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

Chapter 287: Too Envious to Even Feel Jealous

Cui Ming said, "Good words are difficult to persuade a ghost that deserves death."

Qin Yuan didn’t make a sound and hurried to the front courtyard to welcome Qin Jijiu and the others.

Before reaching the front courtyard, a servant greeted her and said, "Madam, the Marquis has invited the esteemed guests to sit in the front hall."

Qin Yuan then rushed to the front hall.

Before entering, she heard Qin Jijiu’s hearty laughter from afar.

Hong Ye said, "It seems the Master and the Marquis are having a pleasant conversation, so Miss doesn’t need to worry."

Qin Yuan slowed her pace and said, "Father is very satisfied with the Marquis as a son-in-law. Even if the Marquis struggles to find topics to talk about, Father won’t let the conversation go cold, especially with Qin Heng and Cousin Siyuan there."

Cui Ming said, "Indeed, with the young master here, Sixth Master should be present too."

Qin Yuan entered the hall and saw the Qin family had arrived, sitting as guests with the Marquis and Sixth Master.

Everyone wore smiles, and the hall was filled with a lighthearted atmosphere.

Qin Jijiu seemed to be in a teaching mood again, tugging Sixth Master Gu to discuss poetry.

Mrs. Cui sat quietly, her face relaxed.

Qin Heng was busy chatting with Marquis Gu.

Meanwhile, Qin Siyuan silently sipped his tea.

Seeing her arrive, everyone greeted her before resuming their seats.

Since marrying off his daughter, it was the first time Qin Jijiu had seen Qin Yuan.

Though he knew she was doing well in the Marquis Mansion, cherished by Old Madam Gu and the Marquis, hearing about it was one thing, but seeing it with his own eyes was different.

From the moment Qin Yuan entered, Qin Jijiu didn’t take his eyes off her.

Seeing her complexion radiant, movements relaxed and graceful, and her presence noble and dignified, even more striking than at home, he finally relaxed.

A swell of secret pride rose in his heart.

His daughter, beautiful, talented, intelligent, with an excellent disposition, now exuding nobility. Who could resist calling her a dragon among people?

This marriage arrangement was indeed exceptionally good.

"Father, have you been well these days?"

As soon as Qin Yuan sat beside Marquis Gu, she inquired after Qin Jijiu’s well-being.

Qin Jijiu smiled and said, "Quite well, just constantly thinking of you all, a bit worried."

Mrs. Cui chimed in, "Yuan’er, your father has always been a worrier. At the slightest hint of trouble, he talks about it at home, and I’ve heard it so much my ears have callouses."

Qin Heng said, "Indeed, no matter who advises him, saying brother-in-law is capable, that even the Emperor sent an Imperial Physician to the mansion, there won’t be any trouble, he still frets."

Qin Yuan quickly stood up and respectfully bowed to Qin Jijiu and Mrs. Cui, sighing, "As a daughter, I’m unfilial for making father and mother worried."

Gu Jinghui also hurriedly stood up, following her lead in bowing, and said, "As a son-in-law, I’m ashamed for causing father-in-law and mother-in-law worry."

Qin Jijiu promptly helped the two up, saying, "It’s just idle worrying. Even though I knew everything would be fine, I couldn’t help but be a little anxious. After all, it’s smallpox, not something trivial. Once I got your news, knowing all was well, I was at ease."

Qin Heng also said, "I’ve been waiting every day for the Marquis Mansion to open. The last time I visited, brother-in-law wasn’t home, so I’m glad to catch him this time."

Qin Yuan suddenly thought of Sixth Master’s two sons and asked, "Sixth brother, have the two nephews returned?"

"They have, they’ve gone to see Mrs. Xu," Sixth Master Gu replied. "Both of them have been studying at the Imperial College, often troubling Mr. Qin and Brother Siyuan. They’ll be coming by to greet you later."

