Qin Yuan was quite speechless.

This Ninth Princess seemed to have some underlying malice towards her for reasons unknown.

Everyone’s gaze shot over, and although Mrs. Cui was puzzled, she could tell that there were turbulent undercurrents here, showing concern in her eyes.

The expression of Old Madam Gu was somewhat complicated.

Qin Yuan couldn’t distinguish whether Old Madam Gu wanted her to agree or to refuse.

She said, "Even the Ninth Princess knows that I, the Marquis’s wife, haven’t been married into the Marquis Mansion for long. If not for the support of the housekeeper and stewards, I wouldn’t have been able to manage so well. Due to my sixth sister-in-law’s poor health, I’ve had to take on this significant burden. As the saying goes, ’Without the tiger in the mountain, the monkey reigns supreme.’ Nowadays, I still haven’t sorted out the old relations of the Gu Family, nor did I know that the Chang Family and the Marquis Mansion used to interact frequently. I’m truly clumsy, so I ask for Miss Chang’s forgiveness. How long has Miss Chang been alone in the Capital? Is she still living alone in the old house?"

Her words subtly insinuated that this girl from the Chang Family had mysteriously accompanied the Ninth Princess without invitation or clear intentions.

If an old acquaintance, then she should have presented a visiting card first.

With such an act, it’s unclear what is intended.

Actually, Qin Yuan had already guessed seven or eight points, but could only feign ignorance.

The Ninth Princess glared at Qin Yuan with a displeased expression but said nothing; after all, it was she herself who bypassed Old Madam Gu and directed the topic to Qin Yuan.

"Really cunning," the Ninth Princess cursed inwardly.

At this moment, if she continued to clash with Qin Yuan, it would be creating enmity with the Gu Family.

Unless a member of the Gu Family stepped forward to suppress Qin Yuan’s position.

The person must either be Old Madam Gu or Marquis Gu.

No one else possessed such status or qualifications.

Clearly, Chang Qingling shared the same thoughts, and now looked towards Old Madam Gu with eyes filled with sorrow and timidity, muttering, "Dingbei Marquis’s wife, indeed our Chang Family and the Gu Family have some connections, but these are old matters from over a decade ago, not easy to bring up. I’ve been in the Capital for a while but haven’t dared to send a visiting card to the mansion."

Qin Yuan understood, she too is a formidable character.

Only saying she didn’t dare to come, yet why did she brave visiting today without a card?

Old Madam Gu sighed, "What’s so difficult to talk about? The Chang Family and Gu Family were once related by marriage; your elder sister and the Marquis once had a marriage agreement. Unfortunately, your sister passed away early, and the marriage did not proceed. But now at your age, why would you come alone to the Capital? Is there a reason behind this?"

Chang Qingling: "..."

Qin Yuan also did not expect Old Madam Gu to have such a tactful hand.

Chang Qingling’s face showed distress, as though burdened by a secret she couldn’t share.

At this moment, Hong Ye, who had long received Qin Yuan’s orders, had already invited Gu Baoshu and a group of ladies to join.

"Greetings to the Ninth Princess."

Everyone first saluted the Ninth Princess, then each sat scattered beside their respective elders.

Gu Baoshu approached with a smile, asking, "Why has the Ninth Princess graced us with her presence?"

The Ninth Princess said, "I heard your family was hosting a banquet. Crown Prince Brother mentioned that Dingbei Marquis had requested closure of the mansion for the safety of Capital City, and today must be for clearing bad luck, so brought me along for the fun."

Gu Baoshu, feeling honored, said, "Thank you, Crown Prince and Ninth Princess, for your generosity."

The Ninth Princess coldly snorted, saying, "Just don’t blame me for meddling in others’ affairs."

These words came out of nowhere, leaving Gu Baoshu confused about the prior conflict and asking, "Why does the Ninth Princess say so?"

The Ninth Princess then recounted the event.

Gu Baoshu’s straightforward nature sparked easily, and she loved gossiping about her own family.

Rumors like Marquis Gu wanting to take Mrs. Zhao as a concubine, or Mrs. Zhao’s twin children possibly being Marquis Gu’s offspring were mostly spread by Gu Baoshu.

The Ninth Princess initially thought Gu Baoshu would speak in her favor.

Unexpectedly, Gu Baoshu only said, "The Ninth Princess isn’t really meddling, just a bit enthusiastic," before lowering her head, taking a piece of pastry, and carefully nibbling away.

Who knows when she’d finish eating this piece of pastry.

The Ninth Princess: "..."

She didn’t know that currently Gu Baoshu feared upsetting Qin Yuan most of all. Besides, with Old Madam Gu being present at the table, Gu Baoshu dared not act rashly. If confined again, it might truly be as Third Brother said, that not even the lantern festival would be allowed.

Chang Qingling’s conversation was interrupted by Gu Baoshu and others, leaving her unable to continue.

Madam Jin and Mrs. Dai had already shifted to other topics.

After a while, Qin Yuan invited everyone to the table again, arranging seats according to rank and seniority.

The Ninth Princess sat at the head, accompanied by Old Madam Gu and Mrs. Cui.

Chang Qingling was again summoned by Old Madam Gu to sit in front and talk.

Gu Baoshu whispered to Qin Yuan, "Mother doesn’t like the Chang Family, but appearances must still be kept."

Qin Yuan asked, "What else do you know?"

Gu Baoshu rolled her eyes, muttering, "I only know these. Third Brother was engaged to her elder sister back then, but for some reason, her sister passed away, coincidentally so did something happen in her family. My Third Brother then went to the Northern Border, and the two families have long ceased contact. Honestly, during that time, I was still in my mother’s womb, how could I know much?"

Qin Yuan couldn’t help but laugh.

Gu Baoshu quickly pleaded, "Third Sister-in-law, when you see Third Brother later, you must praise me well; today I’ve truly tired myself, not knowing how much effort I’ve put into entertaining them."

"Alright, you have to keep this up in the future," Qin Yuan said softly.

"...We’ll see..."

Gu Baoshu returned to her seat and started talking with others.

After greeting the guests for a while, Qin Yuan asked Madam Jin and Mrs. Dai to stay attentive, before retreating herself, intending to find someone to inquire about how Sixth Madam’s situation was handled.

As she walked a few steps away, Gu Shiba suddenly appeared from nowhere and asked, "Does the Madam have any instructions?"

Qin Yuan was startled.

Qin Yuan then asked, "Were you placed here by the Marquis?"

Gu Shiba nodded.

Qin Yuan said, "I’m worried about Sixth Madam, not knowing what Sixth Master and the Xu family discussed."

Gu Shiba replied, "The Xu Family has already left; Sixth Master has gone to greet guests in the front, probably discussing poetry with Lord Sacrificial Officer, and paintings with Mr. Songshan."

Qin Yuan acknowledged with an "Oh."

Gu Shiba added, "Today, Sixth Master has sent out a collection of poems, all as per the Marquis’s direction. Sixth Master wasn’t entirely willing, although Lord Sacrificial Officer was quite pleased."

Qin Yuan couldn’t help but smile.

Those who came today were all subordinates of Marquis Gu and members of the Gu Family; how could they be interested in poetry.

Gu Shiba added, "Crown Prince wants two books, saying he wants to take them back for thorough reading, and asked Young Master Qin a lot of questions."

Qin Yuan added, "How are Doctor Li and Xiao Dong arranged?"

Gu Shiba said, "The Marquis has arranged both of them in seats; Xiao Dong is playing with Young Master Qin and others, while Doctor Li is seated at a table with members of the Gu Family."