Chapter 576: Feiyun Pavilion

The Mechanical Speed Room of the Da Xing Dynasty was established during sudden warfare, under the direct jurisdiction of the Prime Minister, to swiftly respond to battle matters.

Once the warfare settles, it is disbanded, with related matters moved to the Secretariat for joint handling by several departments.

Mr. Songshan mentioned the Mechanical Speed Room several times, clearly holding high expectations for it and eager to try his hand in the court’s intrigue. Qin Yuan, unable to contribute, said, "Since everyone has no objections, let’s finalize it."

Everyone nodded: "It’s settled then."

Qin Yuan then instructed Gu Shiba to find a way to relay the day’s discussions to Marquis Gu, then stood up and bowed to Mr. Songshan, saying, "Please, Master, handle this job yourself."

Mr. Songshan had been waiting for this, even if Qin Yuan hadn’t instructed, he would have wanted to seize control, so he smiled: "I can’t just loaf around in the mansion, but there’s one condition for me to work; if not met, I’d rather stay idle."

Having sat for a long time, the initial excitement of participating in the discussion had waned, Gu Baoshu impatiently said, "Master, if you have something to say, just say it and stop keeping us in suspense, we have many more things to discuss today."

Qin Yuan added, "It’s a blessing for the Marquis Mansion if you’re willing to bother, even if Marquis was here, he wouldn’t disagree; please, Master, speak frankly."

Mr. Songshan said seriously, "If I do this job, I will be firmly tied with the mansion. If Madam trusts me, how about leaving the setup of Feiyun Pavilion entirely to me?"

Qin Yuan was taken aback, "Feiyun Pavilion?"

The name was already set.

Then she said, "A good name, naturally, Master, rest assured."

Mr. Songshan stroked his beard and nodded repeatedly, feeling utterly satisfied and determined to undertake it vigorously.

After all, if people treat me like a statesman, I will repay them as a statesman.

Qin Yuan was naturally very pleased as well.

Both raised their teacups almost simultaneously, sipped, and then put them down.

Gu Baoshu coughed lightly and clapped, saying, "Since the major issues are addressed, shall we talk about how to deal with Xu Tang and others? They intend to harm Mr. Qin, how can we let them succeed? Third Sister-in-law, don’t you agree? Master, what do you think?"

Sixth Master Gu yawned, "You’ve already said, how can we let them succeed? With the third sister-in-law here and so many people in the mansion, Xu Tang won’t succeed. Just focus on your studies and don’t worry about adult matters."

"Who’s a child!" Gu Baoshu was anxious: "Isn’t Mr. Qin your friend? How can you be so indifferent? Didn’t the master always say blunt arrows are easy to avoid, but hidden ones are hard to guard against; what if Xu Tang and others succeed?"

Seeing her like this, Mr. Songshan took interest and asked, "What do you plan to do?"

Gu Baoshu raised her fist, "I’d say, no half-measures."

Mr. Songshan closed his eyes and remained silent.

Qin Yuan laughed, "Alright, alright, Xu Tang is still scheming, with someone following my cousin, there won’t be immediate danger. Once Mr. Songshan sets up Feiyun Pavilion, we won’t lack information in the future; knowing their actions puts us at ease."

Although unhappy, Gu Baoshu said no more.

The crowd dispersed.

Mr. Songshan grabbed Housekeeper Cao’s sleeve and said, "Housekeeper Cao, if you have any candidates, report them quickly, time is of the essence."

Housekeeper Cao said, "That urgent?"

Mr. Songshan replied, "Naturally urgent, now that I’m on the same boat with the Marquis Mansion, even if Marquis isn’t anxious, I am." Housekeeper Han laughed, "Haste makes waste, with so many veterans in the mansion, we should question them to see who can step up."

Mr. Songshan let go of Housekeeper Cao’s sleeve, feeling quite disappointed. Wan Accountant moved closer smiling, "If you don’t mind, I have a few people to recommend, if they catch your eye, they can start immediately."

"Good, good, good!" Mr. Songshan was delighted, "Time is of the essence, please inform me promptly."

Wan Accountant’s pale face showed a little blush, he coughed slightly, approached the desk slowly, picked up pen and paper, wrote a few lines, waited for the ink to dry before handing it to Mr. Songshan, softly saying, "Master, I have written down their names, birthplaces, ages, skills, and family members; if there’s anything else to ask, just tell me, I’ll provide all I know."

Mr. Songshan was even happier, saying, "The Marquis Mansion indeed harbors talents, with Wan Accountant here, Feiyun Pavilion could be established at any moment."

"Oh, it’s nothing. Recently, I followed Madam’s orders to open shops and estates to settle veterans; incidentally looked into it, and happened to use it today."

Though modest, everyone thought he was capable and considerate.

Beside him, Housekeeper Cao couldn’t help but whisper to Housekeeper Han, "Don’t you think this guy is both capable and annoying?"

...

Qin Yuan hurried back to Wutong Garden, sat down and instructed Hong Ye, "Quickly summon Hehua and Yang’er."

Soon, the two arrived and asked through the curtain, "Greetings Madam, what are your instructions?"

Qin Yuan said, "Come in and speak."

Hehua lifted the curtain; Yang’er followed her inside.

Qin Yuan looked carefully and saw their faces were healthy and their expressions calm, indicating they were comfortable in the mansion, so she asked, "Have you been well here recently?"

Hehua said, "Certainly, Sister Hong Ye taught well, we eat well, we live well."

Yang’er echoed, "Hehua is quite right."

Qin Yuan smiled, "It seems you are familiar with the mansion’s rules, from tomorrow, you will serve by my side along with Hong Ye and Cui Ming; soon, you’ll accompany us as guests."

Having had few chances to be in the spotlight, both Hehua and Yang’er were uneasy, but on hearing this, they responded, "Yes."

Their voices betrayed their joy.

Qin Yuan turned around to instruct, "Hong Ye, guide them more on the rules, time is tight."

Hong Ye agreed, then said, "They seem diligent and studious, after two days with Madam, they’ll be accustomed."

Qin Yuan nodded.

Hehua and Yang’er withdrew, and Hong Ye asked, "Is the Duke Zhen Mansion not quite peaceful?"

Qin Yuan said, "It’s best to be cautious."

Seeing her grave expression, Hong Ye sighed, "Attending the banquet feels like entering a dragon’s den; I initially looked forward to seeing the world with Miss, but now I’ve lost interest."

Qin Yuan said, "Many things indeed appear grand, sound great, but being in them is quite ordinary."

Hong Ye rolled her eyes, laughed, "What would happen if Second Miss heard this?"

Qin Yuan couldn’t help but laugh, said, "People all know the allure of being a celestial being, only fame they cannot forsake..."

Having lived another life, she was still rolling in the dust of this world, not seeking enlightenment or spirituality.

She took a round fan and waved it, clearing the turbid air from her heart, thinking even a dragon’s lair or tiger’s den must be faced, just counter challenges as they come.