Qin Yuan’s exceptional beauty and graceful movements had a unique charm, causing the gathered ladies to secretly sigh to themselves, thinking that the daughter of Qin Jijiu’s family was indeed quite captivating.

The Crown Prince’s eyes flickered with intrigue, and he couldn’t help but sneak a glance again and again.

Empress Lin spoke gently, "Truly beautiful. I’ve heard you’re quite capable, managing household affairs at such a young age. Dingbei Marquis is indeed fortunate."

Qin Yuan replied respectfully, "I greet Your Majesty. It’s simply that my mother-in-law is fond of me and my family members support me. As someone young, I still require guidance from my elders to avoid making mistakes."

Empress Lin sat gracefully on her high seat, her gaze as sharp as ice and lightning, exuding authority without anger. Her demeanor was vastly different from the Empress Lin she had known in a previous life.

In her previous life, after the Crown Prince passed away, leaving no legitimate heirs, and the concubine sons and daughters were frail, none living past five years old. Empress Lin, who made a brief appearance at a palace banquet, had hair as white as snow and eyes dull and lifeless, her entire being exuding a decaying aura.

Such are the highs and lows of life, dictated by fate.

Truly, fate can make a courtesan marry a high official, and take a noblewoman to a brothel.

Who would have thought the late Empress’s family would become the stepping stone for this beautiful foot-washing maid? Yet, Heaven spares no one. Empress Lin, after years of painstaking effort, found it all turned to nothingness.

Empress Lin, with a gentle and harmonious demeanor, praised, "What a clever daughter-in-law you are. No wonder your mother-in-law and husband often commend your virtues. I’ve heard your father and cousin also highly regard your talents. Good child, sit here and chat slowly. Let me have a good look at you."

These words carried a certain meaning, indicating she had thought highly of her. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Qin Yuan then tilted her body slightly and took a seat on the low stool beside Empress Lin.

Gu Baoshu was held by Empress Lin’s hand to sit on the other side, who asked, "Why haven’t you sought out the Ninth Princess to play lately? She’s been eager to play polo with you. Last time at the Imperial College, the Emperor kept praising you and Dingbei Marquis, and she’s remembered it so much it gives me a headache."

Gu Baoshu laughed, "Responding to Your Majesty, it’s because I’ve been forced by my Third Brother to train hard in martial arts so I won’t embarrass the Gu Family in the future. Moreover, I need to help my Sixth Brother at home with his nephews and nieces, so I haven’t gone out much."

The Ninth Princess leaned in, "That day, I praised you highly in front of Father, and later had You Da mediate between you and the Yelv hostage, so you wouldn’t fight when you meet in the future. You hiding away, I thought I might have offended you."

Gu Baoshu hurriedly waved her hand, "What status does the Ninth Princess hold? What status do I hold? How could I dare blame the Princess? I’ve just been busy with family matters and haven’t been out much. I hope the Princess forgives me."

The Ninth Princess rolled her eyes internally countless times.

This blockhead, originally wanted to sell a favor, how can we chat like this?

Too crude and rigid, how is she worthy of her Crown Prince brother?

Empress Lin met with other young ladies. Some stayed for conversation, while others were dismissed after a few words. Only these two sisters-in-law stayed by her side throughout.

Everyone present observed this, naturally provoking countless thoughts.

Empress Lin inquired about Gu Baoshu’s marriage, and Old Madam Gu gave a slight bow with a smile, "The child is still young and prone to mischief, so we wish to keep her at home to learn more from her sister-in-law before marrying off."

Qin Yuan lowered her eyes, lightly fanning herself with the round fan.

Gu Baoshu promptly raised her voice, "Mother, how can you deceive?"

Empress Lin "Oh"-ed softly, "What do you mean?"

"Mother previously told my Third Brother that in the future, the title of Dingbei Marquis will go to whoever is capable. My Sixth Brother has a fondness for literature instead of martial arts, and it’s likely my nephews will also pursue scholarly paths. I intend to remain in the mansion to marry locally and carry on the Gu family bloodline, so how could she want me to marry off? Otherwise, why would I suffer learning martial arts with my Third Brother?"

Gu Baoshu blurted this out carelessly.

The audience was astonished.

Empress Lin’s face suddenly darkened, suppressing her anger, with a forced smile, asked, "Old Madam, is this true?"

Old Madam Gu appeared somewhat embarrassed, "Responding to Your Majesty, Baoshu’s impatience, originally intended to wait until she comes of age to disclose. As everyone knows, the Gu Family only has these few children left. Sixth Brother was weak since childhood; Old Marquis tried many ways without success in making him proficient in martial arts, and his literary pursuits were only half-finished. Only recently did he show progress and even published a poetry collection, earning some recognition, and no longer being mocked for pretentiousness.

Sixth Brother’s children follow him in this. As for the third... he once swore not to marry unless the Yelv Clan was ousted, and only wed this year by ancestral blessing. I thought I might never see him married in my lifetime. Whether there will be children depends on fate.

The Gu Family’s title was passed down through the ancestors after helping the Grand Ancestor Emperor establish the kingdom, and subsequent generations have protected the Northern Border for Daxing. Though the Yelv Clan is driven out now, barbarians still lurk nearby. The legacy of Dingbei Marquis Mansion must find a way to continue, or how can we face our ancestors below the ground?"

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement, unable to hold back from whispering among themselves.

"The Grand Ancestor Emperor originally granted the Gu Family hereditary titles, then Emperor Gaozu decreed that the Gu Family forever guard the Northern Border gate. Though Dingbei Marquis has driven away the Yelv people, it doesn’t guarantee peace; has any dynasty not faced external troubles from barbarian tribes in history?"

"Old Marquis Gu died in battle. I remember many ministers criticized the Gu Family, saying they were incompetent, expecting the Gu Family to crumble, but fortunately, there was Dingbei Marquis. Alas, such pity for Old Madam Gu’s four sons, now only Dingbei Marquis remains."

"At the time... sigh, it’s best not mentioned."

...

Empress Lin lowered her eyelids, concealing the harshness in her eyes.

This wretched old woman is quite skilled with words, speaking from the heart while also dredging up the past of the Gu Family.

Will the matter of the Former Crown Prince also be brought up?

These people of the Gu Family are truly detestable!

Empress Lin sighed softly, "The green mountains bury loyal bones, return wrapped in horse hide, farewell with youth, return with white hair. The trials of the Gu Family are truly difficult. Old Madam Gu, the Emperor has always remembered the Gu Family, and Old Marquis, often saying there would be no Northern Border peace without the Gu Family. Over the years, while Dingbei Marquis wages war at the Northern Border, Old Madam patiently awaits in the Capital—indeed, it’s been hard on you all."

Madam You paused, leaning on her cane, "That desolate place in the Northern Border, even the food is sandy, yet those Yelv people thrived robust and fierce. For Dingbei Marquis to drive them out was truly no easy feat. No wonder he’s called a War God."

Old Madam Gu hurriedly asserted, "In our military families, which soldier on the battlefield does not endure hardship? My Third Son swore vengeance for his father and brothers, lest he dishonor our ancestors who guarded the Northern Border for generations under Daxing, if he failed in his generation, how could he face the ancestors? By chance, he reclaimed the Northern Border region; calling him a War God is unwarranted."

What War God? As of now, he hasn’t even been granted a Duke title, merely put on a pedestal to roast.

This old woman is up to no good.