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

"Madam Ningguo, please don't make things difficult for me..." The Jinyiwei's voice softened, and he adopted a completely negotiating tone and attitude.

Gu Zhiyi raised her head slightly, her eyes were as clear as autumn water, but with an unquestionable firmness. She brushed her sleeves and showed a faint smile: "Commander Zhao, you are joking. How could I make things difficult for the Jinyiwei? It's just that there are some trivial matters at home and I need your help."

Hearing this, Commander Zhao heaved a sigh of relief. He cupped his hands and said, "Madam, if you have any instructions, I will do my best."

Gu Zhiyi nodded gently and said, "Commander Zhao, do you know what's wrong with the Ningguo Mansion recently?"

Commander Zhao frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and said, "Madam, as far as I know, there has been no abnormality in the mansion recently. However, someone was wandering outside the mansion last night, and I have sent people to strengthen patrols."

Gu Zhiyi's eyes flashed with approval, and she said, "Commander Zhao is indeed well-informed. I guess the person who was wandering around that night must have had some ill intentions. I asked the commander to come here today to discuss how to prevent it."

Commander Zhao's expression became serious, and he said, "Madam, rest assured. I will do my best to ensure the peace of Duke Ning's mansion."

As the two talked, Gu Zhiyi's eyes kept falling on Commander Zhao. She found that although the Jinyiwei commander was serious, there was a hint of tenderness in his eyes.

Commander Zhao seemed to sense Gu Zhiyi's gaze and could not help but feel a little reserved. He cleared his throat and said, "Madam, I have something to ask you."

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly and said, "Commander Zhao, please feel free to speak."

Commander Zhao hesitated for a moment and said, "Madam, I heard that you are proficient in medicine. I wonder if you can explain a little bit to me?"

Gu Zhiyi's eyes flashed with surprise. She didn't expect that the Jinyiwei commander was actually interested in medicine. She smiled and said, "Commander Zhao, you are too kind. I know a little bit. However, if you are interested, I am willing to discuss it with you."

Commander Zhao was immediately overjoyed and said, "Thank you, Madam. I am very grateful."

One day, Gu Zhiyi said to Commander Zhao, "Commander Zhao, do you know that there is a treasure hidden in the Ningguo Mansion?"

Commander Zhao was stunned and said, "Madam, I haven't heard of it."

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly and said, "This treasure is a treasure handed down from generation to generation, called the 'Phoenix Feather Pearl'. This pearl is said to be able to protect the owner's safety, but this pearl has an abnormality."

Commander Zhao asked curiously, "Madam, what's unusual about this bead?"

Gu Zhiyi said: "This bead will emit a strange light every once in a while. But this light can only be seen at a critical moment."

Commander Zhao seemed to be thinking about something, and asked, "Madam, could this bead be related to the unusual things happening in the mansion recently?"

Gu Zhiyi nodded gently and said, "That's right. I guess the person who was wandering around that night came for the Phoenix Feather Pearl. Commander Zhao, how do you think we should deal with it?"

Commander Zhao pondered for a moment and said, "Madam, I think we should strengthen the defense in the mansion and send people to secretly investigate this matter. Once we find any clues, we will act immediately."

Gu Zhiyi's eyes flashed with approval, and she said, "Commander Zhao is indeed smart. I'll have to trouble you then."

Commander Zhao responded respectfully, but he secretly made up his mind to protect the Ningguo Mansion and this gentle and intelligent lady.

……

Xie Yunchen clenched his fists anxiously and said, "Mother, can't you be flexible?"

Gu Zhiyi frowned slightly, with a look of determination and helplessness in her eyes, and said slowly: "Yun Chen, you also know that the rules of the mansion cannot be easily changed. If I make an exception for you today, how can others abide by it in the future?"

A trace of anxiety flashed across Xie Yunchen's handsome face. He took a deep breath and tried to persuade his mother: "But mother, if the goods cannot be delivered in time, not only will there be heavy losses, but it may also affect the reputation of the Loyal and Brave Marquis's Mansion. We can't lose the big picture for the small."

Gu Zhiyi shook her head slightly, her eyes revealing a hint of deepness: "Yun Chen, you still don't understand. The reputation of the Loyal and Brave Marquisate is not just built on money, but also on the rules and morals we uphold. If these are destroyed for the sake of temporary interests, the loss will far exceed the money."

Xie Yunchen was silent for a moment. He knew his mother had made up her mind, but he still did not give up: "Then can you please consider letting my second brother Yun Ce go instead of me? He is familiar with the business and has enough wisdom to deal with various situations."

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly, with a hint of relief in her eyes: "Yun Ce is indeed smart, but he is still young and needs more training. Moreover, this time, it is none other than you. You are the eldest son, you must understand this."

Xie Yunchen looked up at his mother, with a firm look in his eyes: "Mother, I understand. I will try my best to complete this mission and live up to your expectations."

Gu Zhiyi smiled and patted her son's hand, her eyes full of encouragement and trust: "I believe in you, Yunchen. You are my most proud son, I believe you can handle this."

At this time, the housekeeper of the mansion hurried in, holding a letter in his hand, and handed it to Gu Zhiyi respectfully: "Madam, this is an urgent letter sent from the south."

Gu Zhiyi took the letter, opened it, and her face suddenly became solemn. She pondered for a moment, then handed the letter to Xie Yunchen: "Yunchen, take a look."

Xie Yunchen took the letter, glanced at the paper, and his face became solemn. The letter mentioned that an accident occurred in a mine in the south, which might affect the industry of the Loyal and Brave Marquis Mansion.

"Mother, it seems that this mission is even more important." Xie Yunchen said in a deep voice.

Gu Zhiyi nodded: "That's right. You must set off as soon as possible to ensure the safe delivery of the goods and find out about the mine."

Xie Yunchen turned around and was about to leave, but was stopped by Gu Zhiyi: "Yunchen, this trip not only concerns the interests of the Marquis's Mansion, but may also affect your marriage. You must act with caution."

Xie Yunchen looked at his mother in confusion: "Mom, what are you talking about? Marriage?"

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly: "That's right. Your father has arranged a marriage for you. The girl is the daughter of the Jiangnan Lin family, named Lin Wan'er. This time when you go to the south, you can just visit the Lin family."

A hint of surprise flashed across Xie Yunchen's eyes, and then he regained his composure: "Mother, I will remember your instructions and handle all matters."

Gu Zhiyi nodded with satisfaction and watched her son leave.

In the back garden of the Xie Mansion, Xie Yunchen and his second brother Xie Yunce sat opposite each other. Xie Yunce's eyes flashed with worry: "Brother, will your trip to the south be smooth this time?"

Xie Yunchen smiled and patted his brother's shoulder: "Don't worry, second brother. I will do my best. But you should take good care of mother at home and don't let her worry about me."

Xie Yunce nodded, with a hint of determination in his eyes: "Brother, don't worry, I will do my best to protect the Xie family."