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

Yao pretended to be worried and said in a heavy tone, "Master, don't you know yet? Something big happened in the Ningguo Mansion. Rumors are everywhere. I heard that they are not good for Zhiyi."

Gu Zhongyu's mouth curled up with a hint of irony. He put down his wine glass and looked directly at Yao: "Oh? Where did you hear these rumors, Madam?"

Yao seemed a little flustered, but she quickly adjusted herself and said, "I heard it from the servants in the mansion. They were all talking about it. I didn't believe it at first, but now I have to believe it. Zhiping said before that the Ningguo Mansion is a den of dragons and tigers."

Yao pretended to be worried and said, "I heard that the Ningguo Mansion is now a den of dragons and tigers. I'm afraid Zhiyi's reputation will be difficult to protect. I didn't believe it at first, but now I have to believe what my daughter Zhiping said."

Gu Zhongyu chuckled and said, "Madam, are you worried about Zhiyi, or are you glad that your daughter's words have been verified?"

Yao pretended to be worried: "Of course I am worried about Zhiyi's reputation, and I am also worried about the reputation of the Gu family. We are all family, how can I not think about her?"

Gu Zhongyu sneered: "Madam, you have collected a lot of rumors that are unfavorable to Zhiyi. So, what do you think of these rumors?"

Yao pretended to be sad: "Of course I am worried about Zhiyi's reputation, and also the reputation of our Gu family. Zhiyi is our Gu family's daughter. If something happens to her, how can we as parents not be anxious?"

Gu Zhongyu stared at Yao with sharp eyes: "Madam, have you forgotten that Zhiyi did not anger the emperor, but was instead conferred the title of First-Rank Imperial Lady. This is the emperor's favor to her, and it is also an honor for our Gu family."

Yao's face instantly became a mixture of shock and jealousy. She looked at Gu Zhongyu in disbelief: "What did you say? Zhiyi was conferred the title of First-Rank Imperial Consort? How is this possible?"

Gu Zhongyu said calmly: "Zhiyi won the imperial decree by bringing her children with her. She used her talent and hard work to win the favor of the emperor. If it was Zhiping, the result might be completely different."

Yao's expression became even uglier. She clenched her fists angrily and said, "Master, are you mocking me? I know Zhiping is not as good as Zhiyi, but she has already received the punishment she deserves."

Gu Zhongyu said seriously, "Madam, don't you understand? Opportunities are reserved for those who are prepared. Zhiyi has come this far because of her own efforts. Your doting on Zhiping has made her lose the opportunity to grow."

Gu Zhongyu said coldly: "Punishment? Do you think punishment can make up for everything? Madam, you are wrong. What you have done has made you lose the qualification to be a mother. From today on, you will kneel down in the ancestral hall and reflect on yourself for three days."

Yao's eyes widened, tears welling up in her eyes: "Master, how could you do this to me? I'm doing this for the good of the Gu family."

Gu Zhongyu said firmly: "What you call doing good for the Gu family is nothing more than satisfying your own selfish desires. Madam, you should reflect on your behavior."

Yao knelt on the ground crying, she begged, "Master, please let me go. I will definitely treat Zhiyi and Zhiping well in the future."

Gu Zhongyu ignored her and turned to leave the small garden. A trace of resentment flashed in Yao's eyes.

Gu Zhiyi was lying on the couch in the main house of the Ningguo Mansion, with her eyes slightly closed, her tired face showing a trace of pale tranquility. Luluo gently massaged her shoulders, her technique was skillful and delicate. Gu Zhiyi slowly opened her eyes, looked at Luluo, and said in a hoarse voice: "Luluo, is father...really worried about me?"

Luoluo stopped what she was doing, leaned forward slightly, and answered softly, "Miss, the master is indeed very worried about you. He has been walking around the mansion anxiously these past few days, and even put his official duties aside temporarily. I heard that he was very angry with his second wife, Yao, because of you."

Gu Zhiyi frowned slightly and sneered, "Worried? His concern is too late, Luluo. I have been in the mansion for so many years, when has he ever really cared about me? If it weren't for the fact that I am now of useable value, he probably wouldn't even bother to look at me."

Luoluo sighed softly and said slowly: "Miss, you are telling the truth. But at least now, the master has realized his mistake and is willing to punish Yao for your grievance. Perhaps, this is a turning point."

Gu Zhiyi was silent for a moment, with a complex emotion flashing in her eyes: "A turn for the better? Maybe. But I'm not sure if I'm willing to accept such a turn for the better. Luoluo, do you know? When I was at my mother's house, I always carefully concealed my edge, for fear that my father would find out."

Luoluo was a little surprised: "Miss, are you hiding your edge?"

Gu Zhiyi nodded, a bitter smile flashed in her eyes: "Yes, I am afraid that my father will use me and exploit my value. He knows that I know medicine, business, and even some official tactics. If he knew my true talents, I am afraid he would use me without hesitation and arrange things for me that I don't want to do."

Green Radish listened and couldn't help but feel some sympathy in her heart: "Miss, you are so smart."

Gu Zhiyi shook her head gently: "Being smart is not always a good thing, Luluo. It will allow you to see through many things, including the evil of people's hearts. However, I am now glad that I did not expose my talent when I was at my mother's house. Otherwise, I might not be here now, but be bound in the mansion by my father and used by him."

Luoluo nodded silently. Gu Zhiyi was telling the truth. In a large family like the Gu family, the status of women often depends on how much benefit they can bring to the family.

"Miss, what are you going to do next?" Luoluo couldn't help but ask.

Gu Zhiyi pondered for a moment, then slowly said: "There is no extra affection between my father and I. We each play our respective roles, do not affect each other, and live in peace. I have decided not to pursue the mistakes and right and wrong of the Gu family in the past. I just hope to keep a distance from my father and have nothing to do with each other."

After hearing what Gu Zhiyi said, Luluo couldn't help but feel a little emotional. Her master was a sober and determined woman. Although her choice made people sympathize with her, it also made people admire her.

"Miss, you are so awake that it makes me feel sad." Luoluo said softly.

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly, patted Luoluo's hand, and said: "Luluo, I know you really care about me. But life is like this. Sometimes, we must learn to let go in order to have a new beginning."

Luoluo was silent for a moment, and suddenly said: "Miss, do you regret it now? If you hadn't hidden your edge at the beginning, perhaps the situation would be different now."

Gu Zhiyi's eyes were firm: "No, I don't regret it. Even though the current situation is not ideal, at least I have retained my freedom. Moreover, I believe that one day, I will be able to use my talents to truly live for myself."