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

After dealing with Xie Huiyi's incident, Gu Zhiyi leaned leisurely on the rattan chair and continued to look at the account books of the mansion.

Just then, the maid Luluo walked in hurriedly. She looked flustered and there was a hint of sweat on her forehead.

"Madam, something's wrong!" Luoluo panted, with a tremor in her voice.

Gu Zhiyi stared at the account book without looking up. She only raised her eyelids slightly and said calmly, "Why are you so nervous?"

"It's Aunt Zhao, she...she's crying and accusing you of not tolerating her." Luoluo bit her lower lip, as if she didn't know how to start.

Gu Zhiyi frowned slightly, with a hint of coldness in her eyes, "What did she say?"

Luoluo swallowed and lowered her head and said, "She...she said some unpleasant words, ma'am, please don't be angry."

Gu Zhiyi's expression did not change because of Luluo's words. She remained calm and said, "Why should I be angry?"

Luluo said, "Miss, my maid's family is the General Zhengxi Mansion!"

Gu Zhiyi chuckled and said, "Luluo, what you said is really new. So what if Aunt Zhao's family is the General of the Western Expedition? It's just an empty title. She can gain a foothold in the general's mansion, but it doesn't mean she can thrive in my Gu Mansion."

Hearing this, Luluo curled her lips and said, "Miss, you are too confident. You have seen Aunt Zhao's methods. Her influence in the mansion is growing day by day. Aren't you worried?"

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly, with a hint of determination in her eyes: "Of course I have to be careful, but what's the point of worrying? It's better to think of a way to deal with it."

Luoluo pondered for a moment and said, "Miss, you are right. Then how should we deal with it?"

Gu Zhiyi's eyes flashed with a gleam of light, and she said, "If you want to gain a foothold in the Gu Mansion, the first thing you have to do is to win the hearts of the people. Although Aunt Zhao has a strong backing, if she loses the hearts of the people, her status will plummet."

Suddenly, Gu Zhiyi slapped her thigh and said, "By the way, today is the fifteenth day, Luluo, has there been any letter from Yipinju?"

Green ivy shook her head.

Gu Zhiyi frowned, slowly stood up, walked to the window, and was silent for a moment.

I couldn't help but think of the past events with Jiang Shaohan in my previous life.

She once used the pseudonym Zhuge Suiliang and worked in the Yipinju restaurant, giving advice to the seventh prince Jiang Shaohan and helping him ascend the throne.

When Jiang Shaohan inherited the throne and was rewarding people for their contributions, she let Shen Dinglian take the credit for her own work in order to lend a helping hand.

As a result, Shen Dinglian rose to the pinnacle of power overnight and became the youngest prime minister of the cabinet at that time.

Gu Zhiyi was immersed in her memories when Luluo stepped forward and said, "Madam, Master Yin sent someone to send his regards, saying that he was wondering if you were doing well these days."

Gu Zhiyi pulled her thoughts away from her memories, a complex emotion flashed across her eyes, and then she regained her composure.

She nodded slightly and said calmly: "Luluo, go and tell him that I appreciate Mr. Yin's concern. Tell him that I will be free next month and we can meet then."

Luoluo obeyed the order and turned to leave, but she saw a hint of hesitation in Gu Zhiyi's eyes. She turned back and asked, "Madam, have you really decided to meet Master Yin again next month?"

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly, with a firm look in her eyes: "Luluo, what do you think?"

Luoluo pondered for a moment and said, "Madam has not yet established a firm foothold in the Duke's Mansion. If she meets Master Yin again at this time, I am afraid it will cause criticism. But Madam should also understand Master Yin's concern for Miss."

Gu Zhiyi sighed softly, with a hint of melancholy in her eyes: "I understand, Luluo. But right now, I can't give Master Yin more help except for wisdom. I must make sure that I can gain a firm foothold in this Duke's Mansion, so that I can be qualified to stand shoulder to shoulder with him."

Luoluo nodded, a trace of respect flashing in her eyes: "Madam, you are very thoughtful. So, what are your plans before next month?"

Gu Zhiyi pondered for a moment and said, "I need to observe the situation in the Duke's Mansion and understand the personalities and preferences of the masters. In addition, I have to ensure that the children are stable and not be threatened in any way. As for myself, I must improve my own value so that the prince will put aside his grudges against women and be willing to use me."

A trace of worry flashed in Luluo's eyes: "Madam, the situation in the Duke's Mansion is complicated. I'm afraid it will be difficult for you to handle it alone."

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly, with a hint of determination in her eyes: "Luluo, have you forgotten who I am? Since I can survive in this chaotic world, I must have a way to gain a foothold in this Duke's Mansion."

Luoluo felt warm in her heart and smiled: "Madam, don't worry, Luoluo will always be by your side."

"I will write a letter right now, please help me deliver it to Master Yin later!"

"I obey your orders."

Gu Zhiyi finished writing the letter, folded it into a tofu block, and handed it to Luluo beside her, saying lightly: "This letter should be sent to Yipinju as soon as possible." Luluo took the letter and replied respectfully: "Yes, ma'am."

Luoluo turned around and was about to leave, but her eyes involuntarily fell on Xie Huiyi who was walking towards her.

Her eyes were swollen like walnuts, with tears still on them, obviously she had just cried.

Luoluo's heart moved, but she didn't ask any more questions, just lowered her head silently.

Xie Huiyi noticed Luluo's gaze, and she pulled the corners of her mouth reluctantly, and greeted Gu Zhiyi with a slightly hoarse voice: "Hello, Madam." Gu Zhiyi nodded slightly, and said calmly: "Huiyi, what's wrong with you?"

Xie Huiyi sniffed lightly, trying to make her voice sound calm: "Madam, I originally came to the garden to relax, but I didn't expect to meet you here."

Gu Zhiyi looked at Xie Huiyi, a trace of concern flashing in her eyes: "Your eyes..."

Xie Huiyi lowered her head, rubbed her eyes gently with her hands, and forced a smile: "It's nothing, it's just that the wind blew into my eyes and it hurts a little."

Gu Zhiyi frowned slightly, but did not ask any further questions.

She knew that Xie Huiyi was a strong-willed woman, and if she didn't have something on her mind, she wouldn't show such an expression in front of her.

The flowers in the garden were in full bloom, and the sunlight shone through the lush leaves, shining on the two people, creating mottled light and shadows.

Gu Zhiyi thought for a moment, looked at Xie Huiyi steadily and said, "Huiyi, how about you live with me for a month starting tonight, so that I won't be alone here and feel lonely. How do you think?"

Xie Huiyi was stunned, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, then she lowered her head and said softly: "Madam, this... I'm afraid it's not appropriate."

Gu Zhiyi gently held Xie Huiyi's hand and said with a smile: "I know you are a sensible child. I want to find a companion and someone to talk to."

Xie Huiyi looked up at Gu Zhiyi, a hint of doubt flashed in her eyes. She didn't understand why the lady chose her alone.

She bit her lower lip and whispered, "Madam, I... I am just a concubine's daughter. I am afraid I am not qualified for this job."