After the guests dispersed, Old Madam Gu sighed, "At last, everyone has left."

Qin Yuan laughed, "Sister-in-law Cheng’s family is still here. It’s fortunate that only I heard your comment; you’ll have to treat me to some good food tomorrow."

Old Madam Gu chuckled, "You little rascal."

Gu Baoshu hurried over and asked, "Mother, sister-in-law, why haven’t I seen your family members here?"

Qin Yuan: "?"

Old Madam Gu said, "Both of your sisters-in-law’s families do not have contact with their parents, so naturally, there’s no need to trouble ourselves."

This statement wouldn’t seem inappropriate to anyone who heard it.

But Gu Baoshu insisted, "It’s understandable for the Xu family, but why not invite the Qin Family? Isn’t Brother Cheng going to hire a tutor in the future? If he follows the literary path, it’s always beneficial to know more scholars. Besides, we are relatives by marriage; more interactions would be good."

Qin Yuan: "..."

What does she mean by it’s understandable for the Xu family...?

This sister-in-law doesn’t have any filter on her mouth.

Moreover...

Old Madam Gu glanced at Gu Baoshu and said, "Whether Brother Cheng hires a tutor or not is not your concern. Besides, he’s not even started his studies yet; why does he need to know scholars?"

Gu Baoshu remained silent.

Mrs. Dai quickly said, "Seventh Miss has good intentions. I think it’s better to let Brother Cheng settle in and get used to living there for a while before making arrangements. Judging by his physique, he might be better suited to martial pursuits. Whether he studies literature or martial arts depends on his own abilities."

With Mrs. Zhao’s identity unclear, no one knows how these two children will be arranged in the future.

For initial education, it’s simple: just teach them to read, understand, and learn the essentials.

Old Madam Gu glared at Gu Baoshu and then smiled at Mrs. Dai, saying, "You have a good sense. These two children aren’t familiar with you yet, so take your time to arrange things. If you encounter any difficulties, just approach the Third Brother for help."

Turning to face Gu Baoshu, Old Madam Gu continued, "Your sister-in-law’s family has plenty of Advanced Scholars and scholars under their wing, too many to even acknowledge. Do you expect Qin Jijiu to teach Brother Cheng personally? Your expectations are truly fanciful."

Gu Baoshu mumbled, "The Qin Family isn’t just Qin Jijiu."

Old Madam Gu was annoyed, "How many scholars are there in the Qin Family? Your third sister-in-law’s younger brother is still a child, attending elementary at the Imperial College, and their cousin is busy preparing for the Advanced Scholar examination. Do they have time to teach a child? If you can’t talk sensibly, stand aside. I won’t scold you today since you helped your sister-in-law host guests, but don’t cause trouble and annoy everyone."

Only then did Gu Baoshu stop talking.

Standing aside, Qin Yuan: "..."

So Gu Baoshu had this in mind.

The matter with Xu Zhen hasn’t settled yet, and now there’s Gu Baoshu.

Gu Baoshu is her sister-in-law, after all; having these thoughts makes it difficult to deal with.

Qin Yuan felt a bit troubled.

At this time, it was already late. Gu Jingcheng and Gu Jinghui, having seen off the guests, brought the twins over, exchanged a few words, and then had the twins bow to Old Madam Gu and Gu Jinghui’s couple, preparing to take them home to rest.

Brother Cheng and Sister Yu received many gifts, all placed in a box carried by Mrs. Dai’s maid, to be taken to their new home together.

Qin Yuan said to Mrs. Dai, "Now that the family recognition banquet is done, you can take your time with the housewarming banquet; there’s no need to rush."

Mrs. Dai replied, "We initially thought of holding a grand affair because we didn’t have children before and always felt a bit lacking in the ninth branch, stifled and uncomfortable. Now it seems overdone. Why compete needlessly? Let’s just proceed with the originally agreed date and there’s no need for pompous announcements."

Qin Yuan smiled, then accompanied Gu Jinghui in seeing them off to the mansion entrance.

