Old Madam Gu felt slightly comforted upon seeing them. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Marquis Gu couldn’t help but glance at Qin Yuan.

Brother Kang and Fuguo’er were both charming and endearing, but they inherited Sixth Master Gu’s stature, which wasn’t tall; although they were a year or two older than the twins, they still weren’t as tall and their bodies weren’t as sturdy. Indeed, mother has a sharp eye; Sixth Elder’s household can only pursue scholarly paths in the future.

Marquis Gu couldn’t help but think: "If Yuan’er were to have a son, he would surely be tall and strong, delighting mother, and perhaps in the future, he would be well-versed in both literature and martial arts."

Nanny Rong lightly coughed and said, "Old Madam, the meal is ready, shall we set the table now?"

Upon hearing this, Marquis Gu immediately rose and said, "Mother, I have some things to discuss with Brother Cheng and Sister Yu, so I won’t be dining here."

Old Madam Gu understood and said with slight annoyance, "You can go, leaving your wife here is quite enough."

No matter how much she likes the twins, the past few months have somewhat worn her down; now, her affection for her own pitiful grandchildren has diminished, leaving little heart and energy for them.

Nanny Rong quickly spoke up, "Marquis, matters concerning Young Master Cheng and Miss Yu in Mr. Cheng’s household have been discussed thoroughly between our families. They chose their companions to Mr. Cheng’s house themselves, and today is their special day. They came early to pay respects, both Madam and Old Madam gifted them clothes and accessories. It’s good for Marquis to talk with them more."

Though the two families are adjacent, once out of this mansion, they are separate households.

Any advice or reassurance is naturally most suitable before the recognition banquet.

Old Madam Gu said, "Nanny Rong is quite right, we’ve done what we should, and as their godfather, you should speak clearly, ensuring no trouble arises when visiting other people’s homes."

Marquis Gu said with a smile, "I understand, mother. They are still young, surely they’ll understand better as they grow older."

Qin Yuan smiled while looking at Marquis Gu, leaning closer to Old Madam Gu to tease, "You can’t send me away even if you wanted to, with all of mother’s precious grandchildren here today, surely there are good things prepared."

Nanny Rong laughed, "Madam seems to have quite the appetite."

Old Madam Gu laughingly replied, "Mother hasn’t forgotten you while feeding the precious grandchildren. You’re right, the estate just sent over many fresh goods, rare items unseen in the market. Xiuxiang wants to showcase her skills; Old Third missed out, don’t follow him."

Brother Kang and Fuguo’er no longer discussed poetry with Sixth Master Gu, instantly gathering around Old Madam Gu to ask, "Grandmother, what good food and fun things did the estate deliver? Last time, we used a lot of pheasant feathers for shuttlecocks, they’re so pretty! Wu Zhuangtou promised to find us beautiful feathers. I wonder if he found them, or if he’s forgotten."

Qin Yuan chuckled, "What good is a pretty tail feather? Everything the estate managers turned over is recorded in the accounts, and if they’re trinkets, it might take a while to deliver. For the young masters’ requests, they dare not forget."

Marquis Gu said a few words before taking his leave.

Old Madam Gu saw the two children were quite enthusiastic, and couldn’t be bothered with him, focusing instead on keeping her grandchildren beside her during the meal.

But Qiujie quietly informed Qin Yuan that Xiuxiang’s side also sent a food box to the front courtyard; Qin Yuan smiled and said, "I know mother would surely arrange something for Marquis, how could she truly not feed him?"

Qiujie laughed.

After eating, Qin Yuan didn’t stay long as there were affairs to attend to. She quickly returned to Wutong Garden to rest, planning to go to the office by the second door when the time came for managing tasks.

The young maids saw her return and promptly reported, "Madam, the small kitchen sent six dishes to the front courtyard."

Qin Yuan nodded, "Good, did Marquis have any instructions?"

Marquis Gu was generally unfussy about meals and clothing, but this time he dined with the two children, inviting only Mr. Songshan as a companion. The main room delivered four dishes, Wutong Garden sent six, and the big kitchen sent three dishes and a Yulan Soup, making for quite a feast.

Apart from having fewer companions, there was little to pick at.

The young maid said, "Marquis praised it greatly; Mr. Songshan liked several of the dishes, and Marquis said he would send them again in the future."

"Wait for Sister Hong Ye to return, then inform her about this so she can take notes and properly take care of Mr. Songshan’s meals in the future."

The young maid readily agreed.

Ever since Hong Mian received a few dish rewards, the young maids have been more attentive and proactive.

Seeing Hong Ye and Cui Ming absent, Qin Yuan instructed Mo Zhu to help remove her hair ornaments and change her attire for an afternoon nap.

Mo Zhu kept watch outside; the courtyard was quiet, the young maids didn’t dare make noise, either resting or doing needlework in the porch.

Gu Baoshu suddenly burst in, calling out, "Is Sister-in-law here?"

Mo Zhu was startled and rushed to meet her, saluting and asking, "Seventh Miss, Madam is resting; is there something you need?"

"Is Third Sister-in-law still resting?"

Gu Baoshu instinctively lowered her voice.

Mo Zhu whispered, "Madam had her meal in the main room and hasn’t rested long since returning; later she has to busy herself with the recognition banquet as well."

Gu Baoshu pursed her lips and said, "Alright, I’m leaving then, I’ll come to chat with Sister-in-law tonight."

When Qin Yuan awoke, she learned of the incident, "Did Seventh Miss come to see me upon entering the manor?"

Mo Zhu replied, "It seemed so; Seventh Miss was quite excited, shouting as soon as she came in. No idea what happened outside, but it appears not urgent or troubling."

Qin Yuan thought for a moment, "Oh well, if she has something, she’ll come to find me."

Once she finished freshening up, she headed to the affairs courtyard; stewards and housekeepers were all lined up, craning their necks and on tiptoes, awaiting reports on affairs and disbursement of silver and supplies.

Preparations for the recognition banquet and Sixth Madam Gu’s funeral were somewhat rushed; Qin Yuan feared a mix-up, causing embarrassment, so she split people into two groups, postponing integration until after the recognition banquet to prepare for Sixth Madam Gu’s funeral.

When Gu Baoshu came looking for her, Qin Yuan had nearly finished handling things, planning to rest, change clothing, and welcome guests.

"Third Sister-in-law, are you done with your tasks?"

Gu Baoshu smiled brightly.

Qin Yuan smiled, "Not quite, but for now, I can’t help it. I need to go back to change for greeting guests. Your sister-in-law is likely to arrive soon. Brother Cheng and Sister Yu are still in the main room; let Nanny Rong check if they’re dressed appropriately. They’ll need to come out and bow to the guests later."

Gu Baoshu pursed her lips, "Just handle it casually; there’s so much to do in the mansion. Why are we rushing to host a recognition banquet for them?"

Qin Yuan said nothing.

Gu Baoshu continued, "Third Sister-in-law, I went out for tea today, guess what news I heard and who I encountered?"

Seeing a hint of mischief and a touch of embarrassment on her face, Qin Yuan asked curiously, "What news did you hear? Tell me, I’m listening."