Chapter 125: Caught Red-Handed

Qin Wan snorted discontentedly.

Seeing her acting like she alone is clear-eyed while everyone else is drunk, Qin Yuan raised an eyebrow and asked with a smile, "How does my sister know?"

Qin Wan, feeling self-satisfied, snorted, "This is my thought: with the great victory at the Northern Border, what more battles are there to fight? Marquis Gu can only stop here, henceforth the world will be stable, and the future belongs to civil servants."

Mrs. Cui was secretly annoyed—losing her mind at home is one thing, but running in front of Qin Yuan to do so?

Qin Yuan is not the same as before.

Who knows what good comes from offending Qin Yuan.

Mrs. Cui forced a smile and said, "Yuan’er, don’t mind her. She hasn’t properly read a few books, yet speaks about court matters."

Upon hearing this, Qin Wan became even more pleased.

Not just the court matters, but she knows about these people’s rise and fall over the next few decades.

Qin Wan gave a furtive glance at Qin Yuan, deciding not to say more for now. She wanted to wait until the die was cast, and then Qin Yuan would know her prowess.

By that time, Qin Yuan would watch enviously and despairingly from the shadows, seeing how glorious and dignified she had become.

First-Grade Imperial Decree, Prime Minister’s wife, ah... just the thought of it made her want to laugh.

The apparent splendor before her was like floating clouds, blown away by the wind.

Only someone as shallow as Qin Yuan would take it seriously, thinking she’s entered a nest of wealth.

Now those two bastards were raised in the upper chamber; claiming to escort Lady Zhao out of the mansion—is that how it’s done?

Qin Wan rolled her eyes and asked, "Is Marquis Gu still in the Great Camp?"

Qin Yuan replied, "No, he went to Dazao Temple with the Seventh Princess and the Ninth Princess to pray."

Qin Wan was a bit surprised, stunned for a moment, and didn’t continue the conversation.

Mrs. Cui then asked, "How did Marquis Gu end up going?"

Qin Yuan replied, "Marquis himself was puzzled too; it was a sudden imperial order. Whether thunder or rain, all are Heaven’s grace."

Mrs. Cui laughed, "It shows Marquis has earned the Emperor’s trust."

Qin Yuan just smiled without a word.

Qin Wan recalled that this didn’t seem to happen in her past life.

It seemed many things had changed.

She asked unwillingly, "Sister, wasn’t it said Lady Zhao was to be sent away? Why are the dragon and phoenix twins still raised in the upper room, and Old Madam even lets them meet guests?"

Qin Yuan replied, "Marquis sent someone to fetch the Pang family, but they haven’t returned yet. Lady Zhao has been sick and hasn’t recovered, so Old Madam worries the children’s noise may disturb the patient’s recovery, so they’re placed in the upper chamber, and also taught some etiquette and worldly wisdom."

Mrs. Cui said, "That’s quite reasonable; the Marquis Mansion acts with goodwill and generosity, hence it’s subordinates are compliant."

Mrs. Cui was a side branch of the Qinghe Cui family. Though she had never tasted pork, she had seen pigs run, having managed the household for many years, she knew something about governing people.

Qin Wan sneered, saying, "If she continues to be sick, who knows, Marquis might soften his heart and keep her."

Mrs. Cui couldn’t help but pinch her, saying, "What nonsense are you talking all day?"

Then she turned to Qin Yuan, "Your sister talks unpleasantly, but you do need to be cautious."

Qin Yuan frowned, saying, "If she were gravely ill, of course, the Marquis Mansion couldn’t send her away, but it depends on how her husband’s family plans."

"Oh my dear sister, you’re too... you think you’re too mighty, underestimating that woman," Qin Wan gloated, looking at Qin Yuan. "If she could stick like plaster to Marquis at the Northern Border and come to the Marquis Mansion, why couldn’t she cling to him being sickly to stay? Marquis is a man; perhaps he likes that type..."

