At this time, the old lady noticed two girls standing quietly in the corner. They were Xie Huiyi and Xie Huixuan. They were the daughters of the Ningguo Mansion, but they seemed very low-key at this moment.

The old lady's heart moved, and she thought to herself: "These two girls are not simple. Although they are silent, they have extraordinary temperaments and will definitely achieve something in the future. I have to observe them carefully to see if they can become my granddaughters-in-law in the future."

Gu Zhiyi chuckled and said, "Old Lady, the weather is getting colder, you should take care of your health."

The old lady smiled slightly, with a gleam of relief in her eyes: "Zhiyi, you are always so considerate. I am still in good health, so you young people don't have to worry."

Jiang Minjun added: "Yes, the old lady was the pillar of the mansion when she was young. She is still energetic and is a role model for us younger generations."

The old lady smiled with satisfaction after hearing this. She gently patted Jiang Minyun's hand and said, "Minyun, your clever words always make people feel warm."

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly and said to the old lady, "Old lady, it's getting late. We sisters should go back to prepare dinner. How about inviting you to come over another day to taste tea and discuss poetry?"

There was a hint of helplessness in the old lady's eyes, but she still had a kind smile on her face: "Well, since you all have things to do, let's get together another day. Zhiyi, Minyun, you guys should take good care of yourselves."

Gu Zhiyi and Jiang Minjun bowed slightly and responded, "Yes, don't worry, old lady."

The two of them took Xie Huiyi and Xie Huixuan through the garden and walked along the winding path. At this time, the sun was setting, and the afterglow sprinkled on them, forming a beautiful silhouette.

The wife of Marquis Jing'an walked slowly into the flower hall, her skirt dragging on the ground, her steps light, and a perfect smile on her face. Everyone stood up and saluted her. She nodded slightly and her eyes fell on the wife of Marquis Yongchang.

"What did Madam Gu Zhiyi of the Duke of Ningguo's Mansion talk about with the old lady just now? I came late and missed this good show." Madam Jing'an Marquis asked with a smile, her eyes revealing a curious look.

The wife of the Marquis of Yongchang smiled softly and said, "Madam Gu is indeed very funny. She talked to the old lady about many interesting things and made her laugh heartily. Her talent and wit are truly amazing."

A trace of envy flashed across Lady Jing'an's eyes, but she quickly concealed her emotions and said with a smile, "Then I really missed it. When did Gu Zhiyi become so eloquent?"

Madam Yongchang nodded slightly, a trace of deep thought flashed in her eyes, and said: "Yes, her current changes are indeed surprising. However, I think she is still the straightforward Gu Zhiyi, just more confident and calm."

Madam Jing'an smiled slightly and turned to the others: "What do you think?"

Everyone agreed, some said Gu Zhiyi had become more charming, some said she had become smarter. For a moment, the hall was bustling with activity.

At this time, the wife of the Marquis of Yongchang was slightly moved. She thought to herself that if Gu Zhiyi was the apprentice of Tang Daru, this identity would definitely attract the attention of countless people. A hint of determination flashed in her eyes, and she decided to keep it secret for the time being to reduce the number of competitors.

In the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, the lights were on and the whole banquet hall was filled with laughter. Halfway through the banquet, Xie Huiyi and Xie Huixuan were happily playing the game of pitching pots under the light of red candles. The laughter of the two girls was as clear as silver bells.

On the other side, Lady Gu Zhiyi of Duke Ningguo and Jiang Minyun sat opposite each other, sipping the mellow and fragrant fruit wine and talking in low voices.

Suddenly, Mrs. Jiang came through the crowd, panting, and came to Jiang Minyun. She looked anxious, took Jiang Minyun's hand, and whispered, "Minyun, your aunt is suddenly unwell, and I have to take you to see her. Go with your mother first and come back later."

Jiang Minjun was slightly stunned, put down the wine glass in his hand, stood up, and said goodbye to Gu Zhiyi: "Junior sister, I will be back soon. If you have anything, just tell the servants."

Gu Zhiyi looked at Jiang Minyun's hurriedly leaving back, and a trace of uneasiness surged in her heart. She stood up and said to Xie Huiyi and Xie Huixuan beside her: "You two, come with me to see your master."

Xie Huiyi and Xie Huixuan stared at Gu Zhiyi with wide eyes. Xie Huiyi said nervously, "Mother, we...we shouldn't go?"

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly and patted Xie Huiyi's shoulder gently: "You have grown up. This is a life experience lesson. You should go and see it."

Xie Huixuan nodded in agreement. Although Xie Huiyi was afraid, she was unwilling to fall behind her sister, so the two sisters followed Gu Zhiyi through the crowd and walked towards Madam Jiang.

Along the way, Gu Zhiyi talked with the two sisters.

"Mother, will Master be in any trouble?" Xie Huixuan asked curiously.

Gu Zhiyi frowned slightly and said, "I believe she can handle it. However, you must remember that no matter what happens later, you must not make any noise. You can only speak with my permission."

"Why?" Xie Huiyi asked puzzledly.

Gu Zhiyi sighed: "You don't understand yet. Remember, no matter what, doing your best to protect yourself is the most important thing."

……

In the warm room of Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, light shines through the thin window paper, sprinkles on the exquisite tea set, and reflects a faint luster.

Mrs. Deng sat upright on a mahogany chair, holding a cup of fragrant tea in her hand, looking at Jiang Minjun with a smile.

Mrs. Deng's eyes were as gentle as water. She said softly, "Minyun, you are getting more and more beautiful. If you become my daughter-in-law, I will love you well and let you live a carefree life in our Ye family."

Jiang Minyun smiled and responded politely: "Aunt, you are too kind. Matters concerning marriage still need to be decided by my father. I... I also yearn for a free life."

Deng was slightly stunned, with displeasure flashing in her eyes, but she soon regained her composure. She put down the teacup in her hand and said, "Minyun, what do you mean? Do you think our Ye family is not worthy of you?"

Jiang Minjun hurriedly shook her head and explained, "Aunt, you misunderstood. The Deng family is a famous and prestigious family. How dare I have such unreasonable thoughts. However, I grew up in a marquis's mansion since I was a child. I know that the marquis's mansion is as deep as the sea. I... I prefer a free and unrestrained life."

Mrs. Deng looked a little unhappy. She frowned and was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Minyun, you are my niece, I will naturally not let you suffer any injustice. But you should also understand that marriage is a major event in life. If you blindly pursue freedom, I am afraid you will regret it in the future."

The atmosphere at this moment suddenly became heavy, and the light outside the window seemed to dim a little. Mrs. Jiang walked out from behind the screen, with a hint of coldness in her eyes, looking at her daughter Jiang Minyun, and said in a serious tone: "Minyun, your aunt's kindness, how can you be so ungrateful?"

Jiang Minjun's eyes flashed with stubbornness. She lowered her head slightly and said softly, "Mother, I know you and my aunt are doing this for my own good, but marriage is about a lifetime of happiness. I don't want to make a hasty decision."

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