novelraw Chapter 266: Everyone Has Their Destiny
Chapter 266: Everyone Has Their Destiny
The Marquis was somewhat hesitant.
He thought about the mysterious origins of Mrs. Zhao; if she really had connections with the Yelv family, it would be difficult to arrange for these two children. Rather than facing the ugly mess in the future, it might be better to keep some distance now.
Qin Yuan advised, "These social etiquettes are better handled by mother than us. Now, they have no parents, and the magistrate hasn’t reached a conclusion. If we push them away, people will gossip, saying things like their father sacrificed for the Marquis, yet his children are uncared for, which would chill the heart. I think keeping them nearby is better. First, we can observe if Mrs. Zhao has any further actions, and secondly, prevent outsiders from gossiping. It’s not too late to make changes once the magistrate’s conclusion arrives."
The Marquis replied, "Then let’s follow your suggestion first and see who mother recommends to manage them."
Qin Yuan said nothing.
Children are most adept at reading expressions; if you spoil them, they’ll take advantage.
If no one spoils them, any fuss will gradually fade.
But she decided not to voice that opinion.
The two went hand-in-hand to the main room, where the Old Madam had prepared a feast; even Sixth Lady Gu attended, with Nanny Zhao by her side, and the two little misses were brought by their nanny to join the occasion.
Only Gu Baoshu was still confined and unable to come out.
Because of past events, the dragon and phoenix twins hadn’t been summoned either.
Qin Yuan hadn’t seen Sixth Lady Gu for a long time and asked in shock, "Why has my sixth sister-in-law become so thin?"
Gu Jinghui was similarly startled but didn’t ask too many questions considering she was his sister-in-law.
Sixth Lady Gu forced a smile and said, "I’m worried about the children; I’ve been ill, but thanks to the Marquis’s invitation of the Imperial Physician, I’m slowly recovering; I’ll be better in a few days."
Her voice was faint, pausing now and then, appearing to struggle.
She was so thin that only skin clung to her bones, her eye sockets sunken, eyebrows and eyes hanging listlessly, her smile looking worse than no smile.
Qin Yuan quickly said, "Sixth sister-in-law, take your time to recover, don’t worry about trivial matters; your health is the most important now."
Sixth Lady Gu nodded slowly and said, "These days rely on you, fortunately, you hold things together, or the mansion would be chaotic."
The Old Madam laughed, "You got it right, Yuan’er managed things well, sparing the mansion many troubles; apart from that unlucky Doctor Liu, no one in the mansion was harmed, which is truly a major achievement, rarely seen even in the Capital City."
Sixth Lady Gu felt congested and changed the topic with a laugh, "I’ve been usually unwell, having trouble sleeping at night; thank goodness for the calming pills mother sent."
Nanny Zhao looked nervously at the Old Madam, afraid of being exposed. Fortunately, Sixth Master Gu arrived, followed by several aunts and nannies holding children, stirring up the room and shifting the topic.
After greetings, Sixth Master Gu saw Sixth Lady Gu sitting weakly and said, "Your body is unwell, so you don’t need to force yourself; Doctor Li knows your condition and won’t be offended."
Though caring, his tone sounded quite harsh.
Sixth Lady Gu insisted, "Doctor Li took the risk to enter the mansion and manage the smallpox, saving our mansion; even the two children owe their lives to him. How could we not come?"
Sixth Master Gu frowned slightly, "Since that’s the case, just stay, but don’t force yourself if you feel uncomfortable."
Sixth Lady Gu looked at the several aunts, each spirited; even Aunt Huang had recovered, while she alone seemed withered, feeling inevitable melancholy.
Qin Yuan said, "This counts as a family feast; since Doctor Li and I have some history, sixth sister-in-law need not be overly courteous. If uncomfortable, just lean back, and if you can’t endure, it’s fine to leave; don’t wrong yourself."
Sixth Lady Gu nodded and said, "Thank you for your kindness, third sister-in-law."
As they spoke, Doctor Li also arrived with Xiao Dong, and everyone exchanged courtesies and took their seats.
After three rounds of drinks, Sixth Lady Gu leaned back in her chair, clearly struggling, Doctor Li frowned and asked, "Is Sixth Lady Gu’s health stable? Perhaps you should rest after a short stay; the food on the table isn’t suitable for her, especially alcohol, which is best avoided. This illness favors quiet, and staying long here with many people is taxing."
Sixth Lady Gu forced a smile, "I’m here to thank you for saving my life, I’ll just take a brief stay."
Doctor Li responded seriously, "As doctors, we don’t care about such empty formalities; saving lives is our duty. I understand Sixth Lady Gu’s intention; tomorrow, the Director of the Hospital will visit to check on her, and we should request medicines for her recuperation then."
He was innocent at heart, yet Sixth Lady Gu overthought.
Sixth Lady Gu was determined to sit longer, with Nanny Zhao unable to persuade her, and Sixth Master Gu was already irritated; he simply ignored her.
Even so, she didn’t last half an hour.
Everyone toasted Doctor Li several times, and after a few rounds, Doctor Li advised, "The little misses should also retire early for rest. It’s been a short time since recovery, still best to nurture them, avoid excessive exertion."
Upon hearing this, Aunt Huang quickly followed Sixth Lady Gu in retreat.
Returning to her courtyard, Sixth Lady Gu sighed repeatedly, with Nanny Zhao unable to comfort her; eventually, she took some calming medicine and lay down to sleep.
After she left, everyone felt significantly more at ease, especially Sixth Master Gu.
The Old Madam sighed, "Sixth son’s wife’s illness... who knows when she’ll recover."
Several aunts promptly said, "Sixth Lady possesses divine favor; she’ll recover."
Those aware of the situation, like Qin Yuan, remained silent.
Doctor Li didn’t join the conversation.
After some thought, Sixth Master Gu said, "Mother, each person has their fate, can’t be forced; Mrs. Xu should recuperate gradually, and the mansion isn’t short on money. When the Imperial College is on break, and the sons return, seeing the children might lighten her mood and speed her recovery."
Upon hearing this, the Old Madam couldn’t help but frown, redying to rebuke, but considering guests, she added, "Ah, once the mansion is opened, we should host a grand feast for relatives and friends, dispelling the gloom."
Qin Yuan replied, "Once mother commands, who would dare disobey?"
Nanny Rong couldn’t resist laughing, "Madam is truly witty."
The Old Madam laughed too, "Then I’ll leave it to you to organize, should you face shortages or uncertainties, feel free to ask me."
Qin Yuan agreed with a smile and continued, "Mother is wise and knowledgeable, there’s something undecided by the Marquis and me that we’d like your insight on."
"Oh, what is it?"
She laughed.
The couple’s collaboration delighted her.
Gu Jinghui stated, "My wife and I have discussed, due to Mrs. Zhao’s situation, it’s not appropriate for the two children to stay within the mansion. They have no relatives to turn to; could mother recommend someone to educate them?"
Sixth Master Gu interjected, "Third Brother has finally decided? How does Third Brother plan to house them?"
Gu Jinghui looked at the Old Madam and said, "I plan to separate the courtyard by the street of the Marquis Mansion from the mansion, give them their entrance, treating it like two households. Since they’re adopted, we can’t just discard them randomly; I’d like mother to select someone trustworthy."
Understanding her son’s intention, the Old Madam replied, "Let’s do this for now, raising them while gradually searching for their relatives. In my view, finding a distant relative without children to care for them would be ideal; someone older with a stable temperament for reassurance."