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

Chapter 264: That’s a Talent

"It’s truly strange," muttered Gu Shiliu.

"What is it?" asked Marquis Gu.

Gu Shiliu said, "Madam wants to visit Brother Qi and his mother, and asked me to invite you to come along. The instructions have already been given to the courtyard."

Marquis Gu acknowledged and walked forward, with Gu Shiliu following behind, saying, "Brother Qi’s old mother is quite peculiar. Even though I am quite observant, I constantly overlook her."

"Oh?" Marquis Gu paused and said, "I’ve also heard Xiaodong mention that she sits quietly all day. They often forget her while talking and doing things, yet her eyes are unclear, but her ears are quite keen. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have heard about Doctor Liu."

Gu Shiliu sighed in relief and said, "So it’s not just my illusion."

Marquis Gu nodded, "It’s her skill."

The two arrived at the courtyard, where Qin Yuan was already present, along with Brother Qi and his blind old mother. Xiaodong and Doctor Li weren’t there. Upon seeing Marquis Gu arrive, everyone quickly paid their respects.

Since the room was small and crowded, they conversed under a sunshade in the courtyard.

First, Marquis Gu inquired about Brother Qi’s health, followed by some pleasantries, and then said, "From now on, the costs for treating Aunt Qi’s eyes will be recorded in the Marquis Mansion. Doctor Li from Renhe Hall has exquisite medical skills and will surely restore Aunt Qi to her original state."

The nanny quickly pulled Brother Qi to bow down to the ground, knocking his head a few times, and choked up, "What can this old servant say? The marquis and madam are kind-hearted and will surely be rewarded. This old servant and my son’s lives belong to the Marquis Mansion, and we’re willing to risk everything."

Qin Yuan hurriedly instructed Hong Ye and Gu Shiliu to help the two up, smiling, "Please don’t cry anymore. Doctor Li said you need to take good care of this illness; it’s from too much crying that your eyes got damaged. Once your eyes are healed, there will be plenty of time to cry."

The blind nanny replied with both tears and laughter, standing quietly to the side.

Qin Yuan instructed Hong Mian to hand over the prepared materials and snacks to Brother Qi.

Brother Qi, blushing, received them and said, "Thank you, Madam, for the gifts. The items given last time haven’t been used up yet. I truly don’t know how to express my gratitude."

Qin Yuan smiled, "It’s nothing valuable. These materials are for your mother to use. The food and snacks are nothing precious, just something to enjoy. If there’s any inconvenience living here, tell Shiliu or Hong Ye, and if anyone makes things difficult for you or doesn’t sincerely help, let us know. There are many people in the mansion, and inevitably some talk recklessly and use authority recklessly, if you feel wronged, it would be my fault."

Brother Qi quickly responded, "No, not at all. Madam manages very well, and everyone is convinced. Although I’m young, I know what’s right and wrong. Without Madam, it would have been difficult to endure these days in the mansion. We privately all say Madam is like a celestial fairy, perfectly matched with the marquis."

He was young and spoke without much consideration, but his words made Marquis Gu delighted as he looked proudly at Qin Yuan.

Qin Yuan chuckled and said, "Take care of your health, and when you’re well, the marquis has a task for you."

Brother Qi, hearing this, was overjoyed and repeatedly thanked them.

As Gu Jinghui and Qin Yuan left the courtyard, Gu Shiliu suddenly said, "Indeed, even the masters forgot Brother Qi’s old mother."

Only then did they realize.

Gu Jinghui said, "It’s truly odd. If I hadn’t seen it myself, it really is..."

He had completely forgotten about Brother Qi’s old mother. When they bid farewell, she should have paid her respects, yet he inadvertently overlooked her.

Qin Yuan also exclaimed, "If it weren’t for Shiliu mentioning, I wouldn’t have remembered if I bid farewell to Brother Qi’s mother."

Hong Ye laughed and said, "Otherwise, how could she achieve such distinction?"

Hong Mian quickly chimed in, "Brother Qi’s mother often sits quietly without speaking since she went blind. Sometimes, she joins a crowd to listen to gossip, and as long as she doesn’t make a sound, no one notices she’s there."

Qin Yuan nodded, "That’s also a skill."

Hong Mian glanced proudly at Hong Ye.

Qin Yuan asked again, "It’s about time to open the mansion; how are the preparations going?"

Hong Mian replied, "The documents have been sorted and handed over to Sister Hong Ye."

Hong Ye glanced at Hong Mian and said, "I’ve only skimmed through, haven’t scrutinized."

Qin Yuan said, "If you’re unsure about anything, you could ask Shiliu."

Gu Shiliu quickly said, "What’s the matter? As long as Miss Hong Ye needs help, I’ll naturally speak without reserve."

Gu Jinghui also looked over.

Hong Mian was about to speak but was pinched by Hong Ye, promptly shutting her mouth.

Qin Yuan raised her head to Gu Jinghui and said, "Didn’t I say publicly before that everyone should adhere to the rules at work, and after the mansion opens, rewards and punishments will be based on recent performances? Just have the steward and housekeeper report it, and let Hong Mian organize."

Gu Jinghui nodded, "Indeed, without credibility, one cannot stand. You’re doing the right thing."

After saying that, he pulled Qin Yuan closer, and the two walked silently for a while before Gu Jinghui spoke again, "You’ve worked hard these days; later... you’ll need to work even more."

Qin Yuan wondered, "Why? Are you busy with something significant later?"

Gu Jinghui sighed, "Marquis An Yuan sent word, saying the Holy Emperor is inexplicably dissatisfied with the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers, punishing often, and about to start the Capital Inspection."

"Capital Inspection?"

Qin Yuan was rather puzzled.

According to custom, the Capital Inspection assesses civil servants below third-rank, while officials above third-rank and Imperial Ministers are determined directly by the Emperor.

Marquis Gu had returned to the capital for less than a year, and as a military general with a hereditary peerage, it seemed unrelated to him.

Gu Jinghui appeared somewhat troubled, nodded, and said, "The Holy Emperor praised the memorial I submitted, commending it for being well-written, with a heart for Daxing, acting properly; if all vassals were like me, the Daxing Dynasty would remain eternal. The Saint didn’t publish the memorial, so nobody knows what I wrote. Marquis An Yuan came to inquire, saying this Capital Inspection might be because of me, and the Holy Emperor might appoint me to oversee it."

Qin Yuan: "..."

It’s so unusual that her memorial was written too well, leading her to such circumstances.

The Holy Emperor not publishing the memorial seems to have the intent of using this as an excuse to act.

Qin Yuan sighed inwardly, she had outlined so many disease prevention measures; without publication, they couldn’t be communicated through court reports, making it quite a waste.

Gu Jinghui looked down at the top of her head and said softly, "I initially thought once the mansion opened, I’d be off to the Great Camp, leaving you in the mansion, only able to meet once every ten days, which is a bit reluctant. If the Holy Emperor indeed appoints me to oversee Capital Inspection, I’d be too busy to see you, perhaps even busier than being in the Great Camp."

Qin Yuan blushed but managed to tease him, "I heard Capital Inspection is mainly for civil servants; you’re a military general and have just returned to court, not familiar with these matters at all. Even if you’re put in charge, you won’t handle everything alone; surely some Imperial Censors, Vice Ministers of the Ministry of Personnel, will assist you. Besides, whatever the Emperor’s intentions, you don’t know yet. If indeed he favors you, try finding a way to decline it."