Chapter 313: Banquet (6)

Qin Yuan gasped softly.

She truly hadn’t anticipated that the situation between the Xu family and Sixth Madam would deteriorate to this extent.

Nanny Zhao continued, "Madam, today’s matter must be addressed by the Xu family, presenting an explanation to the Marquis Mansion. This clearly shows disregard for the Marquis Mansion, ruining its reputation. Today, while our Marquis Mansion is hosting guests to ward off bad luck, the Xu family came to stir up trouble with ill intentions."

Qin Yuan frowned.

She could certainly tell that Nanny Zhao wasn’t fully truthful, merely wishing to use her as a means to make the Xu family relent.

Qin Yuan said, "Let’s wait until Sixth Madam wakes up before discussing it further."

Nanny Zhao swallowed hard, her throat making a gurgling noise.

At that moment, Gu Shiliu hurriedly entered with Doctor Li, not having time for greetings, as Doctor Li immediately asked, "How is she?"

"I’ve stabilized her with moxibustion and incense pills for now, but... after this, Sixth Sister-in-law’s health might deteriorate even further."

Doctor Li sighed and said, "If this happens a few more times, she might not have many years left to live. I can only do my best and let fate decide. It would be wise to seek out more qualified physicians in the future."

Nanny Zhao burst into tears upon hearing this.

Qin Yuan said, "Please, Doctor Li, go to the inner room for treatment."

She instructed Nanny Zhao, "Stop crying and quickly take Doctor Li to examine Sixth Sister-in-law."

Nanny Zhao stifled her sobs, suppressing the lump in her throat, and led Doctor Li to the inner room.

Qin Yuan asked Gu Shiliu, "Do Marquis and Sixth Master know?"

Gu Shiliu replied, "Just a moment ago, Hong Ye hurriedly urged me to find Doctor Li."

Before he finished speaking, Hong Ye and Xiao Dong rushed over as well.

Xiao Dong, with his short legs, dashed forward as if propelled by wind and fire. When he just reached the front, he abruptly stopped, first gave a salute, then catching his breath said, "We meet again."

Qin Yuan pulled out a handkerchief from her chest to wipe his sweat, smiling, "Indeed. Today there’s quite a commotion at the mansion, so you were called to join the fun."

Xiao Dong replied, "Originally, my master said he would come these days too. Brother Qi’s medicine almost doesn’t need changing, but his mother’s health has been gradually nurtured, and they might be able to apply needles soon."

Qin Yuan said, "Don’t you still need to teach Sixth Master boxing? You don’t have to follow your master every time."

Xiao Dong laughed, "I knew you missed me, but my master insists that I not bother you too often."

Qin Yuan couldn’t help but laugh as well.

Qin Yuan said, "Don’t leave later. My brother Qin Heng and two nephews are playing together. Let them take you to ride horses. We’ve invited a troupe from Wuqiao, storytellers, and an opera company. You should enjoy yourselves."

Xiao Dong nodded eagerly.

When their conversation ended, Hong Ye said, "Marquis and Sixth Master will be here soon. When looking for Sixteen, I also sought out the servant by Sixth Master’s side and had him relay the message."

Qin Yuan nodded in satisfaction, saying, "Earlier, Nanny Zhao wanted me to host proceedings, but I’m still unaware of the exact situation between the Xu family and Sixth Madam, so I dare not make decisions."

Hong Ye, knowing many intricacies within, whispered in Qin Yuan’s ear, "The nannies in the tea room overheard some rumors, saying that the Xu family has consistently ignored Nanny Zhao, being pressed by the steward housekeeper, yet afraid to tell Sixth Madam, she’s built up a grievance against the Xu family inside. Those brought by the Xu family said their master mentioned having lost quite a bit of silver money for Sixth Madam and wished to offset the loss by withholding money from Sixth Madam. This conflict combined may escalate significantly."

Qin Yuan sighed, saying, "The Xu family’s actions of abandoning one’s allies are indeed excessive."

