Reborn and returned, sisters swapped

Gu Jinyan was secretly pleased with himself, but another shadow was also quietly approaching.

Just then, Gu Shichang suddenly stood up, raised his glass to toast Gu Yuande, and said with a hint of unease in his voice: "Brother, today's family banquet is exceptionally lively."

But I've heard some rumors circulating about our Gu family; you should be careful.

Gu Yuande was slightly taken aback, and his gaze instantly turned serious.

Gu Shichang's words were not unfounded; signs of internal family strife were beginning to emerge.

"Shichang, what are these rumors you're talking about?" Gu Yuande's voice was deep and carried a hint of authority.

Gu Shichang smiled slightly, seemingly waiting for this opportunity: "I have heard that some people are talking behind our backs that the Gu family's position in the court is precarious, and some even want to take this opportunity to weaken our power."

These words drew everyone's attention, and the atmosphere instantly became tense.

Gu Jinyan was secretly on guard. Gu Shichang's intentions were obvious. He wanted to use this opportunity to elevate his status in front of his father, while also secretly suppressing other members of the Gu family.

"Our Gu family should unite as one to face the external enemy!"

Gu Yuande raised his voice and swept his gaze across the entire room, revealing his authority as the head of the family.

Gu Jinyan pondered for a moment and decided to seize the opportunity to speak out.

She stepped forward, her tone firm: "Father, since there are rumors circulating, we should unite even more and demonstrate the strength of the Gu family."

The daughter is willing to take on the family's responsibility, participate in the investigation, and clear the Gu family's name.

These words surprised everyone. A hint of satisfaction flashed in Gu Yuande's eyes, as if he was pleased with his daughter's performance.

Meanwhile, Qu Lanci gritted his teeth in anger, wondering why he hadn't expected Gu Jinyan to pull such a stunt.

"Are you really willing to investigate this matter, even if it involves important officials in the court and endangers yourself?"

Gu Yuande asked, a hint of probing in his eyes.

“If my daughter is willing, I will go through fire and water for her.”

Gu Jinyan answered without hesitation, secretly vowing in his heart: "I will never let anyone look down on me again."

With Gu Jinyan's statement, the atmosphere of the banquet began to change.

Gu Jinyan has already taken the first step in the game of power, but the road ahead is destined to be full of thorns and challenges.

Even after the banquet ended, Gu Jinyan was still unable to calm down.

Although she won much praise at the banquet, the words of the Quran were like a thorn, constantly reminding her to work harder.

She didn't rush back to her room, but quietly instructed Hongyin to investigate the situation in the city.

With rumors circulating and affecting the family's reputation, she knew she couldn't act rashly.

The next morning, Hongyin rushed over to report: "Miss, last night's investigation revealed that a group of merchants in the capital have caused public discontent by raising prices without cause, and some people are using this as an excuse to spread rumors."

It is said that the Gu family, due to their unstable position in the imperial court, was no longer able to manage market order, which is why the people are suffering.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jinyan frowned slightly, a cold smile creeping onto his face.

This is not simply a matter of street vendors seeking profit; it is very likely that someone deliberately incited public resentment and secretly fueled the flames, intending to cause the Gu family to lose the trust of the people.

She secretly resolved to find out who was behind this.

“Hongyin, we have to do the opposite. Since someone is deliberately spreading rumors, we’ll let the facts do the talking.”

Gu Jinyan slowly pushed open the door to his father's study, bowed slightly, and said, "Father, I already have a plan to deal with the rumors."

As soon as she finished speaking, she straightened up, her eyes burning with determination.

Gu Yuande looked up, his deep gaze falling on her, as if he were carefully considering her.

After a moment's thought, he asked, "What's the best course of action?"

Gu Jinyan took a few steps closer, his voice tinged with urgency, “This price increase has caused considerable anxiety among many people, and rumors are even circulating.”

If this is not addressed, the public's fear will deepen, inevitably leading to chaos in the market.

To prevent price gouging, I plan to contact several merchants who have close ties with our Gu family to stabilize the market.

This matter requires the steward's assistance to contact the managers and work together to overcome this difficulty.

Gu Yuande remained silent, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, his eyes thoughtful.

After a moment, he nodded, took out a warrant symbolizing power from his pocket, handed it to Gu Jinyan, and said in a low voice, "In that case, you shall handle it."

Although it was a brief response, there was a hint of approval in his eyes.

Gu Jinyan accepted the order, bowed slightly, and took his leave, already having a detailed plan in mind.

She returned to her room, summoned Hongyin and the housekeeper, and explained her plan in detail.

The steward, a long-time retainer of the Gu family, nodded and said, "Don't worry, Miss, I will go and summon the managers immediately."

Accompanied by Hongyin, the butler first went to Master Ye, the manager of the Gu family's fabric shop.

Ye Jiuye was nearly sixty years old, with a slightly thin build and a calm demeanor that carried a hint of authority.

Seeing Hongyin arrive with the Gu family steward, Master Ye personally served hot tea and smiled, "Two distinguished guests, is there something important happening in the city that has come to visit today?"

Hongyin spoke slowly and deliberately, his gaze sincere: "Master Ye, rumors have been spreading in the city lately, and the people are uneasy."

If the prices of cloth and grain in the market fluctuate further, it may shake public morale. We urge you to step in and stabilize the situation, and temporarily halt the price increase.

Master Ye frowned slightly, stroked his beard, and said slowly, "Miss's concerns are quite valid. I have also heard that the high prices have caused quite a stir. Since the Gu family has stepped in, I will do my best to cooperate."

After saying that, he stood up and instructed the shop assistants to post a notice: "All prices in this shop remain the same. We will not raise prices or hoard goods to ensure the needs of the people are met."

Hongyin breathed a sigh of relief and nodded gratefully: "With your help, Miss will definitely feel at ease."

Afterwards, Hongyin and the steward visited several merchants closely related to the Gu family: Master Zhang, who dealt in rice and grain; Manager Sun, who managed ceramics and daily necessities; and Uncle Liu, who was in charge of the oil, salt and tea business.

These merchants had always been on good terms with the Gu family, and upon hearing the Gu family's call to stabilize prices, they all nodded in agreement.

At Master Zhang's rice shop, Hongyin felt a bit nervous looking at the mountains of white rice.

He was also secretly relieved: "Master Zhang, rice and grain are of great importance, and the people are particularly sensitive to this matter. Please make sure you personally oversee it, as even the slightest fluctuation in the market will cause turmoil."

Master Zhang slammed his hand on the table and laughed heartily, "Don't worry, Miss Hongyin, I, Zhang, will definitely keep the grain price stable!"

He turned to his staff and instructed them: "From today onwards, prices must not be raised under any circumstances! If any customers are worried about the food supply, be sure to patiently reassure them and ensure that everyone can buy what they need."

In Uncle Liu's oil, salt, and tea shop, Uncle Liu frowned and said, "Recently, many vendors have taken the opportunity to raise prices, which I also find unacceptable."

"Now that Miss Gu is willing to step forward to appease the people, I, Liu, should help her." Immediately, he posted a notice at the door, informing the people that all supplies would continue as usual, and attached the Gu family's seal as a guarantee.

A few days later, with the Gu family's merchants taking measures to stabilize prices, the city gradually calmed down.