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

"General Deng, why are you so flustered? What happened?" The third prince spoke in a calm tone, but his eyes revealed a sharpness.

Deng Chengpan didn't even bother to exchange pleasantries, and directly told him the news that Gu Zhiyi had made public and that he was planning to escort Shen Zhengming to the palace to file a complaint. His words were filled with a bit of urgency and anxiety, and he was obviously worried that the Third Prince would not be able to provide help in time.

After hearing this, the Third Prince frowned and remained silent for a moment. Deng Chengpan was an important chess piece in his plan. If Deng Chengpan had any problems, his plan would also be affected.

"General Deng, don't panic. Although Gu Zhiyi's move is unexpected, it is not impossible to deal with." The third prince spoke slowly, his tone revealing a calmness.

Deng Chengpan looked at the third prince anxiously, expecting him to come up with a solution.

"First, you must make sure that Shen Zhengming will not encounter any problems during the escort process. Secondly, I want you to return to Ningguo Mansion immediately and stabilize the situation in the mansion. As for Gu Zhiyi, I will send someone to talk to her and see if I can make her change her mind." Although the third prince's voice was not loud, it was full of firmness and confidence.

Deng Chengpan felt relieved after hearing this. Since the Third Prince said so, he must have a plan to deal with it. He nodded and agreed, ready to act according to the Third Prince's instructions.

“In addition, you must be prepared to deal with the backlash from the Ningguo Mansion. Once Gu Zhiyi goes to the palace to complain, the Ningguo Mansion will become the target of public criticism. You must deploy defenses in the mansion to prevent anyone from taking advantage of the opportunity to cause trouble.” The third prince added, his tone revealing some foresight.

Deng Chengpan wrote them down one by one, and he felt grateful to the Third Prince. In this game of power, he was lucky to have such a backer.

The moment Gu Zhiyi struck the Tongtian Drum, the sound of the drum was as shocking as thunder, penetrating the high walls and deep courtyards of the imperial palace and spreading throughout the capital.

This move undoubtedly caused ripples on the calm surface of the water, attracting widespread attention and discussion from the people. People gathered outside the palace, discussing and speculating on the reasons behind Gu Zhiyi's move.

Seeing this, the guard could not help but step forward to remind Gu Zhiyi: "Madam Gu, beating the Tongtian drum can certainly attract the emperor's attention, but you must know that rolling the thousand-nail board is extremely painful. This rule is usually used to deal with ordinary people. If you insist on doing this, I'm afraid you will suffer a lot."

Gu Zhiyi heard this, her eyes were firm, and she had no intention of backing down. She clenched her fists and said firmly: "I know the pain of this, but I can't sit idly by and watch the Ningguo Mansion suffer an unjust accusation. In order to clear the innocence of the mansion, I am willing to accept the punishment of rolling on a thousand nails board."

After that, Gu Zhiyi turned and walked towards the thousand-nail board. Her movements were calm and firm, as if she had already prepared herself mentally. Seeing this, Xie Yunchen and the other children were very worried and tried to dissuade her, "Mother, don't take any risks. This is too dangerous!"

Gu Zhiyi's eyes were determined. Facing everyone's dissuasion, she just smiled faintly, and there was an unquestionable determination in that smile.

She had come all this way not only for the innocence of her husband, Duke Ning, but also for the honor of the Duke Ning's mansion. She could not retreat, nor could she be afraid.

"I know you are worried about me, but don't forget, I am Gu Zhiyi, I am the mistress of the Ningguo Mansion. I have the responsibility and obligation to expose these conspiracies and let the truth come to light." Gu Zhiyi's voice was low and firm, and her words were full of power.

Xie Yunchen looked at Gu Zhiyi, his heart filled with helplessness and worry. He knew that Gu Zhiyi had made up her mind, and no one's dissuasion could change her determination. He could only take a deep breath and try to calm himself down.

"Mother, rolling on a thousand-nail board is an extremely cruel punishment. You..."

Gu Zhiyi interrupted him, she looked at Xie Yunchen, her eyes full of determination. "I know, but I'm not afraid. As long as I can clear the Ningguo Mansion of injustice, I'm willing to pay any price."

Gu Zhiyi's eyes were as firm as iron, and her figure stood out in the cold wind. Facing the thousand-nail board prepared by the guards, she did not flinch at all, as if it was just a stumbling block on the road to victory. The tears of her children were reflected in her eyes, but she still clenched her fists, ready to take that difficult step.

"Mother, don't!" Xie Yunchen's voice was choked and urgent. He hugged Gu Zhiyi's legs tightly, his eyes full of fear and reluctance. His eyes seemed to say, mother, I would rather bear all the pain than let you get hurt.

Gu Zhiyi gently stroked Xie Yunchen's head, her eyes full of tenderness and determination: "Yunchen, mother knows you are worried, but this is mother's responsibility and the honor of our Ningguo Mansion. Mother cannot retreat because of fear of pain."

Xie Huiyi knelt in front of her mother with tears streaming down her face, her voice trembling: "Mother, you have endured too much for our family. Let us bear it this time, we are willing to be punished for the innocence of our family."

Gu Zhiyi's heart was filled with warmth. She was very pleased that her children were so filial. However, this decision was not only for the family, but also for the Western Wei Dynasty and the people of the world. She slowly stood up, looked at her children, and said firmly: "Children, mother understands your intentions, but this is mother's responsibility and mother's choice. Mother must go."

She looked at the nervous people around her, took a deep breath, and continued, "Rolling the Thousand-Nail Board, this is a severe test. It tests not only courage, but also loyalty and faith. I am willing to accept such a challenge because I know that this is the last line of defense to protect the Duke's Mansion and maintain the reputation of the family."

Although her voice was not loud, it was clearly heard throughout the hall. Everyone looked at her frail figure with respect. Gu Zhiyi's eyes flashed with determination, and she continued, "The enemy is afraid that I will be injured because they know that once I fall, the morale of the Ningguo Mansion will be severely damaged. But they are wrong. I, Gu Zhiyi, am not a weak person. I am willing to endure the pain of a thousand nails for the sake of my family and the Duke's Mansion."

Xie Yunce suddenly rushed out, with a determined light flashing in his eyes: "Mother, let me take your place! I am willing to roll on a thousand-nail board to prove the innocence of the Ningguo Mansion!" His words were firm and powerful, shocking everyone present.

The third prince finally arrived at this time. Seeing Xie Yunce rushing towards the thousand-nail board, his face suddenly became gloomy.

He quickly stepped forward, grabbed a guard, and said in a cold tone: "Quick, stop him! Don't let him get hurt!"

The guard quickly reacted, rushed forward, and grabbed Xie Yunce's arm tightly. However, Xie Yunce's momentum was too great, and when the guard grabbed him, one side of his body had already touched the nails on the thousand-nail board.

"Ah!" Xie Yunce screamed, and blood immediately seeped out of his clothes, staining the ground red. His body trembled instantly, but his eyes remained firm.