edict hastily dispatched him to guard Yanmen Pass. Afterwards, Zheng Dinglian was unfortunately severely wounded on the battlefield, which prevented him from having any more children!
Now, it will be Gu Qinlan's turn to spend the rest of her life in the lonely, empty chambers of the Prince Duan's mansion!
Upon hearing this, Madam Song was conflicted, her eyes revealing deep contemplation. She sat in the pavilion in the back garden of the Gu residence, gently stroking the teacup on the stone table, as if weighing the pros and cons. Gu Qinlian stood quietly to the side, her gaze gentle yet firm.
"Qinlian, what you're saying... is it true?" Madam Song finally spoke, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Gu Qinlian smiled slightly and nodded gently: "Mother, I heard these things with my own ears, and there is absolutely no falsehood. The Ji family has strict family traditions, and Ji Yinli is a very responsible person. He would never do anything that violates morality."
Madam Song frowned, seemingly still hesitant: "But the Duan Prince's Mansion still holds a prestigious reputation. If this marriage goes through, Qin Lian, your status..."
Gu Qinlian gently grasped Song Shi's hand, her eyes filled with determination: "Mother, no matter how high one's status is, it cannot compare to genuine affection. Ji Yinli is a trustworthy person, and I believe he will treat us well. Moreover, I will bring a generous dowry with me, and the Ji family will surely look at me with new respect."
He paused for a moment, then continued, "Mother, that's indeed the family tradition of the Ji family. Ji Yinli... he's a man who follows the rules."
A hint of surprise flashed in Madam Song's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. She looked at Gu Qinlian and frowned slightly: "Qinlian, these words are no small matter. How did you come to know this?"
Gu Qinlian smiled slightly and said casually, "I had someone inquire about it, Mother, you don't need to worry."
Madam Song, however, was not reassured. She stared at Gu Qinlian, her eyes revealing a hint of doubt and concern: "Qinlian, did you really send someone to inquire? Or..."
Gu Qinlian's heart tightened, but she quickly regained her composure. She looked at Madam Song and nodded gently: "Yes, Mother, I sent someone to inquire."
There was still a hint of doubt in Song's eyes as she looked at Gu Qinlian, but she did not press the matter further.
Gu Qinlian is a smart girl; if she said that, she must have her reasons.
Madam Song nodded slightly: "Qinlian, you seem to know more about Ji Yinli than I thought."
Gu Qinlian smiled gently and looked at Madam Song, saying softly, "Mother, I know Ji Yinli better than you think. I know he is a man of principle. He will not take concubines; he will only marry one wife and treat her well for the rest of his life."
Song looked at Gu Qinlian, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.
After a moment of contemplation, she looked steadily at Gu Qinlian and said, "Qinlian, are you really sure you have a full understanding of the Ji family? This is a major event that concerns your entire life, so you can't be hasty."
Gu Qinlian looked at Madam Song with a firm gaze, a slight smile playing on her lips, and said with a hint of confidence, "Mother, I dare not speak presumptuously. In the past few days, I have made many inquiries and have a good understanding of the Ji family's background, Ji Yinli's character, his talent, and his future potential."
Madam Song nodded slightly, a hint of relief flashing in her eyes, but still some worry: "That's true..."
Gu Qinlian quickly interrupted her, her tone firm: "Mother, I know what you're worried about, but I'm confident that Ji Yinli is no ordinary person and will surely rise to great heights one day. We just need to give him a chance now, and he will definitely not let us down."
Seeing her daughter's excited expression, Madam Song's worry gradually faded, replaced by deep love and trust for her daughter. She sighed softly and gently patted Gu Qinlian's hand: "Since you are so confident, then I will agree. However, marriage is a serious matter and should be approached with caution."
Hearing her mother's words, Gu Qinlian's smile became even brighter. She took Song's hand and gently shook it, saying, "Mother, don't worry. I have already found out that Ji Yinli is exceptionally talented and of good character. He is also deeply in love with me. We are a match made in heaven."
Looking at her daughter's happy face, Mrs. Song couldn't help but feel happy for her.
She nodded gently and smiled, saying, "Alright, since you're so confident, then I'm relieved. But after you get married, you must get along well and be considerate of each other."
Gu Qinlian looked at her mother, her heart filled with gratitude. She took her mother's hand and said in a sweet, nasal voice, "Mother, I will. I will take good care of myself and Ji Yinli."
When Song and Gu Qinlian left, they were full of worries, but when they returned to Rongxi Hall, they were all smiles and overjoyed.
Gu Qinlan held her teacup and casually took a few sips. Observing the interaction between Gu Qinlian and the Song mother and daughter, she realized that Gu Qinlian had successfully persuaded the Song family.
She secretly rejoiced: This is wonderful, saving her the trouble of racking her brains to persuade them.
However, she still had to give Gu Qinlian another push from behind to make her completely hang herself on Ji Yinli's crooked tree!
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