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

Soon, the carriage was ready, and Luluo opened the door for her personally. Gu Zhiyi nodded slightly and sat in gracefully. The carriage started slowly and drove towards Yipinju.

The carriage slowly drove out of the mansion. Along the way, Gu Zhiyi became more and more nervous. She closed her eyes and tried to rehearse the upcoming conversation in her mind.

I cannot afford to be negligent, because every word and sentence may affect the future situation.

She imagined the scene of meeting the Ninth Prince and thought about how to better demonstrate her strength and wisdom.

Gu Zhiyi's trip in the Duke's Mansion's carriage undoubtedly caused a sensation in Kyoto. The carriage was gorgeously decorated, with exquisite patterns carved on the body and bright gems inlaid on the shaft, which sparkled brightly. People along the way stopped to watch, marveling at the luxury of the Duke's Mansion and Gu Zhiyi's demeanor.

The carriage slowly drove towards Yicuixuan, the most famous restaurant in Kyoto, and a place frequented by dignitaries. After Gu Zhiyi got off the carriage, she immediately attracted countless eyes. She was wearing a lavender silk dress embroidered with delicate butterflies, and she walked like a fairy dancing in the spring. Her beauty and temperament made everyone present fall in love with her.

Gu Zhiyi walked into Yicuixuan, and the waiter who had been waiting there for a long time came to greet her immediately, and arranged the best private room for her with a smile on his face. In the private room, the beautiful scenery outside the window was in full view, and the breeze blew, making the bamboo leaves on the window lattice rustle, which was refreshing.

Soon, Gu Zhiyi waited leisurely in the private room for the arrival of the Ninth Prince Yin. She gently brushed away the dust on the table, picked up the wine glass on the table, tilted it gently, and poured the fruit wine into the glass. The fruit wine was crystal clear and exuded a light fruity fragrance, which was intoxicating.

The maid Luluo gently opened the door and announced with a hint of respect: "Miss, the Ninth Prince has arrived."

Gu Zhiyi slowly stood up, her eyes passed through Luluo's shoulders and fell on the Ninth Prince in a light blue robe. The Ninth Prince Jiang Shaohan stepped into the private room, his sword-like eyebrows and star-like eyes revealed a subtle scrutiny.

"Luluo, close the door." Gu Zhiyi ordered softly, then turned to face the Ninth Prince and said with a smile: "Mr. Jiang, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

The Ninth Prince Jiang Shaohan nodded slightly, his eyes stayed on Gu Zhiyi's face for a moment, and then he slowly said: "Madam, you are indeed a peculiar woman."

Gu Zhiyi said generously, "Mr. Jiang, you are too kind. Please take a seat."

After the two of them sat down, Gu Zhiyi personally poured a cup of tea for the Ninth Prince and said softly, "Master Jiang, you don't seem to care about my identity as a woman. Why is that?"

The Ninth Prince Jiang Shaohan chuckled, his eyes revealing a hint of depth: "Madam, in this world, gender distinctions are not absolute. Since you can stand out in this chaotic world, why should I care about your gender?"

Gu Zhiyi's heart was moved. She didn't expect the Ninth Prince to be so open-minded. She smiled gently: "Mr. Jiang, I am really pleased that you address me as 'you' so respectfully. Then, I have an unwelcome request. I wonder if you can agree to it?"

The Ninth Prince Jiang Shaohan raised his eyebrows, with a hint of curiosity in his eyes: "Madam, please go ahead."

Gu Zhiyi smiled softly: "I have been researching a new kind of fruit wine recently. I wonder if Mr. Jiang would like to taste it?"

Ninth Prince Jiang Shaohan's eyes flashed with surprise, but then he smiled and said, "Of course, I want to see what methods you have, Gu Zhiyi."

Soon, the maid Luluo brought the newly brewed fruit wine, which was fragrant and attractive in color. Gu Zhiyi raised the glass gently and said with a smile: "Mr. Jiang, please."

The Ninth Prince Jiang Shaohan smiled gently, raised his glass and drank it all with Gu Zhiyi. The sweetness of the fruit wine spread in his mouth, and he couldn't help but admire: "Madam, you really live up to your reputation."

He picked up the wine glass on the table, took a sip, then looked at his wife and suddenly asked, "Madam, will you meet as promised next month?"

Gu Zhiyi was stunned. She didn't expect the Ninth Prince to suddenly ask this question. She looked at the Ninth Prince, smiled slightly, and said frankly: "Ninth Prince, I never break my promise. As long as I promise something, I will definitely do it."

After hearing this, Master Yin's eyes flashed with admiration. He put down his wine glass, looked at his wife, and said, "Madam, I admire your character. In fact, I have a secret that I have always wanted to tell you."

The Ninth Prince took a deep breath, then looked at his wife and said, "Madam, do you understand? If I had known your identity earlier, I might have tried to find a new marriage for you to avoid your fate of becoming a widow."

Gu Zhiyi was slightly stunned. She didn't expect the Ninth Prince to make such a suggestion. She pondered for a moment, then said sincerely: "Ninth Prince, Zhiyi thanks you for your concern. But this is my own choice, and I don't regret it. A woman doesn't necessarily have to get married to be perfect. I am willing to take responsibility for my choice."

Upon hearing this, the Ninth Prince frowned, looking somewhat confused and incomprehensible: "Madam, I really don't understand your thoughts. Shouldn't a woman's life depend on a man?"

Gu Zhiyi smiled lightly, with a hint of determination in her eyes: "Ninth Prince, I understand that your thoughts represent many people. But I don't want to be trapped in the backyard for my whole life. I chose the Ningguo Mansion because I can get absolute freedom. I am willing to raise children for the Duke's Mansion, and in return, I hope to get absolute freedom in the Duke's Mansion."

After hearing this, the Ninth Prince Jiang Shaohan was shocked, but a hint of excitement flashed in his eyes. He realized that the woman in front of him was a unique existence. He pondered for a moment, then slowly said: "Madam, your idea really shocked me. But I am curious, why are you so determined?"

Gu Zhiyi said firmly: "Ninth Prince, I think everyone in this world has their own pursuits and dreams. For me, freedom is my lifelong pursuit. I am willing to pay the price for my choice, even if it means loneliness and misunderstanding."

After hearing this, the Ninth Prince was silent for a moment, then nodded gently: "Madam, I admire your courage and determination. I understand that your choice was not made on impulse, but after careful consideration. Then, I will not persuade you anymore."

Gu Zhiyi smiled and nodded: "Thank you for your understanding, Ninth Prince."

The Ninth Prince Jiang Shaohan saw a unique charm in Gu Zhiyi, while Gu Zhiyi felt a rare understanding and respect from the Ninth Prince.

Jiang Shaohan's eyes revealed respect and admiration for Gu Zhiyi: "Madam, you have really put a lot of effort into educating the children of the Duke's Mansion. I am moved and envious of them as I watch them grow up one by one."

Gu Zhiyi shook her head slightly, her eyes revealing a hint of determination: "Ninth Prince, you are too kind. Educating children is a mother's responsibility. I am just doing my best. Moreover, I know very well that the results of education can only be truly reflected when they grow up and face severe challenges."