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

Chapter 85: Chapter 85: Don’t Blame Me for Ruining His Opportunity

Qin Yuan sat by the window, quietly watching the two people in the courtyard converse through the lattice.

Mrs. Lu’s dejected expression faded, and her whole demeanor gained some spirit as she obediently followed Cui Ming.

It seemed the news of her son being valued brought Mrs. Lu out of her stubborn mindset.

This was indeed very good.

She turned her face, lowered her head, and began to tally the new accounts in her hands.

The account books Manager Wu sent this time were much more meticulously done than the last. Although some traces of subtle modifications could still be detected, they already accurately reflected the shop’s income and expenditures.

Qin Yuan separately transcribed the questionable points using paper and pen, inserting them into the account books, asking Manager Wu and others for an explanation.

If these explanations failed to satisfy her, she would employ companions to replace these managers.

After all, she’s already aware of the foreknowledge; loyalty is more important than experience and tact.

It didn’t take long for Qin Yuan to finish flipping through an account book.

A little maidservant came in to report: ”Madam, the nanny from the second gate reports that Young Master Qin seeks an audience with the Marquis and the Madam.”

”Young Master Qin?”

Qin Yuan asked curiously, ”Which Young Master Qin?”

The little maidservant said, ”It’s Young Master Qin from your maiden family, said to be the Madam’s younger brother. Today, the Imperial College is on vacation, and he specially came to visit the Marquis and Madam.”

Qin Heng actually came.

Qin Yuan was a bit surprised and said, ”Invite him to sit in the main hall.”

Due to Mrs. Cui’s influence, the legitimate and concubine-born were not very close.

Qin Heng was young and sided with Qin Wan in everything, speaking and acting somewhat indiscreetly, which rather annoyed Qin Yuan.

In the previous life, their sibling relationship grew closer after Qin Heng repeatedly failed his exams and eventually went to Zhejiang to seek refuge with Lin Ziqi, becoming a nominal steward at the government office.

Considering Mrs. Cui and Qin Jijiu helped her and Lin Ziqi significantly, Qin Yuan offered him some guidance now and then.

Back then, Qin Heng endured a lot, and having outgrown his reckless years, the siblings supported each other through many storms.

But now...

Qin Yuan did not change clothes and went to the main hall.

As expected, it was Qin Heng, a young adolescent, just starting to grow taller. After only a few days without seeing him, he seemed to have shot up a bit.

Qin Heng resembled Qin Jijiu with his handsome brows and eyes, and a high-bridged nose, but his round face took after Mrs. Cui. He wore a dark blue long gown, with a blue belt around his waist, making his figure appear even more youthful and slender.

”Big sister,” Qin Heng hurriedly paid his respects.

He was much more courteous and intimate than when at home.

Qin Yuan returned the courtesy halfway, let him sit down, and the little maidservant came to refill the tea. Qin Yuan said, ”Go to the main kitchen and bring some savory snacks; the crunchier, the better.”

Qin Heng couldn’t help but smile.

”Thank you, big sister.”

He glanced toward the hall entrance and asked expectantly, ”Is brother-in-law at home?”

This ”brother-in-law” sounded so affectionate, as if he had known Gu Jinghui for many years. Qin Yuan, knowing Qin Heng’s personality, smiled and said, ”Is there something you need from your brother-in-law?”

Qin Heng stammered, ”No, big sister, I just have a break from the Imperial College and thought of visiting to see how you’re faring at the Marquis Mansion. Mother keeps worrying, and some time ago, second sister said she saw you alone at the West Market looking at dowry shops, without your husband by your side, fearing you’re not well at the Marquis Mansion. Mother couldn’t sleep for several nights, and father was also troubled by her concerns.”

Qin Yuan smiled and said, ”Not too long ago, your brother-in-law just had a drink and chatted with you. Do you think he treats me well?”

Qin Heng widened his eyes and said, ”I think he’s very good. Brother-in-law is cheerful and generous, nothing like second brother-in-law. Big sister, you must have done something remarkably good in a past life to marry such a wonderful husband. When I came in earlier, the servants also observed proper etiquette, and they were respectful and dared not offend me. Big sister, don’t you think I’m right?”

