The Desire to Climb Higher

Upon hearing Gu Zi's instructions, the guard saluted with the seriousness of a soldier receiving orders. "Rest assured, Madam Gu Zi," he said, "We will not let them in."

Zhang Mei gritted her teeth in frustration, unable to comprehend why everyone seemed to favor Gu Zi. She was Gong Zhan's mother-in-law, after all. Shouldn't they be trying to curry favor with her instead? Why were they addressing Gu Zi as 'Madam'? Was Gu Zi worthy of such a title? Cursing under her breath, she wondered if Gu Zi had been pretending to be Gong Zhan's wife all along.

She couldn't let this misunderstanding continue. Raising her voice, she clarified, "You all need to understand, I am Gong Zhan's mother-in-law. My daughter, Lin Miao, is Gong Zhan's wife, not Gu Zi. How can you listen to Gu Zi and neglect me?"