The whole family died tragically? The eldest daughter is the most powerful in the capital after her

Lin Ruoxuan stood up, bowed to the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo and the old lady, and said softly: "Thank you mother for your understanding, and thank you grandmother. I will take my leave first."

The old lady nodded slightly and said calmly: "Go ahead. Young people are precious. You should know where you can't stand it. It's better to avoid it in advance."

Lin Ruoxuan turned and left, her steps somewhat hurried. Behind her, she could faintly hear the dull sound of sticks hitting others and the intermittent pleadings of the maid.

She suppressed her emotions until she walked out of the gate of the old lady's yard. Only then did her breathing become a little smoother. She raised her hand to press her chest, closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

In the courtyard, the daughters-in-law of other families were stunned.

Some people whispered, "The lady is really precious. She can't bear to watch this scene and leave. We would never dare to do that."

The other person gritted his teeth, his tone full of envy: "Isn't it? If it were us, we would have been scolded. The eldest lady is really doted on by everyone in the Gu family, who wouldn't be jealous?"

Although their voices were low, they still floated into the ears of the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo.

The wife of the Duke of Zhenguo glanced at them and said in a cold voice: "You just need to focus on your own duties and don't talk about others. If I hear you making random guesses again, I will punish you according to the family rules!"

Those people immediately fell silent and dared not discuss any more.

Lin Ruoxuan returned to her room, her mind filled with the scene of the caning in the yard and the fear that had been suppressed deep in her heart.

Sitting at the table, she looked at the warm yellow light on the desk, slightly absent-minded.

If the matter of the contraceptive medicine is delayed any longer, Gu Nanyuan will find out sooner or later. Instead of facing it passively, it is better to confess as soon as possible.

She breathed a sigh of relief and patted her cheeks gently to cheer herself up.

However, just when she was about to tell Gu Nanyuan all this, hurried footsteps were heard outside, followed by the figure of Lu Qiao pushing the door open.

Lu Qiao's face was tense, and she reported in a low voice: "Madam, the prince was urgently summoned to the palace. I heard that something big happened in Changlin Province. The collapse of the coal mine affected the surrounding areas, and many places have experienced collapse disasters."

Lin Ruoxuan was startled when she heard this, and she stood up, her voice involuntarily becoming anxious: "Coal mine collapse? The disaster is so serious that the emperor has personally summoned him?"

Luqiao nodded, her voice filled with uneasiness: "I heard that more than a thousand miners have been buried, and the government is unable to handle it. The emperor ordered the prince to lead the troops to set off overnight and rush to the disaster area with relief supplies. The situation is urgent, and I'm afraid the prince doesn't even have time to say goodbye to you."

Lin Ruoxuan's heart sank, and she subconsciously stepped out of the room: "Where is Nanyuan now?"

"In the front yard, discussing the details with several generals." Lu Qiao followed behind and reminded quietly, "Madam, it's cold and the road is long. Why don't you wait? The prince will come to see you after he finishes his work."

Lin Ruoxuan did not stop and hurried to the front yard.

When she walked to the front yard, Gu Nanyuan was directing the accompanying soldiers to distribute supplies, his expression cold and focused.

"Nanyuan." Lin Ruoxuan called softly from the door.

Gu Nanyuan turned around when he heard the voice, and his eyes softened a little when he saw her appearance.

He walked forward and held her face in his hands: "Why did you come out? It's cold at night, go back and rest, I'm leaving now."

Lin Ruoxuan looked up at him, her eyes slightly red: "Don't you even have time to say goodbye?"

Gu Nanyuan lowered his head and kissed her forehead, his tone more apologetic: "The situation is urgent, the emperor's decree has been issued, and there is no time to delay. But don't worry, I will come back safely."

Lin Ruoxuan held his hand and wanted to say something but swallowed it back.

After a moment, she forced a smile and said, "I'll wait for you to come back. Don't worry about the housework. I'll take care of it."

Gu Nanyuan nodded: "Okay, you always let me rest assured, wait for me to come back."

He turned around, jumped onto the horse, and his figure was as straight as a pine tree.

As the command sounded, he led a team of soldiers away quickly.

Lin Ruoxuan stood at the door, watching his back disappear into the darkness, her fingers slowly tightened, and her palms felt slightly cold.

She took a deep breath and went back to her room.

After Gu Nanyuan left, Lin Ruoxuan always felt empty, as if some support had suddenly been removed.

The wife of the Duke of Zhenguo seemed to see what she was thinking and gently patted the back of her hand with a hint of comfort in her tone.

"Ruoxuan," the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo said in a gentle voice, "Men are out there defending the country, and we women in the inner house must remain calm. It's normal to worry, but if you are frowning all day, Nanyuan will only be more worried if he knows. You have to learn to adjust yourself and live a fulfilling life."

Lin Ruoxuan bowed her head and replied, "Mother is right. I'll take note of it."

The wife of the Duke of Zhenguo raised a smile and changed the subject, "It just so happens that I got the news a few days ago that my cousin is coming to the capital with her children to celebrate the birthday of the old lady of the Lin family. Her youngest daughter, Lin Yuxi, is also coming. I remember that she is about your age and has been to the capital before. I think you two can get along well."

Lin Ruoxuan raised her eyes, looking a little hesitant.

She was not completely unfamiliar with Lin Yuxi's memories.

She didn't have a good impression of her, but since the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo mentioned it, she naturally couldn't refuse.

"I do have some impression of cousin Yuxi," she forced a smile, her tone polite, "In that case, I will definitely play the role of host when they arrive."

The wife of the Duke of Zhenguo nodded with satisfaction and added, "Although Yuxi has a bad temper, she is actually not a bad person. You are of similar age. If you get to know her more, you may find that she has some lovely qualities."

Lin Ruoxuan said nothing more, and responded with a gentle look: "Yes, mother."

Seeing that she was no longer depressed, the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo said, "When you have free time these days, why don't you go out for a walk more often? I heard that you want to go to the temple to pray for Nanyuan and the people? That's a good thing, go tomorrow. Bring some personal maids to serve you, and don't let yourself get tired."

"Don't worry, mother. I will make proper arrangements." Lin Ruoxuan paused and smiled gratefully, "I will always remember your thoughtfulness towards me."

The wife of the Duke of Zhenguo shook her head and smiled, "You are Nan Yuan's legitimate wife, and you are also the mistress of the family. You don't need to be so polite all the time. There is one more thing I hope you remember. We women can have our husbands in our hearts, but they cannot be the only ones. You must learn to take care of yourself and take care of the affairs of the inner house. This is the greatest support for them."

Lin Ruoxuan's heart moved slightly, she looked up at the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo, nodded and said, "I will keep my mother's teachings in mind."

The morning bells and evening drums in the temple rang slowly, and the air was filled with the faint scent of sandalwood. Lin Ruoxuan and Lin Ruoqiao knelt side by side in front of the golden statue of Buddha, with their hands clasped together and their expressions pious.

The two of them whispered their wishes, praying for the health of their families and that the disaster would pass quickly.