My Sister Insisted on Swapping Marriages, and I Became a Marchioness Instead

Chapter 253: Family Banquet

Indeed, it is.

Qin Yuan thought for a moment and asked, "Does Sixth Master also wish to host gatherings at the mansion?"

Scholars and poets enjoy sightseeing, while the ladies of the household love to admire flowers, paint, and compose poetry within the mansion. Although both are associations, there are still quite some differences.

Qiujie said, "Sixth Master said he would discuss it with Young Master Qin before making a decision. Naturally, Old Madam had no objections."

"Oh," Qin Yuan thought to herself, realizing that this matter would not come to fruition.

However, after the mansion is opened, a banquet must be held to clear away the bad luck, and that responsibility would still fall on her.

After Qiujie took her leave, Qin Yuan asked Cui Ming, "Hasn’t Shen Changle sent the poetry collection?"

Cui Ming went out to inquire and returned after a while, saying, "Perhaps it was left in the outer courtyard, and the servants sent it all to Sixth Master’s place."

Qin Yuan said, "Never mind, I’ll just go to the main room and check it later."

She had read the previous edition.

The new edition added poems and prefaces from two high-ranking people and included a painting by Sixth Master Gu. There was nothing else to modify.

Once the final version is set, it will be released.

Counting the days, it might just catch up with the banquet after the mansion opens, and it could serve Qin Siyuan and Sixth Master Gu well at that time.

She always thought quickly and had already come up with several ways to build reputations for the two, just needing to implement them step by step.

The sky turned dark, Gu Jinghui did not come to Wutong Garden, nor did he send any message.

Hong Ye said, "Shall we send a little maid to ask?"

Qin Yuan shook her head, "Quickly help me comb my hair, change my clothes. Even if it’s a family banquet, it cannot be taken lightly. We should go early to the main room to attend to Old Madam."

Hong Ye asked, "Will the Marquis complain about not waiting for him?"

Qin Yuan said, "Let him complain if he wishes; I do what I must. I cannot revolve around him at every turn; as a daughter-in-law, the first duty is to attend to the mother-in-law."

She thought to herself, "Serve the mother-in-law well, and she would shield me from the Marquis’s scoldings. That’s the biggest support, one must cling to it. The Marquis only needs to be respected and flattered, as long as no mistakes are made."

This wasn’t something she would openly admit, just waiting to see when Hong Ye would understand on her own.

While Qin Yuan was changing behind the screen, Cui Ming whispered to Hong Ye, "Are you foolish? If the Marquis makes Missy wait and yet doesn’t show up, wouldn’t Missy offend Old Madam? A son is always closer than a daughter-in-law. If the Marquis makes Old Madam wait, she would feel sorry for the busy Marquis. But if Missy makes Old Madam wait, Old Madam might feel slighted by the daughter-in-law."

Hong Ye chuckled dryly, "Hehe, I just hadn’t thought it through."

Cui Ming softly said, "I know you hope that Missy and Master are loving, but don’t forget, in the household, the mother-in-law is the daughter-in-law’s sky; it’s always been about ’filial piety’ above all. Our Missy is fortunate to have met Old Madam, but still, one must cherish such blessings."

Hong Ye blushed and nodded randomly, "I noted it."

Cui Ming sighed, "I wonder how long you’ll remember it."

"Even if it’s a critical point, dear sister, don’t shame me. If I make a mistake again, just tell me directly."

Qin Yuan emerged from behind the screen and asked, "What are you two whispering about? Help me decide what hairpiece to use."

Cui Ming hurried over to comb her hair, and after a lengthy discussion among the three, they decided on a high bun adorned with a Peony, paired with a set of jadeite hairpieces given by Old Madam, matching a green gauze robe and flawless white skin, creating a look that was both striking and dignified.

"So beautiful, Missy should dress like this," Hong Ye exclaimed with admiration.

Qin Yuan hesitated a bit.

"Isn’t it a bit too eye-catching?"

Cui Ming said, "Missy’s beauty cannot be hidden; even a little dressing up results in this. At a family banquet, she cannot dress sloppily without any embellishment."

Hong Ye said, "Old Madam will surely be happy seeing you dressed like this."

This time, she wisely avoided mentioning the Marquis.

Qin Yuan said, "Alright then, let’s go."

Sixth Master had already been waiting in the main room; upon seeing Qin Yuan entering, his eyes were full of amazement, but he immediately lowered his gaze, not daring to look again.

"Both Mother and Sixth Brother are here already; I thought I was the earliest."

After greeting, Qin Yuan sat beside Old Madam Gu.

Indeed, seeing Qin Yuan using the hairpieces she gifted, Old Madam Gu was delighted, laughing as she said, "This is just how you should dress, dressing up in red and green looks good on young folks, don’t learn from those wearing muted tones, looking so bland."

Sixth Master Gu kept his head down, quietly sipping tea; this was a topic he couldn’t join.

Qin Yuan laughed, "It’s just because Mother’s things are good; I often wear jadeite, but it never looks this nice."

Nanny Rong said, "If Madam praises again, Old Madam will ask us to search the entire trunk."

"Why?" Qin Yuan teased along.

"Naturally, to find even better hairpieces for Madam; after all, Old Madam loves beauties the most."

The room filled with laughter from all the maids and nannies.

"You old thing, always talking nonsense," Old Madam Gu said, "let the two kids stop learning, come out to see people."

Since it was a family banquet, it should be lively.

Qiujie went to call for Zihe.

Old Madam Gu added, "Should we let Treasure Bead out?"

Before Qin Yuan could reply, Sixth Master Gu said, "Never mind, calculating the days, she still needs to stay in the courtyard. Bringing her out would only anger Third Brother, who will then force her to sew, which is really a bother."

"Then let it be."

Nanny Rong said, "If Old Madam wants it lively, why not invite Sixth Master’s concubines as well?"

Old Madam Gu said, "Alright, let them bring the children too. Sixth Elder has started taking on proper duties; the kids should also take a look."

Sixth Master Gu put down his teacup and asked, "Mother, should we really let them come, too?"

Old Madam Gu said, "In the past, with your wife managing the house, I didn’t bother with affairs inside your chamber, didn’t have them come to the main room to greet. Today is your joyous occasion; let them come, let them meet your sister-in-law."

Since Qin Yuan will be managing the house from now on, these people need to be seen.

Moreover, there are Sixth Master’s children.

Sixth Master Gu said, "I will follow Mother’s arrangements."

Before long, the twins were brought over; as they entered, they politely greeted everyone, noticeably more respectful than before.

Sixth Master Gu unreservedly showed his dislike and deliberately clicked his tongue in wonder, "Mother is truly good at educating people; even these two little tyrants know propriety now."

Brother Cheng held Sister Yu’s hand and went over to sit beside Qin Yuan, saying, "Godmother, I have been studying these days and will behave well in the future. I will never misbehave again. Could you please plead with Father not to send us away?"

Sister Yu also whimpered, "Godmother, you’re so pretty, fragrant, like a fairy from heaven. Daughter doesn’t want to leave Father; they all say Father listens to Godmother the most. Can you help us?"

Qin Yuan: "..."

Old Madam Gu’s face darkened.

Nanny Rong immediately smoothed the situation, "Don’t listen to nonsense. How can Madam decide for the Marquis? The Marquis treats you as his own, sending you away is for your own good, too."