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

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly. Jiang Shaohan was not a frivolous person. His calmness and wisdom were exactly what she admired.

"So, how does the Ninth Prince plan to build a stronger relationship with our Ningguo Mansion?"

Jiang Shaohan thought for a moment, then slowly said: "I will start by making friends with the children you raised. They are not only your blood, but also the future of the Ningguo Mansion. Through them, I can better understand the situation in the mansion, and gradually win the trust of you and other family members."

Gu Zhiyi's eyes flashed with approval. The Ninth Prince's choice was wise. Her children were all outstanding people. If she could get their support, the cooperation with Jiang Shaohan would be more stable.

"The Ninth Prince is indeed far-sighted. So, how will you handle the affairs of the Duke's Mansion?"

Jiang Shaohan pondered for a moment, then said: "I will respect the rules and traditions of the Duke's Mansion, and at the same time I will look for the right opportunity to bring more benefits to the Duke's Mansion. As for opportunities to make friends and marriage relationships, I will consider them carefully and will not act rashly."

Gu Zhiyi nodded. Jiang Shaohan's promise was not empty words. She pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Ninth Prince, do you know why I value cooperation with you so much?"

Jiang Shaohan smiled slightly.

"I am willing to listen."

Gu Zhiyi looked at Jiang Shaohan deeply, and then said: "Because I understand that you not only have a noble status, but also have outstanding wisdom and great ambitions. Only by cooperating with you can my Gu family have a brighter future."

Jiang Shaohan's heart moved, he felt Gu Zhiyi's sincerity and trust. This kind of trust is not easy to get, he must use practical actions to prove his worth.

"Madam Gu, don't worry. I will do my best to create a better future for you, the Ningguo Mansion, and Western Wei."

"Madam, what do you think about the state affairs of the Western Wei Dynasty?" Jiang Shaohan asked softly, with a hint of expectation in his eyes.

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly, gently fiddled with the teacup in her hand, and slowly spoke: "State affairs are like chess, and every step needs to be cautious. I think that the current stability of the Western Wei Dynasty depends not only on the wise decisions of the court, but also on the diligence and wisdom of the people. Only when the people are united can the Western Wei Dynasty be stable and long-lasting."

Jiang Shaohan's eyes flashed with praise, and he couldn't help but sigh: "Miss Gu's talent is amazing. I have one thing I don't understand, and I hope you can enlighten me. What do you think of the status of women in the Western Wei Dynasty?"

Gu Zhiyi smiled gently, her eyes firm: "Women are not weak, they also have wisdom and talent. In ancient times, many women have made brilliant achievements in many fields. I think that the Western Wei Dynasty should give women more opportunities and respect, so that they can give full play to their talents and contribute to the development of the Western Wei Dynasty."

Jiang Shaohan's blood boiled after hearing this. He stood up and bowed deeply to Gu Zhiyi: "Madam Gu, I am deeply inspired by your remarks. My previous prejudice against women was really narrow-minded. From now on, I will look at women with a new perspective and fight for more rights for them."

Gu Zhiyi smiled and returned the greeting: "It is a blessing for our people that the Ninth Prince is so open-minded. I believe that under your leadership, the Western Wei will surely become more prosperous."

Jiang Shaohan looked out the window at the deepening night, his heart filled with emotion: "Mrs. Gu, I have benefited a lot from communicating with you today. I look forward to meeting you next time."

Gu Zhiyi nodded gently and smiled, "I am also looking forward to meeting the Ninth Prince again."

……

Gu Zhiyi came back from Yipinju, staggering and dazed. She was drunk and holding the edge of the carriage, and got off with difficulty. Seeing this, Luluo, who was guarding the carriage, hurried forward to support her and said distressedly: "Miss, you have drunk too much, go back to your room and rest."

Gu Zhiyi had a splitting headache. She frowned and shook her head vigorously, trying to sober herself up. However, the effect of alcohol made it impossible for her to get rid of the dizziness. She leaned on Luluo's shoulder and said weakly, "Luluo, I have a severe headache. Please prepare some hangover soup for me."

Luluo nodded in agreement, and carefully helped Gu Zhiyi back to the mansion.

When they arrived at the Ningguo Mansion, Xiao Xiying found that her senior sister Gu Zhiyi was drunk, so she carried her back to the mansion. Xiao Xiying picked up the drunken lady, walked quickly through the front hall, and went straight to the backyard.

In the back garden of Ningguo Mansion, there are green trees and the fragrance of flowers.

Xie Yunchen was strolling on the winding path when suddenly he saw Xiao Xiying hugging her mother Gu Zhiyi. His eyes froze instantly and his surprise was beyond words.

Xie Yunchen walked forward quickly, frowning, and asked worriedly: "What's going on, mother? What happened to mother?"

Xiao Xiying gently shook her head, with a soothing smile on her lips, and explained softly: "Yun Chen, you don't have to worry. Your mother just had a heat stroke. I just fed her some heat-relief soup, and she is just asleep now."

Xie Yunchen was still worried, staring at Gu Zhiyi's pale face: "Heatstroke? How could it happen so suddenly?"

Xiao Xiying gently laid Gu Zhiyi on a nearby stone bench, then turned to face Xie Yunchen, her tone calm and firm: "It's unusually hot today, your mother may have accidentally caught a heat stroke while playing outside. But don't worry, I have asked the servants to prepare clean water and fans, she should feel better soon."

"I have an idea." Xie Yunchen said, his voice gentle but firm, "Let's make some mung bean soup, which can clear away heat and detoxify, and also relieve summer heat and thirst. I'll have someone prepare it right away."

Xie Yunchen immediately turned around and gave instructions to the servants. He appointed the best chef in the mansion and asked him to personally cook the mung bean soup and finish it as soon as possible. The servants took the order and left, and the mansion immediately became busy.

Xie Yunchen said worriedly, "I just realized that mother is too important to our Ningguo Mansion. She is not only the Ningguo Duke's second wife, but also the support of us brothers and sisters. If we accidentally make her unhappy, I'm afraid the whole mansion will be affected."

Xiao Xiying looked at Xie Yunchen and said, "I understand what you mean. Your mother has a gentle personality and extraordinary wisdom. It is not easy for her to stabilize the situation in the Ningguo Mansion. You should cherish her more instead of letting her feel isolated and helpless."

Xie Yunchen nodded, with a hint of determination in his eyes: "So, I decided to remind my brothers and sisters not to easily make mother angry. After all, her mood directly affects the harmony of Ningguo Mansion."

Xiao Xiying sighed softly: "Yes, your mother's situation is not easy. She has to deal with the complicated relationships in the Ningguo Mansion and the criticism from the outside world. I think you should try to reduce her burden."

Xiao Xiying smiled slightly: "In fact, I think the life of a stepmother and a widow is also pretty good. At least, she can live according to her own wishes and does not have to be controlled by others. In the Ningguo Mansion, she has enough freedom to arrange her own life, which is a luxury for many people."