My Sister Insisted on Swapping Marriages, and I Became a Marchioness Instead

Chapter 33: Chapter 33: Unlike Father, Unlike Son in Offspring

Aunt Zheng’s waist is as soft as willow; when she dances, her long water sleeves easily captivate a man’s soul.

Sixth Master Gu bought her back from the brothel at a high price, spending more than half the days of each month with her.

The nanny said, ”Sixth Master likes to socialize and sing with those scholars at every opportunity, spending a lot, and the monthly silver from the mansion isn’t enough for his extravagance. If Sixth Madam doesn’t subsidize him, Sixth Master couldn’t redeem Aunt Zheng.”

Sixth Madam Gu weakly replied, ”If I don’t give it to him, am I supposed to face his moods every day? The previous two aunts were also fresh for a while, even bore him children, but didn’t he forget as soon as he turned around? Why should I quarrel with him over this?”

”Besides... with Sixth Master’s temperament, if I don’t give it to him, he’ll make a fuss heedlessly, and those matters can’t withstand commotion.”

The nanny fell silent.

When someone has a weakness, they can’t be assertive.

Qin Yuan returned to Wutong Garden and saw the housekeepers already waiting in the courtyard, murmuring without knowing what they were talking about.

Seeing her arrival, they dispersed, waiting for her instructions.

Qin Yuan didn’t invite them inside; she asked the young maidservants to move the Taishi chair and table outside, placing them under the shade in the courtyard.

In the summer morning, the breeze gently blew, with the occasional chirping of birds from the trees.

Qin Yuan leisurely sat in the Taishi chair topped with four corners, sipping the tea brought by Cui Ming, with Hong Ye holding writing materials beside her, exhibiting quite a demeanor.

”Each of you, talk about the matters you manage, the daily tasks you perform, the people under your supervision, how you arrange manpower? Is there any need for changes?”

Qin Yuan glanced at everyone’s expressions and spoke up.

The housekeepers concisely explained their situations, delving into details when it came to necessary changes—whether asking for more manpower or lamenting poverty.

Qin Yuan said, ”I’ve asked Hong Ye and Cui Ming to note down everything mentioned. Manage as you have before; continue your tasks as usual. I’m still unfamiliar, and it’s inappropriate to create a stir immediately, as if implying Sixth Madam has been managing poorly.”

The housekeepers were not disappointed; they were merely probing Qin Yuan’s depth and attitude.

Qin Yuan continued, ”In the future, come to Wutong Garden at this hour to discuss matters. If there’s a shortage of anything, inform me a day in advance to avoid any delays.”

She then proceeded with the usual admonishments.

”Be cautious in your work every day; don’t slack off or chat idly to delay tasks. Avoid drinking or gambling; you’re long-standing in the mansion and naturally know how to behave. If you err, you’ll lose face for generations.”

The housekeepers agreed.

Qin Yuan stood up and said, ”You may attend to your affairs, I won’t keep you longer; there are many days ahead for us to interact.”

The housekeepers paid their respects and dispersed.

They expected Qin Yuan to either throw her weight around or attempt to uncover something new, or show weakness and kindness to win them over.

So each had already prepared their thoughts and plans on how to respond.

Unexpectedly, Qin Yuan just directed a few words, maintaining the status quo, and it was done.

Previously, they followed what Sixth Madam Gu did, what Madam did now, the only change was the manager.

Sixth Madam Gu quickly received the news, remarking, ”She is indeed cautious, leaving no room for gossip.”

Nanny Rong said the same to Old Madam Gu, but she felt Qin Yuan was insightful and sensible, understanding the complexities of the Marquis Mansion and refraining from rash actions.

Old Madam Gu nodded, saying, ”That’s exactly the point. She’s newly arrived; it’s enough to manage a few affairs without trying to compete and create discord with the Sixth Elder’s wife. Focusing on bearing children is more important.”

Speaking of this, Old Madam Gu continued, ”That rascal, oh, Yuan’er is so lovely, if the two were to bear offspring, they would undoubtedly be beautiful. I dream of holding a grandson.”

Nanny Rong just smiled.

Childbirth is something one person cannot achieve alone.

Xiao Hong entered brightly, saying, ”The Marquis has sent Gu Shiliu to find Nanny Rong.”

Nanny Rong asked, ”Looking for me?”

Xiao Hong nodded.

Old Madam Gu said disdainfully, ”Go quickly; who knows what matters he wants to stir, trying to probe news from you.”

Nanny Rong went with a smile and returned soon, beaming, saying, ”Old Madam guessed incorrectly this time; the Marquis instructed me to chat with Madam occasionally, discussing things like the housekeepers’ preferences and activities.”

Today, Old Madam Gu wore a high bun, and the peony flowers on her hairpin almost chuckled loose.

”Then you should hurry along.”

Nanny Rong replied, ”No rush, Madam is going to check the shops first; I’ll visit in the evening with Xiao Hong.”

”Why take Xiao Hong?”

Nanny Rong explained, ”Old Sun Family entrusted me to find Xiao Hong a good master to follow in the mansion. Though it’s nice here with Old Madam, there are plenty of capable senior maidservants. I think Xiao Hong is clever, and Madam still lacks people, so I want to have Xiao Hong show herself more before Madam. The Marquis quite likes her, but it requires Madam’s approval.”

”Oh?” Old Madam Gu laughed, ”Hui’er is indeed like he was cast from the same mold as his father.”

Nanny Rong continued, ”That’s why they say the son resembles the father, but truth be told, the Marquis surpasses the elder.”

Though intended as flattery, it drew Old Madam Gu’s sigh, ”Except in the matter of offspring.”

Nanny Rong: ”...”

Old Madam eagerly wishes for a grandson, but only lamenting to this old nanny doesn’t help.

The two people who truly matter are each more relaxed than the other.

Qin Yuan planned to visit the dowry shop, taking along two maidservants and seven or eight robust women, but was stopped by Gu Shiliu, saying, ”Madam, are you going out?”

”Yes, does the Marquis have a matter?”

”The Marquis instructed me to accompany Madam to avoid any incidents.”

Qin Yuan was momentarily surprised, seeing as she was surrounded by many maidservants, making it unlikely for any accidents.

With Gu Shiliu accompanying, would acquiring pepper be inconvenient?

Gu Shiliu, showing a forced smile, said, ”I trained with the Marquis at the Northern Border for a while, even helped manage money and provisions. Madam can take me along if you need a runner; I’m quick-footed.”

Qin Yuan smiled gracefully, nodding, ”I couldn’t possibly refuse the Marquis’s kindness; it’s a bother for you.”

Gu Shiliu promptly waved, ”How could I burden you? I only ask that Madam speak well of me before the Marquis, so he can trust me to serve Madam.”

Hong Ye chuckled to Cui Ming, whispering, ”The Marquis is worried about Miss. With Gu Shiliu there, I want to see who dares neglect Miss.”

Cui Ming sighed, ”Steward Wang and the coachman were just punished by the Marquis; who would dare act rashly.”

Gu Shiliu followed behind Qin Yuan and the others from a respectful distance; at the side courtyard, waiting by the carriage, the coachman stood with deference, only raising his eyes when Hong Ye spoke.

Qin Yuan grasped Hong Ye’s hand gracefully, boarding the carriage.

Gu Shiliu quickly led a steed, keeping pace on the side. The group left the mansion and headed toward the West Market.