A sharp glint flashed in Gu Qinlan's eyes as she stared at Gu Qinlian, her tone turning serious: "Judging from what you're saying, it seems you have a deep understanding of the Ji family. Could it be that the Ji family has some secret that I don't know? Otherwise, how could a woman as vain as you abandon such a good marriage to the Prince Duan's mansion and willingly marry the impoverished Ji Yinli?"
"You're talking nonsense!" Gu Qinlian was speechless because her thoughts had been guessed, as if someone had forced a rag into her mouth.
Gu Qinlian coughed and glared at Gu Qinlan, saying, "Elder sister, what are you doing? Don't think I don't know what you're thinking. Let me tell you, don't even think about the marriage with the Ji family."
Gu Qinlan smiled slightly, a hint of mockery in her eyes, and said softly, "Third sister, you are far too confident. Do you think grandfather would disagree with the marriage I have chosen? If the Ji family really looked down on you, grandfather would not have refused my marriage into the Ji family."
Knowing she couldn't win an argument with her, Gu Qinlian stomped her foot in anger, snorted, and turned to leave.
Gu Qinlan's gaze pierced through the air, fixed on her back, and a slight, sarcastic smile appeared on her lips.
Although Madam Song would do everything in her power to arrange the marriage between Gu Qinlian and Ji Yinli, how could she tolerate their union going so smoothly?
She was determined to make Gu Qinlian closely connected with Ji Yinli at all costs, so that when Gu Qinlian regretted it later, the pain would be so deep that she would never forget it!
Gu Qinlian has always been a person who dares to abandon all pretense of dignity and use any means necessary. Ji Yinli is no better; if the two were to meet in private, sparks would surely fly, and a series of intriguing scenes would unfold!
...
The sun was shining brightly, and a gentle breeze was blowing.
Gu Qinlan stepped into Jinghong Garden. As soon as she opened the door, she saw Hongye carefully arranging sets of ancient books, while two maids busily wiped the bookshelves beside her. A gratified smile appeared on her face.
"Hongye, what are you doing?" Gu Qinlan asked softly, her tone full of concern.
Hongye raised her head, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure and replied with a smile, "Miss, you're back. My two younger sisters and I are organizing your books. You know how many books you have; I dare not count them all, for fear of getting dizzy from counting them."
Gu Qinlan chuckled softly, walked to the bookshelf, and casually picked up a copy of the Book of Songs. Her fingers gently traced the pages, her eyes revealing deep affection.
"I have loved reading since I was a child, especially these ancient books. I can't put them down."
As Gu Qinlan spoke, a hint of helplessness flashed in her eyes, "However, my hobby was not approved by my mother, and I even suffered the pain of having my books destroyed many times."
Upon hearing this, a flash of anger crossed Hongye's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure and softly comforted her, "Miss, please don't take it to heart. As long as you're happy, I'm content. Besides, Master has always supported your studies; isn't that the greatest comfort?"
Gu Qinlan nodded, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes. Looking at Hongye, she suddenly noticed a similar thirst for knowledge shining in Hongye's eyes.
"Hongye, do you also like reading?" Gu Qinlan asked curiously.
Hongye smiled slightly, a hint of shyness flashing in her eyes: "Miss, I truly admire you. Every time I see you reading, I feel so envious. It's just a pity that I come from a humble background and have no chance to be like you..."
Upon hearing this, Gu Qinlan's heart stirred. She looked at Hongye and said seriously, "Hongye, if you really love reading, I can teach you. Knowledge knows no social class; as long as you have the will, nothing can stop you."
A hint of surprise flashed in Hongye's eyes. She looked at Gu Qinlan and said, moved, "Miss, are you really willing to teach me? I...I'm so happy!"
Gu Qinlan smiled and nodded, instructing Hongye to grind the ink for her; she wanted to write a letter.
Hongye immediately responded and gently began grinding the ink. In the tranquility of Jinghong Garden, only the soft rustling of the pen tip across the letter paper and the subtle sound of Hongye grinding the ink could be heard.
Gu Qinlan held the pen, pondered for a moment, and then smoothly wrote a few tiny characters on the letter paper.
Watching from the side, Hongye couldn't help but ask curiously, "Miss, who are you writing a letter to?"
Gu Qinlan smiled, her pen still writing, and said without looking up, "For my uncle. My niece is getting married soon, so naturally he can't be absent."
Hongye pursed her lips, thought for a moment, and said, "This servant guesses that Miss will definitely tell Uncle the news of your upcoming marriage, as well as your happiness and gratitude to Uncle."
Gu Qinlan nodded gently: "That's right. I want to tell my uncle that I am about to become someone else's wife, but no matter where I am, I will remember his teachings and live a good life. In addition, I would like to invite my uncle to my wedding so that he can witness my happiness."
A hint of envy flashed in Hongye's eyes: "Miss, you are so lucky. Congratulations."
Gu Qinlan smiled, picked up her pen again, and continued writing the letter. After finishing, she blew on the ink on the paper, turned to Hongye, and said, "Hongye, would you do me a favor?"
Hongye was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, and immediately knelt down: "Miss, whether it's climbing mountains of knives or wading through seas of fire, this servant is willing to serve you!"
Gu Qinlan shook her head slightly and smiled, "We don't need to climb mountains of knives or plunge into seas of fire."
She patted Hongye on the shoulder, urging her to stand up, and handed her a bag of silver: "Hongye, you are my most trusted maid. Here is a total of forty taels of silver. I want you to go to Chief Escort Ling of the Longmen Escort Agency and ask him to help deliver this letter to Lin'an City. Make sure it reaches my uncle."
Hongye carefully accepted the silver with both hands, a determined glint in her eyes: "Miss, I promise to complete the task and live up to your trust."
Gu Qinlan nodded, handed the envelope to Hongye, and carefully instructed her, "This letter concerns whether my uncle can attend my wedding, so you must be careful. Remember, never let anyone from the main courtyard see it."
Hongye took the envelope, carefully tucked it into her bosom, and nodded vigorously: "Miss, I know what's important and I will be careful."
Gu Qinlan sat in front of the low couch, absentmindedly flipping through the books, her thoughts drifting to distant memories.
Mother, if you are watching over me from heaven, do you know the worries I am experiencing right now?
She murmured softly, and the gentle smile of her mother, Madam Jiang, seemed to appear before her eyes again. She remembered that her mother would always gently stroke her hair, softly teaching her poetry and songs, and telling her the principles of being a good person and dealing with people.
However, all these beautiful memories came to an abrupt end the moment her mother passed away.
Her maternal grandfather was a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), and her family had a strong scholarly tradition, which allowed her to grow up immersed in literature. Her maternal uncle, Jiang Huanxian, was a successful businessman and a well-known merchant in the area.
However, when she was four years old, her uncle's family was framed and ruined, losing all contact with the Gu family.
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