Mrs. Dai pointed her finger at him, scolding, "The Old Madam is afraid the Marquis won’t have the heart, you are afraid I can’t keep a secret, everyone is afraid of each other, yet you don’t tell me anything. If one day someone causes trouble, and I remain unaware, wouldn’t things be ruined? In all these years, when have I ever ruined your matters?"

Gu Jingcheng, who always confided everything to his wife, quickly laughed and said, "I’m telling you now, aren’t I? Besides, the Marquis has arranged for someone to keep a close watch on the counterfeit goods secretly. Since we are fishing, we must keep a careful eye on the bait."

Mrs. Dai went to tidy up some clothes and miscellaneous items, then asked, "Are you angry with the Marquis?"

Sitting on the spring stool by the bed, accompanying her in tidying, Gu Jingcheng was stunned for a moment, then quickly understood and replied, "What is there to be angry about? We can have two children connected to the Marquis Mansion; we don’t even have to worry about their future prospects. Isn’t this a good thing?"

Mrs. Dai dropped the small garment in her hand and glared, "You know exactly what I’m trying to ask."

"If those two children don’t turn out well, it’s the Marquis who fails me. We can’t simply move out of that courtyard. We haven’t raised children before either, so if we enjoy having them, we can always look for someone to adopt or foster. Once we do it once, it’ll be easier the next time; nothing to worry about. I just happen to like Brother Cheng’s build and looks."

Mrs. Dai turned her head and continued sorting clothes, with her head lowered, "The Old Madam is also worried that my heart won’t be at ease. I already said that as long as we can move out and don’t have to endure being beneath others without children, I would be overjoyed. Besides, old folks always say raising children brings more children; maybe tending to those twins will bring our own kids to us."

Hearing this, Gu Jingcheng felt even more relieved and said, "If you had told me earlier that you thought this way, I wouldn’t have worried about you being upset."

He paused, then asked, "Is it true that raising them can bring our own children?"

"How could it be false? Previously, I didn’t dare approach the Old Madam, and I never expected her to be so compassionate and kind. She spoke to me about childbirth, saying our time hasn’t come yet, but once it does, we may have a child. She also mentioned that the doctor frequently used at their mansion has excellent medical skills and might be able to help me."

Seeing his wife’s joyous expression, Gu Jingcheng couldn’t help but softly express his hope, "Once we move there, with more houses and a bigger courtyard, and we can finally call the shots, along with a pair of twins at our feet, you won’t feel liver congestion anymore, and maybe children will come our way. Living next to the Marquis Mansion, we can enjoy some of their good fortune."

It seemed that good days were already beckoning to this couple. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Qin Yuan, after handling the issues related to the housekeeper and stewards, did not return to the main room but sat in the courtyard, deep in thought.

Cui Ming asked, "Miss, what are you thinking about?"

Qin Yuan replied, "I’m considering that we’ve always been at the center of affairs, but perhaps it’s time to change the venue of management. Everyone is crowding into my courtyard for matters, coming and going, which doesn’t seem appropriate."

Cui Ming nodded, "Indeed, previously there were only a few housekeepers, not enough to cause chatter among people. Later, due to the outbreak of smallpox, movement was difficult, and we muddled through until now. The Marquis has entrusted the affairs of the mansion to you, Miss, so it’s time to find a more dignified location. The Sixth Madam used to manage only the inner courtyard and held affairs at Songtao Pavilion. Miss should also move to a bigger place near the second gate, which is more convenient for the stewards."

Qin Yuan nodded.

Nearby, Hong Mian said, "Madam, there are some matters you might have forgotten."

"Oh?" Qin Yuan raised an eyebrow, asking with interest, "What is it? Tell me more."

Hong Mian replied, "Sun Accountant and Housekeeper Zhang’s positions have been vacated, attracting a lot of attention, and many people are frequenting our Wutong Garden. The stewards are all eager to prove themselves."

Qin Yuan gave an approving look to Hong Mian, "Indeed, this is a significant matter. I haven’t forgotten, but I’m momentarily unsure whom to appoint."

The vacancy of these two positions was unexpected.

Her companions hadn’t yet secured their footing, and the mansion lacks confidants, with mutual acquaintance building among the stewards still in progress.

Hong Mian said, "Nanny Rong is wise with age and knows the people in the mansion well, maybe she can recommend a few candidates."

Qin Yuan initially thought Hong Mian would recommend someone directly, but hearing this answer, she laughed, "You speak wisely. Has Redleaf been instructing you on accounting practices lately?"

Hong Mian nodded, "Sister Hong Ye is busy and teaches us whenever she has free time, I’ve learned bits and pieces."

Qin Yuan asked, "Where do you think the affairs management area should be relocated?"

Hong Mian astutely replied, "It should naturally be the row of houses near the second gate along the pathway. It’s spacious, close to the second gate, and hasn’t been used for a long time. Madam could have Mrs. Cai lead people to tidy it up, install floor heating, and it can be used all year round."

Qin Yuan was slightly unsure, so Hong Mian suggested, "Madam, why don’t I guide you there for a look?"

Cui Ming said, "It’s better to have a look. If it suits, that location is quite suitable and convenient, with few people passing by."

Qin Yuan stood up, "Then let’s go."

Hong Mian diligently led the way, and they soon reached the second gate.

Qin Yuan thought for a moment and said, "Since we’ve arrived at the second gate, let’s find someone to ask if the Marquis wants to share lunch at the main room, and whether he wants to add any dishes."

Cui Ming instructed the nanny at the second gate to find a servant to inquire about it.

The group checked out the location suggested by Hong Mian, and it was indeed good. Although the second gate was busy, few ventured to this side.

A whole row of houses, allowing a place for Qin Yuan to manage affairs, maids and nannies to reside, housekeepers and stewards to rest while waiting for instructions.

"Not bad, just needs tidying up as it hasn’t been used for a long time."

Qin Yuan was very satisfied.

Hong Mian smiled, "Then I’ll go find Mrs. Cai and have her come to assess, ensuring it’s ready quickly, Mr. Cheng’s courtyard has been sectioned off and refurbished, with adequate manpower, this side will be ready in two to three days."

"Go ahead, this matter is entrusted to you."

Hong Mian smiled, "Madam needn’t worry, I guarantee you’ll be pleased."

Qin Yuan laughed, "I’m curious to see the house produced by such a clever person."

Hong Mian hurriedly went to consult with Mrs. Cai, and Qin Yuan remarked to Cui Ming, "I see that Hong Mian is indeed a capable person; Redleaf has good judgment."

Cui Ming smiled, "Sister Hong Ye often says it’s lucky that Miss favors her above all, otherwise she couldn’t tolerate Hong Mian, what with her sharp tongue and opportunistic nature."

Qin Yuan also chuckled.

The servant returned with the message, "There is a guest with the Marquis, it’s Prince Qi. I didn’t go in."

"Prince Qi?"

After a moment, Qin Yuan said, "Send word to someone close to the Marquis, saying that I’ll have lunch in the main room, and the Marquis doesn’t need to come to Wutong Garden."

The servant obeyed.

On the way back to Wutong Garden, Qin Yuan was frowning the entire time; yesterday the Crown Prince arrived unannounced, and today Prince Qi came, it seemed peculiar.