Chapter 491: Uninvited Guest

"Does the madam know as well?"

Housekeeper Han’s usually stern face showed a look of surprise, which seemed rather unusual.

"Isn’t that the case!" Housekeeper Cao whispered as he approached, "I just overheard the madam hint to the Chief Historian of Prince Qi Mansion that the Yelv Clan had no money to buy pepper. Doesn’t that mean she knows what happened last night?"

Housekeeper Han clapped his hands and laughed heartily, "Wonderful, our madam truly matches the Marquis perfectly. I was privately worried that the madam, being a delicate lady from a civil servant’s family, might be too rigid to get along with the Marquis. Turns out, they are indeed a perfect match."

Housekeeper Cao nodded and sighed, "I honestly wish the whole world knew they’re the ultimate celestial pairing."

Housekeeper Han patted Housekeeper Cao on the shoulder, "I know you’ve bottled up your frustrations for over ten years. No rush! Our Marquis has the charm of our ancestors; you see, he returned from the Northern Border without being blinded by the Emperor’s rewards and has cleaned up the wild brats as he promised. Last night, those young rascals were having a blast; if I were twenty years younger, I’d join in too. If they said to fight, we fought; to burn, we burned; to rob, we robbed; to fight fire, we fought fire. And what can the wild brats do if they know?"

Housekeeper Cao said, "Madam plans to personally test the accountants this afternoon; do you want to watch?"

"Of course."

The two agreed to watch how the madam tests the accountants when the gatekeeper hurried over, "Both housekeepers are here, and Princess Fuyun requests to see the madam."

Housekeeper Han glanced at Housekeeper Cao.

Both had the thought flash through their minds: the Seventh Princess must be eager since she visited the Marquis Mansion just after the funeral.

Housekeeper Cao said, "Why don’t you quickly report to the madam?"

The gatekeeper replied, "Princess Fuyun didn’t use the Princess’s ceremonial guard and didn’t send a notice beforehand either."

Housekeeper Cao pondered briefly and instructed, "Handle it for now; I’ll go ask the madam."

The gatekeeper went to the front door to handle it, while Housekeeper Cao quickly ran towards the second gate.

Upon reaching the decision-making courtyard, Qin Yuan was discussing the various arrangements under her charge for the Mid-Autumn Festival with the steward housekeepers when she saw Cao coming in. Qin Yuan smiled and said, "Housekeeper Cao, you seem in a hurry; is there another visitor?"

Housekeeper Cao replied, "Princess Fuyun has arrived, without her ceremonial guard, requesting to see the madam."

Qin Yuan was intrigued, "Is the sun rising in the west?"

The intentions of Princess Fuyun towards Marquis Gu were likely known to everyone at the Marquis Mansion, except Marquis Gu himself.

Every time they saw each other, she was either full of resentment or anger.

Though Qin Yuan had helped her out last time out of goodwill, they were not close enough to skip sending notices or ceremonial guards for a visit.

Housekeeper Cao stood quietly, watching Qin Yuan for instructions.

Qin Yuan thought for a moment and said, "I’ll go to the door to personally welcome her to sit in the flower hall in the outer courtyard. You send someone to inform the Sixth Master, to avoid any clashes."

Housekeeper Cao immediately went to clear the area.

Hong Ye said, "Luckily, the Chief Historian from Prince Qi Mansion left shortly before, and the madam hasn’t changed into her guest attire yet, otherwise it’d be a hassle."

Qin Yuan laughed, "From now on, keep a few sets of guest attire and ornaments here to avoid back and forth."

Hong Mian immediately said, "As the madam instructed, I’ll bring over some boxes tomorrow and ensure they’re well kept."

Qin Yuan said, "I’ll leave this matter to you; Hong Ye usually manages my clothes and jewelry, might be too busy, so you can assist."

Hong Mian happily agreed, then addressed Hong Ye, "I’ll be counting on Sister Hong Ye for guidance in the future."

Hong Ye nodded, "Just right, the madam will be adding quite a few pieces of jewelry and clothing soon. I can’t handle it all alone; with your help in organizing and maintaining records, it won’t be a mess."

Hong Mian said, "Don’t worry, Sister Hong Ye, I’ll be meticulous."

Qin Yuan tidied her hair at the mirror stand and hurriedly took the maids to the front door to greet Princess Fuyun.

Princess Fuyun had already alighted from the carriage and entered the mansion, standing in the porch surrounded by a bunch of maids and matrons. Seeing Qin Yuan greet her personally, she smiled and said, "Thank you for the warm welcome, madam."

Qin Yuan replied with a smile, "The honor is mine for the princess’s presence; how could I not come to greet you?"

Princess Fuyun was dressed more plainly than usual today, smiling before speaking, making her appear even more kind and approachable.

Qin Yuan quietly speculated her intentions as she exchanged pleasantries and led her to the flower hall.

Princess Fuyun sighed, "I always come and go in haste, never having truly admired the scenery of the Marquis Mansion."

Qin Yuan smiled, "If the princess is free today, I could serve as a guide."

Princess Fuyun quickly waved her hand and laughed, "Let’s wait for the next banquet instead; I didn’t send a notice in advance and came unannounced, which is already impolite. Fortunately, you don’t mind, and how dare I ask for more."

Seeing her lowered posture, Qin Yuan was at a loss for words, merely smiling, "It’s not that serious."

Princess Fuyun earnestly said, "The Princess’s Mansion doesn’t have as many people as the Marquis Mansion; the chief historian is already overwhelmed. Madam manages all the affairs inside and out here, surely never idle. As guests, we shouldn’t be troublesome pests making the hosts wish to chase us out."

Qin Yuan smiled, "Princess Fuyun has a great sense of humor; how could you be considered a troublesome guest? There are indeed many affairs in the mansion, but the housekeepers are very capable and experienced, helping me relax quite a bit."

Princess Fuyun, seeing Qin Yuan’s lack of self-importance, felt ashamed inwardly.

"In the past, I was spoiled and ignorant of worldly hardships, often offending you, madam. Please forgive me."

Princess Fuyun’s words completely puzzled Qin Yuan.

Qin Yuan smiled, "The past is past; perhaps the princess was misled and misunderstood me due to gossip. The princess thinks highly of the Marquis, understandably expecting a lot from me; it’s only human nature."

Princess Fuyun said, "My brother said you are wise and generous, and indeed you are. Before, I was blind to your merits and often disrespectful, but not in the future."

Her words were sincere, revealing her intent to draw closer and make amends.

Qin Yuan quickly waved her hand, "Prince Qi complimented me too highly."

The two conversed leisurely in the flower hall for half a day, discussing topics like flora, until they finally got to the point.

Princess Fuyun said, "I wonder if you, madam, know of any way to introduce Young Master Nantang to me?"

Qin Yuan: "..."

What is so special about Young Master Nantang? First Qin Wan asked, now Princess Fuyun.

Seeing Qin Yuan hesitating, Princess Fuyun eagerly asked, "Is Young Master Nantang eccentric, keeping strangers at a distance?"

Hong Ye couldn’t help but wink.

Qin Yuan smiled, "I am not familiar with him, so I don’t know his temperament. But I heard from my cousin that Young Master Nantang is a loner..."

Princess Fuyun showed a disappointed expression.

Qin Yuan asked, "Why does the princess wish to meet Young Master Nantang?"

Princess Fuyun’s face reddened, and after a while, she said, "I, I grew fond of Young Master Nantang while reading his poetry. Others’ poetry is good too, but his is more graceful and ethereal, indicating he must be an exceptional and elegant scholar."