Reborn and returned, sisters swapped

In a side hall of the mansion, the lights were dim, and the yellow candlelight shone through the thin gauze curtains, casting two figures in an intermittent glow.

Through the half-open window, one can see a cold moon hanging high in the sky. Moonlight shines through the gauze window and spills onto the ground, like cold silver frost covering the room.

The old lady sat upright in the main seat, holding a string of sandalwood prayer beads in her hand. Her movements were slow but powerful, and each time she turned a bead, it was accompanied by a deep sound.

Although her face showed signs of aging, her eyes remained sharp and dignified as always.

Unlike her usual kind demeanor, the old lady at this moment resembled a stoic ruler, her gaze sharp and penetrating.

Opposite him, Quran stood respectfully to the side with his head bowed, his shadow elongated, appearing long and deep on the ground.

Her expression was calm, her hands were folded in front of her chest, and a hint of coldness could be seen between her brows and eyes.

"Lan Ci, the times are turbulent and unstable. Outside the Gu family, there are silk merchants eyeing them covetously, and inside, several elders of the clan harbor ulterior motives."

"Now, if you want to become the leader of the Gu family, you must be one step faster than Jin Yan."

The old lady's voice was not loud, but every word carried an undeniable pressure, as if the fate of the entire Gu family was in her hands at this moment.

The candlelight cast shadows on her face, making her eyes appear exceptionally deep.

The old lady's seemingly casual instruction revealed the undercurrents within the family.

The Gu family has been prominent for generations. Although things appear calm on the surface now, the power struggle has never stopped. Especially now, with the strong presence of the eldest daughter, Gu Jinyan, Gu Lanci must be cautious in every step she takes.

Quran slowly raised her head, moonlight flashing through her eyes like a cold glint.

Her expression remained respectful, and her tone gentle: "Grandmother, rest assured, Lanci will follow your teachings."

But before she finished speaking, a cold and determined glint flashed in her eyes: "Jin Yan is talented, but she is impatient for quick success and lacks strategy."

Her every move was within my calculations.

Upon hearing this, the old lady's lips curled up slightly, revealing a hidden smile.

She had long seen through Quran's thoughts, which was why she summoned her for a private talk at this moment.

Although Gu Jinyan is the eldest daughter of the Gu family and is exceptionally intelligent, her sharpness is too outward, which easily arouses the jealousy of others.

The Quran, however, is like a delicate orchid in the autumn wind; it appears gentle and compliant on the outside, but in reality, it is meticulous, discreet, and unfathomable.

"Lanci, you must remember, Jinyan is not your only opponent," the old lady said softly, gently turning her prayer beads. "There are many others, both inside and outside the Gu family, who are secretly observing you."

They are both your help and your test.

To truly seize control of the Gu family, one must carefully handle every situation. If you can stabilize the situation, Jin Yan will naturally not be an obstacle to you.

A sharp glint flashed in Qulanci's eyes. She lowered her head and said, "Grandmother's teachings are etched in my heart."

I have already made plans regarding matters both inside and outside the family, and I will not easily let them fall into the hands of others.

The old lady nodded, looking at the Quran with satisfaction. She had long been able to see through her granddaughter's cunning and abilities, and now was the time to test her.

She paused for a moment, then continued, "Although you have been proceeding cautiously, you must not be careless."

Jin Yan has several female elders from the Prince's Mansion backing her up, while the elders in her clan may not easily side with her.

Every move must be made more steadily and accurately.

Quran was clear-headed, understanding that the old lady was not merely warning him, but testing his resolve.

She raised her head, her gaze as clear and cold as autumn water, and with a slight smile, she said softly, "Grandmother, please rest assured. Although Jin Yan has some help, her pace is too hasty."

As for the elders of the clan, I have my own way of letting them see the true future of the Gu family.

Jin Yan was eager to prove herself, but precisely because of this, every step she took seemed rushed and impetuous. I will make her lose her composure.

The old lady gazed at the Quran, a subtle hint of approval flashing in her eyes.

The Gu family needs a leader who can stabilize the situation and has foresight, rather than a spur-of-the-moment prodigy.

Although Gu Jinyan had the support of other clan elders, it was the profoundness and forbearance of the Quran that she truly valued.

The candlelight in the side hall gradually dimmed, while the moonlight grew brighter, flooding the entire room like water.

The old lady stood up, walked to the window with her hands behind her back, and looked into the distance through the thin curtains.

He said in a low voice, "The future of the Gu family lies not only in the gains and losses of the present, nor in the struggle for power, but in whether it can stand firm in this turbulent court for a long time."

The old lady's voice was soft and gentle, yet it carried an undeniable chill.

Her fingers twitched slightly, brushing against the window screen. The moonlight from outside shone through her fingertips, seemingly illuminating her thoughts even more deeply.

Quran stood behind her, head slightly bowed, his long eyelashes casting a shadow in the candlelight, obscuring the fleeting sharp light in her eyes.

She said softly, "I understand. I will keep Grandmother's teachings in mind. I will be very careful with every step I take in the future, considering both the big picture and the details."

The old lady had her back to her and did not respond further, seemingly quite satisfied with her words.

After a long while, she sighed softly, with a hint of melancholy: "Lanci, you are the most outstanding child of this generation in my Gu family."

Although Jin Yan is a direct descendant, her vision and methods are far from sufficient to control the entire Gu family.

If you can inherit this great cause, you will surely be able to carry forward and glorify the ancient family.

Quran slightly raised his eyes, looking at his grandmother's back as if melting in the moonlight, and a barely perceptible ripple passed through his heart.

She knew very well that the old lady's words were not only an affirmation of her, but also her final test.

A storm is brewing within and outside the Gu family. Everyone is watching closely to see how things develop, and she must make the right moves in this chaotic situation to remain undefeated.

"Grandmother, rest assured, Lanci will not fail your trust." Her voice was calm and firm, revealing an unshakable determination.

The old lady finally turned around and slowly walked to Quran, her eyes filled with a deep gaze.

She nodded slightly, her tone softening: "Okay. Over the next few days, keep an eye on Jin Yan's movements."

I'll handle the arrangements for the other clan elders; you just need to act at the appropriate time.

Qulan smiled slightly, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes: "Jinyan is extremely anxious and has already taken action recently. I will make arrangements in advance to ensure that every step she takes is within my calculations."

The old lady nodded in satisfaction and waved her hand: "Go. Remember, caution is paramount; do not act rashly."

Quran responded and withdrew, turning to leave the side hall. Moonlight shone on her figure, stretching her silhouette long.