Exile at the start? The princess is no ordinary woman.

After everyone had finished eating and past noon, Gu Nanzhi called Wu Huiwen aside.

"Nanzhi, what's wrong? Is there something I did wrong?"

Gu Nanzhi poured her some tea and smiled gently.

"Sister Wen, don't be nervous. I called you aside because I have something I want to talk to you about and hear your thoughts."

Wu Huiwen was grateful for the opportunities Gu Nanzhi had given her. She didn't know what else Gu Nanzhi would want to hear her thoughts on, but since it was Gu Nanzhi who spoke, she would listen.

"Nanzhi, what's wrong? Tell me, I'm listening."

Wu Huiwen sat up straight.

Gu Nanzhi chuckled and then began to explain.

"Sister Wen, it's like this. I spent several days back in the village this time, and I did something else: I set up a small workshop to produce rice noodles. You might not have seen this before, but it's a kind of food..."

"Anyway, Uncle Zheng has already started construction in the village. This small workshop will be completed before the end of the year. However, time flies, and I'm thinking of waiting until after the New Year to put it into production."

"But I'm telling you this in advance because when the workshop starts production, I need someone literate to help me manage and look after it, keep track of work hours, and pay wages..."

"Sister Wen, your home is in the village. Although Luo Luo can come with you, I don't think you can completely leave your family behind."

So I'm telling you in advance to ask if you're interested. After the workshop starts production after the New Year, you can help me look after it. That way, you won't have to leave home.

Of course, this isn't mandatory; it's entirely up to you. If you want to stay at the Smoke Tower, then stay; if you want to go back, then go back. I don't need to reassign anyone else..."

Wu Huiwen was completely shocked. She couldn't believe that in just a few days, Gu Nanzhi, upon returning to the village, had managed to set up a small workshop again, and this wasn't just an idea; she had already begun implementing it.

How can she be so outstanding...?

If these are considered shocking, then the rest are all moving.

She knew that Gu Nanzhi had told her all this beforehand; it was all for her sake. She couldn't abandon her family, but she also needed opportunities to earn money to support her two children.

If she could return to the village and have such an opportunity again, it would be something she couldn't ask for...

But now Gu Nanzhi has such an opportunity, and she was given it to her immediately.

"Nanzhi, thank you so much. I don't know how to thank you enough. I know that no amount of thanks can express the gratitude you've shown to my two children..."

"Oh, alright, alright, Sister Wen, don't get agitated. This is just something that happened on the side. You need this opportunity, and I need people. Besides, I only asked you because you're a good fit."

"I know, I know, Nanzhi, thank you. If I could, I would, I really would. Going back to the village would allow me to take care of my family."

But...but, Nanzhi, I'm afraid I won't do a good job. I know a few words, but I've never managed anyone before, let alone a small workshop..."

"I'm afraid I won't do a good job and will let you down,"

"Sister Wen, don't worry about that. It's a small workshop, and there aren't many people at the beginning. They're all familiar faces from the village. Just follow the rules and regulations I give you. Besides, we'll be staying in the village for a long time; we won't be staying in the city..."

Gu Nanzhi patted Wu Huiwen's hand to comfort her.

"Also, there's still some time, so you can stay in the city until before the New Year. Once you go back home on New Year's Eve, you can start learning..."

Nan Zhi trusted her so much, and Wu Huiwen also wanted to prove herself and not let Gu Nan Zhi down, so she wanted to give it a try.

"Okay, Nanzhi, thank you. I'm willing to go back. I'll study hard then and strive not to let you down."

“That’s right. Although we are women, we’re not just limited to embroidery and childcare. We can do many things if we want to. Sister Wen, I believe in you. So, it’s settled then.”

“Yes, Nanzhi, you’re right,”

------

"Nan Nan, I won't go to the Xu residence with you today. Come back early, okay?"

Jun Yanchen had his own things to do today and wouldn't be following Gu Nanzhi around like a shadow.

"Okay, go ahead and do your work. It's better if you don't go, so that if the Xu family father and son are there, they won't be intimidated by your aura again."

Gu Nanzhi didn't force it. Everyone has their own things to do, and they can't always be together. Otherwise, they'll get tired of each other sooner or later.

"Come back soon, we're waiting for you to come home."

"Okay, okay, go do your thing, and don't do anything like that, like a monarch neglecting his morning court sessions..."

Jun Yanchen laughed out loud. He really didn't want to be apart from Nan Nan for even a moment longer.

Even now, Jun Yanchen himself doesn't realize that he's a completely different person in front of Gu Nanzhi. He used to never smile, but now a gentle smile often graces his lips.

Even if this smile is only for one person...

"Alright, alright, it's almost time."

"Bai Zang, Shu Qing has set off."

Gu Nanzhi broke away from Jun Yanchen, and together with Bai Zang and Ren Shuqing, they boarded a carriage and headed to the Xu residence.

Bai Zang was still driving the carriage. When they were halfway there, another carriage came from the opposite direction. Bai Zang didn't try to take over and gave way.

But when the servant drove the carriage to their side, he suddenly stopped and turned to speak into the carriage behind him.

"Young Master, it's Young Master Bai Zang,"

"Bai Zang?"

Upon hearing the name, Xu Ruilin immediately bent down, lifted the curtain, and peeked out.

"where?"

"Young master, in the carriage on the left."

Xu Ruilin peeked out and indeed saw Bai Zang pulling the reins of the carriage approaching from the left. He immediately bent down and got out of the carriage.

"Bai Zang, is it really you? Where are you going?"

Bai Zang hadn't expected that his journey, originally to the Xu family, would lead him to Xu Ruilin. What a coincidence!

"Brother Ruilin, my master and junior sister are in the carriage, heading to your residence. May I ask where you are headed?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Ruilin jumped off the carriage and went to Bai Zang.

"Lady Gu has returned to the city? Are you going to my house?"

"exactly"

"Where is Young Master Xu heading off to enjoy himself? Is Madam Xu at home?"

Just as Bai Zang nodded, Gu Nanzhi's slightly teasing voice came from inside the carriage.

It really was Gu Meiren inside the car.