Mrs. Dai and Gu Jingcheng took the twins back to their courtyard, met with the servants who followed from the Marquis Mansion, instructed a bit, and then settled down.

In Wutong Garden.

Qin Yuan soaked for a while to relieve fatigue, changed into a set of incense-perfumed clothes, dried her hair, then leisurely emerged, seeing Marquis Gu quietly sitting on the Arhat bed, back straight like a rod, hands clenched into fists resting by his sides.

Hong Ye and Cui Ming stood silently nearby, like statues.

"Why is the Marquis sitting like that?"

Qin Yuan asked Hong Ye, puzzled.

Hong Ye shook her head.

Qin Yuan asked, "Did you prepare some hangover soup for the Marquis?"

Cui Ming nodded.

"What’s with all of you? Why aren’t you talking?"

Unable to hold back any longer, Hong Ye quietly complained, "The Marquis forbade us from speaking, and if we do, it’s military punishment."

After saying that, she quickly glanced at Marquis Gu.

Marquis Gu remained motionless.

Cui Ming pouted toward the table, indicating for Qin Yuan to look; a bowl of hangover soup still sat on the table, untouched.

Qin Yuan went over and gently pushed him. Seeing no reaction, she said, "Perhaps he’s asleep from drunkenness. Hong Ye, go and call for Gu Shiliu to ask how best to serve him."

Hong Ye went to find Gu Shiliu to inquire. Qin Yuan sat in front of the dressing table, brushing her hair. Only then did Cui Ming dare move, whispering to Qin Yuan, "The Marquis appeared really frightening earlier, forbidding us from coming within ten steps, not allowing us to make a sound, or else he would make us pay."

Qin Yuan couldn’t help but laugh, "I thought you two were like wooden posts; I was wondering what had happened."

Hong Ye returned and whispered, "Gu Shiliu said the Marquis is drunk, so we shouldn’t approach him or intervene. If the weather gets cold, throw a blanket over him; if it’s warm, don’t bother."

Qin Yuan acknowledged with a nod.

Hong Ye whispered, "So this is what the Marquis is like when truly drunk."

Cui Ming said, "Perhaps all those previous times were fake drunkenness."

Hong Ye murmured, "Is the Marquis happy or unhappy about this?"

Qin Yuan said, "Hurry and sleep, so as not to wake the Marquis."

Hong Ye replied, "Yes, Miss. Shall we keep watch overnight to be on hand when the Marquis wakes?"

Cui Ming also nodded.

Qin Yuan said, "That’s doable. Just be alert and don’t let him step on you."

Hong Ye said, "In that case, we should sleep in the outer room."

A kick from the Marquis and no one could take it.

Qin Yuan merely smiled.

Hong Ye quietly asked again, "Is Miss happy?"

Qin Yuan was taken aback.

Cui Ming promptly nudged Hong Ye, signaling to her, reminding her that the Marquis was still present, whispering, "Of course, the Miss is happy. If they stayed in the mansion, who knows what trouble might arise. Now that they’ve moved next door and let in Fake Yang Pozi and Brother Qi’s mother, it won’t be long before Mrs. Zhao is caught; how could she not be happy?" 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Hong Ye nodded understandingly.

Qin Yuan said, "Cui Ming is right. Although there are watchers in place, Fake Yang Pozi was in the main house harboring ill will toward us, always causing concern. Now that they’re moved next door, there’s much less concern. Once Mrs. Zhao is caught, everyone will be at ease."

Following the recognition banquet, it became widely known that the twins are now Gu Jingcheng’s adopted children. Their status plummeted, not to mention the children now having new parents. Given Mrs. Zhao’s temperament, a little provocation might tempt her to reveal herself.

Cui Ming and Hong Ye assisted Qin Yuan in preparing for bed, gently closing the door but leaving a gap to listen for any noise.

Inside, only the sound of gentle breathing could be heard.

Gradually, Qin Yuan’s breathing became lighter, more even, and steady.