Reborn and returned, sisters swapped

On an autumn morning, the atmosphere in the Prince's Mansion was exceptionally quiet.

Gu Jinyan stood in front of the main hall, his gaze fixed on the direction of the mansion gate.

Today is the day the princess returns to her residence.

This princess's original surname was Wang, and her family was a large merchant family with a very important position in the business world.

Several months ago, due to the complicated affairs of her maternal family, the princess temporarily left the palace to return to her maternal family to manage the business.

Now that everything has been settled, she has finally returned.

Although the princess was not Gu Jinyan's biological mother, she had been in charge of many affairs in the mansion since she entered the household.

Gu Jinyan and the princess had never had much contact. Although they did not have a deep relationship, they maintained a superficial harmony.

In the distance came the sound of horses' hooves, accompanied by the soft thud of wheels rolling over the bluestone ground.

Gu Jinyan narrowed his eyes and saw a procession of carriages slowly approaching.

The lead servant had arrived first, followed by a richly decorated carriage with its curtains drawn low, revealing glimpses of figures inside.

A moment later, the carriage stopped in front of the main gate of the Prince's Mansion. The servants rushed forward and helped the Princess slowly get out of the carriage.

The princess wore an autumn-colored long dress, her face dignified and calm, her every move exuding the competence and composure unique to a businesswoman.

Although she is over forty, she is well-maintained and has an even more elegant demeanor than when she was young.

Gu Jinyan's eyes flickered slightly, and he felt a chill creep into his heart.

The return of the princess to the palace means that she will regain control of the palace affairs. This may be an opportunity for Quran, but it is not a good omen for her.

"Jinyan, it's been a long time." The princess's gaze swept over Gu Jinyan, her voice gentle yet carrying an undeniable air of authority.

Gu Jinyan gave a slight curtsy and respectfully replied, "Your Highness must be tired from your journey."

The princess nodded slightly, her gaze lingering on him for a moment, before being helped into the mansion by her attendants.

Gu Jinyan followed behind, his mind slightly heavy.

With the princess's return, the situation in the mansion will once again become delicate.

Although she was not Gu Jinyan's biological mother, she was the biological mother of Gu Jinyan's younger brother, Gu Chengrui.

Gu Chengrui is only fourteen years old. He was spoiled since childhood and has an eccentric personality, often behaving in ways that are against the rules.

Gu Jinyan never associated with him, but merely observed from the sidelines.

When the two entered the main hall, the servants had already prepared tea.

The princess sat down, slightly weary, and rubbed her temples before instructing, "Summon Gu Chengrui."

A moment later, Gu Chengrui rushed over and immediately showed a joyful expression upon seeing his mother.

He gave a casual bow and then walked up to the princess with a grin: "Mother, you're finally back! It's been so boring in the manor these past few days!"

The princess turned her gaze slightly, a hint of reproach in her eyes, and gently patted his shoulder: "You're not young anymore, how can you still be so unruly?"

"While I've been away, have you taken good care of the affairs of the household?"

Gu Chengrui clearly didn't take it seriously, waving his hand dismissively: "It's just some trivial matter, why should I worry about it?"

Besides, with my sisters all in the manor, everything will naturally be taken care of.

Upon hearing this, the princess glanced at Gu Jinyan, her eyes showing a hint of relief mixed with a trace of worry.

She had always known that this eldest woman was cold and aloof, and that they had never been close.

She thought for a moment before saying, "Jinyan, you've worked hard on things in the manor too."

I'll be taking over again for a while, and I imagine you need some rest too.

Gu Jinyan nodded slightly and replied calmly, "Yes, Your Highness."

She already understood that the princess was making a statement, and her return would inevitably lead to another reshuffling of power within the household.

Quran's defeat at the family meeting was probably a prelude to waiting for the Queen's return so he could devise a new plan.

Seeing that his mother had no time to pay attention to him, Gu Chengrui became a little impatient and simply changed the subject, saying, "Mother, did you bring anything good back with you this time?"

Also, could you reserve some good jobs for me in those outside businesses?

The princess glared at him reproachfully: "That's all you know."

Business matters will be handled accordingly. First, learn the rules properly, and when you grow up, your place will naturally come.

She paused again, a thoughtful look flashing in her eyes, then looked at Gu Jinyan and asked, "Jinyan, what are your plans?"

Gu Jinyan felt a chill run down his spine, but his expression remained unchanged as he calmly replied, "The affairs of the manor are numerous and complicated. I dare not neglect them and will follow the Princess's arrangements."

The princess nodded slightly, seemingly unsurprised by the answer.

She put down her teacup and asked, "I heard there's been some turmoil in the manor lately. How is Qulan Ci...?"

Gu Jinyan's expression slightly changed, and he lowered his eyes, his tone remaining calm: "After the family meeting, Gu Lanci has remained secluded, presumably because he is displeased."

As for anything else, Jin Yan had not yet noticed anything unusual.

Upon hearing this, the princess neither agreed nor disagreed, but nodded slightly: "You know Lan Ci's temperament; she won't give up easily."

You need to be more careful.

Gu Jinyan's heart stirred slightly. Although the princess in front of him was the daughter of a merchant, she was known for her wisdom and deep shrewdness in the royal palace.

The relationship between the Quran and the Queen has always been delicate, seemingly harmonious on the surface but actually harboring hidden turmoil.

The Queen's return will likely prompt the Quran to intervene once again.

I must also make plans early.

Before she could finish speaking, footsteps sounded outside, and a servant rushed in, whispering, "Your Highness, someone has brought an urgent letter from the royal family's caravan."

The princess frowned slightly, casually took the letter, glanced at it, and her expression gradually darkened.

She gently folded the letter and said slowly, "It seems that the business on my family's side is not yet completely stable." Although her tone was calm, there was a hint of worry in her eyes.

Gu Jinyan looked at her quietly without saying a word.

The Wang family's business is extremely extensive. If the princess's family has problems, it will inevitably affect the princess's status in the household.

The current situation is complex, and even the princess is finding it difficult to remain unaffected.

Gu Jinyan had already given it more thought. She stood up and bowed, saying, "If Your Highness has no further instructions, Jinyan will take her leave."

The princess nodded, watching Gu Jinyan leave, her eyes still showing a thoughtful expression.

After leaving the main hall, Gu Jinyan walked towards the backyard, feeling increasingly tense about the situation.

With the Queen's return, the power balance in the palace will change once again. Quran will not miss this opportunity and will surely use the Queen's influence to make a comeback.

She, however, had to plan ahead to avoid being put on the defensive.

The autumn breeze gently blew against the hem of her clothes, bringing a touch of coolness.