Reborn and returned, sisters swapped

The following day, Gu Jinyan strolled along the courtyard corridor and happened to encounter Steward Li, who was patrolling the courtyard.

She deliberately stopped and chatted casually with the steward, seemingly unintentionally mentioning the busy accounts of the Gu family mansion.

Upon seeing that it was the young lady, the butler quickly bowed his head in response, but his tone subtly carried a hint of reluctance.

"You flatter me, Miss. The Second Miss is already helping to manage the household accounts, so there's no need for you to worry about these trivial matters."

The butler spoke respectfully, but his words revealed a hint of affection for the second young lady.

Gu Jinyan raised an eyebrow slightly, a cold smile playing on his lips.

She nodded slightly, offered a few noncommittal words, and then casually took her leave.

As she turned away, she became even more certain that the Quran's arrangement in the accounting office had already taken effect.

Although the steward did not hold a high position in the household, he was deeply trusted by several elders because he had been in charge of the family's accounts for many years.

The fact that Quran was able to gain the support of Steward Li so quietly shows that her methods are indeed extraordinary.

Gu Jinyan secretly gripped the jade pendant in his hand, feeling both a cold laugh and a hint of disdain.

The butler appeared respectful, but in reality, he had been bribed by his sister. His seemingly unintentional words today actually revealed his growing distance from her.

That night, Gu Jinyan returned to her boudoir, her expression thoughtful.

After a while, she instructed her personal maid to fetch Granny Chen from the mansion.

Granny Chen carried a plate of exquisite pastries into the room, her face beaming with smiles, and bowed respectfully.

Gu Jinyan appeared gentle on the surface, but secretly observed her every move.

Ever since her father arranged the marriage, Granny Chen's attitude towards her had become more distant. Now, Gu Jinyan felt that she was more polite than affectionate.

Gu Jinyan picked up his teacup and said casually, "Granny, with my departure, the household will likely have to rely more on my younger sister. There are many trivial matters at home, and Lanci is still young; I'm afraid she won't be able to handle them all on her own."

Granny Chen immediately smiled and said, "Miss, you are overthinking it. Second Miss is exceptionally intelligent and decisive. Even Master often praises her for her appropriate methods, so he can entrust her with the affairs of the mansion with peace of mind."

"Miss, you can rest assured and marry into the Zhao family. The Second Miss will take care of everything for you."

Upon hearing this, Gu Jinyan immediately understood.

Granny Chen's tone already revealed her reverence for the Quran, but when she spoke of herself, there was a hint of estrangement.

It seems that the younger sister has secretly taken full control of Granny Chen. With her intelligence and the lure of benefits, even Granny Chen has become her "assistant".

Seeing that Gu Jinyan's expression was indifferent, Granny Chen smiled and picked up the plate of pastries and presented it to Gu Jinyan: "Miss, please try it. This was prepared for you by the Second Miss."

Gu Jinyan smiled calmly, gently picked up a piece, savored it carefully, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

The pastries were soft and sweet, just the kind of flavor she usually loved. Her sister was truly thoughtful.

At this moment, Gu Jinyan felt a quiet admiration for the Quran.

Although she was observing from behind the scenes, she couldn't help but admire her sister's methods.

The Quran is adept at navigating complex situations, employing both kindness and power. It skillfully wins over the confidants of elders and uses flattery to gain their favor. Such methods are indeed ingenious.

A few days later, Gu Yuande hosted a banquet for his trusted confidants.

Gu Jinyan was drinking at the banquet when he caught a glimpse of Guard Liu serving him out of the corner of his eye.

She noticed that the respect he showed her had lessened, replaced by a quiet focus on the Quran.

After the banquet, Gu Jinyan secretly called over Guard Liu and asked him with a smile for his opinion on family affairs, inadvertently mentioning the Second Miss in his conversation.

Guard Liu spoke with a respectful expression, but his tone carried a hint of admiration: "Miss, the Second Miss is now intelligent and wise, and she is able to manage everyone in the family very well. She has already managed many affairs in an orderly manner."

"If the eldest daughter marries, there's no need to worry about the affairs of the household."

Gu Jinyan nodded slightly, but a chill rose in his heart.

These confidants had always been loyal to her, but through the Quran's subtle means, their loyalty had gradually shifted.