Qin Yuan said, "If Sixth Brother doesn’t want to alarm Sister-in-law Sixth, and wants her to recover peacefully, this matter should never be mentioned again, and someone must inform Sister-in-law Sixth that this money has been recovered. When Sister-in-law Sixth is present, continue to engage well with the Xu family."

Sixth Master Gu stared blankly and said, "Though I’m furious, for the sake of the child, I can’t truly do something that’ll infuriate her to death."

Qin Yuan said, "Then Sixth Brother should either pay out of pocket to cover this account or ask the Xu family for it. It all depends on Sixth Brother’s decision. Once Sixth Brother has decided, we can then help you."

In the end, this account was all Sixth Madam’s private money.

Although this private money could very likely have been amassed from the Marquis Mansion, the Gu Family brothers clearly didn’t want to pursue it further.

To prevent Sixth Madam from being troubled, the deficit must be filled with genuine silver.

But whoever is to pay must speak it openly.

Sixth Master Gu’s lips trembled slightly as he asked, "Is it the twenty-seven thousand silver taels?"

Qin Yuan nodded.

Sixth Master Gu gasped.

Gu Jinghui couldn’t help but say, "Your Third Sister-in-law said that the price of pepper would rise later, but either the silver must be devalued and returned, or the pepper must be taken back; otherwise, the Xu family has taken this private money without a clear account."

Sixth Master Gu was so angry that he was about to faint and cried out, "Dear Third Brother, help me, I’m on the verge of fainting."

Qin Yuan had no choice but to say, "First, press your own philtrum with your fingernail; otherwise, if Third Brother does it, he might press it too hard and ruin your looks."

Hearing this, Sixth Master Gu forced himself to focus and pressed his philtrum.

Gu Jinghui helped him reluctantly, asking, "What do you plan to do? Guests are waiting, and your Third Sister-in-law and I cannot stay long."

Sixth Master Gu said, "What else can I do? I can’t let the Xu family take this account for free. The Xu family raised their daughter to behave this way, yet came to the Marquis Mansion to be dishonest, but still blame me. When the Xu family gained benefits from our Marquis Mansion, why didn’t they say anything? I really can’t swallow this bitterness."

Sixth Master Gu felt like a fool, manipulated and kneaded by the Xu family as if he were dough, yet hesitating to act due to various considerations.

Just one word: aggrieved.

Gu Jinghui said, "That nanny is still hiding things for Sister-in-law Sixth. How can you win against the Xu family? Tell her clearly that your sister-in-law secretly borrowed from the Xu family to buy pepper; your wife is already aware. Let her speak clearly while we have the Xu family’s leverage on printing money; Sister-in-law Sixth is involved, and it’s the Xu family’s doing."

Saying this would essentially strip Sixth Madam and the Xu family of their last veil of dignity.

Gu Jinghui further added, "After that, ensure the nanny keeps this matter to herself. If Sister-in-law Sixth suffers because of this, it falls on her."

Qin Yuan said, "And also on the Xu family members."

Gu Jinghui looked at Qin Yuan approvingly and nodded, "You’re right."

Sixth Master Gu finally regained some spirit and said, "Alright, Third Brother and Sister-in-law, you attend to the guests first. I’ll deal with them slowly."

Gu Jinghui said, "If you cannot manage, come find me."

Sixth Master Gu nodded fiercely with reddened eyes.

Gu Jinghui said, "I’m angry too, just seeing them annoys me. You go and negotiate alone; I’ll call for Gu Shiliu and Housekeeper Han to support you."

With that, he whistled.

Soon, Gu Shiliu and Housekeeper Han arrived.

Qin Yuan said, "I’ll leave Hong Ye here; after handling things, she will find me at the front."

Gu Shiliu said, "Lady should have a maid by her side."

Sixth Master Gu added, "Third Sister-in-law, I’ll have Aunt Huang stationed, ensuring no one disturbs on Xu’s side; escort Hong Ye without worry."

Gu Jinghui nodded, "You appear responsible now; go ahead, we must leave."

Qin Yuan followed Marquis Gu towards the front yard. They walked silently till they reached a fork. Marquis Gu said, "If Mother asks, just say I delayed you with matters."

Qin Yuan agreed.

Seeing Marquis Gu displeased, Qin Yuan said, "Dear husband, don’t be angry, Sixth Master will learn gradually."

Marquis Gu replied, "Just look at him. All these years I’ve been away, I don’t know how he dealt with the Xu family and how much he suffered."

Seeing his frustration, Qin Yuan giggled, her eyes curved, "But now you’re back; previously, the Xu family only took some money, let’s consider it spending to avert a disaster."

Seeing her smile like a blossoming flower, Marquis Gu felt comforted again, unable to refrain from praising, "I’m truly lucky to have married such a treasure like you, unlike Sister-in-law Sixth who causes trouble."

Flushing, Qin Yuan chided, "Speak properly; how did you turn the topic to this again? Go attend to the guests; your father-in-law is waiting to test your poetry skills."

With a teasing smile, she added.

Marquis Gu: "..."

Suddenly, Marquis Gu remembered something with a casual tone, "Don’t always scare me with father-in-law; I can also call upon Mr. Songshan to confront him. Maybe father-in-law would join me in calling him brother by then, and what would you call me then?"

Qin Yuan snorted, ignoring him, and turned towards the garden.

Feeling triumphant, Marquis Gu smirked and walked towards the second gate. He barely took a few steps when Gu Shiba’s voice sounded above, "Marquis, the Crown Prince and Ninth Princess have arrived."

As he spoke, Gu Shiba gently descended from the treetops.

Marquis Gu paused and asked with a frown, "What is this about, weren’t they not invited to today’s banquet? Why come uninvited?"

Gu Shiba remained silent.

Marquis Gu could only proceed to the front yard to welcome them.

Gu Shiba also conveyed the news to Qin Yuan, who was not far away.

Hong Ye couldn’t help but ask, "What’s the Crown Prince and Ninth Princess’s purpose for being here?"

Qin Yuan frowned and said, "Who knows, arriving uninvited might be spontaneous or a gesture to get close to the Marquis."

The Capital Inspection was initially the Emperor’s way of venting on behalf of the Crown Prince. Now the Crown Prince’s visit might suggest that Marquis Gu is bound tightly to the Crown Prince’s ship.

Hong Ye couldn’t help but say, "Last time, the Seventh Princess and Ninth Princess weren’t kind to the lady. If Ninth Princess enters the inner courtyard, you must be cautious."

Qin Yuan nodded, saying no more.

Arriving at the garden, it was just in time for the crowd to welcome the royal guests. With high status and old age, Old Madam Gu didn’t need to bow; all other ladies curtseyed.

Qin Yuan hurried to blend in and respectfully curtsied along.