Hong Ye spat, "Certainly not elegant in conduct. No matter how Sixth Madam has never wronged the Xu family, the Xu family is attributing Xu Zhen’s matters to Sixth Madam. Now that Sixth Madam is ill, all they care about is money."

Qin Yuan pondered, "This is merely our speculation for now. Let’s wait and see. At present, it’s all based on Nanny Zhao’s one-sided claims. If she’s intentionally trying to escalate the situation, it’s uncertain."

Hong Ye widened her eyes in thought, saying, "That makes sense."

Qin Yuan instructed Gu Shiliu, "Sixteen, you are swift on your feet. Help me keep an eye on the inner courtyard. If there are any issues, come find me. Also, send a message to Old Madam and Treasure Bead, informing them that I’m detained by affairs, so they might lend a hand."

Gu Shiliu acknowledged and left the courtyard.

Soon, Marquis Gu, Sixth Master Gu, and Mr. Xu arrived, all looking solemn, especially Sixth Master Gu, whose brow was clouded with worry.

Mr. Xu was visibly alarmed, clearly not expecting such a large-scale disturbance.

Marquis Gu walked up to Qin Yuan, hands folded behind his back, expression stern, and asked, "What’s the situation?"

Qin Yuan replied, "When I arrived, Nanny Zhao and Mrs. Xu were entwined in a quarrel. Sixth Madam had already vomited blood and fainted. Without time for the Imperial Physician, we invited Doctor Li from Renhe Hall instead. Now he’s inside attending to her, while Mrs. Xu was coaxed by me to wash up and change."

Xiao Dong, ever perceptive, had already dashed into the inner room to find Doctor Li.

Mr. Xu asked, "Is my sister okay?"

Qin Yuan sighed, saying, "Sixth Madam’s illness... The Dean of the Imperial Hospital said it could only be nurtured slowly, cannot be agitated, cannot suffer immense joy, shock, anger, or sadness."

Sixth Master Gu grabbed Mr. Xu’s lapel and accused, "The Xu family owes me an explanation for making my wife upset enough to vomit blood. Should anything happen to her, the Xu family need not visit my Marquis Mansion again."

Mr. Xu, perplexed and anxious, said, "We didn’t know she was so ill. Besides, it’s not certain if her sister-in-law upset her. It should be clarified first."

Gu Jinghui frowned in distaste.

Qin Yuan suggested, "Let’s sit and talk in the hall for now. The rest can be addressed once others arrive. Mrs. Xu is in Aunt Huang’s room. Once she’s dressed up, call Nanny Zhao for cross-examination."

Everyone had no choice but to move to the hall, and shortly after, Xiao Dong trotted in to report.

"Marquis, Sixth Master, Madam, my master is currently administering acupuncture to Sixth Madam. She’ll wake up soon. However, once she regains consciousness, her health must be carefully taken care of. My master said, if there’s further concern, don’t call him again. He’s unable to cure her."

Gu Jinghui’s face was cold as ice.

Sixth Master Gu angrily said, "Alright, understood. Xiao Dong, go assist your master."

Seeing Qin Yuan had no other instructions, Xiao Dong ran off again.

Mr. Xu lowered his head, feeling ashamed, muttered through clenched teeth, "I have no idea what that woman said to my sister to cause such a commotion."

At Aunt Huang’s place, Mrs. Xu was cleaned up, had her face washed and her hair combed, then changed clothes, letting the young maid inquire about the situation before sending her to the hall.

Mrs. Xu staggered, with faltering steps, supported by the young maid’s hand, stepping tremulously into the hall.

Just as she entered, a teacup was hurled at her by Mr. Xu, nearly hitting her head.

The cup fell to the ground, shattering into pieces.

Hot tea spilled everywhere.

Startled, Hong Ye darted to shield Qin Yuan.

Marquis Gu’s voice was icy cold: "Mr. Xu, if you want to show off, don’t disturb others."