Reborn and returned, sisters swapped

Deep within the bustling capital city, there stands a magnificent royal mansion. Its gates are imposing, painted in deep vermilion, and stone lions stand proudly before them.

The Prince's Mansion is divided into a front courtyard and a back courtyard. The front courtyard contains a main hall and a study, which is where guests are received.

Every spring and autumn, scholars and literati would visit, seeking out the grand hall, sipping tea, reciting poetry, and discussing matters of the heart.

The fragrance of books and guqin mingled in the lobby, while green pines and cypresses complemented the wooden pavilion, and a few plum blossoms blooming alone in the cold added to the elegant atmosphere.

The backyard was the residence of the prince and his family, shaded by lush trees, with weeping willows swaying by the pond and several koi swimming in the water.

Occasionally, they leap out of the water, stirring up ripples. The quiet courtyard is occasionally filled with the laughter of children, and a few white doves circle in the air, creating a peaceful and serene scene.

In the main house in the backyard, Gu Jinyan's grandmother—the old lady of the Wang family—was in charge of the family's affairs.

The old lady was dignified yet kind, with an unquestionable authority in her eyes, but she doted on the younger generation in the family, especially her granddaughter Qulanci.

At this moment, the first rays of morning sunlight are streaming into the room through the carved wooden window.

Gu Jinyan gently opened her eyes. The dappled light and shadow outside the window made the bed curtains look dreamlike.

She blinked, her eyes sparkling with the morning light, and turned slightly to feel the peaceful joy that the start of a new day brought.

"Miss, are you awake?" The maid Hongyin gently pushed open the door, holding hot water for washing, her voice clear and gentle.

"Mm." Gu Jinyan nodded slightly, sat up, and brushed her loose black hair behind her ear with her delicate hand, her expression serene and gentle.

Hongyin had already prepared the dressing tools. While smoothing her hair, she asked with a smile, "Miss, the weather is nice today. What kind of hairstyle would you like?"

"Whatever, you decide." Gu Jinyan smiled faintly, completely trusting Hongyin's craftsmanship.

After a moment's thought, Hongyin's eyes lit up, and she smiled, "Then I'll style your hair in a half-up bun. It's fresh and friendly, perfect for such a beautiful day like today."

"Okay." Gu Jinyan agreed softly, closed his eyes, and felt Hongyin's nimble fingers moving through his hair.

Her dark hair, as smooth as satin, was combed and made soft between her red and silver fingers, and her half-up bun slowly took shape.

She gently gathered a section of her hair up and tied it into a bun with a ribbon, while the rest of her hair fell naturally over her shoulders.

The hairstyle is both playful and dignified.

"Miss, what would you like to wear today?" Hongyin asked while tidying her hair.

"I'll wear that light blue dress, with a white cardigan." Gu Jinyan thought for a moment and decided to wear something fresh and elegant to complement the bright sunshine.

Hongyin responded and walked to the wardrobe, picking out a light blue long dress. The skirt was as light as spring petals, and the light blue color was like the first melting of spring water, simple and fresh.

She chose a gossamer-thin white gauze for her outer garment, which was soft and elegant, adding just the right touch of gentleness and grace to her look.

"Miss, this dress is absolutely gorgeous! You'll look stunning in it!" Hongyin exclaimed sincerely as she straightened the hem of her dress.

Gu Jinyan smiled and looked down at the clothes.

She gently tied her belt, and the hem of her skirt swayed slightly in the sunlight, the fabric seemingly fluttering in the breeze, making her figure appear even more slender and graceful.

In the mirror, she appears fresh, bright, gentle, and dignified.

Gu Jinyan turned gently in front of the mirror, revealing a serene smile, and a sense of peaceful contentment suddenly arose in her heart.

At that moment, she felt as if she had become a refreshing sight in the morning in the Prince's mansion, gentle and serene, with a light and joyful feeling.

"Miss, it's ready!" Hongyin gently reminded her from the side.

"Okay, let's go." Gu Jinyan replied with a light laugh and stepped out of the room.

Gu Jinyan had just reached the entrance of the dining room and was about to push the door open when he suddenly heard light footsteps.

She turned around and saw the Quran.

Quran wore a light pink dress with delicate embroidery on the hem, which made her look charming and elegant.

Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, and a pair of dazzling earrings dangled from her ears, making her even more radiant and beautiful in the morning light.

At this moment, she slightly raised her chin, a confident smile on her face, like a blooming flower, full of vitality.

"Good morning, Sister Jinyan," Gu Lanci said softly, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

"Good morning, Sister Lanci." Gu Jinyan smiled slightly and responded calmly.

This half-sister always liked to show off her charm in front of others, especially in front of her father and the old lady.

"I heard the peonies in the garden are blooming exceptionally well today, I was just planning to go take another look," Qulan said casually, but a hint of pride lurked in his eyes. "Want to come along?"

“I was just planning to go take a look too,” Gu Jinyan replied casually.

“Then let’s go together. I don’t want to be alone either.” Qulan smiled slightly, his tone carrying a hint of competition.

Just then, the dining room door slowly opened, and Prince Gu Yuande and the old lady walked out together.

The prince was dressed in magnificent robes, his expression gentle yet dignified.

The old lady wore a simple, elegant long dress, exuding a gentle and warm aura, like a spring breeze.

"Greetings to the old lady, greetings to the father." Gu Jinyan and Gu Lanci bowed in unison, their manners gentle and proper.

The old lady smiled at them and said, "The weather is nice today, perfect for a stroll in the garden."

“Yes, Grandmother, I also want to see the peonies,” Gu Lanci immediately echoed, her hand already linked with the old lady’s arm, as if she were pleading.

"Then let's go together," the prince said, a warm smile appearing on his face.

Gu Jinyan felt a surge of warmth in his heart. Although he sensed Gu Lanci's thoughts, he did not take it to heart and focused on preparing for the upcoming trip to the garden.

The table was laden with a sumptuous breakfast: steamed dumplings that looked and smelled delicious, light white porridge, fresh seasonal fruits, and a pot of fragrant green tea.

The maids served her in soft voices, afraid of disturbing their master's meal.

The old lady sat at the head of the table, her gaze kind and gentle.

Prince Gu Yuande sat to the lower seat, casually sharing anecdotes from court life with his family.

"Yesterday, Lord Li made a fool of himself at the court assembly."

While picking up steamed dumplings, the prince laughed and said, "He actually misread the Emperor's edict, and all the officials couldn't help but laugh."

"Haha, Lord Li is such a witty person!" Qu Lanci couldn't help but laugh out loud, his eyes full of mischievous light.

"Isn't that right? Lord Li has always been like that." The old lady nodded with a smile, her expression showing a hint of doting affection.

Gu Jinyan picked up the bowl, took a sip of the congee, and looked calm, as if he was pondering the delicate relationships in the imperial court.

"Sister, do you think Lord Li will be punished for this?" Gu Lanci asked curiously.

"Perhaps not, after all, he carries some weight with the Emperor." Gu Jinyan smiled calmly, his expression serene and composed.

Just then, a maid brought over a plate of freshly baked osmanthus cakes, which smelled wonderful.

"Madam, Your Highness, please enjoy the freshly made osmanthus cakes."

Quran's eyes lit up, and he eagerly reached out to take it.

"Slow down, don't rush." ​​Gu Jinyan smiled and stopped her, his gentle gaze seemingly easing the tense atmosphere of the morning.

The prince looked at his two daughters and couldn't help but shake his head and laugh, "You two are becoming more and more alike, one loves to eat and the other loves to snatch things."

"This isn't stealing, it's sharing!" Quran said innocently, making everyone laugh.