Chapter 45: Surely Husband Has Heard This Story Before

The next day.

After Qin Yuan tidied up, she wanted to go to the main room to pay her respects and join the Old Madam for breakfast.

Just as she was about to head out, Gu Jinghui drew the curtain himself, stepped in with long strides, and asked, "When does the Madame plan to pay her respects?"

Qin Yuan wondered if Marquis Gu’s injury was healing so quickly?

A soldier’s body truly endures a beating.

She glanced at Gu Jinghui, unable to discern anything, smiled, tidied her sleeves, and said, "I was just planning to go. Will my husband accompany me?"

Gu Jinghui asked, "Is breakfast also at Mother’s place?"

Qin Yuan nodded.

Gu Jinghui said, "Then let’s go."

Cui Ming and Hong Ye were still dazed as Gu Jinghui had already strode out of the room, Qin Yuan followed with small steps, and the two hurried to catch up.

After walking a few steps, Gu Jinghui turned his head, seeing Qin Yuan had fallen behind, he stopped, extended his hand, and said, "Hand."

Qin Yuan: "..."

She hesitated and extended her small, jade-like hand, which was immediately grasped in his larger one.

Gu Jinghui’s fingers were well-defined, with thin calluses between them, his palm warm and dry.

Heat continuously transmitted over.

Qin Yuan felt her whole body warming up.

She wanted Gu Jinghui to let go, but feared he might be displeased, so she let him hold onto her.

Fortunately, Gu Jinghui’s pace slowed significantly.

The two walked silently for a stretch.

Qin Yuan, too lazy to find a topic, didn’t feel awkward, but Gu Jinghui suddenly said sullenly, "Don’t worry about the pepper, I’ve already asked Seventeen to help you search outside."

"Isn’t Marquis worried I might lose money?" Qin Yuan suddenly wanted to tease him, "Or does Marquis intend to use the private treasury to cover for me?"

Gu Jinghui fell silent again and said, "Call me husband."

Qin Yuan: "Husband."

Gu Jinghui said, "My private treasury... What do you need so much money for?"

Qin Yuan pursed her lips.

Gu Jinghui waited for a while, then said, "Do you really want to manage my private treasury?"

His voice was full of struggle and wavering, yet there wasn’t a hint of displeasure.

This somewhat surprised Qin Yuan.

She looked up and studied Gu Jinghui.

Gu Jinghui’s ears were bright red, and he lowered his head, saying, "If you are good, I might even let you manage the treasury."

Qin Yuan: "..."

"I-I was just joking."

Qin Yuan really didn’t want to manage Gu Jinghui’s private treasury; she didn’t share that degree of affection with him.

Gu Jinghui’s voice was mixed with many emotions, making it difficult to discern, "But I took it seriously."

Qin Yuan said, "Isn’t there a trusted aide to manage the husband’s private treasury? My father’s personal treasury is also managed by his housekeeper."

Not only her father, most men with personal assets in the Da Xing Dynasty wouldn’t let their wives manage their private treasuries.

Qin Yuan was somewhat baffled by Gu Jinghui’s thoughts.

The two silently walked for another stretch, passing two flower gates, and winding through the bamboo garden, where the slender green leaves swayed with a rustling sound in the breeze.

Qin Yuan said, "I like this bamboo. A thousand stalks of green, a ladle of fresh spring water. The bamboo garden in the mansion is very nice."

Gu Jinghui’s face turned a little somber upon hearing her recite two lines of poetry.

Qin Yuan continued, "Every year the spring bamboo shoots from the mansion must be numerous; best used for cooking meat."

Gu Jinghui’s expression brightened and he joked, "Seems like you love to eat everything."

Qin Yuan asked puzzledly, "Isn’t liking to eat a good thing?"

Gu Jinghui said seriously, "Of course it’s good. You’re too frail, eating more is beneficial. Reciting poetry won’t help you gain weight, but spring bamboo shoots cooked with meat can."

