Reborn and returned, sisters swapped

Inside the main hall of the Gu Family Prince's Mansion, the atmosphere was as cold and somber as the autumn wind.

Uncle Gu Shichang stood in the center of the hall, his hands behind his back, his brows slightly furrowed, and his gaze sharp.

His voice wasn't loud, but his tone left no room for doubt: "The medicinal herb market accounts for a significant portion of the family business, but the current quota allocation is somewhat unbalanced."

I suggest increasing resource investment and expanding market share; profits will naturally follow suit.

As soon as Gu Shichang finished speaking, a cold snort came from behind the hall, carrying disdain and a hint of anger.

The second cousin, Gu Shiquan, stepped forward slowly, his voice chilling: "Uncle Shichang, these resources have already been allocated. Why suddenly increase the investment? Is it just to satisfy your own selfish desires?"

The medicinal herb market is inherently fraught with risks; a slight misstep can lead to devastating losses. Have you considered this?

Everyone looked at Gu Shichang and Gu Shiquan, exchanging meaningful glances.

Their gazes clashed like swords, sparks flying, and the atmosphere in the council hall gradually grew heavy.

Gu Shichang gave a cold laugh, lowered his voice, but it sounded even more threatening: "Shiquan, when the family does things, it always has to consider the future."

You can't see the current situation clearly, yet you're hindering others' progress. I really don't know what you've learned these past few years.

Upon hearing this, Gu Shiquan narrowed his eyes slightly, and his clenched fist trembled slightly.

He stepped forward, his tone becoming even more intense: "Family development is indeed important, but it cannot be changed at will by your own words!"

Should the foundation of our family be risked for your own selfish desires?!

The uncle and nephew were locked in a fierce confrontation, their words laced with hidden malice. The air seemed to be taut, as if a single word more would ignite a violent conflict.

The two elders of the family, Gu Zheng and Gu Liang, who were watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but exchange a glance, their expressions a mixture of helplessness and worry.

If this situation continues, the harmony within the family will be completely destroyed, and it may even shake the foundation of the family.

Just then, Gu Jinyan stepped forward lightly, his gaze calm and profound.

She spoke softly, her voice gentle yet carrying an undeniable strength: "Uncle Shichang, Second Brother Shiquan, your concern is all for the sake of the family."

However, if the expansion of the medicinal materials market is too rapid, there are indeed certain risks involved.

Could we consider postponing the expansion and instead conduct some pilot projects first, gradually analyzing market feedback?

Gu Jinyan's voice was not loud, but at this time and place, it was like a clear spring, easing the tense atmosphere in the hall.

She continued, "If we can observe effective market feedback from small-scale investments, we can then gradually increase our investment."

This approach not only mitigates risks but also provides a more accurate basis for subsequent decision-making.

A hint of displeasure appeared on Gu Shichang's face, but he couldn't show it again.

After all, Jin Yan's proposed solution, while seemingly a compromise, was actually prudent and preserved the face of the family elders.

Gu Shiquan nodded slightly, glancing at Gu Jinyan with a complicated look, as if he were re-evaluating his usually low-key cousin.

The elder of the family, Gu Zheng, nodded slowly, patted his knee, and said in a deep voice, "Jin Yan's suggestion is reasonable. Since this matter is of great importance, let's do as she says and first make a tentative investment. We cannot expand rashly."

His words were decisive, serving as both a statement and a symbol of authority.

Gu Shichang and Gu Shiquan each snorted coldly. Although they did not argue further, they both had different opinions about Jin Yan.

Gu Jinyan's mediation, seemingly resolving the conflict, actually made her uncle and second cousin new wary of her abilities and composure.

This compromise is merely a facade; the power struggle within the family has only just begun.

She needs to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate network of relationships within her family in order to secure a foothold in future conflicts.

Back in his room, Gu Jinyan leaned against the window, gazing at the outline of the family mansion in the night.

The distant lights illuminated the shadowy bamboo forest, and the silent branches and leaves seemed to be telling the secrets of the past.

Her thoughts drifted back to the argument, and a silent sense of crisis welled up inside her.

Each member of the family appears harmonious, but each harbors their own agenda, and today's confrontation is merely the beginning.

A few days later, the news spread like wildfire throughout the family.

Although no one said it outright, everyone was talking about Jin Yan's composure and decision-making ability in private.

The elders in the family began to look at her with new respect, while the conflict between Gu Shichang and Gu Shiquan quietly divided the power within the family.

Her compromise was quickly implemented, and the family's pilot investment brought some steady returns, gradually easing the conflict between her uncle and her second cousin.

However, this brief period of calm did not put Gu Jinyan at ease.

The antagonistic sentiments among family members have not been eliminated, but have only been temporarily suppressed.

During the pilot program, Gu Jinyan intensified his contact with his cousin, Gu Shiquan.

In this family, power is not only earned through struggle, but also requires the support of allies, and Gu Shiquan is clearly the most suitable candidate for an alliance.

So she would always take the opportunity to discuss the latest market trends with him, and occasionally offer suggestions on expanding sales channels.

Gradually, Gu Shiquan went from responding politely at first, to listening attentively, and now he has begun to actively ask for her opinions.

Gu Yuande sat behind his large desk in his study, his focused and dignified expression reflected in the crescent-shaped mirror.

He pointed to the neatly arranged ledgers, his brows furrowing slightly: "These ledgers for medicinal herbs have been verified. Take them to your second cousin, Gu Shiquan."

He paused, picked up his teacup, and the aroma of tea filled the air, its fragrance rising slowly yet powerfully.

"You've been doing well lately. Seek advice from your elders more often and be less sentimental."

Gu Jinyan hurriedly responded, but he was still puzzled.

“Yes, Father.” She tried to keep her tone calm.

When she picked up the thick ledger, the cold touch of the pages made her palm tremble.

She glanced at her father and, seeing him buried in his books again, slowly retreated from the study.

As she stepped outside, a gentle breeze stirred up the fallen flowers under the eaves, scattering petals that landed on her sleeves.

Gu Jinyan tightened his grip on the account book in his arms and walked towards the courtyard of his second elder brother, Gu Shiquan.