Aunt Zhao let it go and suggested a bet for a meal. Although the people sitting here are not short of money for that meal, they all agreed with a smile just to liven things up.
"Alright, I bet that Ah Ying's child will be a son," Qin chuckled.
Aunt Zhao raised an eyebrow and said, "Then I bet it will be a daughter."
"I bet on a son."
"I bet on a daughter."
At the same time, there were also Gu Shuang and Ye Qingchi, who had been sitting silently in their chairs.
The two of them spoke at the same time, and as soon as the words fell, they exchanged a glance, and there was a smile in Ye Qingchi's eyes.
Gu Shuang quickly averted her gaze, her little face blushing slightly. "I actually think that for Second Sister, a son is better than a daughter. Having a legitimate eldest son and then giving birth to a girl is not too late."
Gu Shuang's voice was gentle and her voice was soft, which made the adults laugh again.
Gu Ying knew that Gu Shuang was thinking for her sake. After all, in a family like the Duke's residence, women relied on their sons for their status and giving birth to a son was much better than giving birth to a daughter.
Gu Ying had come today to make time to meet her own family. After sending away the ladies outside and exchanging pleasantries with Qin and Aunt Zhao for a while, she pulled Gu Shuang to her side and asked about her recent situation in Bianjing, as well as how Fu Xunzhi was doing.
Gu Shuang initially answered happily, but when she mentioned Fu Xunzhi, her mood seemed to dampen a bit, but she still smiled and said, "We're fine, we're doing well. His family said that after a while, our marriage will be put on the agenda."
Gu Ying asked, "When will the wedding take place?"
Gu Shuang lowered her head and said, "They said it will be next month, the date hasn't been set yet. Xun Gege said his mother wants to take our birthdates to a temple and have a master match them. I thought it would be better to postpone it a bit. I want to stay in the residence with Mother until after I have a child before getting married. Second Sister, you don't have to worry about me. Once the date is set, Mother will definitely come to the Duke's residence to send the wedding invitations."
Ye Qingchi didn't say anything, he just looked at the little maid at Gu Ying's side, his lips slightly pursed, and calmly drank a cup of cold tea.
Gu Ying noticed that Gu Shuang lifted her delicate chin, and it was clear that she had lost some weight. No matter how she looked at her, she didn't seem like a bride-to-be.
She had wanted to inquire further, but Aunt Zhao on the other side smiled and told Gu Ying not to worry about it.
"She stayed up all night embroidering her wedding dress herself. They say that a daughter who gets married is like water poured out, and Shuang'er really can't wait to marry Fu Xunzhi right away."
Gu Shuang blushed and cautiously glanced at the man across from her. "Mother! Don't say that, it's embarrassing."
Ye Qingchi was right here, and this birth mother really didn't leave her any face.
"Haha, alright, if Mother doesn't say it, then it's fine."
Qin said, "Shuang'er is young, besides being easily shy, her temperament is calm and steady. She's really likable. Why doesn't that old lady from the Fu family want to let Shuang'er marry over?"
"It's all because of Shuang's identity," Aunt Zhao blurted out, realizing that it wasn't appropriate to discuss such matters on this joyous occasion. She smiled and halted her words, saying, "Let's forget about it for now. The children will have their own blessings. We'll talk about it once the arrangements with the Fu family are settled."
Aunt Zhao had become more understanding. Gu Boyan had yet to elevate her to the position of a legal wife, and Shuang had been carrying the status of a concubine's daughter all this time. It was precisely because of this that she had gained insight into human affairs. Fu Xunzhi was a good son-in-law, but the Fu family had pursued Shuang due to her status as the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Dongping. Moreover, with the added complication of Gu Ying being the wife of the Crown Prince, their family was highly astute. Since Ah Ying hadn't been in contact with the Duke's residence for the past few months, their attitude had started to change. Aunt Zhao had also figured out that if Fu Xunzhi didn't come forward to defend Shuang soon, this marriage would probably come to an end.
Gu Shuang bit her lip and remained silent, her disappointment evident on her small face.
After all, she was still young. Even though she had turned fifteen this year, she couldn't help but feel a little upset and sad that her marriage had been arranged but her husband's family was delaying her entrance into their household.
She wondered how Fu Xunzhi was handling the situation.
Ye Qingchi had noticed Gu Shuang's downcast mood as soon as he arrived. It wasn't until she saw Gu Ying that a smile appeared on her face.
Thinking about it, he furrowed his brows in annoyance. He had never cared about women's affairs, so why was he so concerned about Gu Shuang, a little girl?
He closed his eyes and dismissed the image of Gu Shuang's crestfallen expression from his mind. He turned to Gu Ying and said, "I'm going to see An Ning."
With that, he got up and left the room.
Gu Ying glanced at Ye Qingchi in surprise. The Ye Young Master, who had always been charming and knowledgeable about worldly matters, why didn't he even give a nod or gesture to his fourth sister before leaving? It was truly beneath his noble demeanor as a prince of the Ye Manor.
Gu Shuang, on the other hand, didn't think too much of it. She always felt that whenever Young Master Ye looked at her, he resembled a strict teacher in the academy—serious and rigid, with no expression on his face. It made her very nervous.
Especially during their two encounters, she had embarrassed herself each time. Whenever she saw him, she inexplicably worried and feared his scrutinizing gaze.
Whenever he glanced at her, she immediately became as tense as a student who hadn't studied or practiced calligraphy properly.
But the truth was, she was a good student...
Gu Shuang was at a loss for words. She hoped that the next time she came to her second sister's place, she wouldn't run into Ye Qingchi again.
After sending Aunt Zhao and her daughter away, Gu Ying took Qin's hand and nestled in her embrace for quite some time. Her aunt had a motherly presence, and holding her felt reassuring.
Qin quietly allowed Gu Ying to hold her, her eyes showing a tender affection.
After a while, Gu Ying expressed her thoughts.
Qin rejoiced and said, "So, Ying, you mean to have An Ning come and stay at our residence for a while? This... this is a wonderful idea! I'll go back and make preparations right away! Originally, the courtyard in Qinghe Garden was meant for you and your siblings to live in, but at that time, you... No, Ying..."
Qin's eyes turned slightly red, and there was a cautious look in her eyes. "Is A Ning willing to go and stay at his uncle and aunt's house now? I came to the mansion some time ago and wanted to see him, but he didn't want to meet me... I'm afraid he's unwilling in his heart..."
Seeing the slight moisture in Qin's eyes, Gu Ying smiled gently and put her arm around her aunt's shoulder. "Aunt, don't worry. How could A Ning not be willing in his heart? It's just that his legs have been giving him trouble... He doesn't want to see people because he's frustrated with his own disability. Aunt, you should treat him with more kindness."
"I'm certainly not angry with him. If he's willing to go to the Ye family's place, I... I'll go back and tidy up the courtyard for him right away!"
"Aunt, please don't rush." Gu Ying pulled her aunt, who was all fired up, back. "There are a few things I need Aunt's help with."
Qin hurriedly asked, "Please tell me."
Gu Ying said, "Aunt, can you secretly find someone for me?"
