Coming to Ask for Help (continued)

"She should also think about herself," Gu Wanning said. "Whether she gets married, has a son-in-law marry into her family, or lives alone in the future, she needs to plan ahead."

"She refuses to marry or be a son-in-law," the Third Concubine said. "She said she wouldn't be interested in anyone better off than her, and she wouldn't be interested in anyone worse off than her either. So she'll just stay single, manage the business in the future, and take care of her younger brother and his wife's children."

Gu Wanning expressed her approval.

When it comes to marriage, unless you've met the right person, there's really no need to rush things just because others are getting married.

"How are things between you and my third brother?" Gu Wanning asked gossipy.

The Third Concubine blushed slightly, but still shook her head. "I can't possibly agree to that."

Imagine how awful it would be if word got out that Gu Anfang married his former brother-in-law's concubine.

Those with filthy minds, who knows what kind of rumors they'll spread behind people's backs.

For example, did the brother-in-law go to war, and the brother-in-law came to seduce his concubine?

If she agrees, she'll throw away the reputation of the Gu family and the Marquis's Residence's mansion.

However, she didn't say much to Gu Wanning, only that she was satisfied with the current situation and had no intention of changing it.

Gu Wanning said, "Alright. Since you're so determined, then forget it. I'll have my sister-in-law arrange a match for him later, so he'll give up on the idea sooner and stop bothering you."

Third Concubine lowered her eyes and nodded, looking down at the red stain on the back of her hand.

Those were jewelry that Gu Anfang gave her, but she refused to accept them, and they ended up leaving behind them during their struggle.

Tears stream down my face as I return your pearl; I regret not meeting you before I was married.

How wonderful it would have been if he had appeared before I entered the Marquis's Residence.

Er Ya went home to help with the autumn harvest, so Third Concubine offered to help Gu Wanning tidy up.

"Okay, you get ready, I'll go cook. Let's have something good to eat."

Third Concubine couldn't help but chuckle, "Sister, when don't you eat well?"

"Eating well and being in a good mood gives you hope for the future." Gu Wanning laughed heartily. "Today I'll treat you to some things you've never tried before!"

Her pumpkins are ripe.

Sweet pumpkin porridge and fragrant pumpkin pancakes are both on the menu!

When Gu Wanqing entered, she heard laughter and chatter, and couldn't help but laugh self-deprecatingly.

Gu Wanning is living a very good life.

How did I end up like this?

"What brings you here today?" Gu Wanning was also taken aback when she saw Gu Wanqing, then said politely, "Come and sit down."

Third Concubine stood up and said, "I'll go boil water to make tea."

"No need to rush, I just came to chat with my sister for a bit," Gu Wanqing said with a smile.

Her heart was filled with bitterness, almost bursting at the seams.

Why is life so difficult?

She clearly stole Gu Wanning's life and had such a great start.

How did she manage to play such a great hand so badly?

Gu Wanqing asked herself honestly, what heinous things had she done?

She didn't.

She received excellent family education from a young age, excelling in all aspects of virtue, appearance, speech, and manners. She was gentle, kind, respectful, frugal, and modest, and never had any intention of harming others.

If there's anything wrong with her, it's that she stole Gu Wanning's life.

But that wasn't her decision.

Perhaps it was fate, and this was her retribution?

Gu Wanning was polite but distant towards her.

The sisters didn't seem to have much in common.

Since she was a guest, Gu Wanning still exchanged a few pleasantries, "Gu Xiaoxiao went with you, did she cause any trouble?"

A cold glint flashed in Gu Wanqing's eyes. "She certainly wants to cause trouble, but which woman in the Prince's Residence is easy to deal with?"

The women in the Prince of Qin's household were either from wealthy and influential families or were shrewd and cunning individuals who would stop at nothing to win his favor, employing a variety of methods.

What does Gu Xiaoxiao have?

There was nothing there.

Gu Xiaoxiao can act with impunity in the Gu family because no one bothers with her; even if they dislike her, they wouldn't go so far as to harm her.

But the women in the Prince's Residence's mansion would not show her any mercy.

"She fell into the water a few days ago and only found out she was pregnant afterward, but unfortunately she lost the baby," Gu Wanqing said. "She told the Prince that someone had harmed her, but she kept rambling on without any evidence, which displeased the Prince, and he locked her in the Buddhist hall to reflect on her actions."

Falling into the water, miscarriage... Don't you high-class families have any new tricks up your sleeves? Gu Wanning thought to herself.

"The maidservant came to report the day before yesterday that she was ill, and I had a doctor examine her. The doctor said that she was physically fine, but her mental state was somewhat abnormal, and he did not recommend letting her out," Gu Wanqing said in a calm tone.

Gu Wanning didn't say anything.

This is something Gu Xiaoxiao asked for herself, so she has to bear the consequences herself.

Gu Wanqing then explained the purpose of her visit.

"... Once the Marquis comes out this time, you two should get married again, right? Shall we have a big celebration?"

Gu Wanning: "..."

Why is everyone so smart!

Everyone knew Xu Weibei would be alright?

Does she really think that the Emperor will use this opportunity to take action against Xu Weibei?

And they even know she's dating Xu Weibei! How do they know so much about everything?!

It's Gu Anfang!

Gu Wanning suddenly thought of a "suspect".

Gu Anfang and Gu Wanqing were the closest of friends. He protected her in every way and often visited her, probably telling her everything.

Pah! You scoundrel! You think you can marry Hua Ying like this?

People who don't even know which way their elbows turn should stay single!

Pshaw, pshaw, pshaw.

Gu Wanqing took out two pieces of paper, placed them on the table, and pushed them towards Gu Wanning: "I didn't know if you were planning a big celebration, so I'm giving you this as an advance gift."

Gu Wanning glanced down, then her pupils dilated in shock.

It's a house deed?

And these are two shops in prime locations in the Capital?

This adds up to more than ten thousand taels of silver.

Xu Weibei bought an alpaca for Fifty Thousand Taels of silver, while Gu Wanqing readily offered 10,000 taels.

What, is she the only poor person?