Chapter: Arrival at the Gu Mansion
The cable car hummed softly as carrying Tang Ning and Gu Yan closer to the sprawling mansion perched atop the mountain. Tang Ning, nestled comfortably in Gu Yan's arms, gazed in awe at the view below. Streams of crystal-clear water wound their way through the greenery, cascading into shimmering ponds. Flowering trees dotted the landscape, their delicate petals drifting down like soft snow. It was as if they were entering a paradise hidden in the clouds, far from the rest of the world.
Gu Yan smiled down at her as her wide eyes took in everything. "What do you think, Little Ning? Have you ever seen anything like this?"
She shook her head, still entranced by the beauty around her. "It's like a dream," she whispered, her voice filled with awe.
Gu Yan still carrying her, and began walking up the winding path towards the grand mansion ahead. The structure itself was magnificent, a perfect blend of traditional Chinese architecture and modern elegance. White stone walls stretched high into the sky, their surfaces intricately carved with symbols and stories of old. Beyond the mansion, the mountain seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky, making Tang Ning feel as though they were standing at the top of the world.
"Do you know what a hermit family is, Little Ning?" Gu Yan asked as they walked, his steps steady as he carried her up the stairs.
Tang Ning tilted her head in thought, shaking it softly. "No, Uncle Yan."
"Well, a hermit family is a group of people who have chosen to live apart from the rest of the world, focused on mastering particular skills. Some hermit families are martial arts masters, some are scholars, and others, like my family, focus on medicine. For generations, the Gu family has been healers, skilled in traditional and modern medicine."
Tang Ning listened quietly, her sharp mind absorbing every word. Though she was only a child outwardly, her understanding went far beyond her years.
"But not all of us follow that path," Gu Yan continued. "My eldest sister, Gu Ning, for example, is a businesswoman. She runs one of the most successful corporations in the country. Even though we're a hermit family, we're not all bound by tradition. We can choose our own paths, much like your mother did."
As they reached the mansion, Gu Yan set Tang Ning down gently, and she took a moment to gaze up at the imposing structure in front of her. The mansion doors, tall and intricately carved, swung open to reveal a group of people standing inside, waiting for them.
At the head of the group stood an elderly man with a long white beard and a regal air about him. His sharp eyes immediately fell on Tang Ning, taking her in with an appraising look. Beside him stood Gu Yan's parents, his mother's warm smile reaching her eyes as she gazed at the young girl. Surrounding them were the six Gu sisters, each dressed elegantly, their expressions varying from curiosity to amusement as they watched the little girl approach.
Gu Yan nudged Tang Ning gently, and she took a deep breath before stepping forward. Her small feet padded softly on the polished floor as she approached the family. She looked up, meeting each of their gazes with surprising confidence for a child her age.
"Hello, Grandpa Gu," Tang Ning said, bowing her head respectfully to the elderly man. Then she turned to Gu Yan's parents, her voice clear and strong. "Hello, Uncle Gu, Aunt Lin."
The room fell into a brief silence. It was not just the clarity in her voice that took everyone by surprise, but the poise and grace with which she carried herself. She was just two years old, yet she spoke and acted with the dignity of someone far older.
Gu Yan's father, Gu Chengzi, exchanged a glance with his wife, who smiled warmly at Tang Ning. "She's very polite," Aunt Lin said softly, clearly impressed.
Gu Yan, watching from behind, beaming with pride. "Little Ning is a quick learner," he said, his voice filled with fondness.
Grandfather Gu stroked his beard and laughed thoughtfully, his sharp gaze lingering on Tang Ning. "She's been raised well," he said, addressing Gu Yan. " She's Tang Lin's daughter, indeed. There's a wisdom in her that I didn't expect to see in one so young."
The six Gu sisters took turns stepping forward to greet her, each one more intrigued than the last. Tang Ning greeted each of them by name, remembering exactly what Gu Yan had told her on the way up the mountain.
"Hello, Aunt Gu Yin. Aunt Gu Lan. Aunt Gu Mei…"
Each sister exchanged surprised glances. Tang Ning hadn't faltered once, even when addressing the eldest sister, Gu Ning, who was known for her commanding presence. The air in the room was a mixture of curiosity and admiration. How could such a young child have such a sharp mind and perfect memory?
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