The more Qin Wan spoke, the less she could restrain herself.

She had long disliked Qin Yuan’s dignified and composed way of enjoying life.

Qin Yuan hadn’t reacted yet.

Someone outside was already angry.

A man’s voice suddenly came through, chilly, "Why don’t you tell me what I like?"

Qin Wan froze.

She dully turned her neck, accusingly looking towards Qin Yuan.

Wasn’t it said Marquis was at Dazao Temple praying?

Qin Yuan: "..."

Every time bad words were spoken, Marquis Gu was always around, truly befitting the grievance pair from her previous life.

Mrs. Cui’s face was full of panic.

Originally she came with goodwill, but the bad talk was caught by her son-in-law.

This daughter was truly too reckless.

The moment Marquis finished speaking, he strode in. He was in full armor, helmet resting on his arm, forehead tied with a dark blue headband, sharp eyebrows and eyes, a chiseled jaw, making him look defiant, handsome, and dangerous.

Mrs. Cui: "...Marquis..."

Qin Yuan leaped forward, chuckling, "Why did you return at this time?"

Gu Jinghui looked at her, his expression unconsciously softening. He snorted lightly, saying, "Why can’t I return at this time? If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have known you were talking bad about me behind my back. And to think, I specially requested leave from the Ninth Princess to hurry back and accompany you."

Though complaining, it was endearing.

Qin Yuan smiled, taking the helmet, saying, "My sister is concerned for me. Your kindness is noted in my heart. Now hurry to greet mother, freshen up and change your clothes, then come talk; running back in such hot weather, are you thirsty?"

Gu Jinghui’s eyebrows already carried a smile, his long eyes sparkling.

Bright and striking.

Seemingly only seeing the person before him.

Mrs. Cui finally felt relieved.

Seeing how these two interacted, what was unclear?

This young couple indeed loved each other.

Qin Wan stared fixedly at them, her expression odd. Mrs. Cui, noticing with her peripheral vision, immediately nudged her to restrain.

Gu Jinghui exchanged a few words with Qin Yuan, then stood in place, saluting Mrs. Cui, asking, "Greetings, esteemed mother-in-law. Has esteemed mother-in-law come to see Yuan’er?"

Mrs. Cui nodded with a smile, "I heard Yuan’er was frightened yesterday, so I came with her sister."

Gu Jinghui, without glancing at Qin Wan, smiled and said, "Esteemed mother-in-law, please sit for a moment. I’ll change clothes, then come to talk."

"Good child, hurry on in this heat."

Mrs. Cui urged with a smile.

Although Lin Ziqi wasn’t bad, Marquis Gu’s conduct and attitude pleased Mrs. Cui more.

Gu Jinghui bowed and left. Qin Yuan knew he was going to the outer yard to bathe, so she asked Hong Ye to quickly find spare clothes for the Marquis and sent them to the servant.

Seeing Hong Ye hastily enter the inner room and come out holding a tray with men’s clothing and accessories, Qin Wan’s mind became chaotic.

It turned out Marquis Gu and Qin Yuan truly loved each other, not just putting on a show.

After a few words from Mrs. Cui, seeing her absent-mindedness, assuming it was due to Marquis Gu overhearing the gossip, she felt embarrassed. She said, "We should head back. When Marquis returns, tell him your sister is also thinking of you both, concerned about Lady Zhao’s mischief. Her words were unpleasant, and she shouldn’t gossip, but you shouldn’t let your guard down here, precaution is necessary."

Qin Yuan nodded with a smile.

Qin Wan again couldn’t tell what she was contemplating, lost and disoriented.

Mrs. Cui gave her several glares, but she didn’t react.

Once they were out of the Dingbei Marquis Mansion’s side door, Mrs. Cui couldn’t help complaining, "My heavens, you really... some things should be said, some not; can’t you discern? Although the Lin Family is simple, Ziqi’s mother isn’t as kind-hearted as your sister."