Chapter 187 - 87: Arrogance Born of Favor

Reflecting on the events of recent days, Qin Yuan sighed softly.

Cui Ming quickly stopped what she was doing and asked, "Did I pull your hair?"

"No," Qin Yuan replied, "I just thought of a story."

"What story?" Cui Ming asked with a smile. "It’s been a while since Miss told a story."

Qin Yuan smiled and said, "In ancient times, there was a king who favored his minister greatly. The minister handed the king a peach he had taken a bite of, and the king said the minister was loyal, offering the delicious peach to him."

Cui Ming exclaimed in surprise, "Such a trusting king is rare."

Qin Yuan said, "Isn’t it? Later, the king favored others and grew to dislike the minister. Remembering this incident, he accused him of deceiving the monarch."

Cui Ming nervously asked, "And then what happened?"

"The king executed him for deceiving the monarch."

Cui Ming paused for a moment before asking, "What is Miss worried about?"

Knowing Cui Ming was perceptive, Qin Yuan smiled and said, "What do you think?"

Cui Ming silently finished styling her hair, inserted a hairpin, examined her reflection, and then said, "Miss has always been cautious. That minister brought disaster upon himself by being arrogant from favor."

"Men’s affections are usually short-lived, whether towards women or other men," Qin Yuan remarked. "Some hold onto old feelings after the affection fades, others become cold and indifferent. It’s hard to tell until it’s too late."

Cui Ming understood that Qin Yuan was likely thinking of Marquis Gu, and said, "I think that throughout history, it’s common for wives to regard their husbands as the world. Even the Old Madam, an old feudal lord, endured it from her youth. The Dingbei Marquis Mansion is a respectable household—though there may be concubines vying for favor, they wouldn’t dare to replace the wife with one."

"The Sixth Lady Gu is a ready example. As for those favored concubines without sons, once they fall from favor, they won’t know how hard life can be, like Aunt Zheng."

Qin Yuan laughed and stood up, saying, "You and Hong Ye are so anxious, but these matters can’t be rushed. Children are a matter of fate; if they are meant to come, they will."

Since it was mentioned once, Cui Ming wouldn’t bring it up again and immediately changed the subject, "I will go urge the small kitchen to prepare the meal box."

"Alright, you go ahead."

Cui Ming went to the small kitchen, seeing Hong Ye pacing at the door, whispered Qin Yuan’s words to her, and finally said, "We’ve said what we could. Miss has her own mind and does things cautiously. We shouldn’t keep bringing this up in front of her to avoid displeasing her. We mustn’t be arrogant because of favor."

Hong Ye nodded, thought for a moment, and said, "I think I understand why Miss is worried. Mrs. Zhao is like a rat dropping, making Miss uncomfortable, and inevitably thinking too much about the Marquis, who is a bit of a..."

Before she could finish speaking, Gu Shiliu approached them, smiling, "Marquis’s clothes for changing are almost gone, and I’ve been sent to fetch more."

Hong Ye said, "Then come with me; they’re all placed in the main house. I’ll fetch them for you. Besides, you didn’t need to come all the way here for such a small matter; you could have asked Hong Mian and the others."

Gu Shiliu seemed a bit embarrassed, lowered his voice, and said, "The Marquis wanted the Lady to personally select them, but I found it hard to mention."

Hong Ye pursed her lips and smiled, "Why hard to mention? Just say it. The Lady regards the Marquis with respect and affection; how could she refuse?"

Gu Shiliu: "..."

Thinking about the Marquis’s recent boastful remarks in his presence: "You’re not married yet, you don’t understand." "The Lady holds me in her heart and puts me first." "The Lady still cares about me."

It’s oddly similar.

The two proceeded to the main house, leaving Cui Ming to pack the meal box.

In her room, Qin Yuan lit the incense pills she had prepared for herself, planning to parcel some out for the Sixth Lady Gu. Hearing Hong Ye and Gu Shiliu chattering as they walked down the corridor, she couldn’t help but feel a bit curious.

Could it be that Marquis Gu worried she would forget breakfast and specifically sent Gu Shiliu as a reminder?

Engrossed in her thoughts, she continued her work without pause.

Hong Ye entered with a smile on her face, saying, "Madam, Marquis’s clean clothes have run out, and Sixteen has come to fetch them."

Qin Yuan glanced at her, knowing her address of ’Madam’ was for Gu Shiliu’s ears, smiled, and said, "Why didn’t Sixteen come to tell me directly, but had to ask you to convey it?"

Hong Ye chuckled, "Marquis wanted you to choose the clothes for him personally. Sixteen found it hard to mention, so he asked me to speak. I said you’d never refuse as you respect and love the Marquis."

Qin Yuan’s face flushed, and she scolded, "What respect and love, speak properly."

Hong Ye continued, "So will you, Madam?"

"Yes, yes, yes. The Marquis said last time, and I remember—it won’t be entrusted to someone else."

Hong Ye watched Qin Yuan with a smile, remaining silent.

Qin Yuan glared at her and said, "Aren’t you going to help?"

Hong Ye replied with a laugh, "I obey."

Outside the room, Gu Shiliu couldn’t help but laugh either.

Qin Yuan carefully matched the inner and outer garments and accessories, had Hong Ye pack them in a box, and then called Gu Shiliu in for questioning.

Gu Shiliu entered, saluted, and checked in on Qin Yuan.

Qin Yuan asked, "Around what time did the Marquis sleep last night?"

"He retired at the second watch."

"Did he sleep well?"

Gu Shiliu scratched his head and said, "I haven’t heard any complaints from the Marquis, so it should be fine."

Qin Yuan nodded and asked no more.

Since they had shared a meal yesterday, she felt it was inappropriate to inquire into Marquis Gu’s other matters.

Seeing Hong Ye had finished packing the clothes, Qin Yuan instructed, "Pack some of the incense I separated for the Marquis too."

Gu Shiliu interjected, "What kind of incense did Madam prepare?"

Qin Yuan replied, "It’s calming, not a strong scent—refreshing by day, soothing at night."

"This incense sounds peculiar."

"I was just tinkering with recipes for fun."

Gu Shiliu said, "Madam is too modest. Just yesterday, Manager Leng sent a message into the mansion asking if the Dragon Brain Sandalwood Pills you prepared could be sold at Ranxiang Inn."

"Oh?"

Qin Yuan raised an eyebrow.

Gu Shiliu continued, "The Marquis might also ask you today about it. Nanny Rong mentioned this incense is excellent and distributed some among her old friends, who, after using it, wanted more. With announcements in the mansion, Manager Leng grew interested."

Qin Yuan smiled, "It’s good to be appreciated."

Gu Shiliu hesitated as if wanting to say more.

Cui Ming arrived with the packed meal box, looking a bit strained.

Gu Shiliu offered, "I’ll carry the meal box later."

Hong Ye asked, "What about the clothes box?"

Gu Shiliu responded, "I’ll carry that too; these are light for me."

Qin Yuan glanced at both and chuckled, "The Marquis likely has things to attend to after breakfast, let’s head over."

Gu Shiliu quickly picked up the meal box, tucked the bamboo-crafted clothes box under his arm, and followed them.

Along the way, Cui Ming remained reticent as usual, while Hong Ye and Gu Shiliu engaged in lively chatter. Gu Shiliu began recounting his experiences while visiting the Pang Family in Jizhou, and Qin Yuan listened attentively.