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

Chapter 274: The Marquis Mansion’s Explanation

When guests arrive, there’s no reason not to entertain them.

Housekeeper Han suppressed his annoyance and smiled as he led the large group from the Xu family into the front hall, instructing the maids and servants to quickly serve tea. He sneaked out and called an old nanny to deliver a message to the upper house, "Today is the first day of the mansion opening. Besides Sixth Lady Gu and Seventh Miss, the masters should all be at the upper house. Hurry back whether you find the Marquis or the Madam."

In the early morning, after freshening up, Qin Yuan, accompanied by Hong Ye and Cui Ming, went to serve Old Madam Gu in the upper house.

"Mother, add this false chignon and use this hairpin to bring out a fair and spirited look. This is a popular style that recently came from the south."

Standing by the mirror stand, Qin Yuan held a hairpin adorned with magpies and golden branches, fitting it against Old Madam Gu’s temples.

The maid braiding hair smiled on the side, "Madam has an excellent eye. Adding the chignon makes the hair look fuller, and the hairpin stays more secure."

Old Madam Gu looked in the mirror, very satisfied, and smiled, "Let’s go with this then."

Then she sighed, "As I age, my hair gets thinner and I have to rely on chignons."

Qin Yuan quickly chimed in, "Mother says her hair is thin, but I too wear several faux pieces on my head."

Just as she was about to show Old Madam Gu, Nanny Rong lifted the curtain and entered, "The Marquis and Sixth Master are here; they’re waiting outside."

Old Madam Gu turned her head and asked, "Why did the two of them come together?"

Nanny Rong replied, "The two masters drank in the outer courtyard last night and didn’t return to the inner courtyard, so they’ve come together now."

Old Madam Gu frowned deeply upon hearing this.

"The Sixth Elder is one thing, but what about Hui’er? If this continues, when will I be able to hold a grandchild? Truly, a son has no worries, but the old mother does."

Qin Yuan’s face flushed immediately, bowing her head in explanation, "I was busy yesterday and didn’t have time to dismiss the Measles Goddess, perhaps the Marquis stayed for this reason as well."

After dismissing the Measles Goddess, one must observe a three-day fast, during which conjugal activities are also forbidden. Although Old Madam Gu was anxious, there was nothing she could do.

"Since they are outside, let’s go out as well."

Qin Yuan followed behind Old Madam Gu to the outer room, where Qiujie and others had already set up breakfast. After greeting each other, they sat down for the meal.

Brother Cheng and Sister Yu were not brought out as usual, and neither Zihe nor Xiao Hong was there to attend them. Qin Yuan initially had something to ask but decided against it.

Halfway through breakfast, a maid called from outside the corridor, "Housekeeper Han has sent someone to deliver a message, requesting the knowledge of the Marquis and Madam."

Cui Ming went out and returned, looking somewhat upset.

Qin Yuan asked, "What’s the matter?"

Cui Ming angrily responded, "The Xu family sent over a dozen people; they are currently in the front hall drinking tea."

Old Madam Gu and Sixth Master Gu both put down their chopsticks, their expressions souring.

"They arrived so quickly, not willing to wait a moment."

Gu Jinghui picked up some pickled mustard with his chopsticks and chewed it viciously.

Qin Yuan said, "Let Housekeeper Han entertain them well. Eating is the most important thing in the world; even the Emperor doesn’t starve his soldiers, so we should finish our meal. If the Xu family arrived early and haven’t eaten much, let the kitchen prepare some snacks to fill their stomachs."

Cui Ming smiled and went out to relay the message.

Old Madam Gu said angrily, "With such a commotion, how can it be resolved? Do you all have any ideas in mind? And no one knows where Zhenzhen has gone; just thinking about it gives me a headache."

Qin Yuan said, "Mother, please eat at ease; we and the Xu family are related by marriage. No matter what happens, it won’t become enmity. If we petty ones can’t handle it, we will call in the big guns—Mother, you."

Old Madam Gu couldn’t help but laugh.

"It’s still my daughter-in-law who knows how to comfort people. Look at my two wooden sons—what use are they?"

Gu Jinghui said, "Mother, your son has eaten well. The greatest use of your son is to marry a wife and make her serve you."

Old Madam Gu replied, "Good that you know."

Sixth Master Gu: "..."

Turns out even this use of his was discounted.

After Qin Yuan and the others finished their meal and drank tea, it was almost an hour by the time they reached the front hall.

Those from the Xu family included men and women, young and old, some sitting, some standing, some with arms crossed, some cursing—the front hall was as noisy as a marketplace.

Housekeeper Han’s face was wooden, as if only his shell was left there, clearly tormented.

Seeing the three of them arrive, he looked as if he’d seen his saviors.

Mr. Xu rose, face darkened, and pointed at Marquis Gu, angrily saying, "The Marquis Mansion has fine manners indeed. We’ve been waiting here for an hour, clearly showing the mansion’s contempt for our Xu family—not surprising considering the wicked deeds done."

Sixth Master Gu hurriedly stepped forward, saluted, and said, "Brother-in-law, you came without prior notice or an invitation. Today’s the first day the mansion opened, and there are many trivial matters. If there’s any oversight, please forgive us."

Mr. Xu ignored him and stared directly at Marquis Gu, asking in a deep tone, "Marquis Gu, what’s the outcome regarding my daughter?"

"Yes, exactly," the people of the Xu family gathered around.

Qin Yuan couldn’t help but step back, but Marquis Gu quickly stretched his arm to protect her.

Marquis Gu said calmly, "I’ve kept my dear brother-in-law waiting. As for Miss Xu’s matter, there will naturally be an explanation. Let’s sit down and talk slowly."

Mr. Xu dared not push too far and waved to silence the others, saying, "Let’s take a step back and talk properly."

Qin Yuan, protected by Marquis Gu, sat down, and Sixth Master Gu also sat nearby.

As soon as they sat, before the maids could serve tea, Mr. Xu angrily asked, "Have there been any leads on my daughter’s whereabouts from your mansion lately?"

Sixth Master Gu said, "Brother-in-law, the mansion opened just today, and not many people have been sent out to search. The mansion hasn’t found her yet, nor do we know if the government has any leads."

Mr. Xu sneered, saying, "Still pushing with such words. If the government had found her, wouldn’t they have come to demand a reward from you? My perfectly good daughter went missing after entering the Marquis Mansion, and you previously said you’d search everywhere. Now it’s been so long, I’m afraid she’s gone. So, what’s your proposed solution?"

Gu Jinghui asked, "Has the Xu family inquired around, any news at all?"

"None."

Gu Jinghui said, "Then we must send out more people to search. Fortunately, the mansion is now open. I will immediately urge the government to expedite their efforts."

Mr. Xu stood up furiously and shouted, "Is this the Marquis’s idea of an explanation?"

The Xu family also stood up, roaring in anger.

"If the Marquis Mansion can’t give a satisfactory explanation, we’ll make a scene, letting the people of the Capital City and the Emperor’s officials see what kind of household the Dingbei Marquis Mansion is."

Several women wailed loudly, their voices sharp and miserable.

Sixth Master Gu frowned at the noise.

Gu Jinghui said, "The Xu family and the Gu Family are in-laws. Your daughter’s disappearance at my mansion naturally makes us anxious, but if the Xu family insists on placing all the blame on the Marquis Mansion, I won’t let anyone throw mud on us."

"Who knows if my daughter was hurt by someone or just disappeared?" Mr. Xu stared at Sixth Master Gu with a gloomy expression.