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

Chapter 292: The Three’s Pact

Cui Ming also laughed.

Due to the matter of pepper, both had accumulated much unhappiness for quite some time.

Qin Yuan said, "The account between the Xu family and Sixth Madam... is yet to be settled."

Hong Ye laughed lightly, "It’s just a case of dogs biting each other. Miss, don’t be overly kind-hearted. I haven’t forgotten how smug they were when competing for the pepper, pulling every trick to curry favor with those housekeepers."

Qin Yuan ignored her.

Hong Ye continued, "Young master and little master will come over; should we keep some food for them?"

Looking at the sky, it was still time for the small kitchen to start preparing.

Qin Yuan replied, "No need, they’re out boating on Lotus Pond with Sixth Master today, eating and drinking. No need for them to dine here with me. Just prepare dishes that the Marquis likes."

As the sun set in the west, Qin Siyuan and Qin Heng arrived at Wutong Garden.

Qin Heng asked, "Big sister, why hasn’t brother-in-law returned yet?"

He came to the Marquis Mansion today specifically for Gu Jinghui, wearing a short outfit with tailored sleeves, eager to ride horses with Marquis Gu.

Yet, there had been no such opportunity.

Qin Yuan said, "Your brother-in-law has gone to the Imperial Palace to meet the Emperor; it’s not something that happens at will. The Emperor meets the ministers after court sessions. Officials from the six departments, and many seeking favors or wanting to flatter the Emperor, certainly have matters to discuss."

Qin Heng looked doubtful, "Big sister, you’ve never been to the Palace, never held office; how do you know this? Are you teasing me because I’m young?"

Qin Siyuan couldn’t help but laugh softly.

Qin Yuan replied, "If you don’t believe me, go ask Father."

Qin Heng retorted, "I’ll ask."

Qin Yuan didn’t bother with him and pushed two plates of pastries across the table, "Take your time eating; I have something to discuss with Si Yuan."

Qin Siyuan said, "As your disciple, is there anything Master would like to instruct the pupil?"

Qin Heng’s eyes kept spinning.

Qin Yuan asked, "Did Shen Changle send poetry collections to the Imperial College?"

Qin Siyuan gratefully replied, "Yes, both Ziqi and I received them. The collections are beautifully printed. Even the teaching Doctors asked to see them, wanting to read the works of both masters. I heard from Sixth Master that many of these ideas are yours. I never thought my cousin could be my teacher in all aspects."

This incident made Qin Siyuan quite famous at the Imperial College.

Qin Heng said, "Big sister, now cousin is a renowned figure at the Imperial College; Father walks with pride. People say the nephew and son-in-law of the Lord Sacrificial Officer are exceptionally talented, surely to become Advanced Scholars."

Qin Yuan inquired, "What does Lin Ziqi say?"

Before Qin Siyuan could respond, Qin Heng blurted out, "That’s second brother-in-law! Why ask about him? First brother-in-law is so good, don’t fancy anyone else!"

Qin Yuan became annoyed and turned to scold him, "You, who is already in primary school, why speak and act so impetuously and absurdly? Instead of questioning why I inquire about second brother-in-law, ask Father why second brother-in-law writes me strange, cryptic letters during the Feng Mansion days."

Qin Heng dropped his pastry and jumped up, exclaiming, "What? I knew Lin Ziqi is still scheming after marrying my second sister, yet still covets my big sister. At the Imperial College, he’s constantly inquiring; I ignore him."

Qin Siyuan reprimanded, "Your reckless speech, if overheard, will spread rumors, damaging your sister’s reputation. How will that end?"

Qin Heng sat down, straightened up, glanced at Qin Yuan, and weakly said, "I... I just don’t want big sister to suffer. First brother-in-law is so good; every time Mother and Father talk about it, they say big sister’s marriage is excellent. Second sister’s disputes with Lin Ziqi’s mother, they all say it’s second sister’s ill temper, but also the Lin Family’s fault."

Qin Yuan said, "Don’t mention this matter to your second sister today to prevent her from acting rashly. Father and Mother can’t handle her, and if she resents me, thinking I still have intentions toward Lin Ziqi."

Qin Heng sulkily agreed.

Qin Siyuan said, "Lin Ziqi is a bit displeased, but he said we benefited from Sixth Master. The poetry collections released will positively impact our reputation. However, his manner is quite different than before."

Qin Yuan glanced at Qin Heng, saying, "You must be in the spotlight now, and as the saying goes, the tallest tree catches the wind; be careful."

She implied to be cautious with Lin Ziqi.

Qin Siyuan nodded.

Qin Yuan then changed the topic, saying, "Yesterday, the Marquis invited a storyteller from the theater to narrate Three Kingdoms and Spring and Autumn Annals..."

Upon hearing this, Qin Siyuan couldn’t help but laugh.

Qin Yuan also laughed and continued, "This man is remarkably talented, a hidden sage. If you can manage to gain his favor..."

Qin Siyuan was shocked, "A sage storyteller?"

Qin Yuan nodded.

Qin Siyuan asked, "Did the Marquis specifically invite him knowing his background from the theater?"

Qin Yuan couldn’t suppress her laughter.

"The Marquis stumbled upon him. He wanted someone to narrate stories and relieve my Father. You know Father’s nature; he seizes any chance to ask the Marquis if he’s been reading properly."

Qin Siyuan laughed, "What a stroke of luck! But how did cousin find out?"

Qin Yuan said, "Just a coincidental connection, I heard of his name and features, and that’s how I matched them."

Qin Siyuan joyfully stated, "Then I’ll organize the strategic essays I’ve written recently, find an excuse to seek his guidance."

"I have been troubled about this," Qin Yuan said, "He hides at the theater as a storyteller for perhaps unavoidable reasons. If exposed by me, he might leave in embarrassment. Besides, I’m unaware of his likes and dislikes, unsure of securing him here."

This dilemma puzzled Qin Siyuan as well.

Qin Yuan shrugged, helplessly.

"You need to think of a way yourself."

A suddenly enlightened Qin Heng said, "Father says you’re on par with Zhuge; can’t you devise a plan?"

"Do you have any ideas?"

Qin Heng proudly replied, "These scholars and sages, like Father, thrive on guiding others. Let him narrate, then challenge his views for debate, and gradually, it would naturally happen. I’ve seen Father’s students and disciples often do this."

Qin Yuan, hearing this, laughed, "Not a bad idea indeed."

The three discussed further and planned to meet at the Marquis Mansion the next day to adapt as necessary.

As they were about to leave, Qin Siyuan suddenly asked, "Cousin, what is the name of this hidden sage?"

Qin Yuan smiled, "I hadn’t mentioned, and you didn’t ask."

Qin Siyuan was stunned, saying, "I’m used to just following cousin’s directions, only now did it cross my mind."

Qin Heng’s laugh sounded like a duck, quacking.

Qin Yuan said, "He’s Mr. Songshan; have you heard of him, cousin?"