Chapter 508: A Rare Beauty

Qin Yuan found it quite strange, the actions of this Old Aunt Wen were not at all like those of a concubine.

Yet both Old Marquis Gu and Old Madam Gu indulged her whims.

"Is Old Aunt Wen an extraordinary beauty?"

Marquis Gu laughed and said, "Even the Former Crown Prince once asked me that. Oddly enough, I haven’t seen her much myself, and even Sixth Brother hasn’t really seen her true face. Even while in the mansion, Old Aunt Wen wears a veil. Her figure is graceful and charming, her fragrance fills the air as she moves, and her voice is exceedingly sweet. She should be a rare beauty."

Qin Yuan felt even more puzzled.

"How could she endure the austerity of the temple and bear its rules?"

Marquis Gu laughed and said, "Shuijing Temple is not far from the family temple. The host annually receives a considerable amount of incense money from the Marquis Mansion. She has plenty at hand, her days shouldn’t be too hard."

At this moment, Qin Yuan had changed into another set of gold jewelry, adorned with scattered agate and miscellaneous jade, resembling a sky full of stars.

Even Qin Yuan, who was accustomed to good things in her previous life, couldn’t help but marvel at the richness of Old Madam Gu’s collection.

Marquis Gu’s Adam’s apple bobbed several times before he finally said hoarsely, "Forget about this set. I’ve thought about it; the jewelry Mother gave is excellent. Why not keep it for our daughter? Yuan’er, how about I give you some other sets of jewelry?"

This remark made Cui Ming unable to help but gripe internally.

The daughter hasn’t even come into existence yet?

At this point, Qin Yuan also caught on and feigned being money-oriented: "Very well. Husband’s inner garments are already embroidered; husband gifts me a set of jewelry; we are also going back and forth."

Marquis Gu laughed and stepped forward to pinch Qin Yuan’s cheeks, saying, "You certainly know how to avoid losing out."

Qin Yuan brushed away his hand, pouting, "Show some respect. My jewelry hasn’t gone anywhere yet."

Marquis Gu snorted and went to the cleansing room to wash.

Cui Ming asked, "If Old Madam sent so many sets of jewelry, wouldn’t she be upset if not a single set is chosen?"

Qin Yuan winked.

"Let her son talk to her."

Truth be told, she was quite curious about what jewelry Marquis Gu would gift her.

Cui Ming also laughed.

Marquis Gu couldn’t help but laugh while in the cleansing room.

His clever little wife was exceptionally endearing.

By the time he came out, the jewelry on the table had all been put away, Qin Yuan’s hair was unbound, and she had changed into her nightwear, ready to sleep.

Under the lamp, her satin-like long hair, slender neck, skin as white as jade—a sight utterly alluring.

Marquis Gu stepped forward and picked her up, tossing her slightly, asking, "What have you been busy with these past few days? Every day when I return, you’ve already gone to bed, and you won’t let me hold you. Is it because you’re tired of me eating lamb?"

Qin Yuan smiled, avoiding his stubbly face, and exclaimed, "You come back late and blame others. Eating lamb makes your body warm at night, but I don’t tolerate heat well. Besides, how would I know when I’m asleep?"

"You’re always good at making excuses."

Marquis Gu said, hinting ever so slightly.

Qin Yuan knew he heard about that matter and asked, "So, will you tell Mother?"

Marquis Gu just laughed as he looked at her.

Qin Yuan struggled slightly, "The trouble you caused, who else should tell Mother if not you?"

"Fine, fine, I’ll tell her, but tonight you must comply with me."

Cui Ming and the others had already retreated; Qin Yuan’s heart raced as she held Marquis Gu’s face, softly coaxing, "Take a break for now, wait until you’re better and then tease me, alright?"

"How could that be?"

Marquis Gu was a little annoyed.

Didn’t that imply he was incapable?

When Qin Yuan opened her eyes again, it was already morning, almost missing breakfast.

"This bastard, who knows where he gets his stamina from."

Despite the complaints, one still had to get up.

The stewards and housekeepers were waiting for replies.

Hong Ye came in to attend, and said, "Before leaving, Marquis instructed that the mansion now has three housekeepers and a competent accountant. It shouldn’t matter if the Madam occasionally takes a break. Even the Emperor has days when he skips court."

"You’re all so obedient," Qin Yuan complained, "If he says not to wake me, then I’m not woken?"

Hong Ye said, "In my opinion, it’s about time. Since we arrived, there hasn’t been much rest, and now everything is in order, what’s there to worry about?"

Qin Yuan said, "Alright, as you wish, I’ll steal half a day’s leisure. I haven’t written poetry for ages, and I haven’t had a chance to reply to Miss Dong’s letter."

Cui Ming came in and overheard, then asked, "How come Miss Dong wrote poetry again?"

Qin Yuan replied, "This time it’s not for me to echo her poem but she initiated the Flowing Firefly Poetry Society in Jinling and other places. She meticulously copied the excellent poems of various ladies and sent them over, asking me to see if they could be published, also saying these ladies are willing to pay for print and sales."

Cui Ming pondered, "This poetry collection might sell well in Jinling."

Qin Yuan nodded.

"Why?" Hong Ye was puzzled.

Cui Ming said, "The Imperial College has been hosting poetry jousts for a long time, yet no women’s poetry society has arisen in Capital City, and most poets are men. Even our young lady only mixes in with borrowed goodwill. But the women in Jinling gather a poem society—firstly because Miss Dong is capable; secondly, the customs in Jinling differ from those in Capital City."

"What does this have to do with the poetry collection selling well?"

"Did you forget that the Sixth Master’s previous poetry collection was stylishly printed and collected by many ladies, Shen Changle laughed till she couldn’t close her mouth. This poetry collection being authored by women would naturally be cherished by them. Moreover, southern women are refined and meticulous, their fashion trends soon cross to the north. As they promote the poetry collection, naturally the entire nation will follow suit."

Qin Yuan smiled, nodding in agreement.

"You’re quite right; Shen Changle probably hasn’t thought of this yet. Moreover, there have always been few women’s poetry collections, with good ones even scarcer. There might very well be many men collecting them too."

Cui Ming’s eyes brightened, "Miss’s saying this wasn’t something I thought of."

Qin Yuan said, "Then let Shen Changle discuss it; Cui Ming, you should join in on this matter. I’ll write two poems under the name of Young Master Nantang and include them in the collection to boost its appeal."

Hong Ye clapped her hands saying, "That’s good, that’s good! I’ve heard many women are inquiring about Young Master Nantang; including it would naturally enhance sales."

Cui Ming hesitated slightly.

"But, but, I’m not very good at poetry."

Hong Ye teased, "You call me silly every day, today it’s your turn. Anything you don’t understand, just ask Miss. Practice makes perfect, just look at Shen Changle, now she’s an expert."

Cui Ming nodded slowly, "Then I’ll give it a try. If it doesn’t go well, Miss, please don’t blame me."

Qin Yuan laughed, "You’re just too cautious. If only you and Hong Ye could balance each other out."

After breakfast.

Qin Yuan leisurely chatted with Shen Changle when Gu Shiliu ran over, saying, "Marquis had the servants find several sets of jewelry from the storehouse for Madam to choose from."

Hong Ye and Cui Ming gathered around to look.

After opening them one by one, everyone’s expression changed.