Qin Yuan originally intended to blend into the crowd and welcome the guests quietly, but the Ninth Princess deliberately raised her voice and said, "Earlier, I didn’t see the Marchioness; it’s a pity for me."

After this remark, the Ninth Princess continued, "Everyone may dispense with the formalities."

The guests took their seats one after another, and Qin Yuan stepped forward with a smile, saying, "I didn’t expect the Ninth Princess to grace us with her presence. I missed your arrival, please forgive me."

The Ninth Princess smiled superficially and said, "I heard that the Marchioness is now managing the entire Dingbei Marquis Mansion. The capable ones work more; it’s understandable that she might be too busy occasionally."

Before Qin Yuan could speak, Old Madam Gu interjected with a smile, saying, "Indeed, her sixth sister-in-law used to manage the household, but she’s ill now, so everything is under Yuan’er’s supervision. It’s admirable for someone so young to handle major issues like the smallpox incident flawlessly. The Marquis is busy day in and day out, and the Sixth Elder dislikes ordinary affairs. So, all matters of the mansion are entrusted to her, which naturally makes her busier than others."

The Gu Family members smiled and flattered, saying, "It’s also because of Old Madam’s good fortune; the Marchioness’s conduct and abilities are outstanding, and she handles things gracefully and thoroughly."

Qin Yuan lowered her fair neck, feigning a shy demeanor.

Old Madam Gu praised her even more enthusiastically, holding Mrs. Cui’s hand and saying, "Mother-in-law, it’s indeed strange; I feel a sense of kinship with Yuan’er, as if our families are destined to be connected."

Mrs. Cui felt proud as well and laughed heartily, saying, "As long as the young one avoids mistakes, it’s good. It’s rare for her to have a good mother-in-law like you. I’d say it’s her good fortune."

People chimed in, "Yes, yes. The worst fear for a wife is encountering a malicious mother-in-law, who imposes rules and grinds one down relentlessly. But our Old Madam is kind-hearted and would never do such things; she’s always smiling at the younger generation."

Their husbands were members of the Gu Family and subordinates of the Marquis, who seldom interacted with the Ninth Princess and felt no incentive to flatter her.

The Ninth Princess looked somewhat displeased at being sidelined.

Nonetheless, Mrs. Dai loudly said, "You’re right but also wrong. I’d say the Marquis is the fortunate one, having an astute mother-in-law choosing such a good daughter-in-law. Doesn’t the whole town know our Marquis cherishes his wife, holding her with such tender care? I even feel embarrassed watching it. Unfortunately, my husband is a wooden block, never figuring things out. When we become neighbors with the Marquis Mansion, I’ll make him learn from the Marquis."

"Shameless," teased some elderly women at Mrs. Dai.

Mrs. Dai laughed, "Oh dear, I don’t believe you all aren’t envious."

Madam Jin softly interjected, "Who wouldn’t envy? Our General Jin often talks at home, saying the Marquis was once a wooden figure but came alive after marrying, as if the Jade Emperor breathed vitality into him. He often praises his wife, making unmarried colleagues restless, and he wishes me to learn how to amuse husbands from her."

"Hahaha," everyone burst into laughter.

Mrs. Dai joined in, asking, "Did you learn?"

Madam Jin replied, "Oh, learn what? Looking at the Marchioness’s beauty and character, it’s clear anyone would love her. Our Mr. Jin is more a bear, fitting me perfectly. Even if he dreams, it’s a waste. Our Marquis possesses battle merits and handsome looks, perfectly matching the Marchioness. How could they not be loving?"

Everyone laughed and agreed.

A young woman beside the Ninth Princess was pale, occasionally glancing at Qin Yuan with faint tears in her eyes.

Qin Yuan noticed, "..."

She couldn’t help but ponder, is this another romantic debt Marquis Gu stirred up somewhere?

She merely smiled shyly, not engaging, embodying a new bride’s coy and bashful attitude, which evoked more compassion. Conversations occasionally directed at her were quickly returned.

Qin Yuan planned to remain seated until the banquet commenced, but the Ninth Princess, unable to stay idle, after everyone had mostly spoken, addressed Old Madam Gu again, "Old Madam Gu, does this Miss Chang beside me look familiar to you?"

"Miss Chang?"

Old Madam Gu slightly opened her eyes in surprise.

Qin Yuan also looked over, finally noticing the young woman’s surname was Chang.

The surroundings grew quiet.

The Ninth Princess smilingly said to Miss Chang, "Did you not say you wanted to meet the old acquaintances? How come you’re silent before the Old Madam—is it nerves from returning home?"

Madam Jin exchanged looks with Mrs. Dai.

Mrs. Dai frowned, staring at Miss Chang with an uneasy expression.

Nanny Rong beside Old Madam Gu already had a darkened face.

Qin Yuan perceived Miss Chang had considerable significance, likely due to family ties with the Gu Family. Though not much older than Qin Yuan, her relationship with Marquis Gu was unclear.

The Ninth Princess clearly brought her to stir trouble, as the Crown Prince now relies on Marquis Gu, making Qin Yuan the target.

Qin Yuan remained unperturbed, silently observing.

Miss Chang stepped forward and faced Old Madam Gu, bowing gracefully, "Chang Qingling, the youngest daughter, greets the Old Madam."

Old Madam Gu was momentarily stunned, her smile faded, asking, "May I ask, what is Chang Qingyun to you?"

Chang Qingling’s sweet smile replied, "In response, Old Madam, she’s my elder sister."

Old Madam Gu sighed, reminiscing over something, her voice slightly trembling, "Even you’ve grown this much."

Chang Qingling replied, "Yes, my mother told me that Old Madam once held me when I was young."

"Indeed," Old Madam Gu sighed, "Our two families haven’t interacted for years; is your father returning to the capital?"

Chang Qingling’s voice melancholy, said, "Perhaps soon, I’m presently residing in the capital, graciously taken care of by the Ninth Princess."

The implication in her words was significant.

Old Madam Gu slightly furrowed her brows.

The Ninth Princess abruptly laughed, "I spend most days in the palace, heavily restricted by my mother, how much care can I offer? Your family and the Gu Family are longtime friends. If anything inconvenient arises, you may also seek Old Madam Gu’s assistance."

These words were direct and overly rude.

Normally, someone would oblige out of courtesy.

Yet, Old Madam Gu remained silent.

Chang Qingling’s expression showed considerable disappointment and unspeakable sympathy.

The atmosphere was quiet enough to hear a pin drop.

Qin Yuan was pondering when the Ninth Princess slightly raised her brows, shifting the conversation back to Qin Yuan, "Oh, I forgot; currently, all affairs of the Marquis Mansion are managed by the Marchioness, who is close in age to Miss Chang. Speaking of assistance, it falls to the Marchioness, doesn’t it?"