Sisters

"Mother, you don't need to worry about any of this. I won't force myself, and neither will you."

The most comfortable mother-daughter relationship is one where we each take care of ourselves, act within our own capabilities, and care for each other.

As she spoke, Gu Wanning called Er Ya in.

Er Ya was kneading dough, her hands covered in flour. "Madam, did you call me? I'm busy!"

Gu Wanning smiled and shared her thoughts.

"Alright, I'll send someone to run the errand right away. It's good that Third Concubine is here; let her see the First Madam as well." She lowered her voice, "After your Ling Ge, the First Madam hasn't given birth in so many years. She needs a daughter to be close to her."

Gu Wanning laughed and scolded, "Mind your own business."

It's not that they don't want to have children; it's just that the older brother can't bear to let his sister-in-law suffer any more.

She explained in a low voice.

Er Ya retorted, "Master is just short-sighted. He doesn't listen to him. Madam also loves her daughter! She's just too honest. When Master tells her to take her medicine, she takes it!"

"Stop messing around..."

"Yes, yes, I know. I'll show it to the Madam too. Oh, since we're already here, why not let the whole family see it? It doesn't cost any money. I'll go now, don't waste any time."

After saying that, she rushed out.

Wei Shi smiled and said, "Er Ya is such a good girl. She likes your eldest brother, but she doesn't have any possessive feelings for him. That's truly admirable."

"Mother, you knew about this too?"

"Your mother isn't stupid, how could I not see it? Your sister-in-law mentioned before that she wanted to keep her at home, but your brother got really angry... I didn't want to either. Er Ya is a good girl, she deserves a good home. She's not young anymore, you need to pay more attention to her. Gu Wanning, although you only have one useful person by your side, you can't hold her back for the rest of her life..."

"Yes, Mother, I know."

Er Ya has a heart of gold and deserves the best man.

Gu Wanning wanted to say that she could afford to keep it.

If she meets a good man in the future, she will give him a grand dowry and marry Er Ya off in style.

If they can't find good partners, they'll live together like sisters, supporting each other through old age.

As the mother and daughter were having a private conversation, Gu Xiaoxiao's voice came from outside. "Big sister is back."

Wei Shi stood up, supporting herself on a chair.

Gu Wanning came over to help her, feeling sorry for her walking with difficulty. "Mother, please don't go out. Eldest sister won't blame you for your lack of manners."

"Silly child, your older sister may not blame you, but she still has your brother-in-law! The Prince can be polite, but we must do our part. A marriage to a high-ranking woman is difficult; we can't help her much, but we can't hold her back either."

Chapter 68 Sisters

"Yes, Mother is right."

Wei Shi wanted to suggest that the sisters get along well, but fearing she might offend Gu Wanning, she swallowed her words.

The relationship between these two sisters is probably her biggest concern right now.

But she told herself that she couldn't be greedy.

The youngest daughter had finally managed to ease tensions with her family and the conflict had subsided, so she knew when to stop.

Improving the relationship between the sisters can be addressed gradually in the future.

As Gu Wanning helped Wei Shi out, she saw Gu Wanqing being helped to the door.

The Prince's Residence's carriage couldn't even fit into this narrow alley, so she was helped in by her maid.

Gu Wanning looked towards the alley entrance and, sure enough, saw many guards standing there.

Gu Wanqing had four maids and two very respectable nannies by her side.

Today she was dressed in a silver-red embroidered gold silk robe, with her hair styled in a high bun, looking dignified and elegant, completely out of place in this shabby alley.

"Where's my brother-in-law?" Gu Xiaoxiao craned her neck to look outside, which was quite annoying.

"His Prince had matters to attend to today and has already apologized to my father," Gu Wanqing said calmly, ignoring her and stepping forward to bow to Wei Shi.

Gu Wanning bowed to her respectfully.

Wei Shi helped Gu Wanqing up, while Gu Wanqing took Gu Wanning's hand.

"We're family, there's no need for this," the mother and daughter said in unison.

So, Gu Wanqing also entered He Shi's room.

But that annoying Gu Xiaoxiao also came in, fawning over Gu Wanqing.

Gu Wanqing, true to her character, showed no impatience whatsoever. Even when Gu Xiaoxiao expressed her intention to visit her at the Prince's Residence, Gu Wanqing did not lose her temper, simply saying, "There have been many matters to attend to at the residence recently. Once things have calmed down, I will invite my sisters over as guests."

"Big sister is busy, I can help you! I think I can do it." Gu Xiaoxiao volunteered.

Gu Wanning couldn't help but roll her eyes.

Are you capable enough to help her with chores, or... become her husband?

Does Gu Xiaoxiao really think everyone else is a fool?

Her ambitions were crystal clear, as obvious as a louse on a monk's head.

Gu Wanqing was so kind she was practically a steamed bun.

A loving couple shouldn't have such a fly around; they should swat it away immediately.

"We'll talk about it in a few days," Gu Wanqing said with a smile. "Oh, by the way, I brought back some fabrics. Go and choose some."

"Really? Thank you so much, big sister!" Gu Xiaoxiao went out happily.

Wei Shi held Gu Wanqing's hand and said, "Qing'er, why didn't An Ge'er come?"

Gu Wanning stood to the side without saying a word. The mother and daughter were closer. She was no longer the person she used to be, so she wasn't jealous and didn't want to compare.

She wondered if it was just her imagination, but she always felt that when Wei Shi spoke to Gu Wanqing, there seemed to be a hint of caution in her voice.

"An Ge'er was brought into the palace by the Empress today," Gu Wanqing said with a smile.

"It's his good fortune to have the Empress's favor," Wei Shi, clearly pleased. "Just don't forget to teach him proper manners, lest you displease the Empress."

Gu Wanning felt a pang of emotion; this was what royalty was like.

She had to be careful even in front of her own grandmother, but she always let loose and played around with her grandfather.

Gu Wanqing agreed, and then took the initiative to explain why the Prince of Qin hadn't come along, "The Prince had just returned to his residence after court, and I was in a hurry, so I came back first without waiting for him to change and tidy up."