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

Chapter 385: Three Minds, Short on Strategy

The eldest son murmured, "Even I don’t believe it. There are many families who only have children after several years of marriage. I’ve heard that Wang Tanhua was only conceived when his mother was fifty, and his father did countless good deeds to have him, becoming a great philanthropist in the area. Surely uncle thinks that father says these things just to get him to withdraw the lawsuit."

The younger son sighed, "I really hope uncle would understand sooner, and stop doing things that hurt his relatives more than his enemies. It’s just tens of thousands of taels of silver; why be so particular about it?"

Mr. Xu stamped his foot, "Good son, you hit the nail on the head. He’s currently in the dark, of course, he won’t believe it. It’s better to have your cousin spread the news further."

"What about the lawsuit then?"

Mr. Xu replied, "The lawsuit is not urgent. Let King Jin help us find a legal adviser. This lawsuit isn’t something Dingbei Marquis can win as he pleases."

After discussing, the three of them planned to use the period when Dingbei Marquis Mansion was holding a funeral to quickly spread the news.

...

The coffin of Sixth Lady Gu was moved to the mourning hall, and the mansion had already set up a place for monks and Daoists to perform the rites.

According to rituals, commoners would have a three-day wake, scholars seven days, and officials from fourteen to twenty-one days. However, the Astronomical Bureau calculated forty-nine days. Therefore, Sixth Lady Gu’s coffin was placed following the folk method, with a fourteen-day mourning period, after which it was moved to a side courtyard and kept there until the forty-ninth day for the funeral.

Thus, the Marquis Mansion invited monks and Daoists to perform forty-nine days of rituals.

After the funeral, people who heard the news came to the Marquis Mansion one after another.

Although Sixth Lady Gu only received the title of fifth-rank lady, people from the Eastern Palace, Prince Qi Mansion, King Qin Mansion, King Jin Mansion, Qishan Prince Mansion, Duke An’s Mansion, Duke Zhen’s Mansion, Duke Qin Mansion, and Duke Mu Mansion all came to offer condolences, not to mention the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers and other officials in the court.

Fortunately, with the help of the Gu Family relatives, they managed to handle everything without chaos.

Despite having capable people like Hong Ye and Hong Mian, Qin Yuan was still quite exhausted. The Old Madam, due to her age, only chatted with the Princess Consort and the Duchess, leaving all other social interactions to her.

Receiving and seeing off guests was no small task, not to mention the supervision of the steward and the housekeeper, Qin Yuan couldn’t even worry about Marquis Gu, as she was so busy that she’d fall asleep as soon as she lay down at night.

A few days later, the number of visitors decreased significantly, and only then did Doctor Li come with Xiao Dong to offer condolences, and also check the peaceful pulse for Old Madam Gu and others.

Qiujie came to the front hall to find Qin Yuan, "The Old Madam had her pulse checked and thought the children were still young. They’ve been busy for several days, crying and offering prayers all day long, which may take a toll on their health. She suggested that Madam take the children to have their pulses checked together."

Qin Yuan said, "Very well, I’ll leave a few people here to watch over things."

Mrs. Dai, who came every day to help entertain the female guests, immediately said, "Madam, you may go without worry. There aren’t many visitors at this hour, and even if there are, we’re here to assist."

So, Qin Yuan took several children to the upper room, where Old Madam Gu, Marquis Gu, Sixth Master Gu, and Gu Baoshu were already present.

Xiao Dong came forward, first examining her complexion, then said, "Greetings to Madam, how have you been lately?"

Qin Yuan nodded, "Thank you, Xiao Dong, for your concern. Although I’ve been busy lately, I’m still doing fine."

Doctor Li also glanced at her complexion, then quickly looked away and continued to check Sixth Master Gu’s pulse.

After everyone had greeted each other, Qin Yuan sat next to the Old Madam, while Brother Kang and Brother Fu mingled with Xiao Dong. With their companion, the children’s sorrowful expressions eased considerably, gaining a bit of liveliness.

Seeing them whispering together, Old Madam Gu said, "Yuan’er, it’s fortunate to have you here, otherwise this place would be in chaos."

Qin Yuan washed her hands and took the grapes offered by Qiujie for the Old Madam, responding with her head raised, "Mother, you give me too much credit. This was all handled according to the old customs of the mansion, adjusting as necessary. Were it left to me alone to manage, it would be impossible."

Sixth Master Gu immediately joined in, "Third Sister-in-law is too modest. Mother is right; even though Third Sister-in-law hasn’t managed the household for long, it still requires considerable effort even with precedents to follow."

Though not involved, he wasn’t oblivious.

He had been through his father and several brothers’ funerals and knew well how Qin Yuan managed things.

After speaking, Sixth Master Gu glanced at Gu Jinghui, "Although Third Brother doesn’t express it publicly, he must feel the same way."

Qin Yuan didn’t look at Marquis Gu, nor did Marquis Gu look at Qin Yuan.

Old Madam Gu said, "What old Six says is true. Don’t assume these matters are simple, Old Third. Our family has hundreds of mouths to feed, which isn’t easy to manage. Not to mention other things, just dealing with receiving guests and bidding them farewell requires meticulous attention to incense, tea cups, and offerings, else the whole funeral could lead to significant losses even if no one is embezzling or corrupt, and any slack could become a laughingstock for outsiders."

Sneaking a glance at Qin Yuan, Marquis Gu repressed the bitterness swelling in his heart, saying stiffly, "What mother says is true, I’ve never thought it simple. I’ve seen all the hard work Madam undertook these days, and I will treat her well in the future."

Lowering his eyelids, Sixth Master Gu clenched his fist by his side, trembling all over.

Something was off with Third Brother.

In the past, Third Brother would have looked tenderly at Third Sister-in-law, but now he only spoke these flattering and empty words without any closeness.

Sixth Master Gu’s mind was in turmoil.

Gu Baoshu asked, "Mother, Sixth Sister-in-law didn’t usually interact much, why are so many people coming to mourn?"

Old Madam Gu explained, "You’re too young to understand. Attending weddings and funerals is a matter of human relations. Your Third Brother holds power now; even princes and marquises must show some respect, not to mention others."

Drifting into a slightly somber mood, she added, "Even your brothers, whom you’ve never met, didn’t have such a lively event as your Sixth Sister-in-law’s."

Sixth Master Gu quickly interjected, "Mother, it’s different now."

Old Madam Gu forced a smile, "Yes, things are different now. I’m saying this for your understanding; human relations are as thin as paper. Stick to etiquette so as not to be blinded by frivolous matters, and remember when we fall on hard times, even dogs ignore us, but when we rise, everyone wants to make connections. Stay true to your heart, don’t get arrogant, and know that fleeting success means little; a peaceful end and family’s safety are rare treasures. Always remember to do good deeds and to repay those who’ve supported us."

Everyone responded, "We will remember."

Doctor Li finished checking the pulses one by one, "All your bodies are well, except the young masters and misses being too young, cutting off all meat may be too much for them to endure."

Sixth Master Gu thanked Doctor Li and asked if there were any taboos to follow, to which Doctor Li replied, "Losing a parent at such a young age is a great trial. It’s already commendable if they don’t have nightmares or cry out in the night, so gradually adjust their diet over time, but don’t be too harsh."

As a doctor, he certainly couldn’t suggest that the children continue consuming meat during the mourning period.