Chapter 147: Ten Thousand Taels of Silver

As soon as Qin Yuan said this, Mr. Xu was left speechless.

The nanny in black clothes shrieked, "Then why don’t you tell us where our Zhenzhen went? She went missing at the Marquis Mansion, so the mansion should be responsible. Don’t think just because the Xu family has fallen on hard times, there’s no one to seek justice for Zhenzhen. We Xu family members are many."

Mr. Xu dryly echoed, "Yes, that’s exactly the point."

Other members of the Xu family also chimed in supportively.

Gu Jinghui let out a snort from his throat and said, "Just say what you want the Marquis Mansion to take responsibility for. Why go around in such a big circle?"

Mr. Xu stiffened his neck, swallowed a bit, and said, "Zhenzhen is the legitimate daughter of the family. Even though the Xu family has declined, we have never mistreated her. If anything happens to Zhenzhen, compensation of ten thousand taels of silver wouldn’t be too much."

Qin Yuan couldn’t help but narrow her eyes slightly.

Sixth Master Gu coldly snorted and said, "You’re right, but this issue was caused by your sister. Whatever compensation you want, go and discuss it with her."

Mr. Xu’s eyes turned bloodshot, glaring at him angrily.

Sixth Master Gu, still unsatisfied, added, "Your sister has earned quite a bit of silver at the Marquis Mansion over the years. Although she’s sent much to the Xu family, she still has quite a bit on hand. You Xu family members should deliberate among yourselves. Don’t drag us Gu Family members into it."

Qin Yuan was somewhat surprised, thinking to herself that Sixth Master Gu had been provoked by the Xu family.

Saying the Xu family woman was taking from her husband’s home to subsidize her maternal home in front of the Xu family was equivalent to slapping their face and accusing her of being unfaithful.

Mr. Xu said, "Isn’t my sister your wife? Is this how you treat her?"

Sixth Master Gu snorted, "She doesn’t have to be."

Mr. Xu’s face contorted with rage, ready to rush forward, but Housekeeper Cao’s round body hurriedly blocked in front, smiling, "It’s not necessary, not necessary."

Mr. Xu turned to Gu Jinghui and said, "Marquis Gu, please say something."

The Xu family all glared at Sixth Master Gu with hostility, as if ready to take him on if Marquis Gu didn’t have something nice to say.

Gu Jinghui calmly said, "Since she hasn’t been found yet, why not look for her first, don’t you think?"

Mr. Xu hesitated for a moment, reluctantly nodding, "Very well then, a marquis mansion is precious, and we poor relatives can’t blame you for looking down on us. But if Zhenzhen isn’t found, Marquis, don’t blame us for disrespecting the Gu Family."

This was a veiled threat, aiming to continue the argument.

Qin Yuan frowned, now that the Marquis Mansion’s affairs were complicated, the Xu family lingering around was truly aggravating.

Gu Jinghui was not one to be threatened; a trace of icy intent flashed in his narrow eyes, making Mr. Xu unconsciously shrink his neck but still unwilling to retreat.

Qin Yuan said, "We’ve reported Zhenzhen’s case to the authorities today, and the Magistrate has already been here. Furthermore..." She paused, a light smile on her face, and somewhat apologetically said, "The Marquis Mansion has already reported to the government yesterday about the smallpox incident, and after today, the mansion will be sealed as a gesture of loyalty to the court."

Marquis Gu’s eyelashes fluttered, participating in Qin Yuan’s message, "Exactly, the smallpox at the Marquis Mansion is suspicious, likely a secret plot, and we are not sure if it is related to Xu Zhen’s disappearance. To prevent the spread and chaos in the Capital City, the Marquis Mansion has informed friends and relatives, refusing visitors. So long as the smallpox is not eradicated, the doors of the Marquis Mansion will not open. From today, any smallpox cases elsewhere in the Capital City have nothing to do with the Marquis Mansion."

Qin Yuan nodded, adding, "That’s right. The masters of the mansion are staying inside. If the smallpox isn’t eradicated, we are going nowhere. Mr. Xu, if you have anything else to say, please hurry."

