Chapter 579: Testing Each Other

Gu Baoshu seemed oblivious to the subtleties, saying, "Of course my third brother has no romantic ties with her. If it weren’t for her husband saving my third brother’s life, and my third brother promising to take care of his family, how could such a thing happen? At the Northern Border, my third brother treated that pair of twins as his own children. When he returned to the Capital City, the customs between the North and the Capital are quite different, and my brother had to marry and have children. That woman was unwilling to let go, causing many issues. In short, I was misled before, which caused your misunderstanding. Now I’m not foolish anymore."

Everyone: "..."

Not foolish, yet talking about family affairs so openly with others?

However, Miss Gu Qi’s speech was quite articulate and clear, allowing these people to easily understand the situation.

Miss You said, "Indeed, your third brother achieved unparalleled military accomplishments and is handsome as well. It’s no wonder many women want to marry into wealth. It’s just a pity that none are as fortunate as your third sister-in-law."

"Oh, my third brother used to be so focused on hunting wild asses, uninterested in romance. Now he’s married to a divine figure like my third sister-in-law, who else could catch his eye? Many women come to my home with ideas, but alas..."

Seeing Gu Baoshu become interested, Miss You hurriedly said, "If your third sister-in-law can give birth to a son or daughter, she’ll have a firm standing in the Marquis Mansion. She’s so favored, so when you do get married, I’m afraid the dowry that was originally for you will be taken by her."

Gu Baoshu rolled her eyes, hemming and hawing, "You can’t really say that. Who knows when she’ll give birth? Even if she does, I’m not afraid. My dowry has long been prepared, no need to fight with her over this."

Everyone seemed to feel like they knew some truth, gathered in small groups, and entered the hall where they saw the seated Gu family wife and husband, their expressions a bit off.

Seeing this, Old Madam Gu whispered to Nanny Rong, "I don’t know what Baoshu did outside that makes everyone coming in with her look so strange."

Nanny Rong said, "Old Madam, don’t overthink. Even if Seventh Miss is a bit playful, she wouldn’t mess up the big rules. If something was said... let it slide, there won’t be many more chances."

These helpless words surprisingly comforted Old Madam Gu.

Old Madam Gu decided not to worry: "Forget it, I’ll leave her alone. If nothing comes to my attention, I’ll pretend I don’t know."

Qin Yuan noticed it and understood that Gu Baoshu must have been speaking freely in front of Miss You.

As expected, Gu Baoshu caught her eye and even winked.

Hehua laughed, "What’s Seventh Miss doing?"

Qin Yuan picked up the teacup beside her, slowly took a sip, and chuckled, "Perhaps she had a fun time chatting with her girlfriends."

Yang’er stood quietly to the side, her sidelong glance warily scanning the people passing by around her.

Hong Ye and Cui Ming stood guard behind, cautiously avoiding any mistakes.

It was their first time in the Duke Mansion, and they were afraid that a single misstep would lead to accusations of being uncouth and tarnishing their mistress’s reputation, so they dared not take a step or glance too much, keeping their focus on following their young lady.

Luckily, the young lady was composed, her ease and grace overshadowing many official wives.

"Your mother and the others are sitting over there, let’s girls sit here and chat," Miss You tugged at Gu Baoshu, smiling, "These days we rarely see you out, even Song Wenyu and the others seldom go out."

Gu Baoshu followed her to sit down and asked, "They must be coming too, right?"

"They should be," Miss You replied, "It’s only fair to show me this courtesy."

Gu Baoshu asked again, "Have you gone to the palace to play with the Ninth Princess lately?"

Miss You was taken aback and then laughed, "I’ve been a few times. The Ninth Princess was even complaining about how you rarely come out lately, not enough people to play polo with."

"Oh," Gu Baoshu fell silent.

Miss You continued, "I’m telling you, the Ninth Princess said she’s coming, if she invites you to play polo, you should agree. Without you, no one has fun."

Gu Baoshu’s eyes flickered as she sighed, "Let’s see, last time playing polo we encountered wild asses, mom and third brother were unhappy, so they told me to behave these days."

Miss You wanted to say more, but a maid came in to report, "Miss, Miss Song, Miss Chu, and Miss Chang have arrived."

"Shall we go out to greet them?"

Miss You quickly stood, pulling Gu Baoshu to go out.

These people were often playing together, so they naturally found a spot outside to have a private chat first, and it wouldn’t be too late to return once all the guests were assembled and the Old Madam came out.

Qin Yuan saw the two of them go out together and wasn’t much worried.

In recent days, Gu Baoshu had been trained on how to handle situations, and even if she made a mistake, her skills would leave others at a loss.

Moreover, now that the banquet hadn’t started, and the main performer hadn’t appeared, nothing could go wrong.

Not long after, the head maid by Madam You’s side came to invite Old Madam Gu to join her for a chat in the inner chamber. Qin Yuan went forward to support Old Madam Gu as she slowly rose. They passed through corridors and courtyards, walking along a long corridor before finally reaching Madam You’s residence.

The wealth of the Duke Mansion was accumulated by ancestors and held significant weight.

Madam You’s courtyard was grand and opulent. On the occasion of her birthday, it was decorated festively, with a line of maids under the veranda, dressed in red and green, adorned with a piece or two of gold ornaments if they were of some standing.

Qin Yuan raised an eyebrow.

According to past account books, Duke Zhen’s Mansion and Dingbei Marquis Mansion didn’t interact much, but Madam You sent someone to invite them, seeming quite close.

In a previous life, when Qin Yuan returned to the Capital City with Lin Ziqi, Madam You had already passed.

Duke Zhen’s Mansion protected the Crown Prince and gained imperial favor. Even after the Crown Prince’s death, they did not fall from grace.

Qin Yuan had interacted with Duke Zhen’s Mansion several times but knew little about this Madam You.

Old Madam Gu suddenly sighed.

"In recent years, I’ve seldom gone out, thus not often seeing my old sister, wondering if she’s still in good health."

The head maid smiled, "The old ancestor has often missed the Old Madam these years. Last time our Madam went to the Marquis Mansion and said the Dingbei Marquis’s wife is excellent, the old ancestor has been eager to meet her. So under the guise of her birthday, she sent an invitation. Hearing you arrived, she quickly sent me to invite you in."

Old Madam Gu smiled, "You’re still so good with words. Over the years, my old sister has kept you close, reluctant to let you go, making me quite envious. I wonder who will be lucky enough to have you in the future."

The head maid chuckled, "I’ve sworn in front of the Old Madam that I’ll serve by her side all my life and won’t go anywhere."

This was akin to a lifetime commitment; when the Old Madam passed, she might end up guarding the family temple.

Old Madam Gu was taken aback, "I didn’t expect you to be so resolute. My old sister truly hasn’t spoiled you in vain. She has always favored you the most, and when you didn’t accompany her to serve during the mourning for the late Empress Dowager, she complained that everything was less enjoyable without you around, truly unable to be apart for a single day."

Qin Yuan also glanced at this head maid.

Madam You was a First-Rank Duke’s Wife, with considerable private wealth. Without a trusted person to manage it, it would have been coaxed away by the grandchildren and their wives.