Reborn to be replaced? Remarried to the royal palace, raising children and training husband

Gu Qinlan cleared his throat and explained in detail: "Father, you know that the matter of Ji Yinli, the second son of the Ji family, secretly raising a mistress has long been a hot topic in the city. If it is not dealt with, it may affect the reputation of our Ji family."

Dingyuan Hou frowned slightly, his face showing a thoughtful look. He knew very well that what Gu Qinlan said was true, and this matter did give him some headaches. However, the second branch of the Ji family was very powerful, and if it was not handled properly, it might cause civil strife in the family.

"Qinlan, please continue." Marquis Dingyuan said in a deep voice.

Gu Qinlan nodded and continued to analyze: "Ji Yinli's elder brother Ji Yinyi is a pillar of the Ji family and is deeply trusted by the emperor. If word gets out that Ji's father is lax in his education and has a mistress, it will probably affect his position in the court. Moreover, if the Ji family cannot severely punish Ji Yinli, wouldn't it appear that the Ji family is lax in their education and be laughed at by the world?"

Dingyuan Hou's expression eased slightly, and he nodded, "That's right, Ji Yinyi's position in the court is very important, and we can't let him be affected. However, this matter involves the second branch, and if it is handled too harshly, it may cause strife in the family."

Gu Qinlan smiled and said confidently, "Father, don't worry, I have a plan to deal with it. First, we must punish Ji Yinli appropriately to show that the Ji family has strict family rules. In addition, we must vigorously publicize Ji Yinyi's integrity and justice in the court to protect him from the negative impact of this incident. Finally, we also need to spread the news among the people to show that the Ji family attaches great importance to this matter in order to restore its reputation."

After hearing this, Marquis Dingyuan's eyes flashed with approval.

"Qin Lan, you have considered everything very carefully. So, how should we do it specifically?" asked Marquis Dingyuan.

Gu Qinlan pondered for a moment and said, "Father, we can proceed in three steps. The first step is to let Ji Yinli accept punishment within the family, such as house arrest, demotion, etc. The second step is for you to personally come forward and clear Ji Yinyi's name in the court, and at the same time hint to the emperor that the Ji family will deal with this matter seriously. The third step is to send the family servants to spread the news among the people, saying that the Ji family has severely punished Ji Yinli to demonstrate the family's strict family rules."

Dingyuan Hou nodded and praised: "Okay, let's do as you say. However, this matter needs to be kept secret, and the second branch cannot know our plan."

Gu Qinlan smiled slightly and said, "Don't worry, father. I will act carefully and ensure that the plan goes smoothly."

Dingyuan Hou sighed and asked hurriedly, "Qinlan, do you have any good ideas?"

Gu Qinlan pondered for a moment and suggested, "Father, I have an unwelcome request. Would you consider it?"

Dingyuan Hou put down the teacup in his hand, glanced at Gu Qinlan sharply, and asked calmly: "Oh? What's the matter?"

Gu Qinlan straightened his back slightly and said seriously, "I hope that father can take up the position of Deputy Director of the Treasury Department."

Upon hearing this, Dingyuan Hou's expression changed slightly, and a trace of dissatisfaction flashed in his eyes. He frowned and said in a deep voice: "You are interested in a fifth-rank official position?"

Gu Qinlan had expected this reaction from her father and replied calmly, "Father, although the position is small, the Treasury Department is under the Ministry of War. Being able to attend the morning court every day is more practical for the Marquis's Mansion."

Dingyuan Hou snorted coldly, saying, "Practical significance? What practical significance can a mere fifth-rank official position have?"

Gu Qinlan took a deep breath and patiently explained: "Father, have you ever thought that the Deputy Director of the Treasury Department is in charge of the dispatch of the armory? If we can take this position, we will be able to better understand the deployment of the court's troops and even know the dynamics of the war at the border in advance. Isn't this a great help to the Marquis' Mansion?"

Dingyuan Hou was silent for a moment, and a trace of thought flashed in his eyes. But he was still a little hesitant: "But, this official position is too low after all. How can it show the prestige of my Dingyuan Hou Mansion?"

Gu Qinlan smiled slightly and said, "Father, the size of the official position is not the only criterion. Although the position of the Deputy Director of the Treasury Department is small, it has a special status. If we can make achievements in this position, we will naturally be valued by the court. Moreover, the Deputy Director of the Treasury Department participates in the morning court every day and interacts with the ministers in the court, which can also expand our network of contacts and pave the way for the future of the Marquis' Mansion."

As Marquis Dingyuan listened to his daughter's analysis, his expression gradually relaxed.

Gu Qinlan reminded him softly, "Father, the Marquis' Mansion has fallen into an unprecedented predicament. If nothing is done, I'm afraid that this century of glory will vanish into thin air."

Upon hearing this, Marquis Dingyuan's face became heavy. His daughter was telling the truth, but he still felt a little unwilling.

He looked at Gu Qinlan with a glimmer of approval in his eyes. This daughter has been smart and clever since she was a child, with unique insights, not inferior to boys.

"Qin Lan, what do you think?" asked Marquis Dingyuan.

Gu Qinlan smiled slightly, sat opposite her father, and said slowly: "My daughter thinks that we should show our faces in front of the emperor and demonstrate the strength and loyalty of the Marquisate. Only in this way can we have a chance to gain the emperor's grace and continue the glory of the Marquisate."

Dingyuan Hou was silent for a moment, with a hint of doubt in his eyes: "Show your face? How do you show your face?"

Gu Qinlan picked up the teacup on the table, blew it gently, and then slowly said: "My daughter heard that the emperor is holding a grand hunting event recently. We can take this opportunity to show the bravery of Dingyuan Marquis Mansion."

A glimmer of excitement flashed in Dingyuan Hou's eyes. He stood up and paced back and forth: "Yes, yes, this is indeed an opportunity. But there are so many people around the emperor, how can we stand out?"

Gu Qinlan smiled, with a glimmer of confidence in her eyes: "Father, I know what to do. As long as we are well prepared, we will definitely be able to stand out among the crowd."

……

Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, back garden.

The spring breeze blew, and the peach blossoms in the garden were like clouds and rosy clouds, with a fragrant aroma. Zheng Fengyun, wearing a light blue long gown, strolled along the path among the flowers, and Xiang Zhu followed closely behind him, holding a light peach blossom fan, carefully driving away mosquitoes for him.

"Young master, the ground is slippery, you have to be careful when walking." Xiang Zhu reminded softly, his eyes full of concern.

Zheng Fengyun frowned, but did not stop walking. He sneered, "I know. You don't need to remind me again and again."

Xiang Zhu blushed slightly, but still insisted: "Mosquitoes are also very powerful. If you get bitten, you will itch for several days."

Zheng Fengyun suddenly stopped, turned around and stared at Xiang Zhu, with impatience flashing in his eyes: "Xiang Zhu, you are really long-winded."

Xiang Zhu was stunned, and the blush on her face became even more intense. She bit her lip and asked cautiously, "Young Master, am I really that annoying?"

Zheng Fengyun looked at her like this, and his heart softened a little, but the indifference on his face did not disappear: "Not really, it's just that you care too much, which makes me feel a little uncomfortable."

Xiang Zhu heard this, a hint of disappointment flashed across her eyes, but she quickly recovered and smiled gently: "Young Master, I understand. I will pay attention to it in the future."