Qin Yuan said, "They haven’t been back in a while. Now that they’ve seen their mother, they should have a good chat. We are family, and we’ll have frequent interactions in the future, so there’s no need for such meticulous formalities."

She then explained to Mrs. Cui, "Sixth sister-in-law became ill from worrying about the children and needs rest. The children will naturally want to be pampered with their mother."

Mrs. Cui asked in surprise, "Is Sixth Lady Gu ill?"

"Indeed, the Dean from the Imperial Hospital said she needs to recuperate slowly and not exert herself."

Mrs. Cui realized that henceforth, Qin Yuan would be managing the affairs of the Marquis Mansion.

She couldn’t help but think to herself how lucky Qin Yuan was.

Qin Wan kept saying that Qin Yuan would be oppressed by Sixth Lady Gu, disliked by the Marquis, and fall out of favor with Mrs. Zhao, living a lonely and pitiful life.

But in reality?

The one living a flustered life was Qin Wan.

Who is there to blame?

Who told Qin Wan to reject this marriage proposal in the first place?

Even if she regrets it now, it bears no fruit.

Just then, they heard someone speaking loudly outside, "The in-laws have arrived. This old woman got the news late and came late, please do not mind."

Mrs. Cui knew it was Old Madam Gu arriving and felt a shock, her gaze towards Qin Yuan becoming more complicated.

Old Madam Gu held a First Rank title. By rights, they should greet her in her quarters, but Old Madam Gu’s personal visit signaled her respect for the Qin family and valued Qin Yuan highly.

Before the words were even finished, Old Madam Gu, supported by Nanny Rong, entered.

Old Madam Gu was dressed in formal attire for guests, her hair adorned with nine pairs of rank-representing flower hairpins, observing all proprieties.

"The sister-in-law of my in-laws has arrived," Qin Jijiu hurried to greet her.

The Qin family followed suit, greeting Old Madam Gu, who quickly said, "We are all family, there’s no need to be so formal. My rank is for intimidation outside, among ourselves it doesn’t matter."

She continued, "Hui’er, Yuan’er, quickly help everyone to their seats."

Gu Jinghui and Qin Yuan assisted Qin Jijiu and his wife to their seats.

Old Madam Gu took the head seat, and Qin Yuan stood by her side serving.

Old Madam Gu turned towards her and said, "My dear, your family is here, why are you standing alone? Stop worrying about these formalities, I care for you dearly, it’s unnecessary. Sit beside Hui’er."

Then, she laughed and said to Mrs. Cui, "Yuan’er is such a lovely child, both capable and filial. The small kitchen often makes fresh foods to please me, seeing her every day even makes my appetite better."

Mrs. Cui set aside all her mixed thoughts and praised Qin Yuan, "She was already like this at home, and I didn’t expect she would be even better taught under your care. I see she’s even more proper than before."

Old Madam Gu was delighted, "Perhaps Yuan’er and I have a special bond; I can’t help but love her. I’m not purposely praising her to flatter her in front of her mother-in-law, but Hui’er is truly fortunate to marry her."

Gu Jinghui couldn’t help but say, "Mother, in your heart, your son ranks behind your daughter-in-law, but there’s no need to always mention it."

This made everyone burst into laughter.

Mrs. Cui couldn’t even feel jealous.

She, too, had been a daughter-in-law once, though not in service to her mother-in-law for many years, what new bride didn’t have to establish herself before her mother-in-law?

Seeing Qin Yuan so cherished and valued, Mrs. Cui understood that the talents and character of this minor wife were not ordinary, usually just hidden from view.

Qin Wan, truly, was inferior to Qin Yuan in every way.

Qin Jijiu watched with satisfaction, his gaze towards his son-in-law Gu Jinghui growing increasingly admiring.

Qin Yuan, seeing this, knew Marquis Gu’s troubles were just beginning and couldn’t help but reveal a meaningful smile.

Marquis Gu was perplexed.

"Madam, why do you look at me like that? Is there something unclean on my face?"