The Bet

The Third Concubine and Fourth Concubines also gave money.

The First Concubine stayed by Jiaoniang and Zhi Nu's side, watching the two young children learn to read together.

--Zhi Nu is currently learning to read and write under Gu Anqi's tutelage. She has only learned a few characters and, being a doting teacher, is seriously instructing Jiaoniang.

It looks quite interesting.

In the past, it was always Jiaoniang who fed Zhi Nu, but this time Zhi Nu had more candy than she could eat, so she generously took it out and shared it with Jiaoniang.

First Concubine watched, she couldn't help but think to herself, "If only Jiaoniang could marry into a family like the Gu family, with its upright and honest traditions."

However, I wonder if the Gu family will look down on Jiaoniang for being an illegitimate daughter...

The lady doesn't actually mind; it would be great if she could put in a good word for her then.

Unbeknownst to her, the First Concubine had already adopted the identity of a mother.

She really liked Jiaoniang.

In the dream, the Jiaoniang later married far away, but the marriage didn't go well. She then divorced and returned to her wife's side, where life was alright...

If possible, she simply hoped that Jiaoniang would have a smooth and successful life.

No, marrying into the Gu family would be like facing a precarious future. No, no, no, I'd rather not.

While others were playing around, First Concubine's mind was in turmoil.

At lunchtime, Gu Wanning asked Er Ya to take some silver to order a banquet, which cost one tael of silver.

Fourth Concubine was still thinking about tonight as she ate the lion's head meatballs in her bowl.

"Sister, let's make dumplings again tonight," she said. "Make a lot, so the Marquis can take some back with him. It'll be more open and aboveboard, so he doesn't have to pretend to be a dog if he wants some."

"We'll have noodles with soybean paste for dinner," Gu Wanning said.

The noodles can't be brought in, or they'll clump together.

"Okay, noodles with soybean paste are delicious too," Fourth Concubine said carelessly.

However, the other three understood Gu Wanning's unspoken meaning.

--She doesn't want to have any contact with the Marquis.

"Sister, what are your plans for the future?" the Second Concubine asked.

"I have some money on hand and I'm planning to buy a piece of land," Gu Wanning said with a smile. "But you know, my father is honest and upright, and apart from the house we live in, we have no other assets and aren't good at these things. I was just about to ask you if you know any reliable middlemen who could introduce me to one. I'd like to buy the land after spring."

"Wait until spring?" the Second Concubine asked. "Land is cheaper now at the end of the year! You wait, I'll have someone go and ask around tomorrow to see if there are any suitable plots of land that have been released for sale before the new year."

"Okay," Gu Wanning said, "I knew you'd come to the right person."

Are you planning to farm in the future?

"Hmm." Gu Wanning nodded and smiled, "I don't know much about anything else. I always have to do something I know myself, and even if I don't want to bother anymore in the future, I can let someone else farm the land, and I'll still get a harvest, right?"

"That's how it is. If you have enough money, you should buy another shop. But don't be greedy and buy a cheap one in a remote location. If you're going to buy one, buy the best one in the best location, even if you can only afford a small one..." The Second Concubine tried her best to impart her experience.

"Okay," Gu Wanning agreed with a smile.

The First Concubine hesitated and said, "I don't have much money, but if there's a suitable place, I'd like to buy a small plot of land or a small shop to leave to Jiaoniang as her dowry."

"Take care of yourself first," Gu Wanning said. "She's not without a father."

Marquis's Residence such a vast estate, how could the Marquis's mansion be without Jiaoniang's dowry?

"Madam, now that you're not in the manor, who knows what will happen?" the First Concubine sighed.

All of them, including Jiaoniang, have to be subservient to the new wife, don't they?

Chapter 146 Bet

At this moment, the Third Concubine, who had been silent all along, spoke up.

"The Grand Princess is furious about the divorce and is already looking for someone. She's definitely thinking of choosing someone who surpasses you in every way, but... it's unlikely she'll find anyone for the time being."

Gu Wanning thought to herself, "Of course."

Putting everything else aside, with her impeccable family background, her capable father and brothers, and her family's Death-Exemption Gold Plaque from death, she could be easily replaced. Would the Emperor be willing to accept that?

People are very realistic.

In the past, the Grand Princess would call her "my darling" whenever she saw her, showing her great affection.

Now that she has divorced Xu Weibei, she has no [relationship] with her.

Reconciliation

This is what we expect.

Therefore, giving her up was also a complete decision.

"However, those are all the princess's own ideas. This time, the Marquis should not let her manipulate him again."

Xu Weibei's target is now only one thing, as obvious as a louse on a monk's head.

Gu Wanning didn't respond.

She could neither interfere with nor comment on what Xu Weibei wanted to do.

Dinner was eaten early. After dinner, Gu Wanning told the others to go home first, and also told her First Concubine to keep an eye on her Fourth Concubine and not let that blockhead provoke Xu Weibei again.

Xu Weibei was getting increasingly agitated while waiting in the mansion.

They finally waited for him to come back, only to be met with disappointment.

Gu Wanning didn't bring him anything to eat.

Even though Zhou Yaya, that big mouth, had probably already told her everything that happened yesterday, she didn't say anything.

This woman has a really hard heart.

Xu Weibei was so angry that his teeth ached.

Gao Lan asked cautiously, "My Marquis, what would you like to eat tonight?"

Xu Weibei remarked, "I'm so angry I'm full, what's the point of eating?"

Gao Lan stood by with his hands hanging down, not daring to utter a sound, like a wronged little wife.

Fortunately, someone came to his rescue.

Qin Lie has arrived.

Qin Lie not only came, but he didn't come empty-handed either.

He was carrying a cage containing a pair of snow-white, long-eared rabbits, which looked to be newborn and could be held in the palm of your hand; they were very cute.

His intentions are obvious even to a blind man.

This disgusting, sour love!

Xu Weibei gritted his teeth and said, "What, you want braised rabbit meat? Is that enough to fill your teeth?"

"Marquis," Qin Lie said casually, having become familiar with him. "It's for the young lady of your household to play with."