Rebirth and Marriage: I am the Mistress of the Palace

Meanwhile, Shen Wantang took Pei Yingzhu to Biluo Courtyard for accommodation.

Because Pei Yingzhu had two maids and a nanny with her, Shen Wantang only assigned two maids from the Duke's mansion to serve her.

Originally, these things wouldn't have been Shen Wantang's responsibility, but today the Meng family has encountered trouble, and Meng Yunlan has been staying at home, so the task of entertaining guests has fallen to Shen Wantang.

Pei Yingzhu seemed very easy to talk to. She kept thanking Shen Wantang on the way, and even after entering the courtyard. Finally, when Shen Wantang was about to leave, she gave her a gift that she had prepared in advance.

Shen Wantang thanked them and took the gift back to her own courtyard.

After washing her hands and drinking some hot tea, she opened the box containing the gifts.

Qin Xin and Du Juan both curiously came over to take a look.

"Young Madam, is this... a Pixiu ornament?"

"This jade Pixiu... isn't it a bit small?"

Shen Wantang smiled and said softly, "This is the famous ice jadeite from Hengzhou. This quality is unique to Hengzhou. No other place has such clear material. This is not a Pixiu ornament, but a Pixiu seal. However, it is still a blank and has not been engraved yet."

"Oh? So it's very valuable?"

"Yes, it's valuable. Pei Yingzhu is quite generous. Obviously, she's doing very well in the Prince's mansion and has a considerable fortune. The Prince treats her like his own daughter."

“Young Madam, her gift is quite unique! Everyone else gives jewelry or clothes, but she gave a seal blank.”

Shen Wantang nodded in agreement: "Yes, it's not hard to tell from the things she gave. She's quick-witted, insightful, and very creative. She can leave a deep impression on people at first glance. She's probably not simple!"

Qin Xin said seriously, "Then this servant will keep a close eye on her to prevent her from doing anything that would harm the young mistress."

Shen Wantang chuckled: "That's not necessary. It's obvious she's not after me, so we don't need to get involved. We can even offer her some help if necessary."

Qin Xin understood immediately: "I understand!"

Shen Wantang put the item back in the box and handed it to Du Juan: "Keep it safe. I really like this material. I'll find a master seal engraver to carve a personal seal for me later."

She was just missing something like this, and Pei Yingzhu actually delivered it, saving her the trouble of finding the material herself.

Gu Qianhan returned just as the things were packed away.

Du Juan and Qin Xin immediately left and closed the door.

Shen Wantang looked up at Gu Qianhan and asked him, "Why did Pei Yingzhu suddenly come to the Duke's mansion? Could it be that you were behind this?"

At least at this time in her previous life, Pei Yingzhu had not come to the capital.

She didn't think that Pei Yingzhu was prescient enough to foresee the trouble that would happen to Gu Qianling's in-laws. More likely, it was Gu Qianhan who stirred up the storm.

Gu Qianhan sat down next to Shen Wantang, took her hand and held it in his palm: "It was indeed my doing, but it wasn't entirely my doing."

“The fastest way for Pei Yingzhu to come to the capital from Hengzhou is by water, but it would still take at least half a month of traveling day and night, so she actually set off a long time ago.”

"It must be my uncle, the Prince. He hasn't given up yet and is determined to pave the way for his stepdaughter's future, ensuring her a life of wealth and comfort."

Shen Wantang raised an eyebrow slightly: "Pave the way for the future? A life of luxury and worry-free living? What does this mean? Who are you planning to marry her off to?"

"Who else could it be but my eldest brother?"

Gu Qianhan said in a calm tone, "My elder brother wanted to marry Pei Yingzhu before, but Mother stopped him. Mother said that if my elder brother married Pei Yingzhu, he would not only not get any help, but his reputation would also be ruined. So she arranged for him to marry Meng Yunlan. My elder brother has always listened to Mother, so he gave up Pei Yingzhu and married Meng Yunlan instead."

Shen Wantang fell silent. It seemed her feeling was right. She felt that there was an inexplicable connection between Pei Yingzhu and Gu Qianling, and that Pei Yingzhu looked somewhat similar to Meng Yunlan from the side.

It turns out they have such a past.

"Actually, I wrote to my uncle three months ago, asking him to send a trusted confidant to talk to me in detail. I have something very important to tell him."

He spoke cryptically, but Shen Wantang knew that he was preparing to rebel, so he wanted to seek the Prince's support.

"My uncle's confidant came two months ago, then returned to Hengzhou to report back to my uncle. Today, my uncle's confidant has come again, but this time he brought Pei Yingzhu with him."

“I already disliked Meng Yunlan for always causing trouble and ruining our marriage. I thought I would cause her some trouble too, so I sent someone to Hengzhou to pick up Pei Yingzhu. I didn’t expect that my people would run into my uncle’s confidant and Pei Yingzhu before they got very far.”

"So, things have turned out the way you see them now."

As Gu Qianhan spoke, she suddenly smiled and said, "By now, things should be in complete chaos on my brother's side. Those who have ill intentions towards us should be overwhelmed and have no energy left to cause trouble."

Shen Wantang couldn't help but glare at Gu Qianhan. Sure enough, as long as he didn't want a woman to get close to him, he had a million ways to prevent it. And the reason Meng Yunlan was able to get close to him before was because he allowed it.

She stood up with a cold face and went into the inner room on her own.

Seeing her change in expression, Gu Qianhan was a little confused. He quickly followed her and asked, "A-Tang, what's wrong? Did I do something wrong again? Why are you ignoring me again?"

Shen Wantang forced a smile: "No, you did a great job. You addressed the root of the problem with a two-pronged approach. I shouldn't be bullied anymore in the Duke's mansion. Thank you, Second Young Master."

Gu Qianhan: "It doesn't sound like you're thanking me, it sounds like you've slapped me in the face."

Shen Wantang nodded: "Yes, that's good to know."

Gu Qianhan realized what was going on. Shen Wantang felt that he clearly had the ability to resolve Meng Yunlan's matter, but he insisted on waiting until she suffered losses one after another before he could resolve it. She thought he was too late, which was why she was giving him a cold shoulder.

He couldn't help but smile wryly: "It was my fault, it was definitely my fault, it won't happen again."

His sincere apology had resolved the matter, and Shen Wantang didn't continue to act coy. She took the initiative to ask Gu Qianhan, "Won't exposing the Meng family's affairs affect your important matters? Is there anything I can do to help?"

"There will be an impact, but it will all be a positive one, so don't worry. The more turbulent the situation, the more advantageous it will be for me."

Gu Qianhan hugged her, feeling her softness and warmth, and felt a little more at ease: "You don't need to worry about that big matter, I'm here! I already feel very guilty for dragging you into this life-or-death gamble, there's no reason for you to be busy with it too, just do what you like to do."