Chapter 410: Think of Another Way

Seeing her keeping her head down in silence, a hint of impatience and annoyance flashed between Lin Ziqi’s brows. He urgently said, "I think the Firefly Collection will definitely be released before the spring exams. Sixth Master Gu and Si Yuan are good friends, and will take the opportunity to make a name for him. If I could also get this opportunity, my performance in the imperial examination will surely stand out."

"Because of this, I’ve been worried, eating poorly and sleeping badly. Perhaps for this reason, I can’t find good inspiration, and the poems I write always seem to lack something."

After speaking, he looked expectantly at Qin Wan, his fingers tightly clutching the corner of the quilt.

Qin Wan hesitated for a long time before saying, "... How about... How about I go and talk to my father? My father’s words, my elder sister would still listen to."

The implication was to find a way to include Lin Ziqi’s poem.

It was assumed Lin Ziqi would be satisfied with this.

Unexpectedly, Lin Ziqi struggled to sit up, his face full of rejection, and said sternly, "I know you’re looking out for me, but if I can’t produce a good poem, being selected would still lead to gossip. I’m not like Gu Jingjun who just donates for the title of garrison commander for appearances’ sake, and therefore doesn’t care what others say, as long as his poems are included in the collection."

At this Qin Wan was completely at a loss for words.

Neither this way, nor that way works.

What exactly should be done?!

"Husband, then what should we do?"

Lin Ziqi stared into Qin Wan’s confused face and said, "Your sister has quite the talent for poetry. Last time...the dream you had was also an excellent piece...perhaps you could think of another way?"

...

The Marquis Gu, sweating profusely from his bath, decided to wash his hair again and came out asking Qin Yuan to dry his hair for him.

Qin Yuan said, "How do you usually dry your hair? I’m busy right now. You’re just being clingy."

"Busy with what?"

The Marquis’ cheeks were flushed, his black hair sticking wetly to his scalp. His dark eyes looked expectantly at Qin Yuan, his demeanor was very compliant, quite different from the usual aloofness and sternness.

Seeing this, Qin Yuan’s heart softened, and she involuntarily reached out her hand to take the towel.

"Sit down, I’ll dry your hair. I was just flipping through the books, trying to see what gifts people have given, to have an idea so that when mother takes me out in a few days, I’ll be prepared."

Gu Jinghui took a footstool and sat by Qin Yuan’s feet, saying, "Just dry it casually. I just feel a bit out of sorts and wanted to chat. The Ministry of Personnel hasn’t made any moves yet. Will they not send anyone tomorrow? Furthermore, when they gather to work, could there be favoritism? I have quite a few relatives from the royal family bothering me here, and surely they must also have people passing them notes."

Qin Yuan laughed, "These things you don’t go to Mr. Songshan for? He’s such a big presence and you don’t use him."

"He says three ordinary men combined can come up with as much as Zhuge Liang. It’s just me, you, and him as three people in this household; am I supposed to go ask the Sixth Elder?"

While drying, Qin Yuan said, "If the Ministry of Personnel people don’t come, you should set a good example for them. Right now, the Crown Prince’s wedding is uncertain, and Princess Fuyun is betrothed to Zhang Hanlin. Empress Lin and the Emperor are likely looking for another way to find a good family for the Crown Prince. If you get along well with them, the Emperor surely won’t be pleased."

Gu Jinghui clapped his hands and said, "Brilliant, this skill of understanding the human mind, I’m truly not as good as you."

Qin Yuan laughed, "Why are you praising me so much today?"

Gu Jinghui also laughed, "It’s nothing, I’m genuinely impressed. That will do, if the Ministry of Personnel doesn’t come, I’ll ’kill the chicken to scare the monkey.’"

Qin Yuan gave it two more wipes and said, "As for how to ’kill the chicken to scare the monkey,’ you should ask Mr. Songshan. If you ask me, if you keep someone in the mansion, you should find more for them to do. Otherwise, if they stay here with nothing interesting, they might prefer to go out to the theater to pass their time."

She then passed the towel to Marquis Gu, her slender fingers running through his hair, giving it a pat, then said, "Okay, let it dry slowly, don’t go out in the wind or you might regret it when you’re older."

"Hmm, I understand," Gu Jinghui said as he got up, "You’re absolutely right, I’ll go find him right away. I’ll dine in the outer court tonight, and return later to discuss something important with you."

Before the words even finished, he hurried out.

At dinner time, Hong Ye returned, surprised, "The Marquis isn’t dining here tonight?"

Qin Yuan said, "He’s eating in the outer court."

Hong Ye laughed, "Seeing how clingy the Marquis was, I thought he’d be dining here tonight too."

Qin Yuan’s face reddened, "You’re obviously not busy enough, constantly saying such things all day long."

Hong Ye hurriedly said, "Oh, we are too busy. There’s so much to do in the mansion, and every corner is filled with relatives. Luckily Mo Zhu and Hong Mian are both born and raised here. Their families have some stature, and they know how everything is connected and who is related to whom. If it wasn’t for their explanations, I wouldn’t know about all this."

Qin Yuan nodded, "That’s why I assigned them both to you. One person might keep something from you, but two people wouldn’t. Otherwise, once you get involved, pointing here and there, you might offend someone without knowing it. Although they say nothing now, they might cause trouble for you later, and you wouldn’t even know why."

Hong Ye said, "But to get things done, one is bound to offend people. What should I do then?"

Qin Yuan said, "There are rules in place. You can either be partial to people or follow the rules. If you offend anyone, be aware of who they are closely connected with. If they try to sabotage you, root them out thoroughly, and after a few times, they’ll know how formidable you are."

Hong Ye said, "My dear miss, when did you become so savvy? I will be learning from you all my life."

Just then, Cui Ming returned.

The busiest place these days was the sewing room, and Cui Ming came in holding two large bundles, stating, "Finally finished all the clothing."

Hong Ye went over to take and open them, smiling, "There’s enough here to last until the Mid-Autumn Festival."

Qin Yuan said, "Cui Ming has really worked hard during this time, she’s lost quite a bit of weight."

"Good thing there are few masters in the mansion," Cui Ming sighed, "Before, in the Qin Family, we mostly did all the needlework ourselves. No one would seek people in the mansion specifically for needlework, in case of finding trouble. So I didn’t know the sewing room could be this busy."

Hong Ye asked, "How’s Mrs. Li managing?"

Cui Ming nodded, "Perhaps due to Mrs. Lu’s presence, Mrs. Li is very diligent."

Qin Yuan said, "Once everything is settled, I’ll give you double the monthly wage."

Hong Ye asked, "Is it just the sewing room?"

"Everyone will get it."

Cui Ming and Hong Ye were both pleased, but also careful not to make too much noise, to avoid gossip later on.

Qin Yuan instructed a maid to come in and set the table, and the three of them sat down to eat. In no time, the curtain rustled outside, with the maid speaking, "Madam, Housekeeper Cao requests to see you."

Qin Yuan found it strange, and quickly had him come in. Housekeeper Cao, speaking through the bead curtain, reported, "Madam, a beautiful woman from the Alien Clan is outside asking to see you. She claims to be the concubine of the Yelv Family hostage."