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

Xie Huiyi's body stiffened, and she tried to blink innocently with her big black and white eyes, as if seeking comfort from her mother.

Gu Zhiyi looked at her daughter, a trace of worry flashed across her brows, and then she regained her composure.

Gu Zhiyi slowly walked up to Xie Huiyi, gently held her hand, and said in a gentle tone: "Hui'er, do you know that what happened today is not trivial?"

Xie Huiyi pursed her lips and answered carefully: "Mother, I understand. But... I do have some doubts in my heart."

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly, her eyes full of doting: "Suspicion is suspicion, no need to hide. But you must know that the reputation of Ningguo Mansion, and even the honor and disgrace of our family, are closely related to your behavior."

Xie Huiyi nodded, her expression becoming serious: "Don't worry, mother. I will act cautiously."

Gu Zhiyi patted her hands gently and changed the subject: "By the way, do you know why the mansion is so lively today?"

Xie Huiyi thought about it and tentatively answered: "Is it because my cousin is coming back from the frontier?"

Gu Zhiyi's eyes flashed with joy: "Yes, it is your cousin Du Yuanxi. His return this time is not only a happy event for the family, but also a great help to our family."

Xie Huiyi smiled slightly: "My cousin is brave and good at fighting, and I am proud of him."

As the two were talking, footsteps were heard outside the door, and a maid dressed in green came in, holding a plate of freshly picked plum blossoms in her hands: "Madam, Miss, these are plum blossoms from the backyard, specially sent here for you to enjoy."

Gu Zhiyi took the plum blossom, put it to the tip of her nose and sniffed it gently, then said with a smile: "This plum blossom has a unique fragrance, which is really refreshing."

Xie Huiyi also came forward and sniffed gently: "Yes, this plum blossom is not only beautiful, but also tenacious. Just like the women of Ningguo Mansion, we must stand proudly even in difficult situations."

Gu Zhiyi's eyes flashed with pride: "That's right. Hui'er, you must remember that no matter when and where, you must maintain your dignity and pride."

Xie Huiyi nodded heavily, her eyes firm.

As they were talking, another voice came from outside the door: "Madam, Miss, the young master is here."

Gu Zhiyi and Xie Huiyi smiled at each other, stood up and walked out. When they arrived at the front hall, Du Yuanxi was already waiting there. He was wearing a silver-gray battle robe and looked heroic. When he saw his mother and sister, he immediately stepped forward to salute.

Gu Zhiyi smiled and helped Du Yuanxi up: "Yuanxi, you have worked hard. You should have a good rest after returning this time."

Du Yuanxi smiled and replied: "Madam, don't worry, Yuanxi will definitely live up to the family's expectations."

Xie Huiyi looked at her cousin with envy and admiration in her heart.

……

In the deep courtyard, the sunlight shines through the tall vermilion window lattices and sprinkles on the exquisite carved wooden floor, forming mottled light and shadow.

Gu Zhiyi sat on a red sandalwood armchair with a look of scrutiny in her eyes. She was wearing a gorgeous silk dress with delicate pearls inlaid on the collar, which made her look noble and dignified. She took a sip of the fragrant tea and spoke slowly: "Huiyi, why are you so flustered? Did you do something wrong?"

Hearing this, Xie Huiyi bit her lip nervously, her eyes flickering. She knew her mother was a very smart person, and no lie could escape her eyes. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down: "Mom, I... I just heard some noise outside, so I was a little panicked."

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly, with a barely perceptible chill in her smile: "If that's the case, then that's fine. But if you have something on your mind, you might as well tell mother. Mother will always help you solve your problems."

Xie Huiyi hesitated for a moment, and finally mustered up the courage to say, "Mother, actually...actually I've been practicing a new martial art recently, but I always can't get the hang of it, and I feel a little anxious."

Gu Zhiyi's eyes flashed with surprise. She didn't expect her daughter to learn martial arts. But she quickly regained her composure and gently patted Xie Huiyi's hand: "So that's how it is. Mother understands. Learning martial arts is a difficult thing. You don't have to be too anxious. As long as you practice hard, you will be able to master it one day."

Hearing her mother's understanding and support, Xie Huiyi felt a warm feeling in her heart.

……

"How long will it take?" Gu Zhiyi didn't expose the truth, but asked Xie Huiyi calmly.

There was worry and an indescribable expectation in her eyes.

Xie Huiyi lowered her head slightly, her fingers unconsciously fiddling with the silk thread on her collar, and said with a hint of hesitation: "Mother, this trip may take several months."

Gu Zhiyi sighed softly, a hint of reluctance flashing in her eyes, but she quickly calmed down and looked at her daughter's face, trying to find a hint of determination in it.

"Huiyi, have you ever thought that this long journey means you have to leave the Ningguo Mansion, leave your mother, and face the ups and downs of the outside world alone." Gu Zhiyi's tone was soft, but with unquestionable firmness.

Xie Huiyi raised her head and looked at her mother firmly: "Mother, I know what this means. But my daughter has grown up, and there are some things I must face by myself. Moreover, this trip is to find the secret book left by my father, and also for the future of Ningguo Mansion."

Gu Zhiyi looked at her daughter's determined eyes and couldn't help feeling a surge of pride in her heart.

"Since you have made up your mind, mother will not stop you. However, you must be careful when you are alone outside and do not trust others easily. Also, you must write back every once in a while to let mother know about your situation."

Xie Huiyi nodded, with a trace of gratitude in her eyes: "Don't worry, mother, your daughter will be careful and won't let you worry."

"Huiyi, do you know? This Ningguo Mansion is the life's work of your father. Before he died, he gave it to me, hoping that I could pass it on. Now, you have to leave and find your own future."

Xie Huiyi walked over, gently held her mother's hand, and said firmly: "Mother, I know. No matter where I go, I will remember the Ningguo Mansion and the teachings of my father and mother. Moreover, I believe that one day, I will return to the Ningguo Mansion and, together with my mother, carry forward the Ningguo Mansion."

Gu Zhiyi looked at her daughter, a hint of relief flashing in her eyes.

As night fell, the garden of Xie's house seemed particularly peaceful. Gu Zhiyi and Xie Huiyi sat in the pavilion in the garden, looking at the starry sky, and the hearts of both mother and daughter were filled with endless thoughts.

"Mom, don't worry, I will carry out my father's wishes and find my own future." Xie Huiyi looked at her mother with a firm tone.

Gu Zhiyi patted her daughter's hand gently, her eyes full of love: "Huiyi, no matter where you go, remember that your mother is always here, supporting you and praying for you."

A few days later, Xie Huiyi packed her bags and prepared to leave the Xie Mansion.

Gu Zhiyi personally sent her to the door. Looking at her daughter's back gradually going away, she felt both relieved and reluctant.

Xie Huiyi walked out of the Xie Mansion and looked back, her eyes full of determination and expectation.