I was a stepmother in ancient times, and I led my whole family to wealth.

Chapter 388 Strolling in the Garden, Admiring the Lotus Flowers

Dai An chuckled and teased from the side, a hint of mischief in his eyes: "Do you want to stay in the capital?"

"I'll live here from now on. Not only will I have access to good schools, but I'll also make many friends."

Gu Jingye first glanced at Dongfang Jin, his eyes full of inquiry and exploration, as if seeking some kind of affirmation;

He then turned his gaze to Yang Wenwen, as if searching for courage.

His lips trembled slightly as he stammered, "I, I..."

For a moment, he was overwhelmed with conflicting emotions and desires, making it difficult for him to make a decision. The words were on the tip of his tongue, but he didn't know where to begin.

Seeing his hesitant manner, Dongfang Jin bent down slightly, bringing her gaze level with Gu Jingye's.

He spoke softly, "Stone, tell me the truth, do you want to stay in the capital?"

If possible, all of you should stay.

Furthermore, I'll also leave Grandma Jun and my uncle in the capital, what do you think?

"Little sister, is it okay?" Gu Jingye asked expectantly, blinking his big, watery eyes.

To be honest, deep down he really wanted to stay in Beijing.

This place is bustling and novel, but he also has a vague worry about what would happen if he really stayed in the capital.

The conflicting emotions—whether his stepmother would accuse him of being a snob and a gold digger—made his little brow furrow tightly.

"If you like it, you can stay. We'll invite Uncle Ma and Uncle Fang to stay at our house later."

Dongfang Jin patted Gu Jingye's head, her tone firm yet gentle, giving him full affirmation.

Upon hearing this, Shen Qihui's eyes lit up instantly. He moved closer like a nimble little monkey and asked eagerly, "Auntie, is it true?"

Can we really stay in Beijing? This can't be a dream, can it?

His words were filled with barely suppressed excitement and anticipation.

Looking at Shen Qihui's appearance, Yu Ying couldn't help but tease him, "Don't you miss your mother? You little rascal, you can't forget your mother just because you've come to the capital."

Shen Qihui scratched his head a little embarrassedly, a blush rising on his face, and said with a simple smile, "My mother has my brother with her. My brother is very filial and can take good care of her."

Besides, isn't Uncle Song still at home?

Wearing a pale yellow dress, Gu Caiwei was lively and adorable. Like a cheerful little bird, she skipped and hopped to the front and exclaimed, "Grandma, your mansion's courtyard is so big!"

It's much more interesting than my yard, and you have so many flowers too.

There are more varieties of flowers than in my greenhouse.

Yang Wenwen, dressed in a light blue dress, with a gentle look in her eyes, softly echoed, "Yes, Grandma, such an exquisite garden must have taken a lot of effort to maintain."

She and Caiwei ran around the garden, but saw many people busy working there.

Dai Qiao said that there were servants in this courtyard who were specifically assigned to do the work.

Distracted by the two children, Dongfang Yuan tugged at her daughter and looked at the children with a smile: "It's rare that you like them."

Grandma really wishes you could stay in the manor forever and never leave. This manor hasn't been this lively in a long time.

Dongfang Jin looked at her mother, knowing that she was thinking of her sister again, and said to Gu Jingye and the others, "I have decided that before your uncle's wedding, you can stay at your maternal grandmother's house."

"yeah!"

"Great!"

Seeing the children's happy faces, Princess Dongfang Yuan was also much happier.

The group walked along the winding cobblestone path, with lush flowers, trees and shrubs on both sides, a riot of colors, and butterflies fluttering among the flowers.

At the end of the path lies a lake with shimmering blue water. Willows sway along the shore, their slender branches dancing in the wind, occasionally brushing against the surface and creating ripples.

The princess pointed to the lake and said, "This lake was specially dug by your father. Look, the lotus flowers are in full bloom. Isn't the scenery beautiful?"

"Beautiful, so beautiful."

Dongfang Jin looked at the children and asked with a smile, "Would you like to compose a poem after seeing this scene?"

This pond is like a pristine paradise forgotten by time.

