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

The next morning, the sun was rising and the sunlight shone through the window lattices into the hall of Ningguo Mansion, bringing peace and tranquility.

The news of Qiao Shiyan's sneak attack on Gu Zhiyi spread quickly throughout the mansion, causing quite a stir.

Gu Zhiyi sat in the first seat, listening to the servants' whispers calmly. There was a barely perceptible coldness in her eyes, but a faint smile hung on the corners of her mouth.

After a while, Qiao Shiyan was brought to the hall. She lowered her head, her face full of fear and regret. Gu Zhiyi looked at her and couldn't help but think of the thrilling moment last night.

"Qiao Shiyan, do you admit your guilt?" Gu Zhiyi asked coldly.

Qiao Shiyan was so frightened that she trembled and said in a trembling voice, "Madam, I know my crime. I was impulsive and actually attacked you. It was really treasonous."

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly and said, "Since you know your crime, then tell me why you attacked me?"

Qiao Shiyan bit her lip and hesitated for a moment before she said, "Madam, I did this because I was jealous of your relationship with the Duke. I know my faults and am willing to accept any punishment."

After hearing this, Gu Zhiyi's eyes flashed with disappointment. She didn't expect Qiao Shiyan to attack her out of jealousy. She sighed and said, "Qiao Shiyan, since you know you are wrong, then reflect on it. As for the punishment, I won't be too harsh. You just need to be confined to the mansion for a month and reflect on your mistakes."

Qiao Shiyan heaved a sigh of relief when she heard this, and quickly knelt down and said, "Thank you, Madam, for your magnanimity."

Gu Zhiyi waved her hand, signaling the servants to take Qiao Shiyan away. She looked at Qiao Shiyan's departing back, feeling deeply moved.

At this time, Xie Yunchen walked in. He looked at Gu Zhiyi and asked with concern: "Mom, are you okay?"

Gu Zhiyi smiled and shook her head: "It's okay, I was just a little frightened. Yunchen, it's good that you're here, I have something to discuss with you."

Xie Yunchen nodded and sat next to Gu Zhiyi. Gu Zhiyi briefly recounted what happened last night and then said, "Yunchen, how do you think this matter should be handled?"

Xie Yunchen pondered for a moment and said, "Mother, I think you have handled it very well. Since Qiao Shiyan has admitted her mistake, we don't need to pursue it too much. However, if this matter gets out to the outside world, it may affect our reputation."

Gu Zhiyi nodded and said, "That's right, so I plan to go and meet Qiao Shiyan's mother in person to see if I can ask her to help calm the matter down."

Xie Yunchen nodded in agreement: "Mother, don't worry, I will send someone to inquire about the Qiao family's attitude and see if I can mediate."

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly and said, "Okay, I'll trouble you then."

As they were talking, Xie Yunce walked in. He looked at Gu Zhiyi and asked with concern, "Mother, are you okay?"

Gu Zhiyi smiled and patted Xie Yunce's hand, saying, "It's okay, Yunce, you're here just in time. Your brother is discussing how to deal with Qiao Shiyan's matter."

After hearing this, Xie Yunce's expression changed slightly and he said, "Mother, I think although Qiao Shiyan made a mistake, we can't be too harsh. After all, she was once a guest in our house. If we kick her out, it might cause criticism from the outside world."

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly and said, "Yunce, I agree with your idea. I won't be too harsh on her. I will just let her stay in the mansion for a month to reflect on herself. As for the outside world, I will let Yunchen handle it."

After hearing this, Xie Yunce breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Mother, you are really wise. I feel relieved now."

……

"Please spare me, madam, please spare me. I will tell you everything I know." Seeing Gu Zhiyi, Bitang quickly knelt down and begged for mercy.

The anger in Gu Zhiyi's eyes gradually died down, replaced by deep doubt. She looked at Bitang, the maid who had always been loyal to the Xie family, with her eyes full of pleading and confusion.

"Bitang, what are you doing? When did I make you so scared?" Gu Zhiyi's voice was calm and deep. She slowly walked to Bitang and gently helped her up.

Bitang stood up trembling, her face full of tears, her eyes full of fear and anxiety. She looked at Gu Zhiyi, her lips trembling as she said, "Madam, I...I..."

Gu Zhiyi looked at Bitang, her eyes full of deep love and concern. She gently patted Bitang's shoulder and said softly: "Bitang, you are my most trusted maid. I always treat you as my own sister. If you have any problems, you can tell me directly. Don't be afraid."

Bitang looked at Gu Zhiyi, and she felt the love and trust of the lady for her. She bit her lower lip, took a deep breath, and said, "Madam, actually...actually..."

Gu Zhiyi looked at Bitang, nodded encouragingly, and motioned for her to continue.

Bitang took a deep breath and said, "Madam, I recently discovered that someone in the mansion...someone is secretly doing something shameful."

Gu Zhiyi's expression immediately turned serious. She looked at Bitang and asked, "What's the matter? Do you know who it is?"

Bitang shook her head and said, "I don't know who it is, but I know they have been sneaking around lately. I'm worried that they will harm Madam."

Gu Zhiyi's expression became more serious. She looked at Bitang, was silent for a moment, and then said, "Bitang, you did a good job. I will investigate this matter immediately. Don't worry, I won't let anyone hurt you."

Bitang looked at Zhiyi and felt the lady's trust and reliance on her. She was moved and relieved. She lowered her head and said softly, "Madam, I will always protect you."

Gu Zhiyi looked at Bitang, she smiled gently, and then said: "Okay, Bitang, you've worked hard. Go and have a rest, I will take action tomorrow."

Bitang nodded and stepped back.

Gu Zhiyi frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashed in her eyes, but she soon regained her composure. She raised her sleeves slightly and motioned for Bitang to stand up: "Stand up, Bitang, do you admit your guilt?"

Bitang stood up tremblingly, her face full of fear and guilt. She lowered her head and said in a trembling voice: "Madam, I know I was wrong. I spoke too quickly and said the wrong thing. Please forgive me."

Gu Zhiyi sighed softly, with a hint of fatigue in her eyes. She turned and walked to the desk, gently brushed the dust off the desk, and then slowly sat down: "Bitang, you have been by my side for many years, and I have always treated you well. Why did you betray me?"

Bitang's eyes were full of tears. She bit her lips tightly and tried to hold back her tears: "Madam, I didn't mean to betray you. I just drank too much that day and said something I shouldn't have said. I really know I was wrong, please forgive me."

Gu Zhiyi was silent for a moment. She looked at Bitang with a complex expression in her eyes. She slowly said, "Bitang, do you know why I want to keep you by my side?"

Bitang shook her head, her face full of confusion.