Chapter 308: The Banquet (Part 1)

Mrs. Qian remained silent, only frowning at Qian Da, waiting for him to speak.

In the end, Qian Da couldn’t resist Bai Que’s pleading and said, "Then let’s go to the front courtyard to check again. However, the Marquis must be busy with some matters, so daughter, be sure not to forget proper etiquette and think more about the hard work of your parents."

Bai Que lowered her pink neck, and said hoarsely, "I understand."

Unfortunately, the three of them were stopped far from the study door, and the gatekeeping servant smiled and said, "Uncle, Aunt, Sister Bai Que, unfortunately, the Marquis is busy today and cannot be disturbed. If you have anything important, you can tell me, and I will pass it on to the Marquis."

Everyone was already aware of Bai Que’s engagement.

The servant naturally knew they were here for Thanksgiving greetings.

But he also understood the issue of Bai Que being expelled from the Marquis Mansion, so he said nothing about it to avoid causing embarrassment.

Qian Da secretly breathed a sigh of relief and said amiably, "In that case, later just tell the Marquis that my wife and I came with Bai Que to express our gratitude."

After speaking, he turned to Bai Que and suggested, "Daughter, since it’s inconvenient for the Marquis, just kowtow a few times outside before leaving; that would also express your gratitude."

Disheartened, Bai Que kowtowed three times slowly in front of the door with tears in her eyes.

The servant said, "When the Marquis is free, I’ll convey the message immediately."

Qian Da said, "Good, your uncle and aunt are working in the mansion; if there’s anything, they can’t directly talk to the Marquis. But since your Sister Bai Que is engaged and the contract has been released, she won’t have any opportunities to come to the mansion in the future. She just wanted to pay her respects for good measure."

The servant nodded and said, "Uncle, if I’m not on duty on the day of Bai Que’s wedding, I’ll come to drink at the reception."

Reluctantly, Bai Que followed her parents out of the front courtyard and planned to take a small road to leave through a side door, when she accidentally bumped into Gu Shiliu hurrying in their direction.

"Sixteen, what are you in a hurry for?"

Qian Da saw him and called out to speak.

Gu Shiliu had already noticed the three of them and guessed why they came, so he simply smiled without asking further, "I was just called by the madam. The Marquis previously mentioned re-checking the old soldiers due to Brother Qi’s matter, and the madam asked how it was going."

"Oh?"

Qian Da stopped, looking surprised, and asked, "Is the madam concerned with such matters?"

Gu Shiliu cleared his throat and said, "Uncle is well aware that the Marquis values the madam dearly and has left the entire mansion’s affairs to her."

Upon hearing this, Bai Que’s face turned pale, and her eyes reddened.

Mrs. Qian praised, "The madam settled Brother Qi, then even offered to treat Brother Qi’s blind old mother’s eyes. We all say the Marquis Mansion is benevolent and genuinely cares for us."

Gu Shiliu laughed, "Indeed, the Marquis said he overlooked the veterans and their families, and there has been a lot to handle recently. The madam, for some reason, remembered it today and summoned me to ask questions."

Seeing Gu Shiliu’s urgent manner, Mr. and Mrs. Qian didn’t converse much further and hurriedly bade farewell.

As Qian Da walked, he remarked, "Listening to Gu Shiliu, it seems the Marquis plans to distribute some provisions? For people like us, it’s no matter; nothing is lacking. But Brother Qi’s family has been well taken care of. Anyone watching wouldn’t hesitate to serve the Marquis; it must be said that the madam’s kindhearted home policies create fewer troubles. Who wouldn’t speak well of the madam?"

Mrs. Qian glanced at Bai Que, who walked silently with her head down.

"Alas, in this mansion, many now praise the madam. Even the Old Madam mentions her with endless compliments, and the Marquis cherishes her wholeheartedly. That Zhao family harlot should see herself clearly. How can she compare to the madam? A good life wasted, wanting more and disrupting tranquility, almost harming our Bai Que."

Qian Da quickly gestured a dismissive hand and said, "It’s all in the past; why bring it up again? You could say our daughter was too restless, swayed by a few words of a schemer. If the Zhao family scoundrel confronts me, I’ll make her sorry, the cursed thing almost made my daughter a criminal."

Qian Da stopped Mrs. Qian from continuing, but couldn’t help cursing.

Bai Que lifted her head and glanced back at the study direction with grievance, sighed, then lowered her head and spoke softly, "Father, mother, please don’t talk further. If outsiders hear, it’ll be more gossip. I realize my fault and will live my life properly from now on."

Knowing that Mrs. Zhao had indeed tried to poison with the help of two nannies, Bai Que was terrified.

She was on the verge of becoming an accomplice to Mrs. Zhao.

Mrs. Zhao could leave without a trace, but she was born to the mansion, a servant of the Marquis Mansion, and her whole family relied on the mansion for livelihood.

Moreover, Mrs. Zhao was so malicious, even if her plan succeeded with Bai Que’s help, she likely wouldn’t have met a good end.

Qian Da sighed too, and said earnestly, "The madam is as beautiful as a fairy, and the Marquis treats her with devoted affection, without a glance for others. Even if there’s talk of concubines in the future, it won’t involve you. It boils down to you lacking that fortune; give up your infatuation and live properly with the Zhao family’s boy."

"Mm," Bai Que agreed, "Zihe was right. Listening to Mrs. Zhao’s lies initially, I pushed her out, eventually becoming her pawn. Luckily, I pulled away early, or I might’ve done something foolish and implicated my parents. My coming today was just to see the Marquis; I’ll never worry my parents again."

Marquis Gu was the bright moon of her youthful heart, but it never shone on her.

Just let it be then.

Otherwise, what else could be done?

Bai Que’s ordeal was like a breeze rippling water, settling without even a ripple.

Neither Qin Yuan nor Marquis Gu gave it a thought.

On the day of the feast, Qin Yuan rose early to dress before the mirror.

In the reflection, Gu Jinghui leaned lazily against the Arhat Bed rail. His long hair, black as ink, draped loosely, and the collar of his white inner garment hung open. His eyes were half-closed, emanating indescribable charm that made Mo Zhu and other young maids in the room blush, afraid to look directly.

Yet the man seemed unaware, only continuously muttering, "Why does it take so long for the madam to finish her elaborate hairstyle?"

Qin Yuan dismissed him, "Why isn’t the Marquis practicing martial arts this morning?"

Gu Jinghui said lazily, "Just thinking about having to entertain with those boorish men all day makes me not want to move."

Qin Yuan smiled, not yet speaking as Cui Ming entered from outside, holding a tray laden with various flowers, saying, "Madam, these are specially sent by the gardener for hairstyling. Hong Mian and Hong Ye chose them for quite a while, unsure if they’re suitable."

Gu Jinghui glanced over and said, "Once the madam is done, what remains can be pinned to my hat."

Qin Yuan, unable to turn her head conveniently, asked through the mirror, "Why suddenly the interest in pinning flowers?"

Gu Jinghui snorted, "The Emperor assigned me to oversee the Capital Inspection, so I should learn a bit from those scholars to better interact. Don’t they love wearing Jinxian crowns and adorning flowers while composing poetry? I should spruce up a bit, not to embarrass my father-in-law."

Qin Yuan, "...,"

After restraining herself for a moment, she said, "The Marquis is handsome, few can compare; aren’t you worried guests will feel too ashamed by such attire?"