Reborn and returned, sisters swapped

As dusk fell on an autumn day, the sky gradually darkened, but the Gu family's residence remained brightly lit.

A small family gathering is in full swing at Aunt Zhao's villa, a place that is elegant, secluded, and yet dignified.

Gu Jinyan had long ago discussed with Aunt Zhao and arranged this seemingly casual gathering through her, but in reality, it was a prelude to the subsequent counter-espionage plot.

Most of the family members attending the gathering were middle-class individuals who held a certain degree of influence within the family, despite not having high social status.

Most of them wavered, hesitating between the ancient brothel and the Quran, without making a clear statement.

Those attending the banquet included several senior members of the third branch of the Gu family, several close relatives of Uncle Song, and several important business managers in charge of managing part of the family's businesses.

Each person shoulders a portion of the family's affairs, which may seem insignificant, but at crucial moments they can influence the family's decision-making direction.

Aunt Zhao had already arranged exquisite tea, snacks, and fine wine. The atmosphere at the table was relaxed and harmonious. The elders chatted and laughed, occasionally reminiscing about family history. The atmosphere seemed to have nothing to do with their usual discussions.

Gu Jinyan, dressed in an elegant brocade robe, moved calmly and unhurriedly among the guests, engaging in simple conversations with each one. His demeanor was proper, without any aggressive air.

During the meal, the conversation gradually turned to the family's future and current situation.

Gu Jinyan casually raised his glass in a toast, smiling as he said, "These past years, the family has been busy with many affairs. It is thanks to the hard work of all the elders and clansmen that we have achieved today's prosperity."

Jin Yan knew his abilities were limited and that he would have to rely on everyone's support for many things.

An older clansman smiled and said, "Miss Jinyan is so modest, but most of the family's burdens have already fallen on your shoulders."

We've seen it all over the years, and we know it clearly. His words contained both praise and a hint of probing.

Gu Jinyan's smile remained unchanged, but he sighed slightly and said, "Family affairs are complicated, and Jinyan is still young. I need to ask the elders for guidance on many things."

However, sometimes hearing certain rumors can be quite unsettling.

Her words caused a moment of silence, and several clansmen exchanged glances.

Everyone has heard some of the recent rumors within the family, especially about the open and covert struggles between Gu Jinyan and Qulanci.

Gu Jinyan did not mention his name, but his words contained a deeper meaning.

Seeing the doubts on everyone's faces, Gu Jinyan smiled slightly and continued casually, "For example, I heard a few days ago that a member of the clan was selling the clan's important silk business to outsiders."

They even leaked the family's secret silk-making techniques.

If this is true, it would be extremely damaging to the family.

But I think this might just be a misconception.

Her tone was calm and collected, but her words, when spoken to several doubtful clansmen, were like a pebble thrown into a calm pond, creating ripples.

The managers in charge of the family businesses immediately changed their expressions. Several family members couldn't help but whisper among themselves, speculating about who Gu Jinyan was referring to.

A cousin sitting opposite her frowned and asked, "Miss Jinyan, are you referring to your recent close dealings with foreign businessmen?"

I've heard some rumors, but I don't know if they're true or not.

Gu Jinyan remained calm, only smiling faintly: "I have only heard some rumors, and have not confirmed them."

However, if such a thing really exists, it is indeed worrying.

After all, a family's foundation lies in integrity; if someone were to act in this way, they would be disregarding the family's reputation.

She deliberately avoided mentioning the Quran by name, but the silk business she referred to was precisely the part of the Quran that was operating in secret.

This statement has already aroused doubts among many people.

In particular, several wavering centrist members already harbored reservations about the Quran's style of conduct.

However, due to her status and influence within the family, they dared not express their opinions rashly.

Now that they've heard Gu Jinyan's "unintentional" revelation, they're all wondering if Gu Lanci really did something detrimental to the family in secret.

Seeing that the time was right, Aunt Zhao smiled slightly and continued, "Family affairs are complicated and complex, and it's inevitable that some people will take the opportunity to seek personal gain."

It's a rare opportunity for us to get together today, so it's a good chance to review and fill in any gaps in our knowledge.

If anyone truly wishes to offer advice for the family, they should take this opportunity to raise their doubts so we can all discuss them together.

The clansmen looked at each other, and the scene fell silent for a moment.

Seeing this, Gu Jinyan was secretly pleased.

The first step of the counter-espionage plan has been successful; now all that's needed is to wait for the right opportunity.

These wavering family members will then waver in their support for the Quran amidst doubt and suspicion.

During the meal, an elder of the family suddenly spoke up and asked, "Miss Jinyan, I've heard that you and Uncle Song have been seeing each other frequently lately. I wonder if you've discussed anything important?"

Gu Jinyan's heart skipped a beat, realizing that this was someone arranged by Gu Lanci to secretly test him.

She remained calm and smiled, saying, "Song Bo is highly respected, and Jin Yan always consults him when she encounters something she doesn't understand."

However, Uncle Song had always been indifferent to fame and fortune, and most of the time he only offered me advice on how to handle the daily affairs of the family.

She casually brushed aside the topic, leaving the other party with no leverage.

This exchange was both appropriate and cleverly avoided the other party's probing, prompting the elders to nod in approval.

At this moment, Aunt Zhao gave a slight signal, and the servants began to serve more exquisite tea and snacks, cleverly defusing this small disturbance.

By the end of the gathering, several members of the tribe had begun to waver, and their doubts about the Quran had deepened.

Gu Jinyan maintained her usual gentle demeanor, bidding farewell to each member of her tribe and seeing them off.

The seeds of this counter-espionage scheme have been sown. Now, all that is needed is to wait for the right moment to throw the Quran into disarray.

As night fell, the Gu family's villa returned to tranquility.

Beneath this calm surface, undercurrents are gradually intensifying, and Gu Jinyan has firmly grasped the wavering forces within the family.