Chapter 165: Mother Is Still the Most Impressive

Qin Yuan lowered her head and whispered, "Why are you saying these things, my husband?"

Seeing her expression, Gu Jinghui couldn’t help but chuckle.

His young wife was probably feeling shy.

He tightened his grip on her hand slightly and gently coaxed her, "It’s my fault. What I said was indeed unnecessary since we, as husband and wife, should understand each other without words. I was just worried that because we haven’t consummated our marriage due to various matters these days, you might have doubts and mistakenly think I don’t like you. Yuan’er, I cherish you deeply, did you know that?"

Qin Yuan ignored him even more.

Gu Jinghui said no more, and the two of them slowly strolled to Wutong Garden, where they stopped to talk.

Gu Jinghui said, "You should go back, I’ll head to the main house."

Qin Yuan nodded and said, "Remember to incense yourself by the incense burner before entering the courtyard and put on a bib."

The main house has both elders and children, so one must take extra precautions there.

Gu Jinghui, with his hands behind his back, said, "Alright, I’ll remember that. You should get some rest early; all those account books are yours to manage, so take your time and don’t push yourself too hard."

There was a lot of meaning behind his words.

Qin Yuan glanced at Gu Jinghui, but couldn’t discern what was going on.

Once Qin Yuan, along with Hong Ye, entered Wutong Garden, Gu Jinghui started walking toward the main house.

The gatekeeper granny saw Gu Jinghui and hurriedly greeted him with a smile, "How come the Marquis is visiting so late today?"

Gu Jinghui replied, "I came to see my mother and the children. You’ve all worked hard."

The granny, surprised and honored, said, "Thank you, Marquis, for your consideration."

Previously, Marquis Gu was not like this, which shows how men change somewhat after getting married.

Gu Jinghui walked into the courtyard, stood for a moment by the incense burner near the gate, then put on a bib before heading down the corridor.

"Old Madam, the Marquis is here."

The maids standing on the corridor hurriedly passed the message inside. Old Madam Gu was sitting under the lamp watching the two children play with string figures. When she heard her son was here, she immediately smiled and said, "What a rare guest, do invite him in quickly."

Nanny Rong chuckled, "The Marquis hasn’t visited for quite some time, indeed a rare guest."

Ever since smallpox emerged in the mansion, the morning and evening greetings were omitted. People in each courtyard took turns on duty, and those off-duty stayed indoors.

Old Madam Gu added, "Is there a reason for your visit today?"

To come at such a time, there must be a reason.

Brother Cheng and Sister Yu heard the Marquis was here and quickly put down their string figures, slid off the Arhat Bed, and eagerly stared at the doorway.

The Xiangfei bamboo curtain gently moved, and as the bead strings clinked, Gu Jinghui entered. He was still in short attire, with his hair tied high.

Old Madam Gu smiled and asked, "Why this attire today? Has sealing the mansion made you less particular?"

Brother Cheng rushed over, hugging Gu Jinghui’s leg, "Godfather, I missed you so much."

His heart was filled with many thoughts, yet seeing Marquis Gu calmed him down.

Sister Yu stood to the side, her eyes teary, "Godfather, I miss you too, did you miss me?"

Seeing them, Gu Jinghui recalled Qin Yuan’s words and felt deeply moved. He smiled, "Of course, I missed you both. Had it not been for the smallpox, I would have visited whenever I had time. These past days, have you behaved and eaten well?"

Upon hearing this, Brother Cheng’s smile stretched nearly to his ears.

The Godfather treated them as always, without showing disdain.

Sister Yu said, "Brother and I have been behaving and eating well. We were just playing with string figures together, Brother can recite the ’Three Character Classic’ now, and I’ve learned how to wave a handkerchief edge. Nanny Rong said I’m skillful and can learn embroidery soon."

Saying so, she slyly showed her small hands to the Marquis, letting him see the needle scars on her fingers.

Gu Jinghui praised them both and said to Old Madam Gu, "You’ve put a lot of effort, and in such a short time since I last saw them, they’ve grown much more sensible."

Old Madam Gu said, "They’re smart, good kids. Being taught and not taught makes a difference, doesn’t it? We didn’t pay much attention before; who knew Mrs. Zhao would raise them this way?"

At the mention of Mrs. Zhao, the two children’s faces darkened.

Old Madam Gu said, "Enough, enough, my mouth just can’t help mentioning her, won’t bring her up again."

Marquis Gu chuckled, "Mention her if you like, it’s fine. Always hiding things from them isn’t right. Whatever Mrs. Zhao’s thoughts are, it’s still unclear. They are my godchildren, and as long as they’re well-behaved, they are good kids. What Mrs. Zhao did is irrelevant."

This was also a declaration of attitude.

Brother Cheng and Sister Yu each sat by the Marquis’s side, looking affectionate.

Old Madam Gu told them, "Now you can rest assured. The Marquis has you in his heart, and the Marquis Mansion won’t neglect you. But you must study well and behave rightly."

Brother Cheng shyly said, "Old Madam, we are assured now and will behave properly henceforth. I’ll study hard to become an Advanced Scholar and honor both the Old Madam and Godfather."

Sister Yu softly added, "I will learn needlework from Nanny Rong and later study and learn manners with the female tutor to become a good girl from a respectable family."

Gu Jinghui solemnly spoke, "Brother Cheng, Sister Yu, you’re still young now. When you grow older, you’ll understand that what I’m doing is for your good. Once this matter clears, a tutor will be invited to enlighten you in the mansion. Remember, reading is for understanding principles. Understanding these principles helps you avoid detours and wrongdoing, to become a good person. Becoming an Advanced Scholar and an official isn’t the most important; understanding principles and learning how to be a person is."

Pang Hai’s identity is unclear; the path of imperial examinations might already be closed for the child. Still, there are many pathways in life, and under my care, surely they’ll find a way?

The two children nodded emphatically, indicating they understood.

Gu Jinghui chatted about trivial matters, inquired about Old Madam’s health, then said, "The mansion has seen more illnesses lately. Yuan’er worries that Doctor Liu might be overwhelmed, so she invited Doctor Li from Renhe Hall to help. I was thinking, since Doctor Li is highly skilled, when he arrives, he could first give you all a peaceful pulse check."

Old Madam Gu considered for a moment and said, "That’s fine. Doctor Liu mentioned several times about taking peaceful pulses, but since everyone in the main house is well-behaved, with no one falling ill, it was declined. I recall Yuan’er saying the medicinal tea drunk in the mansion is from Doctor Li’s prescriptions. When he arrives, we’ll indeed trouble him."

Evidently, Old Madam Gu preferred to be close to the doctor invited by Qin Yuan.

Gu Jinghui found it curious, asking, "Why does Mother not wish for Doctor Liu’s pulse-taking?"

Old Madam Gu smiled, "Doctor Liu is unrelated to us, and though he entered the mansion out of ’noble intent,’ it feels better not to overly trouble him."

Gu Jinghui: "..."

One must admit, his mother is remarkable.

Upon his return to the outer courtyard study, Gu Shiliu was already waiting for him there.