Marrying for someone else and being a widow? Stepmothers open classes to raise children

Chapter 73 Luoxia Garden

Aunt Zhao raised her head hastily after hearing what Madam Yang said, with a trace of panic in her eyes: "Madam Yang, I... I just want to express my gratitude to the mistress."

Gu Zhiyi gently patted Aunt Zhao's hand and smiled, "Aunt, I believe in your sincerity. You don't have to swear, I understand your feelings. But it's too hot outside now, so it's not appropriate to talk here. Let's go inside."

Aunt Zhao suddenly realized what was going on, and hurriedly stood up, straightened her clothes, and led the way into the house, followed closely by Gu Zhiyi and Nanny Yang.

Entering the house, Aunt Zhao personally poured a cup of tea for Gu Zhiyi and handed it to her: "Madam, please have some tea."

Gu Zhiyi took the teacup, blew it gently, took a sip, and then put down the cup: "Aunt, I understand that you are sad about the death of Duke Ningguo, but the dead cannot be resurrected, and we who are still alive must live well. Don't worry, I will continue to take care of Huiyi and let her grow up healthily."

Aunt Zhao heard what Gu Zhiyi said, tears welled up in her eyes: "Madam, you are so kind. I... I am sorry for you."

Gu Zhiyi gently patted Aunt Zhao on the shoulder: "Aunt, let the past be the past. We must look forward, for Duke Ningguo and for Huiyi."

Nanny Yang also advised, "Yes, Aunt Zhao, don't dwell on the past anymore. The mistress has already forgiven you, so just put down the burden in your heart and live a good life."

Aunt Zhao trembled in her voice and whispered, "Madam, I know I did a lot of wrong things before, but I really want to thank you for seeking justice for Duke Ning and for taking care of Huiyi. I...I can't express my gratitude to you in words."

Gu Zhiyi gently patted Aunt Zhao's hand to calm her down: "Aunt, I received your kindness. But you know, I don't need your gratitude. The reason I did this is because it is my duty and my responsibility as the mistress of Ningguo Mansion."

When Aunt Zhao heard this, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. She didn't expect Gu Zhiyi to say such words so bluntly.

"Madam, I understand that my previous behavior made you feel very embarrassed, but I was really blinded by jealousy and resentment." Aunt Zhao sobbed, "Now, I just want to make up for my past mistakes."

Gu Zhiyi nodded gently and said, "Aunt, let the past be the past. The most important thing now is how we can support this family together and let Huiyi grow up healthily."

Aunt Zhao nodded hurriedly, with a firm light in her eyes: "Madam, I am willing to follow your arrangements. No matter what you do, I will do my best."

Gu Zhiyi followed Aunt Zhao into Luoxia Garden, where flowers were in full bloom, paths were winding and peaceful. She secretly sighed in her heart that this was once the favorite place of Duke Ningguo, but now it has become a hidden pain in Aunt Zhao's heart.

Walking into the house, Gu Zhiyi's eyes were immediately attracted by the furnishings in the room. The tall bookshelves were filled with books, the desks were filled with various antiques, and the walls were hung with calligraphy and paintings written by Ningguo Gong himself. Every detail revealed the former glory and nobility. However, Aunt Zhao's eyes revealed a trace of sadness.

"Madam, please take a seat." Aunt Zhao's voice was polite yet warm.

Gu Zhiyi sat on the chair and looked around. She asked softly, "Aunt Zhao, this was once the favorite place of Duke Ningguo. You should be very proud of it. Why do I feel that you don't want me to see this?"

Aunt Zhao's eyes dimmed, and she sighed softly: "Madam, you don't know, everything here reminds me of the glory of the past. And now I am just a woman who lost her husband, guarding these memories alone, with a bitter heart."

Gu Zhiyi nodded slightly. She understood Aunt Zhao's feelings. She said slowly, "Aunt Zhao, I understand the pain in your heart. But please believe that life always has ups and downs. What we are experiencing now is just a stage in life. You should learn to let go and start over."

Aunt Zhao looked at Gu Zhiyi, a trace of gratitude flashed in her eyes. Gu Zhiyi was speaking from the heart. She nodded gently: "Madam, you are right. I just can't let it go and can't accept it."

Gu Zhiyi looked at the landscape painting in Aunt Zhao's room with admiration. She said, "This painting is indeed very masculine and free and easy. Aunt Zhao, you can appreciate such a painting, which shows that you are not an ordinary woman." Aunt Zhao's face turned pale when she heard this. She said in panic, "Madam Gu, it is really inappropriate to put this painting here. I will have it taken away right away."

Gu Zhiyi looked at Aunt Zhao's reaction and felt puzzled. She turned to look at Nanny Yang, hoping that she could give her an explanation. Nanny Yang whispered in Gu Zhiyi's ear the origin of Luoxia Garden and the efforts that Duke Ningguo had put into it.

After hearing this, Gu Zhiyi's face became solemn. She ordered everyone to leave, leaving only Nanny Yang in the room.

Gu Zhiyi looked at Aunt Zhao and said earnestly, "It's normal for you to feel uneasy after the Duke's death, but as the master of the Duke's Mansion, you can't keep belittling yourself and make a fool of yourself." When Aunt Zhao heard this, her face turned even paler. She looked at Gu Zhiyi in panic, not knowing what to do.

Gu Zhiyi felt distressed when she saw Aunt Zhao's reaction. She said, "Aunt Zhao, you don't have to be afraid. I won't kill you or make you become a nun. I just hope you can stand up straight and live your life."

"Aunt Zhao, why are you afraid that I will drive you out of the house out of jealousy?" Gu Zhiyi's voice was calm and firm, with a hint of scrutiny in her eyes.

Aunt Zhao was stunned. She had never thought about this question. She had always believed that Gu Zhiyi, as the new wife of the Ningguo Mansion, would definitely try every means to drive her away in order to consolidate her position. However, Gu Zhiyi's words made her start to reflect on why she had such concerns.

"I...I..." Aunt Zhao was speechless and didn't know how to answer.

Gu Zhiyi continued, "My aunt was once the favorite concubine of Duke Ningguo, so her status is very high. But even so, you have not been able to shake my position as the mistress of the house. This shows that my position in the mansion is not based on the favor of Duke Ningguo, but on my own ability and prestige."

Aunt Zhao couldn't help but feel a little awe in her heart when she heard what Gu Zhiyi said.

Gu Zhiyi's reputation was not in vain; her talent and means had long been known as legend in the mansion.

"Aunt, you don't have to worry that I will do anything bad to you. Since I can become the mistress of the Ningguo Mansion, I am capable of handling all the affairs of the mansion. You just need to do your own duty and don't worry too much." Gu Zhiyi's tone was soft, but it revealed an unquestionable authority.

Aunt Zhao sobbed, her voice choking with sobs: "Madam Gu, I know I have done many wrong things in the past, but please believe that my heart for Xie Huiyi is sincere. I am just afraid of losing her and never seeing the old lady and her again."