"Hey! Today is a joyous day, let’s not talk about such unlucky things," Kong Shi said, wiping the tears from the corner of her eyes and smiling, "Tomorrow is your engagement ceremony. After that, you’ll be Old Master Gu’s granddaughter-in-law. I know you have a gentle nature and are always measured in your actions, but as your mother, I still need to remind you one more time, don’t be too willful in the Gu Family and make it difficult for Ye Lin. At home, it’s right for your mom and dad to pamper you, but in the Gu Family Mansion, you must act like a daughter-in-law ought to."
Kong Shi paused, then continued, "The whole family of Old Master Gu are good people, and they are really good to you. Ye Lin will adore you too, we’ve seen his true character very clearly these past days. He’s capable, has a cool temperament, and is usually busy with public affairs, but he really can’t be faulted in how he treats you. Even your jealous father has to admit that Ye Lin adores you to his very bones. Between husband and wife, both parties must contribute; if the balance is lost, one will start to feel weary. Oh, and about the affairs of Xuandu City. Although I don’t usually interfere in matters including those of Xuanjin, I know that whether it’s running a company or dealing with other family matters, there will always be some people with malicious intentions. You must be careful and take care of yourself; your safety is the most important thing."
Under the warm and dim light, Kong Shi held An Yiqing’s hand and gave her detailed admonishments, passing down all the advice that Yue Zihua, her own mother, had given her when she got married.
An Yiqing listened carefully to Kong Shi’s worried ramblings and reminders, a delicate smile remaining on her pretty face. She had never had these mother-daughter talks in the previous years; this must be what it feels like.
Kong Shi had just fallen asleep in bed not long ago when the screen of the cellphone next to An Yiqing suddenly lit up. She looked down and a smile gradually formed on her lips.
"Get some rest, don’t think too much, and wait for you tomorrow."
It was a typical Gu Yelin style of speaking. Looking at the message on the screen, An Yiqing beamed with happiness, then she turned off her phone and went to sleep.
In the study of the Gu Family Mansion, Gu Yelin and Old Master Gu sat opposite each other on the sofa.
"The engagement ceremony is tomorrow; how are the preparations?" asked Old Master Gu. "Security is the most important; we must ensure good protection."
"Don’t worry, everything has been arranged," Gu Yelin replied in a low voice.
Old Master Gu nodded and said pensively, "That’s good. Xiao Qing is a good girl, and you can’t let her down in this lifetime. She’s thoughtful and handles matters efficiently, which complements your icy temperament. She will be a good matriarch when she joins the family. I am already old, and the position of Family Head will eventually fall upon you. You and Xiao Qing will have to put more effort into it."
Old Master Gu took a breath, sipped his tea to moisten his throat, and continued, "You’ve mentioned the An Family’s cultivation of ancient martial arts before. I’ve thought about it seriously and believe that we should not spread the word about it for now. Old An and his people haven’t reached the Innate level yet, and if their practice is exposed, it will surely attract attacks from those with ill intentions. Also, you should gradually tell Xiao Qing about some affairs of the Gu Family. The Gu Family has accumulated quite a few problems over the past few centuries, and things in such a large enterprise aren’t as harmonious as they appear on the surface. Our main house is still manageable; your eldest uncle and second uncle see you as their own child and are united in their hearts. But those offshoot branches are simply absurd!"