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

Gu Zhiyi picked up a cup of tea, took a sip, and said, "Why did you say this when you knew it couldn't be made public?"

Xie Yunchen frowned, a trace of annoyance flashed in his eyes, he said in a deep voice: "Mother, I am not unaware of the seriousness of this matter. But seeing that the reputation of the Ningguo Mansion has been damaged, I cannot stay out of it. Moreover, this matter involves the interests of many people. If it is not exposed in time, I am afraid that there will be endless troubles."

Gu Zhiyi sighed softly, put down the teacup in her hand, and looked at Xie Yunchen solemnly: "Do you know what kind of predicament the Ningguo Mansion will face once this matter is made public?"

Xie Yunchen nodded silently: "I know that the Ningguo Mansion may be suspected by the court and even implicated in a political struggle. But mother, we can't choose to remain silent because we are afraid of difficulties. The glory of the Ningguo Mansion was exchanged for the lives and blood of countless ancestors. We must not let it be destroyed in our hands."

Gu Zhiyi looked at her eldest son's determined eyes and felt a warm feeling in her heart.

This son has grown up and is no longer the boy who needs her care.

She said slowly: "You are right. We cannot let the glory of Ningguo Mansion be destroyed in our hands. Since you have made up your mind, I will support you."

As soon as Gu Zhiyi finished speaking, Xie Yunchen lowered his head, his eyes revealing a trace of regret and helplessness. He pondered for a moment, then slowly raised his head, looked at his mother, and said sincerely: "Mother, I know I was wrong. I just feel that this matter concerns the reputation of the Ningguo Mansion, and I feel that I have the responsibility to speak out."

Gu Zhiyi's eyes flashed with disappointment after hearing this. She sighed softly, put down the teacup in her hand, and said, "Yun Chen, you are the eldest son of my Ningguo Mansion, and you have a great responsibility. But there are some things that you should not interfere with. If you do this, it will only put the Ningguo Mansion into greater trouble."

Xie Yunchen frowned. He wanted to explain himself but couldn't find the right words.

Xie Yunce walked in. Seeing that the atmosphere was a little tense, he smiled and tried to smooth things over: "Mother, brother, what's wrong with you? Is it because I'm back that you have something to discuss?"

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly. Xie Yunce was deliberately trying to ease the atmosphere, so she also smiled and said, "Yunce, you're back just in time. We were discussing something. Tell me, how do you think this matter should be handled?"

Xie Yunce sat down, picked up a cup of tea, blew it gently, and then said: "Mother, brother, I think we should look at this matter from two aspects. On the one hand, we must ensure that the reputation of Ningguo Mansion is not affected; on the other hand, we must also ensure that the interests of the family are not harmed."

……

"Good boy..." The old lady leaned forward and hugged Gu Zhiyi in her arms, with tears of relief in her eyes. Gu Zhiyi felt the old lady's body trembling, and a warm current surged in her heart.

After a while, the old lady slowly let go of Gu Zhiyi, held her cheeks with both hands, looked at her face carefully, and a kind smile appeared on the corner of her mouth: "Zhiyi, you have worked hard for the Xie family over the years, it's really hard for you."

Gu Zhiyi gently wiped away the tears from the old lady's eyes and smiled: "Mother, this is what I should do. As long as you and the Marquis are healthy, I will be satisfied."

The old lady sighed softly, took Gu Zhiyi's hand, and returned to the armchair in the hall and sat down: "Zhiyi, you are a good child, but there are some things you should know."

Gu Zhiyi was slightly stunned, and asked respectfully: "Mother, if there is anything, please tell me."

The old lady frowned slightly and said slowly: "Over the years, you have made great contributions to the Xie family, but there is one thing that I have been worried about."

Gu Zhiyi's heart tightened. What the old lady was referring to must be related to the future of the Xie family. She waited for the old lady to continue.

The old lady looked at Gu Zhiyi, her tone becoming heavy: "Zhiyi, I know you have always wanted a child, but you have never been able to do so. What I am worried about is, if you don't have an heir, how will the Xie family's foundation be passed on in the future?"

Gu Zhiyi blushed, she knew this was the pain in her heart. She slowly said: "Mother, I understand your concerns. I will do my best to continue the incense of the Xie family."

The old lady shook her head and said, "Zhiyi, you are a smart woman. You should understand that this is not just a matter of passing on the family line. The future of the Xie family still needs a talent who can inherit the family business."

Gu Zhiyi was silent for a moment. The old lady was telling the truth. She looked at the old lady with a gleam of determination in her eyes: "Mother, I will work hard to train an excellent heir for the Xie family."

The old lady smiled slightly and said, "Okay, I believe you."

The two were silent for a while, and the old lady suddenly changed the subject: "Zhiyi, do you think the old marquis has changed recently?"

Gu Zhiyi was slightly stunned. The changes that the old lady was referring to must be related to the old marquis's health. She answered carefully: "Mother, the old marquis has been feeling a little unwell recently, but I believe he will recover soon."

The old lady sighed and said, "Zhiyi, you are a kind woman, but there are some things that you may not be able to see clearly. I am worried about the old marquis's physical condition, and it is not a temporary illness."

Gu Zhiyi held the old lady's hand tightly and said, "Mother, I will pay more attention to the Marquis, find a doctor for him, and do my best to take care of him."

The old lady looked at Gu Zhiyi, with a hint of gratitude in her eyes: "Zhiyi, you are a good wife. But you should also think about your future."

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly and said, "Mother, my future is the future of the Marquis and the Xie family."

The old lady shook her head helplessly and said, "Zhiyi, you are always so selfless. But have you ever thought about how you would cope if you lost the Marquis one day?"

A trace of sadness flashed in Gu Zhiyi's eyes, but she soon regained her composure: "Mother, I know you are worried. But I believe that the Marquis will be safe. Moreover, even if I really lose him one day, I will live strong and continue to fight for the Xie family."

The old lady looked at Gu Zhiyi and couldn't help feeling deeply moved.

With a smile on her lips, she said, "You look like you're in a good mood?"

Gu Zhiyi smiled gently, her eyes showing joy. She adjusted her clothes and replied, "Mother-in-law is right. Zhiyi is in a good mood."

The old lady nodded slightly, with a look of inquiry in her eyes, as if she was trying to find the source of Gu Zhiyi's joy. She said slowly, "Tell me, what makes you so happy?"

Gu Zhiyi thought for a moment, then said, "Mother, Zhiyi has been researching a new herbal medicine recently, which is quite beneficial for conditioning the body. I have asked the servants to make an ointment, mother-in-law, you may try it."

A trace of approval flashed in the old lady's eyes. She chuckled and said, "You are always so considerate. I really can't live without you anymore. But why do you study this herb?"

Gu Zhiyi lowered her head slightly and smiled shyly: "Actually, it's for the Marquis. He has been very busy with official duties recently, and I was worried that he couldn't handle it, so I wanted to do my best."