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

Chapter 304: Gu Baoshu’s Struggle

Sixth Master Gu had some thoughts in his mind.

Now, Mr. Songshan openly voiced them, causing a panic in his heart and he fumbled his response.

"Then... but we can’t have just the three of us, my Third Brother doesn’t like these things, and Seventh Sister doesn’t enjoy studying either."

In the entire Gu Mansion, there were hardly any who read books.

Sixth Master Gu looked at Mr. Songshan with disappointment.

Mr. Songshan said, "Since that’s the case, why not invite the Qin brothers? They’re relatives, so there’s no need to overly avoid them."

Mr. Songshan intended to engage in poetry with Qin Yuan, and with a few words, he intrigued Sixth Master Gu.

Sixth Master Gu hesitated for a moment and said, "Then I must first ask for the opinion of my Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law."

Mr. Songshan laughed, "That should be done promptly. I hear that in a few days the mansion is hosting a banquet, followed by the Qixi Festival. The women will all go out to play on that day, and soon after, I fear we won’t be able to see any fireflies."

Sixth Master Gu quickly said, "I’ll inquire as soon as possible."

Mr. Songshan said, "Very well, I shall await your good news, Sixth Master."

Both had their intentions and quickly reached an agreement.

In the following days, many visitors came, and Gu Jinghui was busy entertaining them. Qin Yuan also found little time, unaware of such plotting between the two.

Two days later, Qin Yuan had everything arranged and invitations sent out. While visiting the main room to greet Old Madam Gu, she said, "Mother, Yuan’er is young and may not consider everything thoroughly. On the day of the banquet, I still need your support."

Old Madam Gu laughed, "My dear, I’m afraid even if I were to handle it, it wouldn’t be as well as you. Just do what you must, and if anyone dares to disobey your orders or cause trouble, let me and Hui’er know, and I’ll make him stand up for you."

Qin Yuan leaned affectionately beside Old Madam Gu and said softly, "How can I compare to you, Mother?"

Old Madam Gu was even happier, embracing her and saying, "Our Dingbei Marquis Mansion has always had a strong reputation. Besides, this time, all invited are relatives and friends, along with those military generals and their families who associate with Hui’er. Just follow the plan you have laid out. With such thoughtful planning, should anything go wrong, the fault will not be yours."

Qin Yuan smiled, "You are truly kind to me, Mother."

Old Madam Gu laughed, "You are the daughter-in-law I painstakingly sought, brought in with an eight-carriage procession as the Marchioness. If I’m not kind to you, then to whom would I be?"

Qin Yuan’s eyes couldn’t help but become warm.

In her past life, Mrs. Lin was harsh towards her, always looking for minor faults.

In this life, she met the ever-supportive Old Madam Gu.

Suppressing her thoughts, Qin Yuan continued, "Mother, I’m not very familiar with the womenfolk, and my Sixth Sister-in-law is ill. I’ll need Seventh Sister to assist with entertaining a bit, and by the date, Seventh Sister should be coming out."

Old Madam Gu nodded, "I remember. Baoshu is quite stifled. Last night, her nanny came and said she’d start paying respects today. She got up late and had her breakfast in her own courtyard. If you’re in a hurry to do your work, I will speak to her."

Qin Yuan laughed, "Then I’ll stay here and chat with you for a while. Haven’t seen Seventh Sister for a long time, I miss her too."

Nanny Rong couldn’t help but laugh.

Gu Baoshu and Qin Yuan did not get along well. The word "miss" was quite intriguing.

Old Madam Gu also thought of this, taking Qin Yuan’s hand, patting it gently, "Baoshu is Old Marquis’s posthumous child, the youngest in the family. Aunt Wen doesn’t care for her, so it’s like I raised her myself. Having raised so many sons, I’ve naturally spoiled her a bit; daughters from military families are generally raised delicately, less concerned with rules, and her indulgence by me has made her even more willful. As her sister-in-law, be more forgiving, and teach her more."

Qin Yuan nodded, "Please rest assured, Mother. The Marquis said the same, worried that Baoshu might not get along with her new family after marriage. But I’m thinking, Baoshu grew up cherished, marrying into a strictly disciplined family might not go well for her. Better be careful when choosing a marriage partner."

Old Madam Gu agreed, "Indeed, with her eldest brothers protecting her, I just hope you can teach her to understand things better. Life is a continuous learning experience. She doesn’t read or sew, but she must at least be sensible, or else marrying out would tarnish the Dingbei Marquis Mansion’s reputation."

Both Old Madam Gu and Marquis Gu intended for Qin Yuan to educate the younger sister-in-law, giving hints often.

Qin Yuan couldn’t refuse, so she said, "Mother, as her sister-in-law, of course, I should teach Seventh Sister. However, I’ve been thinking, Seventh Sister was pushed by Marquis to practice sewing days ago and was punished with confinement, so I didn’t mention my thoughts."

"Then tell me."

"Yuan’er feels that Seventh Sister should learn to manage the household. Perhaps she could start handling some chores and social engagements, showing herself before the ladies, which would be beneficial for marriage prospects."

Old Madam Gu pondered for a moment and said, "Yuan’er is right; might as well start with this banquet, let her learn some social etiquettes following you."

Nanny Rong nodded in agreement, "Actions speak louder than words. Seventh Miss has an arrogant nature; following the lady might indeed correct her."

A slight smile appeared on the corner of Qin Yuan’s lips.

With just a few words, the belated Gu Baoshu was neatly arranged.

"Mother, Third Brother registered me for the embroidery competition at the Qixi Festival, telling me to practice diligently so as not to disgrace the Marquis Mansion. How can I follow Third Sister-in-law to manage the household?"

Gu Baoshu’s heroic eyebrows were furrowed pitifully.

Usually, when she complained like this, Old Madam Gu would soften, but today she was firm and said sternly, "You should first follow your Third Sister-in-law to do some small tasks, and after the Qixi Festival, you can do more."

Gu Baoshu was furious, secretly glaring at the leisurely Qin Yuan.

"Mother, you don’t love Baoshu anymore. Baoshu has been locked in the courtyard by you, learning this laborious embroidery, poking her fingers with countless holes, and you don’t care at all. You’re forcing Baoshu to manage the household. Isn’t one capable Third Sister-in-law enough? Why do you insist I must do it too?"

Qin Yuan merely acted helplessly, without speaking. In Old Madam Gu’s eyes, she was tolerant and forgiving, but in Gu Baoshu’s eyes, it was a pretense.

Old Madam Gu’s face suddenly darkened.

The nanny beside Gu Baoshu anxiously reached out, continually tugging at her.

But Gu Baoshu paid no attention, continuing, "Mother, I was worried about how you were doing these days, how well you ate, and even wanted to give you the best-embroidered handkerchief."

Old Madam Gu, initially keeping a stern face, couldn’t help but laugh, "Save your sweet talk for someone else. I’ll be grateful if you manage to embroider a pair of mandarin ducks. Bring your best handkerchief, let me see if it’s even as good as Sister Yu’s."

Not only Old Madam Gu wanted to see it, but Qin Yuan was also curious about how Gu Baoshu’s embroidery and sewing had progressed.

Gu Baoshu raised her chin proudly and said, "Mother, you truly underestimate me, even comparing me to Sister Yu."

Saying this, she brazenly reached into her pocket, pulled out a handkerchief, and handed it over, "Mother, have a careful look at how my needlework is."