0p0 Chapter 178 Freedom
Chapter 178 Freedom
Zheng Huiyi hugged Zheng Qinlan tightly and cried like a tearful person.
Zheng Qinlan was about to answer when Zheng Huaiyu rushed in and hugged Zheng Qinlan's other arm.
"Mother, have you been wronged at home?"
"Who is making you unhappy? Tell me, mother, and I will solve it for you!"
"Did the Gu family say or do something? Don't be afraid, mother. I will write a letter to father immediately."
"Mother, we have already lost our biological parents, and we cannot lose you again. Please have pity on us and stay."
Before Zheng Huaiyu could finish his words, Princess Duan walked in with tears streaming down her face.
"My child, you can't leave us like this. It will cost me my life."
Princess Duan wanted to hug Zheng Qinlan, but her daughter and granddaughter had already gotten there. She had no choice but to sit down opposite Zheng Qinlan, grabbed Zheng Qinlan's hand, and rubbed it gently in her palm.
"Qin Lan, I used to be an unreasonable and incompetent person. When you first came into the house, I did a lot of wrong things. Although I didn't say it, I always remembered it in my heart. I am not a competent mother-in-law, I'm sorry for you."
"Please don't leave. I have asked Madam Zhang to tell the concubines to pack their bags tonight and send them away before dawn tomorrow."
On the way just now, she was so anxious that she almost stumbled. Aunt Zhang was worried that she would fall, so she supported her and comforted her, and finally mentioned the matter of the concubines.
"Old Madam, as a married woman, you have also experienced the hardships of being a daughter-in-law, so you naturally know how deep the trauma of accepting a concubine is to a woman's heart. I remember that not long after Madam entered the palace, the general was summoned to leave the mansion by the imperial edict. Madam's heart was already full of sorrow, but you suddenly married four concubines. Isn't this like cruelly stabbing a sharp blade into Madam's heart?
Upon hearing this, Princess Duan burst into tears and sobbed: "The only thing I was thinking about at that time was worrying about Ding Lian's future, fearing that he would have no descendants to inherit his love..."
Aunt Zhang said solemnly, "After all, it was too hasty. Madam had just entered the house when you took this action. If it was the eldest daughter or Miss Huaiyu who was treated like this, how would you feel?"
Princess Duan was instantly filled with remorse and slapped her cheeks. She no longer needed Nanny Zhang's support and immediately ordered her to dismiss the concubines.
Zheng Qinlan looked at this scene, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, but a warm feeling surged in her heart.
After all, people are all made of flesh and blood.
Although Gu Qinlan was always prepared to leave the Zheng family at any time, she couldn't help but feel a little touched when she saw the Zheng family's reaction. In her previous life, she gave her heart to the Ji family, but only got betrayal and calculation in return. In this life, she learned her lesson and invested in the Zheng family cautiously and limitedly. The starting point of many actions was just to avoid getting into trouble in the future.
She only intended to maintain superficial harmony with the Zheng family and had no intention of establishing deep feelings with them. However, this is the wonder of interpersonal relationships.
Isn't this just like the saying goes: When you try to plant flowers, they don't bloom, but when you plant willows by accident, they grow into a shade?
Gu Qinlan's heart warmed slightly, and when she looked up, she saw Zheng Fenghui carrying Zheng Fengyun, running in panting. The child initially picked up his brother but couldn't run a few steps, so he had to carry him on his back instead.
At this time, the masters of the Zheng family finally gathered together.
Zheng Fengyun jumped off Zheng Fenghui's back, ran lightly to Gu Qinlan, and said in a soft voice: "Mother, the outside world is in chaos. Let's wait until the world is peaceful before leaving."
Upon hearing this, the other members of the Zheng family cast reproachful glances at him.
This child, they were still trying to dissuade him earnestly, but he was actually encouraging himself?
Zheng Fengyun didn't seem to notice their gazes, and snuggled up to Gu Qinlan: "Mother, I know you must have your reasons for wanting to leave. Just go and do what you want to do, and don't worry about what others think. The affairs of the Zheng family are not your responsibility, so you don't need to worry about anything."
"In the future, I will only recognize you as my mother. I will study hard and strive to pass the imperial examinations and become a prominent official. I will do my best to protect you and make your life more comfortable than anyone else. Please rest assured, mother. I will work harder and not let you wait too long."
Although he was young, only four or five years old, his words were clear and powerful, and his thinking was quick and mature.
These words even moved Gu Qinlan, who had experienced two lives.
Gu Qinlan slowly stretched out her only right hand that could still move and gently stroked Zheng Fengyun's cheek.
She had only taken the child to live in her yard for a short period of time when she first entered the family. She had never expected that during this short period of time, the child could see through her thoughts so thoroughly.
The reputation is well-deserved. The future powerful official has already mastered the art of winning people's hearts.
Several people who were worried were stunned for a moment and the scene was silent for a while.
The three women of the Zheng family all looked at Zheng Fenghui with lightning eyes.
You busybody!
Zheng Fenghui looked confused. He swore that he had heard with his own ears Gu Qinlan declare that she wanted to leave Prince Duan's Mansion!
Why would she go back on her word at this moment? Wasn't this meant to embarrass him?
Although he was secretly happy, Zheng Fenghui couldn't help but smile bitterly.
It's not bad to stay here, even if I get looked down upon.
Zheng Fenghui's mouth corners slightly raised, revealing a bitter smile.
Gu Qinlan took in the changes in everyone's expressions and couldn't help laughing, "Feng Hui, you didn't hear wrongly, I did say that."
When everyone heard this, their anxiety was evident.
Gu Qinlan waved her hand gently, signaling everyone to calm down: "Now that we have come to this, I might as well speak frankly. Please take a seat first."
Fu Yu was quick-witted and immediately ordered the maids to remove the dishes on the table and replace them with a pot of tea.
After everyone was seated, Gu Qinlan smiled gently and said slowly: "Mother, to be honest, I don't have too many expectations for marriage. Back then, the Gu family intended to let Gu Qinlian marry into the Zheng family, but Qinlian finally chose the Ji family, so it was my turn."
"If I had not been forced by worldly views, I would rather remain single and create my own world. However, as a family girl, I cannot escape the shackles of my family. They have the right to decide who I will marry, and my fate seems to have been arranged long ago."
"I am willing to become the Duan Wang Consort. On the one hand, it is because the family background of the Duan Wang Mansion is far superior to that of the Ji family. On the other hand, I have great faith in the character of the Crown Prince. He can accept the remarriage of the First Lady, and I believe that he will support me in my pursuit of freedom in the future."
"On the night the prince left the palace, we reached a tacit understanding. I promised to protect Prince Duan's palace, and he promised that if I longed for freedom, he would give me freedom."
"So, I will not leave until the prince returns with glory. Please don't worry."
Although Zheng Dinglian had promised her that she could remarry if he could not return, she knew that given his character, he would agree even if she took the initiative to ask for a divorce. Therefore, there was nothing wrong with her saying this to the Zheng family.