Reborn and returned, sisters swapped

From that day on, Gu Jinyan and Aunt Zhao seemed to have developed a tacit understanding.

She positioned herself as a humble apprentice, seemingly only seeking to improve her skills, but in reality, she was secretly gathering information about Aunt Zhao's habits and intentions.

Aunt Zhao was also constantly observing Gu Jinyan's reaction, hoping to find out if she could really be used by her.

One day, Aunt Zhao mentioned in casual conversation that a lady in the Prince Lin’s mansion had recently gained favor. She hinted, “I heard that lady is quite favored by the prince now. If we can get her help, we will definitely have some influence inside and outside the Gu family’s mansion.”

A thoughtful look flashed in Gu Jinyan's eyes, as if he understood Aunt Zhao's hint, and he nodded slightly.

In the early morning, Gu Jinyan wore an elegant blue silk dress and her hair was styled in a simple bun with a few pearl flowers shimmering slightly.

Her face was pale from the dampness, but it couldn't hide the brilliance in her dark eyes.

Aunt Zhao, dressed in a dark red gauze dress, smiled broadly and walked with ease. The two of them climbed the bluestone steps of the Prince Lin's mansion one after the other.

The plaque above the Prince's Mansion bears the three characters "Lin Yuan Mansion," written in vigorous strokes. The gold foil shimmers in the morning light, displaying a subtle air of majesty.

The guards at the door had sharp eyes, but as soon as Aunt Zhao handed over the visiting card, they immediately adopted a respectful demeanor.

He said in a low voice, "Please wait a moment, Madam Zhao. This servant will go and inform her immediately."

Aunt Zhao turned to look at Gu Jinyan and said softly, "Princess Lin usually lives a secluded life and few people can see her."

However, she loves embroidery. If she's in a good mood today, Jinyan, as long as you treat her sincerely, you're sure to leave a good impression.

Gu Jinyan nodded slightly, looking up at the tall gate of Lin Yuan Mansion, while secretly weighing his plans for today.

The mansion's courtyards are layered upon each other, and between the red walls and green tiles, one can vaguely see the silk ribbons hanging under the eaves swaying gently in the cold wind.

After passing through several corridors, the two were led into a room that was decorated in an elegant and dignified manner.

The fire in the stove inside the hall was burning brightly, and a faint, delicate fragrance of plum blossoms floated in the air.

Before long, Princess Lin slowly walked out.

She wore a light pink dress with delicate fish patterns embroidered on the hem. Her skin was as white as jade, and her eyes and brows exuded a sense of dignity and aloofness.

She gestured for the maid to pour tea, and said with a smile, "It's rare for Madam Zhao to visit your home, and you even brought guests? And this is..."

Aunt Zhao immediately put on a flattering smile and said softly, "This is my niece, Gu Jinyan. She loves embroidery and heard that Her Highness the Princess is exceptionally skilled, so she came here specifically to learn a thing or two from her."

Her words carried just the right amount of respect, while she glanced at Gu Jinyan out of the corner of her eye.

Gu Jinyan understood, stepped forward and gave a graceful bow, saying in a low voice, "Jinyan has been impetuous in coming here. Please forgive me, Princess Lin."

Her tone was gentle, yet it conveyed a sense of humility.

Princess Lin looked at her, a hint of interest flashing in her eyes, and said with a smile, "You're being too polite, I dare not accept such a compliment."

Since Madam Zhao brought you along, please treat her like family and don't be shy.

Princess Lin raised her hand to signal the two to take their seats.

A maid brought over an exquisite tea set; the warm yellow tea liquor carried a subtle orchid fragrance, and the atmosphere gradually eased.

After a few pleasantries, Aunt Zhao casually mentioned that Gu Jinyan was skilled in embroidery, but her skills still needed refinement, and she hoped to have the opportunity to learn from the Princess.

"Oh?" Princess Lin raised an eyebrow, put down her teacup, and smiled slightly. "Since you're so kind, why don't you let me see the work you brought?"

Gu Jinyan quickly stood up and took out an embroidered handkerchief from his sleeve and presented it to her.

The handkerchief is embroidered with an orchid, the petals as thin as gauze, and the soil at the base is embroidered with fine stitches to create a sense of layering, making it very lively.

Princess Lin examined the embroidery for a moment and nodded slightly: "The embroidery is quite good, the stitches are even, it takes a lot of effort."

Gu Jinyan bowed his head and said, "It is Jinyan's honor to receive praise from Your Majesty."

This embroidered handkerchief was inspired by a piece Your Highness gifted to Aunt Zhao. However, there are many aspects I don't understand, and I hope Your Highness can offer some guidance.

In one sentence, he both flattered the Princess Consort of Lin and subtly expressed his desire to learn from her.

Princess Lin's smile deepened: "It seems that Madam Zhao greatly admires my embroidery."

"Very well, since you're so keen, why don't you stay here? I happen to be finishing a plum blossom embroidery screen; would you mind watching?"

Gu Jinyan sat quietly to the side, his eyes focused on watching the Princess Consort Lin's movements as she held the needle and thread.

She didn't rush to speak, but instead took advantage of the tea break to occasionally ask a simple question or two, her words revealing keen observation and a respectful tone.

This humble yet assertive attitude gradually made Princess Lin let go of her initial aloofness, and her impression of her became increasingly profound.

Aunt Zhao cleverly chimed in from the sidelines, paving the way for the two of them.

Before long, the atmosphere had completely relaxed, and even Princess Lin couldn't help but sigh, "Miss Gu is a very thoughtful person. I feel quite comfortable talking with you all today."

This visit may seem casual, but Gu Jinyan knew that this "comfort" was exactly the signal she needed most.

With the help of Aunt Zhao, she won the favor of Princess Lin by adopting a humble attitude, thus securing a way for herself to enter the Lin Yuan Mansion.