Pei Zhirui looked around the tidy little pharmacy, filled with various common herbs. It was clear that it wouldn't do much for Gu Yuxuan's asthma. Such a neat pharmacy must be maintained by someone who cleans it regularly. Gu Qingning, lacking any medical skills, could not possibly keep this place so clean and organized. The more untraceable something is, the more suspicious it often becomes.
With his meticulous mind, Pei Zhirui quickly concluded that Gu Qingning must indeed possess medical knowledge. He decided to find an opportunity to test her skills. Leaning close to Gu Yanran's ear, he whispered to her. He had been careless, only noticing that Shi Min had left a fortune for Gu Qingning, never considering that she was also a female doctor. The thought of Pei Zhiqing gaining such an advantage made Pei Zhirui grind his teeth in frustration.
However, it was not too late to realize this now. With someone like Gu Qingning by Pei Zhiqing's side, it was like adding wings to a tiger.
"Alright," Gu Yanran replied softly. She felt herself drifting further away from Pei Zhirui; their recent schemes had all fallen through, and he was growing impatient with her, gradually losing the patience he once had.
Gu Qingning linked arms with Gu Wanning and followed Gu Haotian into the courtyard to admire the scenery, not bothering to follow them closely. Pei Zhiqing also went off to play chess with Gu Changqing.
Today was her day of returning home, and she didn't want to make anyone unhappy. Since they wanted to look, let them look as much as they wanted; after all, there were only some simple herbs inside.
"Big Brother, when are you going to the Grand Tutor's house to marry Sister Zhang?" Gu Qingning asked with a smile, glancing at the serious-looking Gu Haotian beside her.
Gu Haotian had spent many years stationed at the border, and his complexion appeared darker than those from the capital. Standing next to Gu Qingning, his tall figure exuded a sense of security.
Gu Haotian's face flushed red at Gu Qingning's teasing. "If Big Brother feels embarrassed, I can ask Father to go."
The granddaughter of Master Zhang and Gu Haotian were truly childhood sweethearts. Zhang Yiwen held a fondness for Gu Haotian, who also appreciated her grace and poise. Beyond their familial engagement, they shared mutual affection.
The matchmaker had spoken, and with the formalities of three matchmakers and six invitations, the Duke of Loyalty had already set his sights on Zhang Yiwen. However, Gu Haotian had spent many years stationed at the border, delaying his own important life events.
Gu Waning always wore a smile on her face; she couldn’t see the smiles on her older siblings' faces, but she could feel the happiness of home. "Elder brother, Sister Zhang is not young anymore. If you go to the border again this time, who knows how many more years she will have to wait?"
The first time Gu Haotian hurried back, the Duke of Loyalty's household and the Master Zhang's family exchanged betrothal gifts. The second time he returned, Gu Changqing went to the Master Zhang's household to present auspicious gifts. On his third return home, Gu Haotian brought bridal gifts to the Master Zhang's family.
Every year he rushed back and forth from the capital, never having enough time to hold a wedding. "This time I will ask His Majesty for permission to stay a little longer and complete this matter before heading back to the border."
Gu Haotian did not wish to avoid marriage; it was just that after years at the border, he feared disappointing that wonderful woman if he were to marry her. Living apart meant that he would carry an additional burden when going into battle. He felt anxious.
She was the best woman in his heart, and he wanted to provide her with the best life possible. Upon returning, Gu Changqing was eager about his marriage and had already urged him to ask His Majesty for permission to marry as soon as possible.
"Waning, elder brother is getting married; we will have a sister-in-law!" Gu Qingning couldn't contain her excitement. She looked directly into Gu Waning's eyes, which sparkled without focus.
Following Gu Qingning's voice, Gu Waning turned her head and smiled at her sister. "That's wonderful!"
Yet, a wave of disappointment washed over Gu Waning’s heart.
It was she who burdened her family.
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