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

Xie Huixuan blushed and lowered her head in embarrassment: "Mother, I do have some selfish motives, but I am also interested in literature."

Gu Zhiyi sighed and said earnestly: "Huixuan, I know you are smart, but you have to understand that true learning is not achieved overnight, nor is it for fame and fortune. If you really love literature, you should calm down and study hard."

At this time, Xie Huiyi stood behind the screen and couldn't help but feel relieved when she heard Gu Zhiyi's rejection. She knew that her chances were bigger, but she was also a little worried. After all, Xie Huixuan was her half-sister, and she didn't want to hurt her sister's feelings because of this matter.

Xie Huiyi's heart was full of contradictions. On the one hand, she hoped that her sister could achieve something, but on the other hand, she was afraid that her sister would take away her only chance. She bit her lips tightly and said to herself, "Master Jiang, you must not accept her as your disciple, but only me."

Xie Huixuan insisted: "Mother, I know you are worried, but I believe that as long as I am sincere in my studies, I will be able to impress Master Jiang. She is a wise teacher and will definitely see my sincerity."

Gu Zhiyi shook her head gently, and said in a gentle tone: "Xuan'er, your persistence is gratifying, but the personality match between master and apprentice is also very important. Master Jiang has a strict personality, and you are free by nature. Can you really make up for the gap between them?"

Xie Huixuan bit her lip tightly, a trace of confusion flashed in her eyes, but she soon became firm again: "Mother, I know the shortcomings of my character, but I will work hard to change and adapt. As long as I can learn from Master Jiang, I am willing to pay any price."

Gu Zhiyi looked at Xie Huixuan and sighed in her heart. This child was so determined, what else could she say? She pondered for a moment and said, "Okay, since you insist on doing this, I can let you study with Master Jiang first, but you will only be a nominal disciple, not a direct disciple. In this way, you will have the opportunity to contact Master Jiang without embarrassing her."

She knew that Gu Zhiyi's suggestion was an important turning point for her, but she couldn't make a decision easily. She didn't want to share the same master with Xie Huiyi, which was not only related to her studies, but also to her inner self-esteem and pride.

Gu Zhiyi looked at her hesitant expression, sighed softly, and said slowly: "I will give you a satisfactory answer within half a month, so that you can rest assured."

Xie Huixuan was silent for a moment, weighing the pros and cons in her mind. She knew that Gu Zhiyi had good intentions, but she really didn't want to have anything to do with Xie Huiyi. She tried to say calmly: "Mother, I understand your good intentions. I accept your suggestion and wait for your reply in half a month."

Gu Zhiyi told Xie Huixuan lightly, with a calm tone: "This year's hairpin flower party of Dingyuan Marquis' Mansion will be held at the beginning of the month, and all the famous ladies in the capital will be present. This is a good opportunity for you to show your talents and make good friends."

Gu Zhiyi gently stroked a blooming crabapple flower, slightly tilted her head, and looked at Xie Huixuan meaningfully: "Xuan'er, you seem to be quite concerned about the recent hairpin flower party."

Xie Huixuan smiled slightly, her eyes moved, and she nodded gently: "Mother is right, I am indeed curious about the Hairpin Flower Club. However, I don't have high hopes for those proposals from noble families."

Gu Zhiyi asked, "Xuan'er, do you really not hold out much hope for marriage proposals from those noble young masters?"

Xie Huixuan nodded slightly, with a look of indifference in her eyes: "Mother, I know my status and position, and I also know the thoughts of those noble families. The reason they proposed marriage is nothing more than that they are attracted by the power of our Ningguo Mansion. I don't expect to marry them, I just hope to find someone who truly understands me and cherishes me."

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly, her eyes full of appreciation: "Xuan'er, I'm glad you think this way. But you have to know that in this world, marriage is often beyond your control. Sometimes, fate will bring you unexpected surprises."

Xie Huixuan lowered her head slightly, her fingers unconsciously fiddling with the corners of her clothes, and her tone was somewhat helpless: "I know, but I don't have too high expectations for those young masters of noble families. They either think too highly of themselves or are too reserved. I really don't know how to get along with them."

Gu Zhiyi gently patted Xie Huixuan's shoulder and smiled, "Xuan'er, marriage is all about fate. You don't have to be too anxious. Just do your best. One day, you will meet someone who is in tune with you."

Gu Zhiyi turned to Xie Huiyi and said, "You can go and have a look too."

As soon as Gu Zhiyi finished speaking, Xie Huiyi's tears fell like beads from a broken string. She sobbed and shook her head, her tone somewhat stubborn: "Mother, I really don't want to go. Those children of aristocratic families are all hypocritical and pretentious. What will happen if I go? Do I have to sacrifice my happiness just to marry a powerful man?"

Gu Zhiyi gently patted Xie Huiyi's shoulder, a hint of helplessness flashed in her eyes, and she was also a little firm: "Huiyi, I know what you are thinking, but you also understand that in this world, if a woman wants to gain a foothold, she must have a strong background to support her. Participating in the hairpin flower meeting is not only to make friends, but also to make your future path smoother."

Xie Huixuan stood aside, frowning. She really couldn't understand her sister's thoughts. She walked forward and whispered, "Sister, why do you always think about that poor boy Yan Tinghan? What virtue and ability does he have that deserves your efforts for him?"

Xie Huiyi's eyes widened, tears blurring her vision. She angrily retorted, "You don't understand. I like him because he is sincere and kind. He won't change himself for power and status. And he also likes me and is willing to give everything for me."

Tears glistened in Xie Huiyi's eyes. She looked at Xie Huixuan, the corners of her lips trembling slightly. She seemed to want to say something, but her voice was choked in her throat.

Xie Huixuan frowned, looking impatient. She raised her voice, "Sister, what's wrong with you? I'm just telling you the truth. Look at you, since you met Yan Tinghan, you have become more and more closed. You don't even have a friend."

Xie Huiyi's tears burst out again. She bit her lip and said in a trembling voice, "I just... I just don't want to get along with people too casually. I... I also need time to get to know them."

"Understand? You are just trying to avoid me!" Xie Huixuan raised her voice and slapped the table excitedly. "Look at me. Which of my close friends was not met at banquets? You always hide at home and don't even want to go out. If you continue like this, how can you integrate into the circle of noble ladies in Beijing?"

Xie Huiyi's face turned paler and she whispered, "I know, I just... just..."