Chapter 362: Acting Like a Father

Housekeeper Han hurriedly said, "Madam, don’t flatter an old servant like me. I have followed the Old Marquis to the battlefield, escaping death’s grasp numerous times, saving the master and being saved by him as well. I’ve received the master’s grace and trust, and my family’s lives belong to the master. In the past years, watching the mansion go through troubles, I was anxious but powerless.

Luckily, the Marquis, with his unrivaled bravery, achieved great success, bringing prosperity back to the Marquis Mansion. The Marquis keeps thinking of us old ones, truly benevolent, and Madam is so capable. Good days lie ahead, and if there’s anything I can do, I would certainly give my all."

Qin Yuan did not expect Housekeeper Han, usually unapproachable, to suddenly express such loyalty.

After a long pause, she said, "Housekeeper Han has contributed much; the Old Madam and the Marquis remember that. With your unwavering loyalty supporting the Marquis Mansion, I need not worry too much."

Housekeeper Han was very pleased.

"Rest assured, Madam. We will certainly arrange matters on the Xu family’s side properly, so you won’t be troubled."

Qin Yuan: "?"

Just as she was about to inquire further, several stewards requested an audience outside, needing to report uncertain matters regarding the arrangements for Sixth Lady Gu’s coffin and other items.

Seeing it wasn’t the time for detailed conversation, Qin Yuan let Housekeeper Han attend to other matters.

After handling the stewards, Qin Yuan swiftly instructed Hong Mian, "Go find Cui Ming and have her make the sewing room prepare the mourning and burial garments promptly..."

Hong Mian replied, "There are few people in the sewing room, and in haste, they might not be able to sew so many. The senior housekeeper mothers should know how to handle such emergencies."

Qin Yuan nodded, "You’re right. Have them first sew for the young masters, and for other needs, consult with Housekeeper Zhang’s former housekeeper."

Since Housekeeper Han mentioned the assistant was useful, she had to try.

Hong Mian left eagerly.

Just as Hong Mian left, Xiao Hong came in with swollen eyes to kowtow.

Led in by Mo Zhu, Xiao Hong, sniffing, said quietly, "Madam, today is the day Xiao Hong goes to work at Mr. Cheng’s house, so I’ve come specifically to kowtow and bid farewell to the master."

After speaking, she earnestly kowtowed three times at the door.

Qin Yuan smiled.

"Why are you the only one here?"

Xiao Hong said, "Once I leave, who knows when I’ll return to the Marquis Mansion, or when I’ll see Madam again, so it’s only right to come and kowtow."

Seeing her speak so earnestly, Qin Yuan said, "In the future, when you return with Young Master Cheng, there will be plenty of opportunities."

Xiao Hong began to cry, and Qin Yuan told her to stand up to speak. As she approached, Xiao Hong whispered, "Madam, be sure to have me back. I’ve learned many characters and how to read the account books."

Qin Yuan laughed, "I keep my word."

Xiao Hong blinked her tearful eyes and said, "I will work diligently."

Qin Yuan said, "Rest assured, just stay there for a while, learn as much as you can, and remember to report back if something happens."

"Alright."

Xiao Hong brightened up, lingered for a bit, then seeing Qin Yuan was busy and Hong Ye and Cui Ming were not present, reluctantly left, looking back frequently.

Qin Yuan finally found a moment around lunch to relax, and as she stretched, Gu Jinghui returned with a stern face, asking right away, "What’s for lunch?"

Qin Yuan thought for a moment and said, "Why not eat in the main hall?"

Gu Jinghui agreed, "Alright."

After hosting the recognition banquet, the twins were about to move to Gu Jingcheng’s side, so this was a chance to dine together and talk.

Gu Jinghui was very pleased with this arrangement, and his expression softened considerably.

Qin Yuan said, "Earlier, Sister-in-law Cheng came and mentioned that her family sent invitations overnight, questioning why we are in such a hurry, since previous arrangements didn’t count. I explained about the matter with our sister-in-law."

Gu Jinghui said, "Yes, last night, our mansion also sent invitations overnight, but fortunately, they were only to comrades-in-arms who aren’t meticulous with formalities."

Qin Yuan said, "That’s good, but when you meet the children later, say some gentle words. Once they’re living at Sister-in-law Cheng’s, seeing them won’t be as easy as now. Without their mother and needing to settle into a new home, it’s inevitable they’d overthink with some instigation from others."

Gu Jinghui nodded, "As you say."

The couple then went to the main hall, where Nanny Rong came out to greet them, "The Old Madam is inside, speaking with Young Master Kang and Mr. Fu, having just soothed them."

Qin Yuan frowned, "Then... Brother Cheng and Sister Yu want to leave, and we were thinking of having lunch together, talking about trivial matters..."

Gu Jinghui and Nanny Rong furrowed their brows as well.

Nanny Rong, after some thought, said, "Sixth Master probably will come as well."

Gu Sixth Master likely didn’t wish to see the twin siblings at that moment.

Qin Yuan then suggested, "Perhaps the Marquis can take the two children to dine in the outer court, while I stay here with Mother and the nephews."

The Marquise’s face showed a flash of discontent but he replied quietly, "Alright."

Seeing his displeasure, Qin Yuan hurriedly said, "Why don’t we both go in for a bit, talk with Mother first before leaving. No rush for a short while; meanwhile, I’ll ask Xiuxiang to make extra dishes, and have the small kitchen prepare your and the children’s favorites to be sent over, all at my expense, how about that?"

Nanny Rong couldn’t help but smile, "So it’s Madam footing the bill for the Marquis’ treat."

A hint of a smile flickered in the Marquise’s eyes, his voice mellowing, "Alright, let’s make more. I’ll invite Mr. Songshan along to assess Brother Cheng’s aptitude."

Qin Yuan knew the Marquise intended for Brother Cheng to have a good tutor and was interested in Mr. Songshan; she said, "That sounds good, though perhaps wait until they settle in at Sister-in-law Cheng’s, stay a bit longer, then discuss studying."

The Marquise considered it and said, "You’re right."

While they were talking, they walked inside.

Old Madam Gu, seeing them arrive, smiled, "You two have big noses, smelling good food from afar, knowing we’d have something delicious here."

Sitting with Old Madam Gu on the couch, Brother Kang and Mr. Fu quickly stood up and bowed, looking pitiful as they said, "Uncle and Aunt are here too, will our father be coming?"

Qin Yuan smiled, "If your father has free time, he will surely come. There are many matters at home these days..."

Before she could finish, Old Madam Gu said, "No matter how busy, one must eat. Have someone fetch Sixth Elder here."

Gu Jinghui frowned, "Yes, I’ll have Sixteen go fetch him; busy or not, he should be here."

Old Madam Gu was pleased, "Treasure Bead initially said she wanted to accompany her nephew and niece, but left early and hasn’t returned. That wild girl, nevermind that; you all join me for a meal and chat."

Gu Jinghui frowned further, "Treasure Bead went out again?"

He seemed to want to say more, but ultimately didn’t, just sitting down to talk with the children. After a while, Gu Sixth Master arrived, conversing with Qin Yuan about poetry, then patiently taught Brother Kang to compose and Mr. Fu to couplets, appearing every bit the loving father.