Reborn and returned, sisters swapped

As dawn broke, the palace was completely silent.

Gu Jinyan stood under the eaves of the side courtyard. A thin mist filled the courtyard, and the fragrance of flowers mingled with the dew of late autumn, refreshing the soul.

Behind her followed the newly selected maid, Hongye, her expression quiet and composed.

After Hongye was brought back to the mansion by Gu Jinyan, she temporarily lived in the maids' side courtyard.

She was pleased with Hongye's temperament and quick wit, but in the Gu family mansion, the rules were strict, and everyone had to abide by the rules established by the Gu family.

Today, she specially arranged for her wet nurse to explain the rules of the Gu family to Hongye in detail. If she wanted to cultivate a capable assistant, she first had to make sure that Hongye understood what these rules meant.

Gu Jinyan waited quietly for the wet nurse to arrive.

Soon, a kind-looking old woman slowly walked in from outside the corridor; she was Gu Jinyan's wet nurse.

The wet nurse has been taking care of Gu Jinyan since she was a child. Although she is now over sixty years old, she is still in good spirits and her eyes reveal wisdom and composure.

She was the person Gu Jinyan trusted most.

“Miss, Miss Hongye has arrived. I will now begin to explain the rules to her.” The wet nurse bowed respectfully to Gu Jinyan, then looked at Hongye standing to the side.

Gu Jinyan nodded: "Nanny, I personally selected this maid. You should teach her well and not be lenient. If she is negligent, you must discipline her strictly."

Cui smiled slightly, turned to Hongye and said, "Miss Hongye, the Gu family mansion has a history of over a hundred years since its founding."

The rules here are strict so that everyone has their own role and that there is a clear distinction between master and servant. If you want to become a capable person by the young lady's side in the future, you must first understand the rules.

Hongye bowed respectfully, saying, "Granny, please enlighten me. I will remember your teachings and will not dare to be negligent in the slightest."

The wet nurse nodded in satisfaction, then waved for them to follow her to the main hall of the side courtyard.

The furnishings in the main hall were meticulous. Hongye stood in the center, his eyes lowered, his gaze steady, awaiting instructions.

The wet nurse then slowly began to speak, recounting in detail the various rules and regulations of the Gu Family Prince's Mansion.

"In the Gu family mansion, the maids and servants all have strict division of duties."

Cui started from the very basics, saying, "You are now a maid personally chosen by the young lady, and your status is different from others, but you must not forget your status."

All matters concerning the young lady must be handled with utmost care and diligence. Everything under your responsibility must be done personally, down to the smallest detail; no one else may be delegated.

Hongye listened quietly, nodding occasionally, her expression showing no sign of panic.

Cui noticed her reaction and secretly praised her, then continued, "Secondly, the Gu family places great importance on the etiquette between master and servant."

Every morning, the maids had to get up before dawn to tidy up the courtyard and clean the house. When the young lady got up, they had to prepare tea and toiletries, without any delay.

As your personal maid, you should get up even earlier.

Madam Cui walked to Hongye's side, paused briefly, and her gaze darkened slightly: "Most importantly, maids must not interfere in the affairs of their masters, nor gossip."

In particular, you must not spread rumors in private about anything concerning the princesses and young ladies.

The Gu family had strict rules. Those who spoke inappropriately would be punished with caning at best, and expelled from the palace at worst, or even be killed.

Do you understand? "

Upon hearing this, Hongye felt a pang of anxiety, but her expression remained calm and composed.

She bowed again and said solemnly, "Hongye understands and will not dare to overstep her bounds."

Gu Jinyan watched quietly from the side, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

She chose the red page precisely because of her unusual composure and quick wit; now it seems that this maid had a remarkable ability to accept rules.

And she showed no sign of flinching; on the contrary, it strengthened her trust in Hongye.

The wet nurse glanced at the red page, nodded slightly, and continued, "Rules are constraints, but also a means of protection."

As long as you always abide by this rule, you will not cause trouble.

The inner quarters of the Gu family were constantly embroiled in turmoil; power struggles and intrigue were commonplace. However, those who remembered the rules were able to protect themselves amidst the perilous landscape.

Upon hearing the word "turmoil," Hongye seemed to be moved, gently raising her head with a hint of doubt in her eyes.

Seeing her reaction, the wet nurse smiled slightly, as if she could see through her doubts, and added, "Although the Gu family mansion is nominally a harmonious clan, the relationships within it are quite complicated."

The young lady is concerned about the overall situation of the Prince's mansion. When you serve her in the future, you must always be cautious and never easily get involved in the inner quarters' affairs. This is my final advice.”