Reborn and returned, sisters swapped

These words made Hongye understand the environment in which Gujinyan was located even more.

She was not an ordinary eldest daughter, but rather someone from a family rife with undercurrents. Loyalty and discipline were the most fundamental principles around her.

Intelligence and resourcefulness are essential for survival.

After giving the instructions, Gu Jinyan looked at the wet nurse and Hongye and said softly, "Wet nurse, let her accompany you for a day today and experience firsthand how the rules are implemented. Let's see if she can handle it."

Upon hearing this, the wet nurse nodded slightly: "Don't worry, Miss, I will make sure she understands the proper etiquette in this household."

As Gu Jinyan turned to leave, Hongye bowed respectfully and then began her day of learning with her wet nurse.

The wet nurse led her on a tour of the inner courtyard, explaining the division of labor and responsibilities in each area.

As she approached the main hall, she saw two elderly maids busy sweeping the courtyard. Hongye glanced at them and noticed that one of them was sweeping more meticulously, while the other was sweeping rather perfunctorily.

She remained calm and whispered to Cui Shi, "Granny, the maid on the right seems a bit lax."

The wet nurse followed her gaze and found that it was indeed the case, so she couldn't help but nod in approval.

Hongye is not only intelligent but also has excellent eyesight, which are exactly the qualities that Gu Jinyan needs.

The wet nurse immediately stepped forward and scolded the servant woman, demanding that she clean it again.

Hongye silently noted down the various requirements and details within the Prince's Palace.

As night deepened, Gu Jinyan gently put down the book in his hand and called for his wet nurse.

She whispered, "Nanny, go and fetch Xiao Li. I have some questions for him."

Madam Cui nodded and quickly led Xiao Li inside.

Xiao Li looked slightly nervous, his head bowed, standing respectfully before Gu Jinyan: "Young Miss, what are your orders?"

Gu Jinyan glanced at him indifferently and slowly said, "Little Li, have you heard anything unusual happening in the manor these past few days? I have a feeling that something is not quite right."

Xiao Li paused for a moment, looking slightly uneasy, but quickly shook his head and replied, "Reporting to Miss, everything in the manor is as usual. I haven't heard anything unusual."

Gu Jinyan nodded, his tone indifferent: "Very well. Since that's the case, I won't ask any more questions. However, I have a task for you to handle. If you can complete it successfully, I will reward you with a sum of money."

Upon hearing about the reward, a glint of light flashed in Xiao Li's eyes, but he quickly concealed it and respectfully said, "Please give your orders, Miss, and I will do my best."

Gu Jinyan stood slightly back, his expression somewhat nonchalant: "I've heard that the Second Miss has been very active outside lately, especially in her close dealings with merchants. Go and find out what she's been up to lately."

Remember, this matter must not be leaked in the slightest. Report back to me after it's done."

Xiao Li was startled, but still respectfully replied, "Yes, Miss, I will do my best to find out the truth."

After Xiao Li left, Gu Jinyan watched his figure disappear outside the door in silence, a meaningful smile appearing on his lips.

She wasn't truly concerned about the Quran's developments; it was merely a pawn, a pretext, that she had laid out.

What she wanted to see was how Xiao Li would act after receiving this task—whether he would carry it out truthfully or secretly sell the information to others.

To further his scheme, Gu Jinyan specifically instructed Hongye and the wet nurse to secretly monitor Xiao Li's movements.

She wanted to make sure this test was flawless.

The following day, Gu Jinyan deliberately spread a rumor, letting the servants in the mansion know that she was planning to take some action recently, intending to secretly investigate the Quran.

Once such rumors spread, the servants in the mansion inevitably discussed them among themselves, and the news naturally reached Xiao Li's ears as well.

As evening fell, Hongye quietly returned to Gu Jinyan's side and whispered, "Miss, as expected, Xiao Li did not act as instructed."

He just left the mansion and went to the second young lady's courtyard, where he seemed to have spoken with her maid for a while.

Gu Jinyan raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes: "Just as I thought."

She had long suspected that Xiao Li might harbor ulterior motives, or even be involved with the Quran.

Having been reborn into this life, she is incredibly sensitive to every detail, especially the Quran that killed her in her previous life. She is unwilling to take any risks again for any possible threat.

Xiao Li's betrayal may have been just a small beginning, but it revealed a much larger crisis—many unseen enemies were still lurking around her.

The test wasn't over yet; Gu Jinyan planned to give Xiao Li one last chance to see how he would handle the real temptation.