Chapter 250: You Tell Me Why

Brother Cheng said, "Our foster father took care of us as we grew up, and will continue to protect us in the future. This kindness is something Brother Cheng will never forget."

The young boy already has the demeanor of an adult.

It is the rightful course to be weathered by worldly experiences.

Having been through hardships, he grows quickly, speaking and acting with the maturity of a young adult.

Marquis Gu feels both heartache and comfort, along with a reluctance to part.

"I received your father’s kindness, so it’s only right. If not for... Alas, foster father originally arranged better prospects for you, but now, foster father can only do this, hoping you will not blame foster father in the future."

Marquis Gu swallowed the remaining words.

He truly did not want to mention Lady Zhao.

Once the children grow up, they will naturally know what their mother did, what they lost.

Gu Jinghui said, "Go back and think carefully about what foster father said today. If you cannot rely on relatives, foster father will have to find another place to foster you, though it will not be as dependable as one’s own kin."

Brother Cheng agreed one by one.

His small hand tightly grasped his sister, who had turned into a weeping figure, his pair of bright eyes fixed on Marquis Gu.

"Does godmother know about foster father’s arrangement?"

"She is not aware of my arrangement yet."

Brother Cheng then said, "Foster father, some days ago, my sister and I were ignorant and caused a lot of trouble for godmother. In the future, my sister’s education and marriage arrangements are important matters, and I hope godmother will give them some consideration."

"Alright."

Gu Jinghui’s expression slightly eased, agreeing on behalf of Qin Yuan.

Sister Yu sobbed loudly, but it did not help the situation.

Gu Jinghui’s heart was already as hard as stone, unmoved by anyone.

Their crying was so loud that the main room could hear it.

"Hui’er finally made up his mind. Hesitation leads to chaos," Old Madam Gu couldn’t help but sigh to Qin Yuan, "He’s always been sentimental, like his father—a blessing and a curse, both fortune and misfortune."

Qin Yuan smiled and said, "Mother speaks rightly. Marquis values loyalty, and thus soldiers follow him devotedly; otherwise, how could he hold Northern Border. Liu Xuande, Guan Yunchang, Zhang Fei formed a brotherhood in Peach Garden, achieving great deeds through deep loyalty. Even Cao’s cunning and scheming mark him as a hero of chaotic times, showing all temperaments have their place."

"Good child," Old Madam Gu happily took Qin Yuan’s hand, lightly shaking it, proclaiming proudly, "I always said he’s blessed. After waiting so long, at such an age, he married such a good wife."

Qin Yuan pursed her lips and lowered her head, appearing a bit shy.

Seeing this, Old Madam Gu laughed even more joyfully.

Nanny Rong laughed and said, "This is also Marquis’s unique destiny. Others would not achieve it, showing that the matters of this world are arranged by heaven; each has their own fortune."

Old Madam Gu did not respond, continuing, "Good child, your sixth sister-in-law has poor health, the mansion will rely wholly on you in the future."

This is to entrust the household management entirely to Qin Yuan.

Hong Ye couldn’t suppress her joy and glanced at Cui Ming, who glared at her, prompting Hong Ye to quickly lower her head.

Nanny Rong also changed the topic.

"Madam is capable and diligent. Seeing the mansion managed orderly in recent days shows Old Madam can enjoy peace of mind in the future."

Qin Yuan said, "When the mountain is without a tiger, the monkey reigns as king. Because of smallpox in the mansion, people dare not cause trouble, allowing me to manage smoothly. Once unsealed, it’s hard to predict; I’ll need mother’s and Nanny Rong’s guidance."

Old Madam Gu laughed and said, "Rest assured, mother and Nanny Rong will back you; you can go ahead without worry."

"So am I not embracing the strongest support in the Marquis Mansion?" Qin Yuan couldn’t help but laugh, "Marquis must give way to me in the future."

Just as she was speaking, Marquis Gu emerged with the two children.

The twins’ faces were covered in tear stains, their clothes disheveled, showing that they had just been crying fiercely.

Qin Yuan saw this, only saying to Gu Jinghui, "Sixteen just came looking, talking outside with Hong Ye; not sure what urgent matter they’re discussing."

Gu Jinghui said, "Perhaps it’s about discussing the accounts with Hong Ye."

Old Madam Gu also didn’t inquire about the twins, only asking, "What accounts?"

Qin Yuan smiled and asked Zihe, "How is Brother Cheng’s study of characters lately? Once the mansion is unsealed, we can hire a tutor. Important matters like acquiring literacy and understanding principles should not be neglected."

Zihe immediately said, "Rest assured, Madam, Young Master Cheng and Sister Yu are both diligent in their studies. Young Master Cheng has memorized half of the Three Character Classic, and I will promptly supervise further."

Having said that, she called Xiao Hong and led the two children to study.

Marquis Gu breathed a sigh of relief.

Otherwise, he really wouldn’t know what to say to these two children.

Then Qin Yuan said, "Mother, lately I’ve been going through the inner courtyard accounts of the mansion."

Old Madam Gu’s complexion tightened, dryly laughing, "Why go through such trifles, aren’t you afraid of being too busy? They’re all old accounts from years past."

Qin Yuan understood.

Old Madam Gu knows that Sixth Madam manipulated things, but turns a blind eye, not wanting her to pursue it.

The aim is nothing but household harmony bringing prosperity.

She smiled and said, "Recently, the stewards and housekeeper have been seeking me out. I haven’t done these at my maiden home, and don’t know if what they said is right, if what they wanted was too much, or reasonable, and planning future expenses requires examining last year’s account books for reference."

Old Madam Gu smiled, "You’re truly clever, to think of this method. If it were another family’s new daughter-in-law, wouldn’t she be frightened to tears? You are truly meant to marry our Hui’er, becoming our family’s daughter-in-law."

Gu Jinghui laughed.

Old Madam Gu said, "Why are you laughing? Your wife’s backing is your mother. If you dare bully her, you’ll have a hard time."

Gu Jinghui said, "If not, should I cry?"

"You despicable thing, at such an age, do you want to learn to cry like a child? If you dare cry, see if I won’t spank you."

Gu Jinghui: "..."

For Qin Yuan, his mother would truly do it.

Nor does he understand why his mother favors her so much.

Gu Jinghui seriously looked at his young wife, meeting her teasing gaze, and feigned a cough, turning to drink tea, only to meet his mother’s gaze.

Gu Jinghui then said, "Let’s go, surely the stewards are waiting for you at Wutong Garden, and I also have matters to attend."

Old Madam Gu did not keep them.

After leaving the main room, Qin Yuan asked Gu Jinghui, "Why did you mention I went through the account books in front of mother?"

Marquis Gu said, "You now understand mother’s attitude towards Sixth Sister-in-law, right?"

Qin Yuan said, "Mother has her reasons for protecting her; now that she’s fallen ill, her body is frail and needs slow recovery. If exposed, mother cannot blame her, only making things awkward for everyone."

Marquis Gu couldn’t help but gently pinch her nose, saying, "You’re truly wise, seeing the intricacies at once. Why did you insist on going through the accounts after visiting her courtyard?"

The last time Qin Yuan visited Sixth Madam’s courtyard, she ought to have understood the other party couldn’t compete with her.

Qin Yuan said, "Why did you mention it in front of mother? That’s why I went through the accounts."