Reborn and returned, sisters swapped

When Gu Jinyan realized that she had been used by the Quran, she sat quietly by the window, her gaze distant.

She knew perfectly well that the Quran was using her name to enhance its own status in social circles, and even deliberately fabricated rumors.

But she gave a slight, cold laugh, waved her hand lightly, and had her own plans in mind.

Since fame is such an external thing and not worth mentioning, it's better to take this opportunity to meet more people and expand your social circle.

While a false reputation may bring temporary favor, true respect ultimately requires solid ability.

Therefore, Gu Jinyan decided to consult Aunt Zhao, who was quite respected in the women's circle of the mansion, and gradually establish a connection with her under the pretext of embroidery.

Although Aunt Zhao is over fifty years old, she is dignified and elegantly dressed, and is deeply respected by the social circle of wealthy women.

Born into a prestigious family, she not only possessed superb craftsmanship but also had extensive connections, and her name could even be heard in some decision-making circles of the imperial court.

Gu Jinyan meticulously planned a "chance encounter".

That day, she had Hongyin bring her a piece of embroidery that she considered to be of high quality, and deliberately passed by the pavilion that Aunt Zhao often visited.

Sure enough, when Aunt Zhao saw the unique pattern on the embroidery in Jin Yan's hand...

Her eyes lit up, and she greeted him, "Jinyan, what a coincidence! The embroidery you're wearing has a touch of exoticism. Could it be the work of a master craftsman?"

Gu Jinyan bowed respectfully and smiled, "Aunt Zhao is too kind."

This embroidery was merely an attempt I made myself; I never expected it to be so appreciated by you. It is truly an honor for this junior.

Aunt Zhao raised her chin slightly and said with a hint of curiosity, "Oh? I didn't expect Miss Jinyan to have such skills."

Since that's the case, feel free to come to my room for a chat when you have time. I can give you some pointers on some details.

If the embroidery were crafted to be even more refined, it would undoubtedly showcase the elegance and grace of a lady from a distinguished family.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jinyan smiled with delight, quickly thanked her, and readily accepted her invitation.

Aunt Zhao's words seemed casual, but they actually had a deeper meaning.

She is about to get close to this influential figure in high society, and there is no rush.

A few days later, Gu Jinyan arrived at Aunt Zhao's room as promised.

Aunt Zhao's room was decorated with great elegance, and the walls were covered with various embroideries, each of which showed her profound skill.

Gu Jinyan watched quietly from the side, seemingly unconsciously revealing an expression of admiration.

Just the right amount of admiration can often bring satisfaction to someone like Aunt Zhao.

“Jinyan,” Aunt Zhao introduced with a hint of pride, “these embroidered pieces were all hand-embroidered by me when I was young, stitch by stitch.”

A hint of pride flickered in her eyes. "Now, it's rare to have that kind of energy anymore."

Gu Jinyan smiled gently and said softly, "My aunt's skills when she was young were truly admirable."

It is truly my blessing to have received your guidance.

After carefully examining the embroidery, Aunt Zhao nodded in satisfaction, set it aside, and said leisurely, "The craftsmanship is quite good. Jin Yan is indeed very thoughtful."

She smiled slightly, but her eyes revealed a hint of interest. Then she gently shook the silk fan in her hand.

It was as if she casually remarked: "In our circle of wealthy women, everyone has to go all out."

Today whose daughter is wearing which brand's latest fabric, tomorrow whose kitchen has added some new and unusual ingredients—it's all so unsettling.

Although her tone was casual, Gu Jinyan couldn't help but sense a deeper meaning in it.

Aunt Zhao slowly approached her, her tone becoming slightly mysterious as she lowered her voice and said, "You know what happened recently? Zhao Tang was in the limelight again, and it wasn't exactly a respectable thing."

This lady took a fancy to the gardener in her own household and secretly brought him to the backyard, summoning him frequently under the pretext of admiring the flowers.

As it turned out, the gardener's wife caught him red-handed.

Oh dear, this has caused quite a stir; the whole household knows about it.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jinyan was taken aback for a moment, then covered his mouth and chuckled, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.

She looked at Aunt Zhao and saw that she was talking animatedly, seemingly with a hint of schadenfreude.

Aunt Zhao continued, "We were having a gathering at the time, and everyone rushed over when they heard the news. It was all over the place, and it really lived up to the saying, 'Glamorous in public, but turbulent in private.'"

Zhao Tang, though from a prominent family, has offended many people. Now that she's become such a laughingstock, these ladies are probably all waiting to see her make a fool of herself.

As Aunt Zhao spoke, she kept an eye on Gu Jinyan's reaction, as if trying to see if she could glean anything from it.

Gu Jinyan lowered his eyes slightly, thoughtfully tapping his fingers lightly on the embroidery.

He said, seemingly unintentionally, "It seems that the ladies were only superficially close, but secretly they each had their own schemes."

If one is not careful in such a situation, wouldn't one also become a laughing stock?

Upon hearing this, Aunt Zhao smiled knowingly, patted her hand gently, and nodded in praise: "You are so clever."

These ladies may seem harmonious, but in reality, each of them harbors their own calculations.

To establish oneself in this circle of wealthy women, one not only needs skillful hands and impeccable manners, but also the ability to conceal one's talents so as not to give others ammunition against one.

Listening to Aunt Zhao's words, Gu Jinyan suddenly realized that Aunt Zhao's words were a reminder of how to survive in the circle of wealthy women.

This is another hint to her that she needs to be more cautious and discreet in her future dealings, and that she should not only be sensible in dealing with people, but also know when to keep a low profile.

Seeing this, Aunt Zhao nodded in satisfaction and smiled slightly, "If you can understand these intentions, you will have less trouble being schemed against in the future."

As they spent more time together, their relationship gradually grew closer.

Gu Jinyan was not in a hurry to gain Aunt Zhao's approval, but carefully observed Aunt Zhao's words and actions, and slowly integrated into her life rhythm.

Aunt Zhao gradually relaxed her guard against her, and even began to tell her stories of "competitions" with other noblewomen as if they were jokes.

As the days went by, Aunt Zhao found herself growing to like this intelligent and humble young man more and more.

She felt that Gu Jinyan's words were not merely insincere flattery, but rather exuded a calm and self-possessed strength, which made her feel an inexplicable sense of closeness.

However, she also had her own plans. She knew that in a prominent family like the Gu family, having a young but intelligent supporter often meant that she could stand more firmly at the center of power.

Finally, one day, Aunt Zhao handed Gu Jinyan a letter and whispered, "Jinyan, please take this letter to the Prince's Mansion. Don't let anyone else see it."

Gu Jinyan took the letter, a thought flashing through his mind.

She nodded calmly, outwardly obeying her elder's instructions, but inwardly she was carefully pondering Aunt Zhao's intentions.

Although Aunt Zhao's move seemed unintentional, it was actually a "test" of her.

Aunt Zhao needed someone in the Gu family to help her pass on information, and Gu Jinyan, as a smart and intelligent young man, was clearly the ideal "pawn" in her mind.