Chapter 105: Inviting a Family Member Over

Sixth Lady Gu immediately laughed along, "Ah, I’m also getting dizzy from Sixth Master’s antics."

Qin Yuan noticed Sister Yu and Brother Cheng’s expressions turn somber. Old Madam Gu looked displeased but didn’t say anything more, clearly restrained by Sixth Master Gu.

Qin Yuan wasn’t keen on indulging Sixth Lady Gu and said with a smile, "Indeed, with Sixth Master causing a ruckus daily, it seems Sixth Sister-in-law might overlook many things. But appointing a doctor should be Sixth Sister-in-law’s responsibility, not asking the children. They’re being good by staying in the main room and not disturbing the patient, letting her recover quietly."

Gu Jinghui had told her that from now on, matters concerning Lady Zhao would be handled by Old Madam Gu. As for appointing a doctor, since Sixth Lady is in charge of the household, she should take care of it.

Lady Zhao’s issues should be dealt with by Sixth Lady.

What are those two women doing teaming up to put Old Madam Gu on the spot?

Sixth Lady Gu’s smile stiffened.

Qin Yuan continued, "If Sixth Sister-in-law is overwhelmed, I can also..."

Sixth Lady Gu quickly cut her off, "How could that be? Third Sister-in-law still needs to find pepper, and all of us wish to prosper with Third Sister-in-law. These are minor issues; no need to trouble you, Sister-in-law."

Old Madam Gu sighed, "You should comfort Lady Zhao more. You two had a good relationship in the past and can talk things over. Your Third Sister-in-law just got married not long ago and isn’t familiar with Lady Zhao, so they might not see eye to eye. Lady Zhao has such wonderful children; she should gather her strength to recover quickly for their sake. Minor ailments can drag on and become major ones."

Sixth Lady Gu was eager to distance herself from Lady Zhao, so she replied, "Mother, don’t worry. I’ve consulted the doctor, and Lady Zhao’s condition is just a cold, which fluctuates likely because the patient indulged in coldness and didn’t cover herself properly. We use the most trusted household doctors for minor illnesses, and she’ll recover in a couple of days. Mother shouldn’t fret too much."

Brother Cheng looked up at Sixth Lady Gu.

Old Madam Gu sighed and said no more.

Zihe kept a close watch on Lady Zhao, preventing her from causing trouble.

Even so, after taking medicine and feeling better for a while, Lady Zhao’s condition would regress.

The consulted doctors were excellent; they all felt it was a minor cold. The appropriate decoctions should cure her after one or two doses, yet Lady Zhao’s illness continued to linger.

Old Madam Gu and Nanny Rong harbored suspicions but hesitated to speak up because of the children.

Qin Yuan also suspected Lady Zhao’s intentions and changed the subject, saying, "Over the past two days, I’ve been in the Capital City looking for pepper. Due to matters with Prince Qi Mansion, pepper prices remain high. It’s unclear if Prince Qi Mansion has obtained some news and intends to purchase pepper in bulk, possibly driving up the price in the future."

Sixth Lady Gu’s pupils contracted.

Qin Yuan continued, "Gu the Seventeenth has already left Capital City to search as well, and it’s uncertain when he’ll return. I’ve been busy inspecting my dowry shops these past few days. One shop’s business isn’t doing well because its location in the West Market shifted. I’m contemplating how to revitalize it but unsure of what trade might succeed."

Sixth Lady Gu immediately laughed warmly, "Indeed, that requires some thought. Third Sister-in-law is wise and will surely devise a solution."

Qin Yuan took out a box of incense pills from Cui Ming’s arms and handed it to Qiujie, saying, "Mother, I’ve heard from Nanny Rong that you’ve been sleeping poorly recently, worried about Lady Zhao’s health. Yuan’er discovered an incense recipe, got ingredients from Manager Leng, and made some tranquilizing and nourishing incense pills. Since it’s summer, I blended some others to help repel insects when placed in a scent bag. I didn’t make many of these incense pills originally; the Marquis requested a few yesterday. If Mother finds them useful, I can always make more."

Sixth Lady Gu’s eyes widened as she stared at the box.

"The Sandalwood Dragon Brain Pills you made last time were very pleasant; they provide clarity during studies," Old Madam Gu said, smiling as she opened the box. She took a sniff and her smile deepened, "Strangely, it makes me feel comfortable to smell it; it seems this incense pill is therapeutic."

Qin Yuan nodded, "That’s my good fortune. A mere concoction aligns with you, Mother; it’s also our fate."

Old Madam Gu was delighted, "Naturally, without fate between us as mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, it wouldn’t be possible."

Hearing this, Sixth Lady Gu’s expression darkened somewhat.

Old Madam Gu had something to say, but seeing her demeanor, stopped and merely praised Qin Yuan a bit.

Sixth Lady Gu remarked, "Mother, Sixth Master... I’ve been feeling aggrieved with Sixth Master, and I’d like to invite a family member to accompany me. Mother knows my niece; she’s older than Treasure Bead, nearly of marrying age and shouldn’t be confined at home, feeling restless. I’m thinking of inviting her to stay, to accompany me, and to encourage Treasure Bead with her needlework. She could also come along when visiting guests, potentially leading to a promising marriage."

Old Madam Gu thought for a moment and asked, "Is it the one with the oval face and almond-shaped eyes?"

"Yes, that’s her, named Xu Zhen."

"It’s hard to imagine she’s grown up," Old Madam Gu mused. "Time flies, young ones grow like weeds. Let her visit and accompany you; finding a good match for a daughter is worth careful attention and effort. You’re in charge of the household; make arrangements as you see fit. Sixth Elder’s health has been poor since childhood, so he’s constantly allowed to fuss over things. I’ll speak to him; have some peace of mind, otherwise life will be tough."

Sixth Lady Gu smiled and said, "Mother is right; my brother and sister-in-law are hovering over her marriage, losing sleep over it. Sixth Master... alas..."

Qin Yuan stayed silent.

Upon exiting the main room, Sixth Lady Gu grabbed her and asked, "Is what Third Sister-in-law said true?"

"What?"

"That pepper might still rise in price."

Qin Yuan chuckled and replied, "I’m merely speculating; Prince Qi Mansion’s recent inquiries have inflated pepper’s price. It’s always been an exotic commodity with few traders. Now those holding inventory in Capital City are reluctant to sell, and Prince Qi Mansion’s actions suggest they might have insights. It’s conceivable the price will continue to rise."

Sixth Lady Gu revealed no visible emotions, smiled, and remarked, "I never imagined Sister-in-law’s dreams were so accurate, it’s unfortunate that pepper is currently unobtainable."

Qin Yuan sighed, "Isn’t it? Let’s see if Gu the Seventeenth can find some. Otherwise, these housekeepers’ investments may need to be refunded."

Sixth Lady Gu said cheerfully, "Maybe it can be sourced; outside Capital City, Prince Qi Mansion’s influence is limited, and Gu the Seventeenth is reliable."

"Indeed, as Sixth Sister-in-law says."

The two chatted for a while longer before parting ways.

Sixth Lady Gu instructed Nanny Zhao, "Tell the Persian merchant it’s fifty-seven taels of silver per jin; we’ll take all of it. He’s eager to return home and can’t wait for Prince Qi Mansion."