Gu Qingyan, the legitimate daughter of the Gu family, was born in a royal family, and her temperament was not really gentle and virtuous among women. Of course, she didn't have many scheming and methods like a housewife, so she was considered a pretty decent person.
On weekdays, I read the Four Books and Five Classics well, dabble in music, chess, calligraphy and painting. Although I am not obsessed with dancing and shooting, I still practice some body-building moves from time to time.
Her biggest personality trait is that she is not willing to scheming with noble ladies. When her family invites people to attend flower-viewing banquets or tea and chat gatherings, she will reject them if she can. If she cannot, she will try her best to remain invisible and unwilling to participate.
Those wars of words.
However, Gu Qingyan was actually no stranger to Yun Zishu. He had met her at the palace banquet and at Princess Jinning's flower viewing party. Although they had not interacted with each other, every time they met, they would inevitably have feelings for her.
A bit of admiration.
Regardless of whether they are the emperor's concubines, princes and princesses, or even the eunuchs and maids serving around them, anyone who is favored can walk sideways, with their chin raised high, and no one dares to treat them lightly.
Most of those who have fallen out of favor are cautious in their words and deeds, and do not dare to offend others easily. They can only swallow their anger when they are ridiculed... But Yun Zishu did not.
Gu Qingyan was deeply impressed by Yun Zishu. From the beginning, she thought she was just an "out-of-favor princess" who overestimated her abilities and bluffed, but later realized that she was an arrogant and courageous woman. There were many cognitive changes.
Big changes.
So when she learned that she was chosen as a dowry girl, Gu Qingyan found that she was not too repulsed. She wanted to know if this princess would be so arrogant and lucky to turn disaster into good fortune after she arrived in Dongyou.
.
The Gu family has been immersed in sadness and sadness for the past two days, especially General Gu and his wife. When they think of their daughter leaving Dayong and going to a completely unfamiliar country, they can't help but feel worried.
"I'm just a daughter, what if I get bullied when I get to Dongyou?"
As the commander of the Gyeonggi Guard, General Gu knew the importance of protecting his family and the country. Hearing this, he could only comfort him: "Don't worry, my daughter Jiren has her own destiny, and she will not be bullied no matter where she goes.
"
"Today is only the second day of the Lunar New Year, and the joy of the New Year has not passed yet. Mother should be happy." Gu Qingyan comforted her mother warmly, "Besides, this is the emperor's decision. Cousin King Jing will also go with him, so mother will
Don’t worry so much.”
"King Jing is just escorting you. He will come back when he gets to Dongyou, but you are different." Mrs. Gu's eyes turned red with worry, "If you are bullied in Dongyou, we won't even be able to see you.
Don't mention supporting you, just in case...in case..."
"The marriage between the two countries is for the sake of the country and the common people. Mother should think of the good." Gu Qingyan said with a smile, "Maybe when we get there, Dongyou will treat us as honored guests and treat us with courtesy."
"You are optimistic." Mrs. Gu sighed, the shadow still lingering in her mind, "Go this time -"
"Sir, Madam, Miss." The housekeeper hurriedly came to report, "Someone from the palace has brought news that the Concubine Xian has invited the young lady to come to the palace to talk."
General Gu turned around and looked: "The messenger is outside?"
"yes."
General Gu walked out.
Mrs. Gu frowned: "On the second day of the Lunar New Year, why did she summon you to the palace?"
Qingyan pondered: "After the Chinese New Year, Dongyou's envoy will come to hire a bride. My aunt should have some tips on etiquette and rules for me. This is a common practice."
When Mrs. Gu heard this, her expression was slightly worried: "If possible, I still hope that you can stay at home, but there is probably no room for change in this matter."
"Don't worry, mother, I will take care to protect myself." Gu Qingyan patted her mother's hand and stood up, "My daughter will go to the palace first."
Mrs. Gu nodded: "Do you want me to go with you?"
"No need." Gu Qingyan smiled, "My daughter can face some things independently."
Mrs. Gu sent her out, and when she arrived in the front yard, she saw the nanny sent by Concubine Xian. After a polite exchange, Gu Qingyan got on the carriage and entered the palace.
"Alas." Mrs. Gu looked at the carriage driving away and sighed softly, with a sad look on her face, "I only have one daughter..."
"Madam, be careful what you say." General Gu turned to look at her with a gloomy expression, "People outside are too talkative, so be careful of causing trouble."
Mrs. Gu then shut up.
Gu Qingyan entered the palace and went directly to Concubine Xian's palace. When she entered, she greeted Concubine Xian first and said, "See aunt."
"Yan'er, hurry up and excuse yourself." A smile appeared on Concubine Xian's face, and she quickly stepped forward to hold her hand, and raised her hand to screen the people leaving the palace, "You all go out."
"yes."
The hall became quiet, and Concubine Xian took Gu Qingyan's arm and sat down on the couch. She looked at her niece with love on her face. The more she looked at her, the more satisfied she became. She always felt that the daughter raised by the Gu family was better than those who were always in a hurry.
I don't know how many times better a fool who engages in conspiracy and calculation is better.
"What have you been doing at home during this time?"
Gu Qingyan replied: "The weather is cold in winter, so my niece stays in the room to avoid the cold. When she is bored, she writes and draws to pass the time."
"Yan'er is a talented woman, no worse than the legitimate daughter of the Wei family who was praised to heaven." Concubine Xian smiled gently, "Auntie came to see you today mainly because she wanted to talk to you about going to the East.
The matter of You Heqin."
Gu Qingyan sat upright with a respectful attitude: "Qingyan, please listen to your aunt's teachings."
"Don't be so nervous." Concubine Xian said coquettishly, "There's no one else here. Auntie can speak directly if she has something to say. You can also say what you think."
Gu Qingyan nodded: "Yeah."
"What dissatisfaction do you have about going to Dongyou to get married?"
"There is no dissatisfaction." Gu Qingyan slowly shook her head, "Marriage is related to the peace between the two countries and the stability of the people in the world. My niece thinks this is a merit. She can contribute to Dayong at a critical moment. It is also a great achievement for my niece.
An honor.”
Concubine Xian was silent for a moment and sighed: "Yan'er is so sensible that it makes people feel bad."
"Auntie, please don't say that." Gu Qingyan smiled affectionately, rarely showing a bit of the coquettishness of a younger daughter, "This marriage is not just for the niece, it is all for the court, the country and the people.
It is also for the sake of my own family, this is the responsibility that my niece should fulfill."
No matter what your true thoughts are in your heart, you must keep the overall situation in mind and not show any dissatisfaction - this is the palace, a place that eats people without spitting out their bones.
Even in front of her dear aunt, even if all the palace people are dismissed, a truly well-educated and knowledgeable lady still knows what to say and what not to say.
Sure enough, after she finished saying this, Concubine Xian's face became visibly relaxed, "You are a good child."