Marrying for someone else and being a widow? Stepmothers open classes to raise children

Xie Huixuan picked up a piece of dessert and handed it to her mother: "Mom, you try it too." Gu Zhiyi took it and took a bite, with a hint of surprise in her eyes: "This dessert is really well made, Xuan'er, do you know? When I was a child, my favorite thing to eat was dessert."

Xie Huixuan's eyes flashed with curiosity: "Mom, when you were a child, were you as happy as I am now?"

Gu Zhiyi smiled and recalled: "When I was a child, although I didn't have as many tricks as you do, and I didn't have such a good life as you do now, I was also very happy. At that time, I lived with my parents. Although life was hard, our home was full of laughter and joy."

Xie Huixuan listened carefully, with a hint of envy in her eyes.

At this time, a maid hurried in and said in a panic, "Madam, Miss, it's bad. There are people making trouble outside and they want to see the master of the mansion."

Gu Zhiyi frowned slightly. This kind of thing rarely happened in the Ningguo Mansion. She stood up and said to Xie Huixuan, "Xuan'er, you take a rest here. I'll go out and take a look."

Xie Huixuan looked at her mother worriedly: "Mom, you have to be careful."

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly, patted Xie Huixuan on the shoulder, then turned and left.

Gu Zhiyi walked out of the inner room with steady steps and a calm expression, followed by the maids. As soon as she walked into the front hall, she saw a group of people in strange clothes making loud noises. The servants in the mansion looked embarrassed and tried to persuade them to leave.

"Madam, these people claim to be envoys from afar and say they have important matters to discuss with the master." A servant whispered to Gu Zhiyi.

Gu Zhiyi nodded slightly, scanning those people with a sharp gaze. She secretly wondered what these people were up to, and how dare they be so presumptuous in front of the Ningguo Mansion.

"I am the wife of Duke Ningguo. The master you are talking about is my husband. You can tell me if you have anything to say." Gu Zhiyi's voice was calm, but it revealed an unquestionable majesty.

The men exchanged glances, and one of them stepped forward. He was dressed in gorgeous clothes and wore a golden crown inlaid with gems on his head, looking quite distinguished.

"Madam, we are envoys from Dongyin. The Emperor of Dongyin heard of the reputation of the Ningguo Mansion and sent us here to pay a visit and present a valuable gift." The envoy said as he took out a brocade box from behind and handed it to Gu Zhiyi with both hands.

Gu Zhiyi took the brocade box and smiled: "So you are a distinguished guest. I am sorry for not welcoming you from afar. Please follow me into the mansion and let me prepare the welcoming ceremony."

The envoys showed satisfied smiles on their faces and followed Gu Zhiyi into the Ningguo Mansion.

In a spacious living room in the mansion, Gu Zhiyi had the finest tea and fruits served and personally poured tea for the envoys.

"Mr. Envoy, you have come a long way and must have worked hard. May I ask if Emperor Dongyin needs any help from our Ningguo Mansion?" Gu Zhiyi asked while pouring tea.

The messenger put down his teacup and his face became serious: "Madam, to be honest, Western Wei has been harassed by neighboring countries in recent years. The king hopes to use your country's influence to help us resolve this crisis."

Gu Zhiyi frowned slightly. She knew that this was a question involving state affairs and could not be answered lightly. She thought for a moment and then said, "Mr. Envoy, the Western Wei Dynasty has never had any contact with your country. This matter is of great importance. I need to report it to the Western Wei court first and then make a decision after the court's reply."

The messengers looked disappointed, but they also knew that this was the normal procedure, so they just nodded in agreement.

At this time, Xie Huixuan walked in and looked at her mother worriedly: "Mother, who are these people? Why are they looking for father?"

Gu Zhiyi patted Xie Huixuan's hand gently and said with a smile: "Xuan'er, these people are from Dongyin and are distinguished guests of Xiwei. They ask Xiwei to help solve their national crisis."

Xie Huixuan looked at her mother in surprise: "Mom, this is a national matter. We can't easily agree to them."

Gu Zhiyi nodded: "I know, I have told them that they need to report to the court. However, since they are already here, we can't let them return empty-handed. Xuan'er, go and prepare, we are going to host a banquet to entertain these envoys."

Xie Huixuan smiled slightly and replied, "Yes, mother."

At the dinner, the Ningguo Mansion was decorated with lights and filled with laughter.

The envoys felt the warmth and friendliness of the Ningguo Mansion, and their mood gradually relaxed.

Gu Zhiyi smiled and walked up to the Dongyin envoy. She said in a gentle tone, "Your Excellency, welcome to the Xie Mansion. The customs of the Western Wei Dynasty are different from those of your country. Please forgive me if there is anything uncomfortable. Tonight, I have specially prepared a sumptuous banquet for you. I hope you can feel the hospitality of my Xie Mansion."

The Dongyin envoy stood up and replied respectfully, "Madam, you are too kind. We feel your country's hospitality. It is a great honor to have dinner with you."

"Mr. Envoy, your country is adjacent to the Western Wei Dynasty. I wonder how such a festival is celebrated in your country?" Gu Zhiyi asked curiously.

The Eastern Yin envoy thought for a moment and said, "In the Western Wei, such festivals are usually celebrated with grand celebrations, with people singing and dancing to celebrate the festival. At the same time, we will also send envoys to neighboring countries to show our friendship."

Gu Zhiyi nodded and smiled, "Your Excellency the Envoy is right. Western Wei and your country have always been on good terms. I hope our friendship will last forever."

At this time, a maid came forward and handed Gu Zhiyi a glass of wine.

Gu Zhiyi picked up the wine glass and said to the Dongyin envoy with a smile: "Your Excellency, there is an old saying in the Western Wei Dynasty: 'When you meet a bosom friend, a thousand cups are not enough; when you are not on good terms with your friends, half a word is too much.' Tonight, we drink this cup together, and may our friendship last forever."

The Dongyin envoy's eyes flashed with gratitude. He took the wine glass, clinked it with Gu Zhiyi, and said, "Madam, may our friendship last forever and the people live and work in peace and contentment."

At this time, a maid quietly walked up to Gu Zhiyi and whispered a few words. Gu Zhiyi's face changed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure.

She gently patted the maid's shoulder, motioning her to leave, then turned to the Dongyin envoy and said, "Your Excellency, there is an old saying in the Western Wei Dynasty: 'Every man has his share of responsibility for the rise and fall of a country.' Now the Western Wei Dynasty is facing a war, and as the wife of the Xie family, I should also do my part for the Western Wei Dynasty."

The Eastern Yin envoy looked at Gu Zhiyi in surprise. He did not expect that this beautiful lady could be so righteous. He said admiringly: "Madam, you are truly a role model for Western Wei women. If your country is in need, Western Wei is willing to provide all possible assistance."

A trace of gratitude flashed in Gu Zhiyi's eyes. She smiled and said, "My Lord Envoy, I appreciate your kindness."

She sipped a cup of tea and spoke slowly: "However, the current predicament of the Western Wei Dynasty cannot be solved by foreign aid alone. What we need is not only supplies, but also wisdom and strategy."

The messenger nodded slightly, with a trace of deep thought in his eyes: "Madam is right, then, what are your country's plans?"

Gu Zhiyi pondered for a moment, his eyes solemn: "Western Wei is trying to unite the surrounding small countries to resist foreign enemies together. But this takes time and requires more trust."