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

Gu Zhiyi showed a relieved smile on her face. She gently embraced Xie Yunce in her arms, tears flashing in her eyes: "Yunce, my good child, you have finally taken this step. From now on, you are my biological son, and I will protect you with all my love."

Hearing Xie Yunce calling her mother, Gu Zhiyi felt warm in her heart. This child had truly accepted her. She gently patted Xie Yunce's shoulder and said, "Yunce, you are a strong child. However, you must also take care of your health and don't overwork yourself."

Gu Zhiyi gently patted Xie Yunce's shoulder and asked with concern: "Yunce, how is your injury? Do you need me to prepare anything special?"

Xie Yunce smiled slightly and shook his head: "Thank you for your concern, mother. My injuries are almost healed. The imperial physician said that as long as I take good care of myself, I will be back to normal soon."

Gu Zhiyi's brows relaxed slightly after hearing this, but she was still worried. She gently held Xie Yunce's hand, her eyes full of concern and worry: "Yunce, your injury... I really can't help but worry about it. When you say 'almost well', how well are you doing? Can you support your daily training?"

Xie Yunce looked at Gu Zhiyi's eyes, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart: "Mother, I am indeed almost healed. The imperial doctors check my wounds every day, and now there is nothing serious. As for training, although it still takes time, I believe I will be able to recover soon."

Gu Zhiyi listened to Xie Yunce's words. Although she was still worried, she also understood his character. Once he made a decision, he would not change it easily. She nodded and said softly, "In that case, I won't ask any more questions. But, Yunce, you must take good care of yourself, understand?"

Xie Yunce smiled slightly and nodded: "I will, mother. Don't worry, I will continue to bring honor to you and the Ningguo Mansion."

Gu Zhiyi turned around, a complex emotion flashed in her eyes: "I was shocked and scared when you blocked the thousand nail boards for me. That kind of punishment makes me terrified just thinking about it. But when you blocked that board for me, I suddenly understood something."

Xie Yunce listened quietly, with a complex emotion welling up in his heart.

Gu Zhiyi continued, "I understand what true courage is. Being brave is not about not being afraid, but being able to stand up and protect the people you want to protect in the face of fear. Yun Ce, you did this, and you showed me the responsibility of a man."

Xie Yunce was moved when he heard this. He stood up, walked to Gu Zhiyi, and bowed deeply: "Mother, thank you for your affirmation. I will continue to work hard to bring honor to you and the Ningguo Mansion."

Gu Zhiyi patted Xie Yunce's shoulder gently, with a hint of determination in her eyes: "Yunce, I believe in you."

"Yunce, your father's death is undoubtedly a huge blow to you." Gu Zhiyi's voice was soft but firm. She stroked Xie Yunce's shoulder, trying to give him strength. "But I understand that you are a responsible child, and you already have a plan in mind."

Xie Yunce nodded, with a hint of determination in his eyes: "Mother, father taught us that the glory of Ningguo Mansion cannot disappear because of his death. My brothers and I have the responsibility to pass on this glory. I will study hard, become an outstanding warrior, and protect Ningguo Mansion."

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly, she understood that Xie Yunce was already prepared. She continued: "Yunce, I agree with your idea. But before that, you still need to prepare for the upcoming entrance examination of Hongmeng Martial Arts College. I heard that the standard of this examination is very strict, and you need time to understand and train."

Xie Yunce's eyes flashed with confusion. He really didn't understand the specific content of the exam. Gu Zhiyi saw his doubts and patted his hands gently: "I have a friend whose son passed the entrance exam of Hongmeng Martial Arts College last year. I can ask him to explain the process and standards of the exam to you so that you can have a general idea."

Xie Yunce's eyes flashed with gratitude. He knew that Gu Zhiyi had always cared about him. He nodded and said sincerely, "Mother, I feel your concern. I will follow your advice, work hard to pass the exam, and live up to your expectations."

"The children of the Duke's Mansion are not bad by nature, they just lack education." Gu Zhiyi recited these words silently in her heart, and a hint of relief flashed in her eyes.

"I must make them understand that being the children of a Duke's Mansion does not only mean enjoying a noble status and treatment, but more importantly, it means shouldering the responsibilities of the family and contributing their own strength to the prosperity of the Western Wei Dynasty." Gu Zhiyi made a secret decision in his heart.

Gu Zhiyi raised her head and turned her gaze from Xie Yunce to the maid Luluo. She was holding an envelope with the words "Gu Zhiyi's Personal Letter" written on it in large letters.

"Show it to me." Gu Zhiyi said calmly, but she was nervous. She took the envelope, her fingers trembling slightly, and she understood what the letter meant.

The maid Luoluo quietly retreated, and Xie Yunce's eyes also fell on the letter. He saw Gu Zhiyi's nervousness, and a trace of doubt arose in his heart.

Gu Zhiyi opened the envelope, took out the letter inside, and looked at the familiar handwriting, but her heart was in turmoil. In the letter, although Mr. Yin's words were polite, they revealed an unquestionable firmness. He had indeed discovered her true identity, and he actually asked her out through the code in the letter. Xie Yunce looked at her, frowning slightly: "Mother, if you have anything to do, you can deal with it first, don't delay the business."

Gu Zhiyi felt warm in her heart. She understood that Xie Yunce was concerned about her and said with a smile, "Thank you, Yunce. I will take care of it."

Gu Zhiyi took a deep breath, folded the letter, and put it in the envelope. She raised her head, looked at Xie Yunce, and smiled, "I have some things to deal with. Don't stay in the sun for too long, so as not to affect the recovery of your wound."

Gu Zhiyi left the garden and headed for the place agreed in the letter, quickening her pace. Gu Zhiyi received the letter in a secluded place, and after opening it, she found that it was the Ninth Prince who asked her to meet at Yi Cui Xuan in Yi Pin Ju.

Gu Zhiyi stood at the window, looking firmly at the distant horizon. She had to demonstrate her strength and wisdom in the negotiations to consolidate her position in the heart of the Ninth Prince.

"Luoluo, go and prepare the carriage. I want to go to Yipinju immediately." Gu Zhiyi's voice was cold and firm. She was confident in her decision.

Luluo left in a hurry, while Gu Zhiyi paced in the room, thinking over and over again about the upcoming meeting. The Ninth Prince was eager to hire someone at this moment, and it was a critical moment when the Nine Princes needed to consolidate their power in the early stage of the struggle for the throne. If I could help him in this struggle, I would surely gain his trust and attention.

Gu Zhiyi took a deep breath, trying to calm her inner tension and excitement.