Chapter 11:A New Home

As they passed through the corridors, Gu Yan began pointing out various rooms and explaining their purposes. "This is the library," he said, gesturing to a grand room filled with towering bookshelves. "You'll love it in there. It has all the books you could ever want to read. And over there is the practice hall. That's where we train in martial arts."

Tang Ning listened quietly, taking everything in. She had already begun forming a map of the mansion in her mind, noting all the places that might become important later.

When they reached the second floor, Housekeeper Sheng gestured toward an intricately carved door at the far end of the hall. "This will be Miss Tang Ning's room, Young Master," she said.

Gu Yan nodded and followed her to the door. As they entered, Tang Ning found herself placed gently on the large bed in the center of the room. The bed was soft, with pale blue sheets embroidered with delicate patterns of cranes and bamboo, and the room itself was warm and inviting. Silk curtains draped the windows, and a small wooden desk sat by the far wall, perfectly positioned to catch the morning sunlight. It was the perfect blend of comfort and elegance.

Gu Yan knelt by the bed, looking at Tang Ning with a soft smile. "This will be your room while you're staying here, Little Ning," he said, his voice low and calming. "If you need anything, you can ask Nanny Zeng or me."

Tang Ning, her eyes wide as she took in the beautiful room, nodded slowly. "Thank you, Uncle Yan," she said, her voice small but sincere.

Gu Yan ruffled her hair affectionately. "Rest well, little one. Tomorrow, I'll show you more of the estate, and we'll start some of your lessons. You'll need your energy."

Just as he stood to leave, Tang Ning grabbed his sleeve, her small fingers holding on for a moment longer. "Uncle Yan?"

He turned back, looking at her with curious eyes. "Yes?"

She hesitated for a moment, then smiled softly. "Thank you for carrying me."

Gu Yan's expression softened even further, and he bent down again to meet her at eye level. "You're very welcome, Little Ning," he said, his voice almost a whisper. "Get some rest. You've had a long day."

With that, he gently tucked the blanket around her, making sure she was comfortable before standing up again. As he moved toward the door, Nanny Zeng quietly placed her luggage by the desk and began to organize her things for the night. Housekeeper Sheng, ever efficient, gave a final bow before exiting the room, leaving the nanny and Tang Ning in peace.

Gu Yan lingered for a moment longer at the door, casting one last glance at the small figure resting in the large bed. He smiled to himself before finally stepping out into the hallway, closing the door gently behind him.

Tang Ning lay quietly under the covers, her eyes fluttering closed as the events of the day caught up with her. She had been welcomed into the Gu family with open arms, and though she knew there were still many challenges ahead, for the moment, she felt safe. Her heart, usually guarded and focused on the future, allowed itself a small moment of peace.

Looking out at the garden, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, Tang Ning drifted into a deep and peaceful sleep.

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