The daughter of the first wife grew up in the countryside and was extremely powerful

But just as she was about to say it, she suddenly noticed that her brother's face looked a little dazed, as if he was thinking about something important.

So, Gu Fanchu's heart softened and he swallowed all the questions in his mind.

Well, maybe Prince Xiao didn't like me, or maybe there was some hidden reason or unspeakable hardship...

Thinking of this, Gu Fanchu couldn't help but sigh softly and comfort himself secretly.

At this time, Prince Xiao was stopped by someone and sent back to the Xiao Mansion:

After Gu Fanchu hurried back to the general's mansion, she went straight to Songtao Garden without stopping. She wanted to find the old lady.

Because she agreed to what Shi Jinyan asked for today, it was only right and proper for her to report this to her grandmother.

At this moment in Songtao Garden, the old lady was leisurely tasting the freshly brewed bird's nest.

She has had a good appetite recently and is in a particularly good mood.

At this moment, a servant walked into the room quickly and reported respectfully:

"Madam, the eldest lady is here."

The old lady was stunned for a moment when she heard this, and then she couldn't help laughing:

"Haha, look at this girl, she really knows how to pick the right time! Every time I want to enjoy some delicious food alone, she always happens to catch up with me."

After she finished speaking, she waved her hand gently and instructed the maid beside her:

"Go quickly and serve a bowl of bird's nest to that little girl, otherwise she will make a fuss again later."

The maid responded with a smile, then turned and walked quickly out of the room to get the bird's nest.

After a while, Gu Fanchu stepped into the house.

As soon as she entered the door, she heard the old lady's teasing words. A warm current suddenly surged in her heart, and a shy look appeared on her face. She said in a coquettish tone:

"Grandma, how can you say that to Chu'er? In your eyes, is Chu'er just a greedy little girl? If this gets out, how will Chu'er face people in the future?"

As she spoke, she pouted her lips in a manner of pretending to be wronged.

The old lady looked at her granddaughter's lovely appearance and smiled even more kindly.

She extended her hand to invite Gu Fanchu to sit next to her. Her eyes fell on the going-out clothes she was still wearing, and her originally joyful expression was filled with a hint of melancholy.

"How was your conversation with Prince Xiao today?"

When Gu Fanchu heard these words, his face, which had originally had a slight smile on it, instantly became solemn.

She restrained her smile slightly, leaned forward gently, and then carefully lay on the old lady's wrist.

She lowered her voice slightly and said slowly in a tone almost like a whisper:

"Grandma, Chu'er didn't get to see Prince Xiao today. But... I did meet someone else."

After saying this, Gu Fanchu stared at the old lady quietly, as if waiting for her reaction.

The old lady was stunned when she heard this, and thought to herself:

This Xiao Shizi didn't show up for the appointment? Judging from Madam Xiao's attitude and behavior that day, there should be no reason for her to easily give up such a great opportunity!

Besides, from what Zhou'er said before, Prince Xiao should be quite satisfied with this marriage.

So what exactly was the reason why he broke his promise today?

Thinking of this, the old lady couldn't help but frowned, looked at Gu Fanchu with a puzzled look and asked:

"Then... Chu'er, who did you meet?"

As she spoke, the old lady's gaze remained on Gu Fanchu's face, carefully observing the changes in her expression.

However, what surprised the old lady was that her granddaughter not only did not look distressed at all, but instead seemed extremely calm and composed.

As a result, the old lady suddenly understood a little bit - it seemed that this matter had been resolved.

"Chu'er met Shi Jinyan."

When Gu Fanchu opened her red lips and slowly uttered the name, the old lady who had been sitting upright and calm, was stunned at this moment even though she had experienced countless hardships.

"Is it late now?"

The old lady murmured the name in a low voice, her eyes full of disbelief.

Could this really be the Shi Jinyan she knew? After all, he was a renowned figure in the capital! But how did her own Chu'er come to be associated with such a person?

The old lady's mind quickly flashed through all the previous details:

Those two thrilling rescues had saved Gu Fanchu from danger; and there were also those exquisite gifts that were sent to the mansion from time to time...

These signs had caused her to have some suspicions.

Even so, she never expected that her guess would actually come true!

"He...what kind of relationship do you have with him?"

The old lady's face was full of astonishment, her eyes fixed on Gu Fanchu, eager to get an answer from her.

"Grandmother, please don't be so surprised or worried. This matter regarding Master Shi's engagement is merely a temporary solution. Please listen to my grandson's explanation."

Gu Fanchu gently took the old lady's hand and explained in a calm and steady tone:

"Master Shi does have some unavoidable reasons for wanting to be married; and I, too, face certain pressing issues that need to be resolved. Therefore, our marriage seems like a fateful arrangement, perfectly positioned to complement each other and achieve what we each need."

Having said this, Gu Fanchu paused for a moment, observing the old lady's gradually calming expression, and then continued:

"And after spending some time together and getting to know each other, I've discovered that we're surprisingly compatible in many ways. Whether it's our personalities or our ways of dealing with things, there seems to be an invisible tacit understanding. So, this engagement is truly a mutually beneficial and win-win for both of us."

The old lady listened quietly to Gu Fanchu's story. The shock in her heart had gradually subsided, but there was still a hint of doubt in her eyes.

She couldn't help but ask:

"But Jin Yan was always known for his stern and serious demeanor. I can't imagine him acting like you described... Chu'er, this matter still needs careful consideration."

Before he finished speaking, he shook his head again, as if he found the idea hard to believe.

Gu Fanchu smiled slightly when he saw this and said comfortingly:

"Grandmother, please don't be misled by outside rumors. Master Shi may appear stern and strict in front of others, but perhaps he's not like that in private."

But in fact, what kind of person he is has no effect on her.

As long as they are on the same side, she can ignore what he does, and even help him as long as it is not against the law.