Gu Qinlan was silent for a moment, and the smile on her face gradually faded: "Perhaps, but those times are like a lifetime ago."
The two continued walking and arrived at a small pavilion in the garden. Gu Qinlan sat on a stone bench, while Xiangzhu stood beside her, quietly watching her.
"Xiangzhu, do you think life is like this garden, with flowers blooming and withering?" Gu Qinlan suddenly asked.
After a moment's thought, Xiangzhu replied, "Miss, life is indeed like that. There are ups and downs, joys and sorrows. But as long as you hold fast to something in your heart, you can find your own piece of sky in this garden."
Gu Qinlan looked at Xiangzhu, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes: "Well said, Xiangzhu. Then tell me, how do you think I should hold on?"
Xiangzhu pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Miss, you should stay true to your heart and never forget your original intention. No matter how the outside world changes, as long as your belief remains unchanged, you will be able to find your own path in this chaotic world."
Gu Qinlan nodded silently, her eyes filled with determination: "Xiangzhu, you're right. I should indeed stick to my principles."
Just then, a gentle breeze blew by, ruffling Gu Qinlan's hair. She gently smoothed her hair and said to Xiangzhu, "Xiangzhu, let's go take a look over there."
Xiangzhu nodded, and the two went to another corner of the garden.
Gu Qinlan suddenly stopped and looked at the lake beside her. The fish were swimming freely in the water. She turned to Xiangzhu and said, "Xiangzhu, look, those fish are swimming so freely in the water. You know, sometimes I think, how wonderful it would be if I could be as free as them."
Xiangzhu looked at Gu Qinlan, a hint of heartache flashing in her eyes. She gently held Gu Qinlan's hand and said, "Miss, you will have your own freedom. As long as you are willing, no one can bind you."
Gu Qinlan smiled slightly, looking at Xiangzhu with gratitude in her eyes: "Thank you, Xiangzhu. I always feel incredibly warm when you're by my side."
The two chatted in the garden, and time slipped by unnoticed. The sun gradually sank in the west, and the sky was dyed golden.
Gu Qinlan looked at the sky and felt a surge of emotion: "Time flies so fast. In the blink of an eye, another day has passed."
Xiangzhu looked at Gu Qinlan and nodded gently: "Yes, time waits for no one. But as long as we cherish every moment, time will not be wasted."
Gu Qinlan looked at Xiangzhu, a resolute glint in her eyes: "You're right, Xiangzhu. We must cherish every moment and make every day meaningful."
...
In the blink of an eye, the day of the betrothal ceremony at the Prince Duan's residence arrived.
"Miss! Miss! The Prince Duan's heir has come in person to propose marriage."
Hongye entered with a beaming smile and reported to Gu Qinlan: "The eighteen loads of betrothal gifts brought by the Prince of Duan's son are practically overflowing the entire entrance. From what I can see, Madam and the Third Miss are extremely envious. I bet they are kicking themselves for having the Third Miss marry you!"
Gu Qinlan smiled slightly, her eyes sparkling. She gently put down the book in her hand, raised her head, and looked at him with a hint of mockery: "Hongye, are you happy for me, or for yourself?"
Hongye was taken aback, then covered her mouth and smiled: "What are you saying, Miss? Of course I'm happy for you. But when I think of the regretful looks in Madam and Third Miss's eyes, I can't help but feel happy."
Gu Qinlan gently shook her head, a hint of indifference in her eyes: "Hongye, people's hearts are complicated. We just need to do our best and not take other people's opinions too seriously."
Hongye nodded, her eyes filled with admiration and respect as she looked at Gu Qinlan.
Miss is always like this; no matter what she encounters, she can remain calm, neither happy nor sad, and deal with things with composure.
Gu Qinlan now only has one thing on her mind: when will her uncle return to the Gu family mansion to reunite with her?
Just as she was worrying, Xiangzhu rushed forward and said, "Miss, your uncle has arrived and is talking to the master and the old master in the side hall."
Gu Qinlan was overjoyed upon hearing this and immediately slammed her hand on the table, exclaiming, "Let's go! Let's go see my uncle!"
With that, a bright smile bloomed on her face. She quickly straightened her clothes and headed towards the side hall. Xiangzhu and Heye exchanged a glance and followed closely behind.
In the side hall, Gu Dingli, the head of the Gu family, sat at the head of the table with a serious expression, while Old Master Gu sat to the side, looking vigorous and with piercing eyes.
When Jiang Wenyuan saw Gu Qinlan enter, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.
"Uncle!" Gu Qinlan exclaimed excitedly, her voice trembling with emotion.
Jiang Wenyuan quickly stood up, walked over and gently patted Gu Qinlan's shoulder, smiling as he said, "Qinlan, you've grown up and become more and more sensible."
Gu Qinlan's eyes were slightly red, but a smile remained on her lips. She looked at Jiang Wenyuan, as if she saw the reliance she once had in her heart. She held Jiang Wenyuan's hand tightly and said, "Uncle, you're finally back."
Seeing this, Gu Dingli smiled and said, "Wenyuan, look, this child talks about you every day."
Grandpa Gu nodded slightly and said, "Yes, Qinlan has been depressed ever since you left. Now that you're back, she has someone to rely on."
Jiang Wenyuan looked at Gu Qinlan, his heart filled with emotion. He sat back down and asked, "Qinlan, how have you been these past years?"
Gu Qinlan lowered her head slightly and said, "Fortunately, with the love of my father and grandfather, I can live a carefree life in this mansion. However, I always miss my uncle."
Gu Dingli asked, "Wenyuan, what are your plans now that you've returned?"
Jiang Wenyuan pondered for a moment and said, "I plan to stay in the manor for a while to keep Qinlan company and also to learn about the situation here. As for the future, I may continue to travel the world in search of the peace in my heart."
Upon hearing this, Old Master Gu frowned slightly and said, "Wen Yuan, you're not young anymore. It's time to settle down, start a family, and settle down. Do you really intend to keep wandering like this?"
Jiang Wenyuan smiled wryly and said, "Mr. Gu, I have something I pursue. Perhaps in your eyes, this is a waste of time. But for me, it is a belief. I cannot give it up."
Gu Qinlan looked at Jiang Wenyuan, feeling both admiration and worry. She said, "Uncle, since you've made up your mind, I'll support you. Just take good care of yourself and don't worry Qinlan."
Jiang Wenyuan patted Gu Qinlan's hand with emotion and said, "Thank you, Qinlan. I will."
Just then, Gu Dingli looked at the man in black robes sitting to his right and said to Gu Qinlan, "This is the heir of Prince Duan, who will be your husband in the future. Come and greet him as well."
Gu Qinlan glanced at Zheng Dinglian and was immediately stunned by his appearance.
His eyebrows and eyes were like the verdant green of distant mountains, exuding a heroic spirit. His face was fair and refined, possessing a charm rarely seen in other men. Yet, there was a sharpness in his upturned eyes, making him noble and aloof.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