Qin Yuan couldn’t help laughing heartily.

Gu Jinghui didn’t know what she was laughing about, but joined in with the laughter.

Today, after he groomed somewhat, the clean-shaven face coupled with clear brows, sharp yet slightly curved eye corners, he was breathtakingly handsome as the breeze blew through the bamboo grove.

Qin Yuan mused, only judging by the appearance, the phrase "cherish jade-like beauty" can be applied.

As they neared the main room, Gu Jinghui suddenly whispered, "Yuan’er, those rumors spreading in the mansion are false. Although I don’t know why Sixth Sister-in-law and Seventh Sister are saying this, I’m not planning to take Lady Zhao as a concubine."

Qin Yuan narrowed her eyes, looking upward into the morning light at his eyes filled with anticipation, nodded and said, "I believe you."

"Good."

Qin Yuan felt her hand held even tighter.

Gu Jinghui said again, "If anyone says anything misleading, don’t believe them. I intend to live well with you. My title requires a legitimate heir, I haven’t planned..."

Qin Yuan frowned.

She didn’t understand who Gu Jinghui meant by "someone"?

Gu Baoshu had already been punished with a three-month confinement, would anyone really speak to her face?

Could it be Lady Zhao?

Qin Yuan stopped, studied Gu Jinghui for a moment, and said, "Husband, before I married into the Marquis Mansion, I was worried you might take Lady Zhao as a concubine. It’s not that a Qin Family daughter is overly jealous and can’t tolerate her husband taking a concubine, but Lady Zhao cannot be one."

Seeing her so candid, Gu Jinghui instead felt a bit timid, his lips moved, but no sound came out.

Qin Yuan spoke seriously, "Since childhood, I’ve learned a few letters following father. I’ve read some history books. Heard you’re also learned, so you must know the story of Qing Feng exterminating the Cui Zhu family."

Gu Jinghui nodded, bewildered.

Qin Yuan said, "Since husband treats me with sincerity, as husband and wife are one, two families linked by marriage, glory shared, loss equally felt, I naturally must clarify the potential issues to match your sincerity."

Gu Jinghui sighed, "Madame, you continue."

It seemed Qin Yuan had wanted to speak for a long time, but lacked the opportunity.

The other hand he had free was secretly clenched tightly, his heart pounding as if it would leap from his chest, unsure of what candid words he was going to face.

Unsure if he could bear them.

Qin Yuan said, "Lady Zhao entering the mansion would cause chaos in the inner quarters. If Marquis can think clearly, you’ll know what to do, if not, the grace will turn to resentment once chaos ensues."

She did not say more, stopping once the point was made.

Since Marquis Gu repeatedly said he wouldn’t and doesn’t wish to take Lady Zhao as concubine, she had said what she needed to, should Lady Zhao cause trouble again, she would rightfully cut off her path.

Gu Jinghui whispered, "I understand."

The two silently entered the courtyard, standing outside the corridor. Once again Xiao Hong welcomed them. After taking a few steps, they heard sobbing sounds from inside.

As they entered, Sixth Lady Gu had already been persuaded by the Old Madam out of her tears.

Her eyes were red and swollen, her face bare of powder, looking quite pitiable.

Qin Yuan hurriedly said, "Did we come at an inappropriate time?"

Sixth Lady Gu wiped her tears, forced a smile, "Let Third Brother and Third Sister laugh. Third Brother spends most time outside, Third Sister just married into the mansion, it’s why you thought to cover for me. You’ll soon know after staying longer, this can’t be hidden."

She used a handkerchief to blow her nose, added, "Sixth Master, don’t know what madness took him again yesterday, starts wanting to buy another concubine, must know how to play the pipa and sing lyrics; the newly recruited Aunt Zheng just redeemed from the brothel a few days ago, now he finds a new interest. I couldn’t persuade him, cried all night in anger."