Reborn and returned, sisters swapped

The evening sun shone through the stained-glass window into my cousin Gu Shiwen's study, its golden light gently covering the desk.

Gu Jinyan gently pushed open the door and entered. The aroma of ink mixed with a faint scent of sandalwood made people slow down, afraid of disturbing this unique tranquility.

Gu Shiwen sat at his desk, his long robe casually open, holding a brush in his right hand, intently sketching a "Mountain Dwelling" painting.

The faint ink lines meander like mountains and rivers on the rice paper, outlining the tranquil place in his heart that is far away from worldly strife.

"Sister Jinyan, what brings you here today?"

Gu Shiwen did not turn around, but only smiled faintly, with his usual composure.

That smile seemed to contain three parts respect, three parts languor, and the remaining four parts were an indifference that Gu Jinyan couldn't fathom.

Gu Jinyan walked to his side, his gaze sweeping over the unfinished painting on the table, and then glancing at the several finely bound ancient books placed beside the desk.

She picked up a book, flipped through it, and smiled slightly. “The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons, On Landscape Painting… You’re getting more and more into poetry, prose, calligraphy and painting.”

Gu Shiwen put down his pen, turned around and bowed to Gu Jinyan, saying, "I have no great ambitions, so I'd rather immerse myself in this landscape painting."

He spoke frankly and casually, yet it revealed a hint of disdain for family affairs.

Gu Jinyan raised an eyebrow, his gaze probing his expression like a sharp blade. "But you and I are, after all, part of this family, and even bystanders cannot escape the torrent of events."

Shiwen, are you really not concerned about the outcome of this family feud?

After hearing this, Gu Shiwen laughed heartily.

He casually picked up a wolf-hair brush and dotted the ink on the mountain peaks in the painting, creating a wisp of cloud. "Sister Jinyan, no matter who holds power in the Gu family, my life will not be greatly affected."

Despite the vast mountains and distant waters, I always find joy in them. His expression was calm, but a hint of weariness lingered in his eyes.

Gu Jinyan stared at him, his mind racing with thoughts.

This third brother seemed detached from worldly affairs, as if he could truly live a carefree life amidst the romance and beauty of nature.

However, how could he stand idly by and watch the struggle within the Gu family unfold? She knew that if her uncle Gu Shichang and her second cousin Gu Shilie wanted to control the overall situation, they would inevitably see this third brother as a pawn they could win over.

A sense of unease crept into her heart, and she couldn't help but wonder: Was Gu Shiwen really as detached as he appeared?

"Your flower painting at the last family dinner was truly amazing."

Gu Shiwen suddenly changed the subject and brought up the scene at the family banquet.

He looked at Gu Jinyan with a slightly teasing expression, "Those flowers are so lifelike, they make you forget the mundane world."

"Jinyan, how come you never showed such talent before? Did you perhaps have some hidden skill?"

Gu Jinyan was amused by his words, but a hint of helplessness appeared in his eyes. "It was just a random drawing."

If you want to learn, I'd be happy to teach you.

Gu Shiwen's eyes lit up, as if he had instantly detached himself from all worldly entanglements and focused on the painting in her hand.

He then picked up his brush and, under Gu Jinyan's guidance, began to trace the curve of the petals stroke by stroke.

The hands that were painting the scroll occasionally revealed a subtle shift, inadvertently leading the conversation toward obscure family matters.

"I heard that my second brother recently led the craftsmen to renovate the stone steps in front of the mansion," Gu Shiwen said casually, the ink on his brush slowly spreading.

"Such a grand commotion, could it be to welcome some distinguished guest?" he said, his tone carrying a hint of helpless contempt.

Gu Jinyan's gaze changed slightly as he looked at him, and he lowered his head to continue guiding him to outline the petals. "Who in the Gu family could have predicted any unexpected developments?"

"It's just a game of power." Her tone was calm, but every word carried profound meaning.

The two continued to communicate through painting, seemingly discussing the shades of ink, but in reality, they were secretly observing each other's attitudes and intentions.

Gu Shiwen suddenly stopped, examining his painting with a wry smile. "Sister Jinyan, sometimes I really wish the Gu family could be like the landscape in this painting, peaceful and undisturbed."

Gu Jinyan sighed softly, a complex emotion passing through his heart.

Is my third cousin's indifference a genuine longing for the pleasures of nature, or is it a way of concealing a secret he doesn't want to reveal?

She was uncertain, but she knew that in this chaotic situation, she had to be vigilant at all times.

As the sun gradually sets, the light in the study softens, and a gentle breeze stirs the window curtains, bringing a touch of coolness.

Gu Jinyan stood up, straightened his clothes, and smiled faintly, "Shiwen, the mountains and rivers are indeed beautiful, but no matter how strong the wind and rain, even the mountains and rivers cannot escape it. This struggle may be more complicated than you imagine."

Gu Shiwen's eyes flickered slightly, and the corners of his mouth lifted. "Perhaps, but I'd rather remain a detached observer in this painting."

As he spoke, that detached and self-satisfied air resurfaced in his eyes.

As Gu Jinyan turned to leave, his gaze swept over the "Mountain Dwelling Picture" on the table.

The painting depicts towering mountains and flowing streams, as if a person in a long robe and simple shoes is leisurely hidden among the green hills and clear waters.

But who can truly remain uninvolved?

She paused slightly, the lingering doubts and vigilance welling up in her heart once again.

That evening, the sounds of laughter and conversation in the Gu family study seemed to echo amidst mountains and flowing water, yet also seemed to conceal a hidden mystery in the wind.

As the last rays of sunlight disappeared, Gu Jinyan's shadow was stretched long, a reminder that the family's turbulent struggles had never truly faded away.