In the past, although the Ji family was not extravagant, their ancestors had never let Ji Yinli taste hardship. However, since he became obsessed with copying classics, his wrists had become swollen and sore from exhaustion, yet he still couldn't earn a few copper coins. So, when word got that Gu Qinlian had returned, he rushed there without hesitation.
He longed to escape his impoverished life and yearned for a life of luxury; he was determined to rise above others. And attaching himself to the Fourth Prince was undoubtedly the easiest path to glory.
In his previous life, he was able to rise to the rank of a third-grade official, which was enough to prove his talent and win the favor of the fourth prince. Therefore, in this life, he decided early on to befriend the fourth prince, hoping to retrace his former glory.
Gu Qinlian looked at Ji Yinli, who was haggard and had bloodshot eyes, and felt disgusted. Could such a person really have achieved the third-highest rank in the imperial examination? She couldn't help but wonder if Ji Yinli had used improper means to pass the examination in his previous life, otherwise, how could someone with his talent have achieved such success?
Seeing her remain silent, Ji Yinli grew anxious and quickly pulled her aside, threatening in a low voice, "If you don't lend me a hand, I will reveal the secret of your rebirth to the public. At that time, I think I don't need to say more about what will happen to you."
He had long seen through Gu Qinlian; she was no good person. She had schemed to marry him only because she coveted his achievements in his past life. Now that she had climbed up to the Fourth Prince, she wanted to kick him aside.
Gu Qinlian gritted her teeth in anger at Ji Yinli's shameless face. But then, she broke into a bright smile: "My husband, you are mistaken! We are, after all, husband and wife. If you are determined to make progress, I am happy for you and would certainly help you."
Ji Yinli, you were one of those who framed me! How could I let you off so easily? Since you've chosen your own path to death, I'll give you the push.
Ji Yinli looked at her suspiciously: "Are you really willing to help me get introduced?"
Gu Qinlian smiled and nodded: "Of course I am willing. The Fourth Prince needs talented people to assist him. My husband is very learned, and the Fourth Prince will definitely give you an important position."
Upon hearing this, Ji Yinli was overjoyed: "I am relieved that you are so considerate. After all, you are a woman with limited knowledge and experience, and it is difficult for you to help the Fourth Prince with his great cause. Once I gain the Fourth Prince's trust, I will definitely reward you handsomely."
Gu Qinlian smiled radiantly: "Thank you, my husband. I will go back now to introduce you. You should prepare yourself and await His Highness's summons at any time."
Ji Yinli urged impatiently, "Go quickly, don't miss this opportunity."
Gu Qinlian turned and left, her eyes and lips revealing a cold mockery.
On the other hand, after meeting with Gu Qinlian, Gu Qinlan returned to her residence and immediately summoned Jin Tianming.
"Uncle Jin, I instructed my servants to train a group of people more than half a year ago. Now there is an excellent opportunity for them to gain experience. Could you lend me a hand and guide them?"
During her time in Jindu, she commissioned Luofeng to train a group of young people to gather intelligence.
Those young boys were quite unfortunate, as their training time had been insufficient due to Luo Feng's disappearance. Therefore, she hoped that Jin Tianming could personally guide them.
Jin Tianming immediately showed great interest: "Of course, what exactly is the opportunity that the county princess is referring to?"
Gu Qinlan replied, "I need you to keep a close watch on Gu Qinlian and her family."
After all, no one understood Gu Qinlian better than Gu Qinlan. She knew that once Gu Qinlian encountered trouble, she would not let her get away unscathed. If her guess was correct, Gu Qinlian would soon make her move against her.
Amidst the intricate court intrigues, Gu Qinlian had already anticipated that this crisis likely stemmed from the Zheng family. She knew the Zheng family intimately, intimately familiar with their past grievances and entanglements. If anyone wanted to harm her, the Zheng family would undoubtedly be the perfect entry point.
"We must keep a close watch on the Gu family's every move in the near future, and do so without anyone noticing." She secretly made up her mind to expose Gu Qinhuan's conspiracy and eliminate the potential threat from the Zheng family.
Upon returning to the Fourth Prince's residence, Gu Qinlian went straight to the study to express her gratitude to the Fourth Prince. The Fourth Prince, who had recently enjoyed good fortune, also had a favorable impression of Gu Qinlian. "Miss Gu, there's no need for you to be so polite with me. I will need your wisdom and assistance in the future."
Gu Qinlian smiled gently and modestly: "Your Highness is too kind. It is my honor to serve Your Highness."
Suddenly, her brows furrowed, and she looked troubled. The Fourth Prince, keenly sensing something amiss, immediately asked, "Miss Gu seems to be troubled by something?"
Gu Qinlian confessed, "I dare not hide it from Your Highness. On my way home today, I ran into my husband. He is interested in seeking refuge with Your Highness and hopes that I can introduce him to you."
The Fourth Prince was slightly surprised: "Ji Yinli? As far as I know, his learning is mediocre and his abilities are also average. But since Miss Gu speaks so highly of him, I might as well make an exception and arrange a leisurely position for him."
However, Gu Qinlian unexpectedly said, "Your Highness misunderstands. I am not asking for a favor for him, but rather I would like to ask Your Highness to grant him some trials."
The fourth prince was slightly taken aback: "I heard that you took the initiative to ask for your marriage, but now you are making such a request. There must be something fishy about this."
Gu Qinlian sighed and said, "To be honest, Your Highness, my relationship with him as husband and wife has long been broken. He just wants to use me to seek refuge with you."
The fourth prince suggested, "Since that's the case, I can arrange for you to divorce. What do you think?"
Gu Qinlian gently shook her head: "No, he has something on me. If we divorce, he might do something desperate."
The fourth prince's curiosity was piqued: "What leverage?"
Gu Qinlian resolutely knelt down: "In the past, his mother was cruel to me. Out of sympathy, my personal maid put some harmful substances in his mother's room. Originally, she only intended to torment her body, but an accident occurred, leading to his mother's death. This was discovered by his concubine, who attempted to use it to blackmail me. My maid lost her hand in the struggle with her, resulting in her death. Although I did not kill them with my own hands, I am still culpable. Ji Yinli has been using this matter to blackmail me, forcing me to do what he wants."
She cleverly blended fact and fiction, aiming to convince the Fourth Prince and prevent him from pushing Ji Yinli into a corner, lest he reveal the secret of her rebirth. Her rebirth was her greatest secret.
The Fourth Prince was skeptical of what she said, but he didn't care much. In his eyes, Gu Qinlian was nothing more than a useful pawn. He feigned sympathy and anger, saying, "Ji Yinli dared to be so despicable. Your maid has indeed committed a heinous crime. If this matter gets out, you will be condemned by the whole world and may even be punished by law."
Gu Qinlian knelt down and wept, "I know this matter is serious, so I dare not deceive Your Highness. I beg Your Highness to have mercy and lend me a hand."
Amidst the intricate court intrigues, Gu Qinlian had already anticipated that this crisis likely stemmed from the Zheng family. She knew the Zheng family intimately, intimately familiar with their past grievances and entanglements. If someone wanted to harm her, the Zheng family would undoubtedly be the perfect entry point.
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