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

Chapter 283: Mr. Songshan

"Storyteller?"

Cui Ming and Hong Ye couldn’t help but speak up.

Qin Yuan also asked in surprise, "Mr. Songshan?"

Mr. Songshan was a renowned scholar. In past lives, many people wanted to seek his mentorship but never had the chance. Later, Mr. Songshan secluded himself in Lushan, and princes vied to win him over, inviting him to come out and work, but he refused them all.

The Emperor simply issued an edict, but he moved away from Lushan overnight, adamantly refusing to join the court as an official.

Qin Yuan knew of him because Lin Ziqi was serving as County Magistrate near Lushan at the time.

"Is this Mr. Songshan the same Mr. Songshan?"

Qin Yuan was somewhat doubtful.

The housekeeper replied with a smile, "Madam, he is indeed called Mr. Songshan. The Marquis wanted to find a storyteller to narrate the Three Kingdoms at home, preferably also covering some aspects of the Spring and Autumn Annals or Warring States. The servant searched the theater for half a day and found someone suitable. After bringing him back, the Marquis asked a few questions and said it was a good find; he could understand and wanted to listen, so he stayed at the mansion, saying he must be well-received."

Upon hearing this, Qin Yuan understood that Marquis Gu couldn’t focus on reading and was planning to hire a storyteller instead.

"Romance of the Three Kingdoms" was easy enough; most storytellers at the theater could narrate it.

But the Spring and Autumn Annals and such required someone who had seriously studied and passed the imperial exams to narrate them.

Qin Yuan suppressed her laughter, nodded, and said, "Good, go tell the Marquis I will certainly take good care of him. Since he is here to narrate to the Marquis, let him stay in the courtyard closest to the outer yard, so it’s convenient to narrate to the Marquis anytime."

The housekeeper agreed, smiling, "This storyteller is fortunate. If his storytelling makes the Marquis happy, he could earn much more here than at the theater."

Qin Yuan said, "That reminds me, the mansion will hold a banquet in a couple of days; we should invite some people to liven up the household. Do you have any good theater troupes or acrobatics groups to recommend?"

The housekeeper smiled, "I need to inquire about this. Housekeeper Cao handles these matters normally, but I heard recently that the acrobatics from Wuqiao are quite popular in the Capital, and several familiar families have invited them for their banquets."

Qin Yuan nodded. "Noted, you may go. I’ll have Hong Ye arrange Mr. Songshan’s courtyard."

The housekeeper was somewhat surprised.

After all, a storyteller’s status is low, yet this one is so valued by the Marquis and Marchioness, truly an odd situation.

Once she left, Hong Ye asked, "Miss, does this Mr. Songshan have some background?"

Qin Yuan said, "I don’t know. I’ve heard of a reclusive great scholar named Mr. Songshan, but there are many with the same name in the world. This Mr. Songshan may not be that Mr. Songshan."

Hong Ye laughed, "True, why would a great scholar go to the theater to narrate? That’s something of the lowest ranks for amusement."

Qin Yuan said seriously, "Not entirely. You must be careful with your words outside. Some storytellers are former officials, and others hold scholarly titles. They write and narrate, and their business is better than others."

Hong Ye asked, "Why do some people like to do this job?"

Qin Yuan said, "Who knows? Just like some nobles enjoy acting, they may privately perform in theater attire. If you’re not careful, you’ll offend someone. So the elders say, trouble arises from careless speech."

Hong Ye was startled and quickly said, "I understand, I will not speak recklessly in the future."

Cui Ming sighed, "No wonder people say great recluses hide in the city."

"That’s precisely the reason," Qin Yuan nodded. "Monks, Daoists, and nuns in ancient temples might have backgrounds. Even prisoners might be hidden talents; after a general amnesty, they might cause upheaval once freed from constraints."

Qin Yuan warned Hong Ye and then instructed her to arrange accommodations for Mr. Songshan.

Hong Ye dared not take it lightly, meticulously preparing with several maids and nannies, cleaning the courtyard and rooms, arranging furniture, and preparing daily necessities like bedding.

Only then did she send someone to the front yard to invite Mr. Songshan over to see if there was anything unsatisfactory.

After waiting for a while, she saw the servant leading a middle-aged man in a blue long robe into the courtyard, medium build, slim figure, his face leathery with little flesh, resembling a slim crane kept at home.

Hong Ye thought to herself, "He might be better called Slim Crane than Mr. Songshan. Those unaware might think he’s tall."

"Is this Mr. Songshan?" Hong Ye smiled and greeted him.

The man nodded and said, "Miss, I am indeed Mr. Songshan."

Hong Ye curtsied and said, "My name is Hong Ye, I serve by the Madam’s side. She instructed me to clean the courtyard and prepare the room for Mr. Songshan. Please have a look, if there’s anything amiss, we can make adjustments."

Mr. Songshan quickly returned the courtesy and upon hearing her words, said immediately, "It’s just a temporary residence, don’t trouble yourselves too much. Miss Hong Ye, when you return, please convey my gratitude to the Madam."

Hong Ye replied, "The Marquis instructed us to entertain the gentleman well. How could we be negligent? If the gentleman’s storytelling pleases the Marquis, you might stay longer. Once here, if you’re not well-fed or comfortable, others might say the mansion lacks sincerity in hospitality."

Mr. Songshan carefully observed her and said, "Miss Hong Ye is very sensible, and eloquent. I’m going to have a look inside; if there’s anything needed, I’ll let you know."

Hong Ye said, "Okay."

She waited outside.

After a short while, Mr. Songshan came out seriously and said, "Thank you for the trouble Madam and Miss Hong Ye went through. Everything is very meticulous, but I usually enjoy writing and need some ink, paper, and writing supplies. It would be great to have them."

Hong Ye said, "That’s no problem. I’ll have it sent right away. If you run out, just instruct the servants to get more from the steward."

Mr. Songshan nodded with satisfaction.

Hong Ye eagerly went back to report, and upon entering the room, Marquis Gu was already there, just waiting for the meal to be served.

"Young... Madam, I’ve arranged the room for Mr. Songshan. He’s quite satisfied but would like some ink, paper, and other materials as he enjoys writing. I’ve already had a set sent over and instructed him to tell the servant to get more from the steward if needed."

Gu Jinghui immediately said, "That’s great. This Mr. Songshan is very talented."

Qin Yuan was curious, "How do you know?"

Gu Jinghui thought she doubted a storyteller’s talent and quickly explained, "You know I have worked in the palace as a companion, though I’ve not been great at reading, I’ve encountered many teachers. The retired Grand Tutor taught me that being able to explain matters clearly without pretentiousness is a real skill. I’ve always remembered that, using it to judge who can be employed, and I’ve never been wrong."