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

At this moment, the maid who was originally planning to step forward to serve saw this scene, and instantly showed her keen insight and well-behaved and sensible side.

She smiled, took a few quick and light steps back, and stood quietly aside, as if she was afraid to disturb the eye-catching couple in front of her.

Gu Fanchu's heart was slightly moved, and her beautiful eyes, as clear and charming as autumn water and full of affection, involuntarily turned to the handsome man.

When their eyes met, she clearly saw her own figure in the man's deep eyes, and a hint of surprise flashed across his eyes.

Somehow, at this moment, Gu Fanchu felt as if his heart was hit by an invisible hammer, beating violently, as if it was about to burst out of his chest at any time.

This unprecedented and unfamiliar emotion surged into her heart, making her feel uneasy and frightened.

However, as if driven by some mysterious power, she slowly raised her jade hand as if possessed by a spirit, and gently placed it into the pair of broad and thick palms that were obviously a circle larger than her own.

Upon seeing this, the man immediately closed his slender fingers and tightly grasped the woman's slender hand, which looked like it was carved from white jade.

With a little effort, he easily pulled Gu Fanchu, who was still a little dazed, onto the carriage.

As her body's center of gravity shifted, Gu Fanchu couldn't help but let out a soft cry, but she immediately realized her loss of composure, and a shy blush suddenly appeared on her cheeks.

She quickly pursed her lips, lowered her voice, tried to maintain a dignified and steady posture, and got into the carriage steadily.

After Gu Fanchu stepped lightly onto the carriage, Shi Jinyan, although reluctant to let go, released her hand without hesitation out of courtesy.

At the moment of letting go, the residual warmth in his hand seemed to still tell of the tenderness and attachment he had just held tightly, which made Shi Jinyan feel a sense of loss, as if something important in his heart had been taken away.

As the driver waved the whip, the carriage began to move forward slowly, the wheels making a "gurgling" sound as they rolled, and it drove out of the imperial city smoothly and orderly.

Along the way, the sound of horse hooves was crisp and pleasant, like a melodious piece of music, accompanying the carriage as it galloped towards the general's mansion.

After this incident, the emperor was very pleased and immediately sent an imperial edict to the general's mansion, along with a lot of generous rewards.

These rewards are dazzling and include everything from precious jewelry and jade to rare antiques, calligraphy and paintings, all of which are priceless.

When the news spread, a large number of onlookers quickly gathered outside the general's mansion.

They whispered and talked among themselves, full of curiosity and anticipation for the upcoming imperial edict.

Everyone stretched their necks and stared intently at the eunuch holding the imperial edict, wanting to know its contents first.

Finally, when everyone in the general's mansion filed out, the arrogant eunuch cleared his throat and read the imperial edict aloud.

His voice was loud and solemn, and every word was clearly heard by everyone present.

"By the providence of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: Princess Lingyu possesses both talent and virtue, and is prudent and self-disciplined. She has now made charitable contributions, benefiting all. Her kindness and virtue are truly commendable.

The princess's actions have benefited the country and the people, and are all acts of benevolence.

I am very pleased and I decree that you should be rewarded with one hundred taels of gold, one thousand pieces of silk, and several boxes of jewels to honor your kindness. I decree this!"

In front of the solemn and dignified general's residence, all the family members knelt down and kowtowed in unison, shouting in unison:

"Thank you, Lord! Long live our emperor!"

The sound resounded through the sky, as if it could penetrate the heavens.

Gu Fanchu stood up calmly in the crowd, took light steps, and walked slowly to the front.

She was dressed in a gorgeous lavender dress, with a graceful figure and beautiful face, like a fairy descending to earth.

She stretched out her hands respectfully and took the golden imperial edict from the eunuch.

The eunuch had a big smile on his face, his eyes narrowed into slits, and his gaze was always fixed on the pretty little girl in front of him.

He nodded continuously and praised:

"The princess is truly a person who understands the greater good. His Majesty was extremely pleased when he learned of this!"

Gu Fanchu bowed slightly, a humble and decent smile on his face, and responded softly:

"You are too kind, Your Majesty. This is due to your wisdom. I am only trying my best to help you."

After saying this, she waved her hand lightly, and the maid Biluo beside her hurried forward and respectfully handed the eunuch a bulging and heavy purse.

The eunuch took the purse, weighed it, and the smile on his face became more intense.

He said to Gu Fanchu with a smile:

"Oh my! Princess Lingyu is truly so generous! We would like to wish her great blessings and prosperity in the future!"

After saying that, he bowed to Gu Fanchu, then turned around and led a group of attendants behind him and left in a mighty manner.

At this time, the general's mansion was extremely lively.

Many servants were busy carrying all kinds of rare treasures and silks bestowed by His Majesty, bringing them into the mansion in boxes and piece by piece.

The old lady stood aside, smiling, her eyes full of relief.

She thought to herself that her granddaughter usually looked weak, but she didn't expect that she was so smart and intelligent, and could repeatedly win the favor and rewards of His Majesty.

Thinking of this, the old lady couldn't help but sigh that the Gu family has a successor!

The ordinary people outside were talking among themselves, and they finally figured out what had happened:

It turned out that Princess Lingyu generously donated a large amount of food to the poor. This kind act reached the ears of the current emperor, who was very pleased and gave her a generous reward.

Once this matter spread, everyone praised Princess Lingyu highly, and her reputation spread quickly throughout the streets and alleys like a spring breeze.

At the same time, compared with the glorious life of Princess Lingyu, the Marquis' Mansion was plunged into a cloud of gloom.

In recent days, the Marquis' Mansion seemed to be tightly entangled by the god of misfortune, and all kinds of bad luck followed one after another.

First of all, the Marquis somehow made a slip of the tongue in the court and accidentally touched the emperor's sore spot, causing him to become furious.

The emperor was furious and ordered a fine of half a year's salary for the marquis, which made the once wealthy marquisate suddenly tight on money.

However, this is just the beginning.

Not long after, the Marquis's wife contracted a rare and serious disease without any warning.

The disease came on violently, and the Marquis's wife fell ill in bed in an instant. It was extremely difficult for her to even get up. She had to lie in bed all day and needed someone to help her take medicine, wash, and other daily necessities.