At these words, the Xu family seemed like they had been stung by a wasp, causing chaos.

The nanny in black shrieked, "Weren’t only two children supposed to have smallpox?"

Sixth Master Gu crossed his arms, his tone mocking, "Not just that, a maid has also caught it, and some people are quarantined in remote courtyards. I advise you to leave early; if you catch smallpox, don’t blame the Marquis Mansion again."

Mr. Xu angrily stomped his foot and said, "Let’s go, everyone."

The hall was as chaotic as if a tornado had passed through.

Gu Jinghui sat without moving.

Sixth Master Gu couldn’t be bothered to placate his brother-in-law, whereas Qin Yuan said, "Housekeeper Cao, please send our in-laws off for us. Also, Housekeeper Han, please give them some of the divided medicinal herbs and incense as a gesture of the Marquis Mansion’s good will."

Housekeeper Cao pursed his lips, "Yes."

Housekeeper Han, with a dark expression, had someone bring the medicinal herbs and incense to the mansion gate, handed them to Mr. Xu, and said, "These are to prevent smallpox. Once these are used up, please visit Doctor Li from Renhe Hall for more medication. The incense was made by Madam; use it sparingly, as the Marquis Mansion has limited resources."

Mr. Xu perfunctorily agreed and had a man beside him take them, sarcastically saying, "Thank the Marquis Mansion for the medicinal gift. If any Xu family members catch smallpox, we won’t dare blame the Marquis Mansion, as it’s our own fault. Speaking any more would make us seem ungrateful."

Housekeeper Cao and Housekeeper Han both shut their mouths firmly.

They couldn’t even be bothered with a single word of courtesy.

After the Xu family left, Sixth Master Gu said frustratedly, "Let my sister-in-law enjoy a good laugh."

Gu Jinghui looked up at him coldly, "Didn’t let me have a good laugh? You’re letting your in-laws get away with it."

Sixth Master Gu, breaking the pot, spoke sourly, "Didn’t I already tell Third Brother that the Xu family had fallen? Who still worries about Third Brother’s laughter? Not everyone is as lucky as Third Brother."

Qin Yuan quickly said, "Even the Emperor has poor relatives. Our Qin family also has troublesome relatives, but the Qin family has less wealth, and my father’s salary is small, so we don’t have that kind of trouble."

Sixth Master Gu turned his face away and sighed, "Sister-in-law, it’s not the same."

Gu Jinghui didn’t bother with him and asked Qin Yuan, "Was the sealing of the mansion you just mentioned true?"

Qin Yuan nodded, "I had this in mind, but I hadn’t had the chance to discuss it with you yet, so I went ahead and said it."

Gu Jinghui, troubled, lightly tapped the table, "Mother is getting old, and Sixth Brother’s two children are still studying at the Imperial College. How should they be settled?"

Sixth Master Gu looked at Qin Yuan, not speaking, but it was clear he had great concerns.

Qin Yuan said, "The smallpox was detected early and isolated in time, along with Doctor Li’s prescriptions, there’s a fifty percent chance of success. The incense I made can add another twenty percent chance. If we ensure timely cleaning and the wearing of aprons soaked in medicinal water, that’s another ten percent chance. If someone happens to get infected, there’s still the Imperial Physician for treatment. If the Marquis Mansion is sealed, any further smallpox cases elsewhere are unrelated to us."

Hearing this, Sixth Master Gu looked at Qin Yuan in shock.

Gu Jinghui’s eyes were filled with stars, and if Sixth Brother wasn’t present, he’d have wished to embrace Qin Yuan; ultimately, he restrained himself, curling his fingers, and softly said, "I know you are thorough in what you do; I never expected it to be so comprehensive."

Qin Yuan said, "Sixth Brother’s two children might as well continue their studies at the Imperial College, not coming home during holidays. I’ll have someone pass a message to Father to take good care of them."

She paused, then added, "As for how to settle Mother, we’ll have to ask her as I’m not fit to decide."