Layer upon layer of lotus leaves, like open green umbrellas, crowded together, covering the pond with a huge green carpet.

Among them, the lotus flowers either stood tall and graceful or half-hidden their faces, each with a different posture.

Some petals are as white as jade, like fairies just emerging from a bath, fresh and refined;

Some are pink and white, just like a young girl's blushing cheeks, charming and lovely.

The blooming flowers stretched out their shapes, revealing their tender yellow stamens, attracting bees to busily flit among them.

Those flower buds, about to bloom, are like exquisite brushes dipped in ink, ready to depict the beauty of late summer.

A gentle breeze blows, causing the lotus leaves and flowers to sway softly, sending forth wisps of delicate lotus fragrance that soothe the soul.

Occasionally, water droplets roll on the lotus leaves, resembling glistening jade beads, adding a touch of liveliness to this tranquil scene.

Sunlight filters through dappled shadows of the trees, casting a tranquil glow on the lotus pond of the Prince's Mansion.

The lotus flowers in the pond bloom freely, and the lotus leaves are layered upon each other, lingering with the sunlight and cloud shadows.

Shen Qihui's eyes gleamed with excitement as he eagerly raised his hand high, his sleeves waving as he did so.

She shouted, "I'll go first, I'll go first. Grandma, Auntie, the poem I'm reciting is called 'Eternal Lotus'."

The crisp sound broke the surrounding tranquility.

With a gentle smile on her lips, Dongfang Yuan nodded lightly and said softly, "Then you can sing one first."

Seeing his expression, Dongfang Jin smiled as well. She knew that the child's liveliness could divert his mother's attention.

Ruyi: [This kid's not bad, I'll give him a reward later.]

"You don't need to tell me, I was initially attracted to this kid's personality."

[That's right, otherwise, given Jingye's personality, it would be very difficult to divert your mother's attention.]

Yes, my sister was only five years old when she passed away. From their descriptions, she was quite a talented little girl.

【Pity. 】

Having received permission, Shen Qihui gracefully flicked his sleeves, put his hands behind his back, and stepped forward with light and powerful strides.

He recited in a clear voice: "Emerald canopies stretch to the sky, reflecting the summer sun; pink lotuses stand tall, their beauty enduring. Their ethereal grace captivates the eye, attracting bees to busily gather nectar."

The child's innocent voice echoed in the air, perfectly complementing the lotus flowers that filled the pond.

Dai An was staring intently at the lotus pond, watching the bees busily flitting among the lotus flowers.

Upon hearing the poem, he clapped his hands and exclaimed, "So fitting! So fitting! This poem and the scenery before us are a perfect match!"

At this moment, Xiangling and the others came over carrying fruit and snacks, and couldn't help but exclaim, "Young Master Shen recited this poem so well, he has captured the beauty of the lotus pond. I was completely mesmerized by it."

As he spoke, he placed the things he was carrying on the stone table in the pavilion next to the lotus pond.

Cailing put down the pastries and chimed in with a smile, "Yes, I usually only think lotus flowers are pretty."

After hearing Young Master Shen's poem, I realized that the beauty of the lotus could be described so movingly.

I heard that this young master Shen was one of the people the princess found for her stepson, and she treats him like her own son.

This stepson has it, and this young master Shen also has it.

Granny Jing nodded slightly, a pleased smile on her face: "Young Master Shen is so young, yet he has such talent. He will surely achieve great things in the future."

Granny Lan nodded in agreement: "The lotus flowers in this poem are so lifelike, just like the pond in front of us."

The child raised by her princess is quite good; I heard she treats him like a son.

Dongfang Yuan looked at everyone, her eyes full of smiles, and finally said, "Indeed fitting for the occasion. Wenfu, bestow your reward!"

Hearing so many praises, Shen Qihui was overjoyed. He cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Thank you for your praise, Grandma, Aunts, and Granny."

Wen Fu smiled and took out a very exquisitely embroidered purse from her sleeve, handing it to Shen Qihui with both hands.

Shen Qihui took the purse and quickly took out its contents. Unexpectedly, it contained two silver peanuts, which would be worth two taels of silver if exchanged for them.