Princess Duan sighed softly and said, "Qinlan, you're right. I have indeed spoiled Huiyi too much. I'm just afraid that if I harden my heart, she will hate me."
Gu Qinlan smiled slightly, her eyes revealing a hint of determination: "Your Highness, the bond between parents and children is thicker than blood. Even if Miss Huiyi doesn't understand now, she will surely understand your good intentions in the future. Moreover, the training is not meant to make her suffer, but to teach her to be independent."
Princess Duan remained silent for a moment, seemingly struggling with her inner turmoil. Her gaze hardened, and she finally spoke, "Alright, I'll listen to you. But you must personally guide Huiyi on this matter."
Gu Qinlan nodded and said, "Your Highness, rest assured, I will do my best. But this matter still needs your support."
Princess Duan nodded slightly and said, "I will. However, Huiyi is a stubborn child, so you should be prepared."
Gu Qinlan smiled and said, "Your Highness, rest assured, I know what I'm doing."
As she spoke, Gu Qinlan gently took Princess Duan's hand, her eyes filled with determination and sincerity.
Princess Consort Duan was slightly taken aback, only to see Gu Qinlan's lips curve into a gentle smile as she slowly spoke:
"Your Highness, you are like a mother to me. From now on, I will do my best to protect you and ensure that you have no worries in this secluded mansion."
Princess Duan looked at Qinlan with emotion, a hint of moisture in her eyes. She gently patted Qinlan's hand and said softly, "Qinlan, I appreciate your feelings. Since you entered the Duan Prince's residence, my days have become brighter. However, the people in this residence are treacherous, so you must be careful."
Gu Qinlan smiled slightly, her eyes sparkling with confidence: "Your Highness, rest assured, I am not someone who is easily bullied. Today I can make you happy, and one day I will make those who bully you pay the price."
A hint of worry flashed in Princess Duan's eyes, but she quickly smiled and said, "Alright, alright, I believe you. However, you must not act impulsively, after all, you are my daughter-in-law, and your status is special."
Gu Qinlan nodded slightly, then gave Xiangzhu a wink. Xiangzhu held a gift box in both hands, gently placed it on the table, and carefully stepped aside.
Princess Consort Duan smiled slightly, a hint of anticipation flashing in her eyes, and slowly opened the gift box. Inside, a beautifully crafted bracelet shone brightly, sparkling with captivating light in the sunlight.
Princess Duan picked up the bracelet, her smile growing even brighter. She gently stroked the treasure in her hand and exclaimed, "This bracelet is absolutely beautiful, Qinlan. I appreciate your thoughtfulness."
Gu Qinlan stepped forward with a smile, looking at Princess Duan with gentle eyes: "I am relieved that Princess Duan likes it. This bracelet is something I specially prepared for you, and I hope you will like it."
Princess Duan smiled broadly as she gently put on the bracelet, examining it from all angles. She nodded in satisfaction, "It is indeed very beautiful. This bracelet seems to have a special connection with me. I never expected to receive such an exquisite gift here in the Duan Prince's residence."
Gu Qinlan asked with concern, "Your Highness, is this bracelet suitable to wear? Is it too tight or too loose?"
Princess Duan shook her head gently, her smile becoming even brighter: "It suits me perfectly, as if it were tailor-made for me. Qinlan, you are so thoughtful."
Gu Qinlan smiled and said, "Your Highness is too kind. I just wanted to make you happy. By the way, there's a little story behind this bracelet. Would you like to hear it?"
A hint of curiosity flashed in Princess Duan's eyes. She nodded and said, "Of course I want to hear it. Tell me quickly."
Gu Qinlan then recounted the origin of the bracelet: "I obtained this bracelet from an old craftsman. He told me that he personally polished every bead on the bracelet, and each bead symbolizes a beautiful blessing. He hoped that the bracelet could accompany its owner and bring good luck and happiness."
Princess Duan listened with great interest, and exclaimed, "This bracelet is indeed extraordinary, carrying such a beautiful meaning. Thank you, Qinlan, your gift makes me very happy."
Looking at Princess Duan's happy smile, Gu Qinlan's heart was filled with joy as well. Suddenly remembering something, she said, "Princess, I have another gift to give you."
Princess Duan was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "Oh? There's a gift too? That's something I'm really looking forward to."
Gu Qinlan took out a bracelet from her sleeve and handed it to Princess Duan: "This is a solid chain bracelet from our Gu family. It is engraved with auspicious patterns, symbolizing good fortune. I hope it can accompany you and bless you with peace and happiness."
Princess Duan accepted the bracelet, a hint of emotion flashing in her eyes. She held the bracelet tightly and said to Gu Qinlan, "Thank you, Qinlan. I love both of these gifts you gave me. I feel your kindness and sincerity."
Gu Qinlan smiled and said, "Your Highness is too kind. This is all I should do. I only hope that you can be happy and feel my respect and care for you."
Princess Duan took off the bracelet and bangle, turned around and handed them to Granny Cen behind her, smiling as she said, "Granny, these two gifts are for you. You must take good care of them and not lose them."
Granny Cen accepted the gift, her hands trembling, a hint of panic flashing in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure and respectfully replied, "Your Highness, rest assured, this old servant will take good care of it."
Princess Duan looked at Granny Cen's expression and sneered inwardly. Granny Cen must be even more wary of Gu Qinlan now.
She deliberately raised her voice so that the maids standing not far away could hear her: "I will wear the gifts sent by the Crown Princess often. Granny, you must remember that these are gifts sent by the Crown Princess herself. In the future, you must not let her suffer any grievances in the Duan Prince's Mansion."
Granny Cen was startled. Princess Duan was warning her not to do anything detrimental to Gu Qinlan.
She hurriedly replied, "Your Highness, rest assured, this old servant will do my best to take good care of the Crown Princess."
At this moment, Gu Qinlan suddenly remembered something and looked at Princess Duan with a smile, saying, "Your Highness, I have heard that the Crown Prince has three children. I wonder if I could meet them?"
A hint of surprise flashed in Princess Duan's eyes, then she smiled and said, "So you're interested in this matter. Then let them come over."
Before long, the three children were led into the hall. The eldest daughter, Zheng Huaiyu, was about twelve years old, graceful and dignified; the eldest son, Zheng Fenghui, was ten years old, spirited and vigorous; and the second son, Zheng Fengyun, was eight years old, lively and adorable.
The three men stepped forward, bowed to Gu Qinlan, and offered her tea. Gu Qinlan observed them closely, secretly admiring them: Zheng Dinglian has done a good job raising his children; these three children are all unique and truly extraordinary.
She chuckled and said, "Zheng Huaiyu, come here, let me take a good look at you."
Zheng Huaiyu walked up to Gu Qinlan as instructed, raised her head slightly, and looked at her with clear eyes.
"You look very well-behaved, but your eyes are lively; you're not simple," Gu Qinlan said with a smile.
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