Father-in-Law and Son-in-Law Face Off

"You bought it for only a few dozen taels of silver? Brother, you got a real bargain!"

"Your older brother said that if he had the money, he would buy her a green one. But he doesn't have much money, so he can only afford this one..."

Gu Wanning then remembered that in this era, the most important factor in jadeite was its color, with green being the most prized.

However, she values the texture and color of the jade more, and she also likes purple, so she thinks this piece is also a gem.

"Then I won't take it," Gu Wanning said. "It's a gift from my elder brother to my sister; she'll definitely cherish it."

Did Gu Wanqing's jade pendant also carry a hint of appeasement—"I'm returning my brother's love to you"?

Regardless of whether it was true or not, Gu Wanning did not want to keep someone else's favorite item.

"Keep it. Your sister is giving it to you because she sincerely wants to," Wei Shi advised her.

"I know. I didn't refuse when my sister gave me two hundred taels of silver last time. My refusal of this jade pendant isn't because I'm estranged from her, but because I feel my sister is more suitable for her."

Upon hearing this, Wei Shi stopped trying to persuade her and got up to make longevity noodles for her daughter herself.

Thanks to her Third Concubine's meticulous treatment, her legs and feet have improved significantly, and she looks no different from an ordinary person.

Gu Wanning wanted to go to the kitchen to help, but was chased out by Wei Shi: "Today is your birthday, just sit and do nothing."

Wei Shi kneaded the dough, He Shi Er Ya her, the two chatting and laughing.

With nothing else to do, Gu Wanning played chess with her Ling Ge.

She initially thought she was playing with the child, but after playing one game, she realized it seemed like her Ling Ge was actually playing with her?

Because her chess skills were really bad.

Good grief, you think you can bully me, you little brat?

Gu Wanning roused herself, took the situation seriously, and then--

We lost again.

Okay, okay, she's serious this time!

Gu Wanning sat up straight, deep in thought with each move, not making a move lightly.

The result was the same disastrous defeat.

Gu Wanning lost so much that she questioned the meaning of life.

Has her intelligence deteriorated to this level?

Even a six-year-old child could kill her without leaving a trace?

Just as she was questioning her existence, He Shi came in carrying a plate of persimmons. Seeing the two playing chess, she couldn't help but laugh and say, "Ling Ge, you're bullying your little aunt."

"It was my aunt who said we should play chess," Ling Ge obediently, kneeling there, looking both well-behaved and adorable.

He Shi glanced down at the chessboard and comforted Gu Wanning, saying, "You've done very well. I can't even play against him."

"That's amazing?"

"Hmm. I can't speak for other things, but your Ling Ge is truly talented at chess. Not to mention you, even your father and your eldest brother are no match for him now."

Okay, okay, little genius, you're bullying me!

Gu Wanning threw down the chess piece in her hand, "I'm not playing anymore!"

After washing her hands, she picked up a bright red, soft persimmon that was almost too big to hold, tore a small opening in it, and sucked out the sweet juice. She was instantly satisfied.

"The persimmons from our own farm are still the best. The ones Shitou picked for me when we were in the Estate last time weren't as big or as delicious as the ones from our farm."

"Shitou? Who is Shitou?" asked He Shi.

"A little beggar I picked up before..."

Since there wasn't much to talk about, Gu Wanning explained the whole story.

He Shi lowered her eyes and said, "You are doing a good deed, it's an act of merit. If Zhi Nu were to fall into such a state, I hope someone could lend him a hand..."

Gu Wanning felt a pang of sadness upon hearing this. She reached out and hugged He Shi, patting her back softly and saying, "Yes, sister-in-law."

The Zhi Nu has become an angel, watching over you from heaven, so you no longer have to endure human suffering.

He Shi burst into tears.

Your Ling Ge quietly took your mother's hand.

Er Ya wiped away her tears and, unusually, fell silent.

Wei Shi brought in the noodles. "Why are you two, sister-in-law, still hugging and cuddling? You're not children anymore. Here, Gu Wanning, eat while it's hot. Mother made you longevity noodles."

"Alright, then I won't stand on ceremony. Oh my, so much meat! Mother has really gone all out today." Gu Wanning said with a smile, changing the subject.

No one in the room mentioned Zhi Nu again.

After Xu Weibei left the court, he took the lead and walked out, and no one could stop him.

The chief eunuch had originally received instructions from the emperor to have Xu Weibei after the court session.

The head eunuch gave instructions to the junior eunuch, who did his duty diligently. However, he never expected that as soon as the court session ended, Xu Weibei would run faster than a rabbit, impossible to catch up with, and wouldn't turn back even when called upon.

Xu Weibei did hear it.

But he thought, "The Emperor will definitely ask me for money again. How annoying!"

Today is Gu Wanning's birthday. He doesn't want to worry about anything else; he just wants to spend a good birthday with Gu Wanning.

All other personnel, get out!

Chapter 132 Confrontation between Father-in-law and Son-in-law

"My Marquis." Gao Lan had been waiting at the palace gate for a long time. When he saw Xu Weibei come out, he quickly led his horse forward.

Xu Weibei mounted his horse, gripped its belly tightly with his legs, and pulled on the reins. The steed, its hooves treading on the snow, charged forward like an arrow released from a bow.

He had to hurry back and see how those idiots were doing; he couldn't afford any mistakes before Gu Wanning returned.

Xu Weibei wouldn't feel at ease unless he kept a close eye on things.

He always felt that today would be a watershed moment in their relationship.

If he behaves well, Gu Wanning will be moved and will treat him more affectionately in the future, allowing their relationship to develop gradually...

Xu Weibei has already started thinking of names for his two legitimate sons.

Of course, it would also be fine if it were a man with a daughter.

As long as they are born to Gu Wanning, they will be his legitimate children, and he will definitely be a much better father than Gu Yuanshi.

Gao Lan chased after him, but could only watch his Marquis's horse's rump grow further and further away until it disappeared from sight...

Sigh, Marquis, you're really all talk and no action.

Although the large-scale purchase of horses was put on hold due to a shortage of funds, the Marquis had previously instructed Baoji to buy six fine horses from the Western Regions, which should arrive by the end of the year.