Princess Duan patted Gu Qinlan's hand, feeling somewhat guilty and remorseful, and said, "I did lose my composure just now, please don't take it to heart."
Gu Qinlan smiled slightly, a hint of tolerance and understanding flashing in her eyes, and said softly, "Mother, you are too kind. I understand your concerns. After all, Fenghui is your grandson, and it is only natural that you are worried and confused."
Inside Rongxi Hall, the mahogany furniture exuded a faint sandalwood fragrance. Princess Duan and Gu Qinlan sat on the kang (a heated brick bed) by the window, and the atmosphere between them seemed somewhat subtle.
Princess Consort Duan sighed, a hint of embarrassment on her face, and slowly said, "Ever since you married into the Duan Prince's mansion, I have been observing you. You are indeed a smart and virtuous woman. I have many misunderstandings about you, and I feel really uneasy about it."
Gu Qinlan lowered her eyes, gently rubbing her clothes with her fingers, and said softly, "Mother has misunderstood me. I am indeed a little uneasy, but I know that you are doing this for my own good and for the good of the Duan Prince's Mansion."
Princess Duan looked at Qin Lan's profile and couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions.
Since marrying into the Duan Prince's mansion, Gu Qinlan had silently endured her misunderstandings and harsh criticisms. The Duan Prince's Consort suddenly realized that Gu Qinlan's misunderstandings might have truly hurt her.
"Qinlan, my dear child, my misunderstanding of you before was truly my fault," Princess Duan said sincerely.
Gu Qinlan raised her head, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, then smiled and said, "Mother, you flatter me. I understand your intentions."
After a moment of silence, Princess Duan suddenly changed the subject and asked, "Qinlan, what do you think of Feng Hui?"
Gu Qinlan smiled slightly and said, "Feng Hui is a smart and clever child, and I like him very much."
Princess Duan nodded and said, "I also think he is a good child, but I spoil him too much, which has made him a bit unruly. What happened today was also because I cared too much about him, which is why I lost my temper."
Gu Qinlan gently held Princess Duan's hand and said softly, "Mother, you don't need to blame yourself. Children will always be naughty at times. As long as we guide him properly, he will definitely become a responsible man."
Princess Duan looked at Gu Qinlan and felt a surge of warmth in her heart.
This woman genuinely cares about her grandson and is truly willing to help her educate Feng Hui.
"Qinlan, I have a favor to ask," Princess Duan suddenly said.
Gu Qinlan smiled slightly and said, "Mother, please speak."
Princess Duan bit her lower lip and said, "I want you to help me educate Feng Hui and help him become a responsible and talented man."
Gu Qinlan was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "Mother, don't worry, I will do my best to help you educate Fenghui."
Princess Duan was overjoyed.
Remembering something, Gu Qinlan looked at Princess Duan and slowly said, "Mother, about the three-day homecoming ceremony for your daughter-in-law..."
Princess Consort Duan smiled slightly, her eyes filled with affection and importance: "Qinlan, you finally remembered this. This homecoming ceremony is a big deal and cannot be taken lightly. Look at Rongxi Hall, although it is not as luxurious as the palace, it is still the face of the Duan Prince's Mansion."
Gu Qinlan lowered her head slightly and replied humbly, "I understand, but... I am new here and not familiar with the rules of the household. I don't know how to prepare."
Princess Duan gently patted Gu Qinlan's hand and said softly, "Don't worry, these things will be taken care of. But the choice of gifts is up to you. Feel free to tell me your thoughts."
Gu Qinlan looked up, a hint of hesitation flashing in her eyes: "Mother, I think... perhaps this homecoming gift shouldn't be too extravagant? After all, I've just married into the Prince's mansion, and I need to be cautious."
A hint of approval flashed in Princess Duan's eyes as she nodded and said, "Qinlan, I'm pleased that you think this way. However, the homecoming gift is a time to showcase the majesty of the Prince's residence, and it would be inappropriate if it were too meager. You only need to choose some gifts that are both respectable and polite."
Gu Qinlan nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "I think it would be better to choose some calligraphy, paintings, porcelain, or other gifts, which would be elegant without being too ostentatious."
A hint of joy flashed in Princess Duan's eyes as she smiled and said, "Excellent idea! Calligraphy, paintings, and porcelain are indeed top-notch choices. Now that you have an idea, go to the storeroom and make your selection. The Prince's Palace has a rich collection; feel free to choose whatever you like."
"My daughter-in-law understands."
...
Gu Qinlan took the key to the storeroom and went there with an accountant.
Gu Qinlan gripped the storeroom key tightly, her gaze resolute as she stepped into the dark storeroom. The dim candlelight flickered, illuminating her delicate face, making her appear even more solemn.
The accountant followed closely behind, carefully carrying a thick ledger.
The door slowly opened, and a musty smell wafted out.
Inside the warehouse, dust filled the air, and sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting dappled patterns on the empty floor.
Gu Qinlan looked around and saw that the warehouse was empty, with several large cabinets and boxes open, containing very few items. Her brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes.
Upon seeing this, the accountant hurriedly stepped forward and said cautiously, "Your Highness, these are all the assets of the Prince Duan's mansion. Although the quantity is limited, they are all carefully kept by us."
Gu Qinlan smiled lightly, but her eyes held a hint of sarcasm: "All the assets? I think these assets are not even worth as much as my dowry. It's surprising that the Duan Prince's Mansion has fallen into such a state of disrepair."
The accountant's expression changed slightly; he hadn't expected Gu Qinlan to express her disappointment so bluntly. He hesitated for a moment, then said, "Princess Consort, you may not know this, but the financial situation of the Duan Prince's Mansion has indeed been less than optimistic in recent years. But please rest assured, we have been working hard to improve it."
Gu Qinlan frowned and remained silent.
The accountant was slightly taken aback upon seeing this, a hint of embarrassment appearing on his face. He cleared his throat and asked cautiously, "Your Highness, is there anything you've taken a fancy to? If so, the accountant will do his best to fulfill your request."
Gu Qinlan gently shook her head, a resolute glint in her eyes: "No need. I just came to see the actual situation at the Prince Duan's residence. In that case, let's go."
The accountant hesitated for a moment, then said with emotion, "Princess Consort, in recent years, the Duan Prince's Mansion has indeed faced difficult circumstances. However, I believe that under your leadership, the Duan Prince's Mansion will surely be able to regain its former glory."
Gu Qinlan smiled slightly, a hint of determination flashing in her eyes: "Accountant, rest assured. I will do my best to make the Duan Prince's Mansion rise again."
With that, Gu Qinlan turned and walked out of the warehouse.
"Princess Consort, are you really not going to take anything with you?" the accountant couldn't help but ask.
Gu Qinlan stopped and turned to look at the accountant, a resolute glint in her eyes: "If I take these assets, what will be left of the Prince's Mansion? What I want is the future of the Prince's Mansion, not what's in front of me."
The accountant was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "Princess Consort, with your profound understanding of righteousness, the future of the Prince Duan's Mansion will surely be even more glorious."
Gu Qinlan smiled gently, a hint of warmth flashing in her eyes: "Thank you for your kind words. I will remember them."
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