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

A carriage slowly approached, with mistress Gu Zhiyi and sister-in-law Wu Jingying sitting in it. Xie Huiyi calmed down slightly, took a deep breath, then lifted the curtain and walked in.

The light in the car was dim, but Xie Huiyi could still clearly see the expressions of Gu Zhiyi and Wu Jingying. Gu Zhiyi was still sitting there, with a calm expression, while Wu Jingying was looking at her with a worried look on her face.

Xie Huiyi smiled slightly, bowed to Gu Zhiyi, and said, "Mother, sister-in-law, where are you going?"

Wu Jingying seemed a little surprised, and hurriedly patted the empty seat next to her, motioning Xie Huiyi to sit down.

Xie Huiyi got on the carriage, which was covered with soft carpets and filled with a faint fragrance. Wu Jingying sat opposite her, smiling and looking concerned. Lady Gu Zhiyi, the wife of the Duke of Ning, sat on one side of the carriage, looking serious and with a sharp gaze.

As soon as Xie Huiyi sat firmly on the soft carpet of the carriage, Wu Jingying gently lowered the curtain to block the spring light outside. The interior of the carriage instantly became dark and quiet, with only the sound of the wheels rolling over the cobblestone road.

Wu Jingying turned slightly and looked at Xie Huiyi with a smile, while Xie Huiyi was surprised and confused. Her eyes involuntarily drifted to Ningguo Duke's wife Gu Zhiyi.

"Huiyi, do you think your stepmother is a little unusual?" Wu Jingying whispered softly, with a hint of imperceptible cunning in her eyes.

Xie Huiyi nodded slightly. She did feel that Gu Zhiyi was not an ordinary woman, but she couldn't tell what the difference was.

"In fact, mother has another identity." As soon as Wu Jingying finished speaking, Xie Huiyi immediately held her breath.

"What identity?" Xie Huiyi couldn't help but ask.

Wu Jingying smiled slightly and said softly: "She is the youngest great writer in the world, Zhuge Suiliang."

Xie Huiyi's eyes widened even more. She couldn't believe her ears. She knew Zhuge Suiliang's name. His articles were well-known all over the world and were admired by everyone. She didn't expect that he was her stepmother.

"This...how is this possible?" Xie Huiyi blurted out in shock.

Wu Jingying patted Xie Huiyi's hand gently and comforted her, "It's really unbelievable, but it's true. I didn't know it at first, until a few days ago, when I was tidying up Madam's study, I accidentally found her manuscript."

Xie Huiyi shook her head slowly. She still found it incredible. "But... Madam doesn't show any abnormality on weekdays."

"That's exactly how smart she is." Wu Jingying's tone was full of respect. "For the sake of her family's honor and to protect her own identity, she had to hide it. You know, for a woman, talent often attracts jealousy and gossip."

Xie Huiyi was silent for a moment. She suddenly remembered something and asked nervously, "Then... is the name Zhuge Suiliang known to the outside world?"

Wu Jingying nodded slightly, "Not many people know about it, but Madam obviously doesn't want more people to know. That's why I told you. I hope you can understand her and protect her."

At this time, Gu Zhiyi had been listening quietly. There was not much expression on her face, but a hint of complex emotions flashed in her eyes.

Xie Huiyi was silent for a moment, and a wave of respect surged in her heart. She knew that the stepmother in front of her was not only of noble status, but also had extraordinary talents.

She suddenly remembered something, a hint of determination flashed in her eyes, and she said to Gu Zhiyi: "Mother, I have something to ask of you."

"Huiyi, why are you so pale?" Wu Jingying asked with concern. She gently held Xie Huiyi's hands, trying to convey some warmth.

Xie Huiyi forced a smile and said, "Sister-in-law, I was just a little surprised. I'm fine now."

Wu Jingying nodded slightly, a trace of worry flashed in her eyes. She looked at Gu Zhiyi who was sitting at the other end of the carriage, only to see that Gu Zhiyi still had no expression on her face, but her eyes were deep, as if she could see through people's hearts.

"Mother, I have something to discuss with you." Xie Huiyi mustered up the courage and said to Gu Zhiyi.

Gu Zhiyi frowned slightly. She glanced at Xie Huiyi calmly and said, "Tell me, what makes you so nervous?"

Xie Huiyi took a deep breath and mustered up her courage to say, "I...I would like you to accept Yan Tinghan as your apprentice and help him become famous."

The car fell silent for a moment. Wu Jingying looked at Xie Huiyi in surprise. She didn't expect her to make such a bold request. The atmosphere in the car suddenly became tense, and Wu Jingying widened her eyes.

Gu Zhiyi's face darkened, and she glanced at Xie Huiyi sharply, saying in a cold tone: "What did you say? Do you know what you are saying?" Gu Zhiyi's tone was serious, she looked at Xie Huiyi with a hint of blame in her eyes.

"I know, mother." Xie Huiyi answered firmly, "I know this request is presumptuous, but I really want to do it for Yan Tinghan. He is talented and has great literary talent. I believe that under your guidance, he will definitely become the best scholar in the world."

Gu Zhiyi sneered: "Do you think it's so easy to be the best scholar in the world? Do you think your sweetheart really has that kind of talent?"

Xie Huiyi was stunned. She didn't expect Gu Zhiyi to say such a good thing about Yan Tinghan. She argued anxiously, "Mother, Yan Tinghan is really excellent. He..."

"That's enough!" Gu Zhiyi interrupted Xie Huiyi, speaking in a harsher tone, "Let me tell you, the four most famous talents in the world today are Zhou Yu from Jiangnan, Zhuge Liang from Shuzhong, Lu Xun from Dongwu, and Jia Kui from the Central Plains. Compared to them, your sweetheart is not even on the same level. He is not worthy of being my apprentice at all."

Xie Huiyi's face turned pale, with a hint of disappointment in her eyes, but she was still unwilling to give up: "Mother, maybe Yan Tinghan is not good enough now, but as long as he has your guidance, he will definitely stand out."

Gu Zhiyi shook her head and said firmly, "I refuse. I cannot accept someone who has no potential to be a talent as my apprentice."

The atmosphere in the car became increasingly heavy. Wu Jingying looked at the two of them and felt bad. She said softly, "Mother, Huiyi meant well. Please stop blaming her."

Gu Zhiyi glanced at Wu Jingying and said in a slightly slower tone: "I know, but I really can't agree to this request."

Xie Huiyi's tears welled up in her eyes. She bit her lip and tried to hold back her tears: "Sister-in-law, I know Yan Tinghan is still far behind them, but please give him a chance. I believe he will work hard and will definitely impress you."

Wu Jingying looked at Xie Huiyi, feeling sorry for her. She said softly, "Sister-in-law, Huiyi is also kind-hearted. Please give her a chance."

Gu Zhiyi glared at Wu Jingying and said in a somewhat cold tone: "What do you know? Zhuge Suiliang's apprentice must have extraordinary talent and tenacious will. Yan Tinghan is far from meeting this requirement now."