Qin Yuan considered the deep sister-in-law bond between Gu Baoshu and Sixth Lady Gu, and thus asked this question.

Unexpectedly, Gu Baoshu sighed deeply and said, "Not yet. Before, it was said that my Sixth Sister-in-law’s health was weak and she shouldn’t be bothered. I went to see her once after I was released from confinement and briefly chatted about trivial matters. Then Nanny Zhao said that I was tiring and bothering her. Later, Sixth Sister-in-law fell seriously ill, more delicate than a glass doll; I dared not visit her after that."

Gu Baoshu, carefree and indiscreet with her words, probably only made Sixth Lady Gu more troubled, no wonder she was disliked by Nanny Zhao.

Qin Yuan smiled and said, "I haven’t gone either, wouldn’t know what to say if I did. A few days ago, Sixth Sister-in-law fainted from anger because of Mrs. Xu. She’s become skin and bones. She could’ve recuperated well for a few more days, but the Xu family keeps dragging things out. And who knows where Xu Zhen vanished to, causing us to fall out with the Xu family. Sixth Sister-in-law originally meant well, inviting Xu Zhen to stay at the Marquis Mansion for a good match, under the pretext of learning embroidery from you. She meant well, but it backfired badly. Now the Xu family is relentless, suing your Sixth Brother, spouting unpleasant words. Your Sixth Brother is furious and wants to counter-sue them."

Gu Baoshu cast a sideways glance at Qin Yuan, her lips trembling slightly before she could speak, "Are you saying, Third Sister-in-law, that Sixth Sister-in-law fell ill because of Xu Zhen?"

Qin Yuan sipped her tea, sucking on a candied date until only the pit was left, keeping it under her tongue - a way to refresh and invigorate herself she indulged in whenever she had time.

"It’s one cause among others. The Xu family keeps using Xu Zhen’s issue to stir trouble. Pride needs preserving; some matters must be hidden from everyone, so I won’t tell you about them just yet. You’re still young, not yet managing the household. In a few years, I’ll tell you everything."

Gu Baoshu raised her eyebrows, saying, "Are you, Third Sister-in-law, covering for Sixth Sister-in-law and her family?"

Qin Yuan: "... I’ve already said I wouldn’t speak of it, so why dwell on it? If you’re free, go somewhere else. I have tons of work to finish."

Gu Baoshu wasn’t embarrassed by being shooed away, nor did she get angry, insisting, "Why, Third Sister-in-law, do you hide things from me? If you tell me, I’ll make sure you don’t suffer for it, and I’ll tell you something about Xu Zhen."

Unable to shake her off, Qin Yuan called Hong Ye over, "Seventh Miss wants to know, talk to her about it. I have several letters to write and accounts to check; I’ve been delayed for days."

Hong Ye accompanied Gu Baoshu, and their conversation grew animated, while Qin Yuan quietly wrote several letters. As she set down her Hu Bi, they had just about finished their chat.

Hong Ye said, "I’ve told you all I know. Seventh Miss, is there anything else you’d like to ask?"

As Qin Yuan looked over, Gu Baoshu shook her head, saying, "No."

Qin Yuan said, "I know you love to gossip about things in the mansion. Your Third Brother was talked about a lot because of you. Keep what you’ve learned to yourself; don’t go around blabbering, or you’ll make your Sixth Brother lose face."

Gu Baoshu nodded repeatedly, adding, "Third Sister-in-law, I know Xu Zhen likes to shop from the peddler. She buys those worthless trinkets, even gave some to me and my maids, but I didn’t take them. I left them in a box. Xu Zhen came to learn Su Embroidery, naturally, she had to offer some goodies to sweet-talk people. She has no money, so she can only bring these novelties. The day before Xu Zhen went missing, she also sought out that peddler. Every time she talked to him, she’d be cheered up. The nannies say she wants to be the wife of an Advanced Scholar, has her eyes on your third cousin. But I suspect she fancies that peddler more."

Hong Ye frowned deeply hearing this.

The daughter of a military general, speaking so candidly was indeed startling.

Qin Yuan questioned, "Peddler?"

When the decree ordered construction, the Marquis Mansion took up half a street, accompanied by high-portal noble neighbors, interspersed with small households and the relocated servants of the Marquis Mansion. Most of the Gu family’s clan resided on the street behind.

A peddler plying his trade here, how much business could he really do?

Was it all with the maids and nannies?

Qin Yuan was genuinely puzzled.

Gu Baoshu blinked and smiled, "Sister-in-law, each time you leave the mansion, the area is always swept clean by the servants; no idle people are allowed close. And since you ride in a carriage, naturally, you wouldn’t see anything. Since Third Brother returned, maybe due to the increased number of people in the mansion or something else, the area by the mansion gate has become livelier. There are small stalls, beggars, and the peddler occasionally visits. Several times I rode out and even saw a lotus-flower-singing beggar, whom Housekeeper Han rewarded, telling them to sing elsewhere."

Qin Yuan laughed, "Around my maiden family’s neighborhood, all households were more or less alike. Peddlers did circulate around the lanes, but not often. Most who entered the inner quarters were nannies and maidens. My family keeps strict tabs, and these individuals are usually not allowed inside. Yet, those affluent households, whose people have little idle money, often bring them in to chat about idle gossips, peddling jewelry designs, or hair-combing and embroidery."

Gu Baoshu said, "I’ve heard Sixth Sister-in-law and Xu Zhen say as much. Where the Xu family lives, you often see these folk. With the strict rules in the Marquis Mansion, they definitely wouldn’t be allowed in. I’m not saying that what the peddler sells is worse than what the maids use; it’s better. A single gift from the master is worth a treasure. But Xu Zhen, with her shallow insight, treats them as treasures. Initially, we found it novel, but after a couple of days, they’re cast aside. Who would really consider them valuable."

Gu Baoshu had taken the conversation too far. It’s no wonder how the Marquis Gu’s idle talk spread so quickly.

Patiently engaging her in conversation for a while, someone came to report that the Director of the Imperial Hospital had visited Sixth Lady’s quarters for a consultation, asking if she would like to attend.

Qin Yuan stood and said to Gu Baoshu, "We were just speaking of visiting your Sixth Sister-in-law, and now’s the perfect time. Will you join me, or what?"

Gu Baoshu considered and said, "I’ll follow Third Sister-in-law to have a look."

So Qin Yuan took her to Sixth Lady’s quarters. The Director of the Imperial Hospital had already checked her pulse and was seated at the table, pondering over a prescription, tea in hand.

On seeing them, the Director of the Imperial Hospital asked, "What brings the Marchioness here? Where might Sixth Master be busy, I wonder?"

Qin Yuan smiled and said, "Sixth Sister-in-law is very sick. Since I’m managing the household affairs, naturally, I need to pay more attention. How is Sixth Sister-in-law’s ailment?"

The Director asked, "I heard when the mansion was sealed, Renhe Hall’s doctor was brought in to the mansion. Why wasn’t he asked to treat Sixth Lady? Instead, I was fetched."

Gu Baoshu, straightforward as ever, promptly replied, "Of course, it’s because my Sixth Sister-in-law doesn’t think highly of that doctor; she only wants the Director of the Imperial Hospital to see her. Is there any hope for her condition?"

The Director grimaced and shook his head, "I’ve said before, Sixth Lady’s condition requires careful nurturing; she can’t withstand shocks, joy, anger, or fear. You haven’t taken proper care of her. It’s already a miracle she’s clung to life until now. For the present, we can only use medicine to sustain her life for as long as possible."