Qin Yuan smiled and said, ”Now that you’ve seen it with your own eyes, you can be at ease, can’t you?”

Qin Heng scratched the back of his head, chuckled dryly, and said, ”Actually, I wasn’t worried even before coming. Father always said that you, big sister, are good by nature, smart, and obedient. In the Marquis Mansion, you will only fare well, not poorly. It’s just that brother-in-law said he wants to teach me to ride horses and asked me to find him whenever I’m free. So, taking advantage of the vacation today, I hurried over.”

”Oh,” Qin Yuan sipped her tea leisurely.

The Marquis Gu is quite adept.

Just one visit to the Qin Mansion, and he managed to win over Qin Heng.

The little maidservant brought in some snacks on a plate. Qin Yuan extended her index finger slightly, pushing them toward Qin Heng and said, ”I wasn’t aware of your visit; there’s only salty crisp cakes in the kitchen. Make do with these for now. You must not have eaten well, arriving so early. It’s the prime time for growing, and hunger strikes quickly.”

Qin Heng, shy yet delighted, grabbed a salty crisp cake and began eating.

The snacks made by the Marquis Mansion’s pastry chef were delicious. Qin Heng ate two pieces, drank a cup of tea, and was coaxed into eating some candied fruits before listening to Qin Yuan saying, ”Your brother-in-law isn’t home; his marriage leave is over, and he has gone to the Great Camp for rotation. He’ll return in ten days; you should plan your visit by then.”

Qin Heng, feeling despondent, said, ”How could this be? By then, the Imperial College won’t be on vacation. Who knows when I can meet brother-in-law again?”

He dared not skip classes under his father’s watch.

Those Scripture Masters and Doctors all had his father’s instructions to keep a close eye on him.

Qin Yuan smiled and remained silent.

Having little else to discuss with Qin Yuan, Qin Heng asked, ”Mother and father often worry about you. I’ve heard there’s a formidable woman in the Marquis Mansion with two children, surname Zhao? Stirring trouble between you and the Marquis?”

”It’s nothing. That is the widow of the Marquis’s benefactor, and those two children are the Marquis’s adopted sons. Out of gratitude, the Marquis brought them back from the Northern Border; they are temporarily settled in the Marquis Mansion. In due time, when Lady Zhao’s family members are invited here, we’ll talk about other matters.”

Qin Heng nodded in realization and said, ”I see. Brother-in-law bought many things when he visited our home and kept apologizing for the rush, saying he had only brought things he purchased on the way. Mother and father both said that brother-in-law shows you love and respect. It’s just that second sister worried brother-in-law, brought up in a noble’s home, enjoys superficial formalities. Otherwise, why would he visit our home without you, causing mother and father some unease?”

”Oh, is sister and brother-in-law also there?”

”Yes, brother-in-law went to visit father for stories, and father quickly coaxed everyone into the house, even calling second brother-in-law and me to accompany. I even shared stories with brother-in-law. Second brother-in-law praised you, saying you love reading, and brother-in-law can ask you about those. Brother-in-law also spoke highly of you.”

In her heart, Qin Yuan sneered.

Lin Ziqi, who once had a marriage engagement with her, should have avoided awkwardness, yet he spoke that way in front of Marquis Gu, clearly with no good intentions.

She pressed Qin Heng for all details of that day.

By the time Qin Heng’s mouth was dry, he grew impatient and intended to leave.

Qin Yuan said, ”After you go back, tell cousin I need his help; ask him to come quickly.”

Since Lin Ziqi intended to ruin her plans, she wouldn’t hesitate to sabotage his opportunities.

Qin Heng, puzzled, asked, ”What matter, that it can’t be told to me? Am I not closer than brother Si Yuan?”

”You’re still too young.”

”Tch,” Qin Heng pursed his lips, starting to display his displeasure again.

Qin Yuan, unwilling to coax him, stood up and instructed, ”Follow me to the Old Madam’s place to pay respects. Since you’re here, you must visit the elders. We are all relatives; after greeting, we should maintain connections in the future.”