Qin Yuan looked at Madam Gu and asked, "Does Mother value this white sparrow highly?"

Madam Gu was at a loss for words.

If we say we value her, she's just a second-class maid; if we say we don't value her, doesn't that mean we don't value Zhao Niangzi?

For a maidservant valued by the old lady to do such a foolish thing, doesn't that mean the old lady is bad at judging people?

Even the shrewd and worldly-wise Madam Gu was stumped by the question, and could only frown, looking as if she didn't know where to begin.

Qin Yuan added, "Why don't we tell the Marquis about this? Let's see if he thinks it's alright. I really didn't know."

The supervising mothers exchanged glances.

If Qin Yuan hadn't been there, they would have started gossiping about it.

Hongye then said, "This servant will be right back."

Qin Yuan nodded.

Hongye left the hall and went to a side room.

Madam Gu said guiltily, "It turns out I was being nosy; Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law didn't know."

Who would believe that?

The person was standing outside the Wutong Garden. Although Bai Que had chosen to stand there on her own, shouldn't someone have gone in to inform Qin Yuan?

Qin Yuan must have blocked the message.

Madam Gu screamed inwardly as she awaited the Marquis's reply.

She brought so many stewardesses with her today, and there were witnesses present. If Hongye dared not report the truth, Qin Yuan would be in even more embarrassment in the future.

Qin Yuan wouldn't be that stupid.

Now, that sharp-tongued girl's face will be swollen from being slapped.

Unexpectedly, after half a cup of tea, Hongye returned with light steps and said, "The Marquis said not to worry about her. Not everyone who comes from the old lady's side is perceptive. Bai Que has only grown old but not smart. She doesn't understand her master's words, so she should be released."

Madam Gu: "..."

This, this, this.

The head housekeepers stared blankly at Qin Yuan.

This Lady Hou is truly capable.

Just a few days ago, Madam Zhao of Fengxuan Pavilion was a distinguished guest whom no one in the mansion dared to offend.

Even Madam Gu Liu had to be coaxed and respected.

Bai Que was a servant of the old lady, and was betrothed to Zhao Niangzi. Her parents had already declared that no servants in the household needed to propose marriage, as their daughter would be with Zhao Niangzi as her mistress.

Everyone understands what I'm saying.

Qin Yuan nodded and said, "We will do whatever the Marquis instructs. As for Mother, the Marquis will naturally report back to her."

Madam Gu Liu came to her senses, chuckled twice, and said, "Indeed, I was meddling. It turns out that the girl was confused and upset Third Brother."

Qin Yuan shook her head: "No, no."

Madam Gu gripped the handle of the round fan tightly and asked with a smile, "What does Third Sister-in-law mean?"

"She was confused, but she didn't displease the Marquis. The Marquis had no idea that it was her who came."

Madam Gu's face stiffened.

If she hadn't been so talkative, Bai Que would still be happily staying in Fengxuan Pavilion.

unwise.

Wouldn't Bai Que's parents hate her if they found out?!

Madam Gu said sullenly, "Third Sister-in-law, I have other things to do, so I won't bother you any longer. We'll just have to wait for your instructions regarding the pepper."

Qin Yuan nodded and said gratefully, "It's so hot, and you've made such a trip for me. You really have my concerns in mind. How could it be considered a bother?"

Madam Gu, not wanting to remain seated, stood up and said, "We're leaving now."

Qin Yuan escorted the person all the way to the entrance of Wutong Garden before turning back.

Hongye suppressed her laughter until her stomach ached, and said, "Sixth Madam's face is really ugly."

Cui Ming said, "She's really scheming. She brought so many stewardesses with her, and all she said was that she wanted Miss to help them get rich. If Miss helps them make money, the favor will still go to Sixth Madam. If they lose money, it will all be Miss's fault."

Hongye said, "You can't call me Miss anymore, you have to call me Madam, so that I won't be unable to change my ways in front of the Marquis later."

Gu Jinghui's words gave Hongye face, and she began to side with Gu Jinghui.

Qin Yuan chuckled softly.

Hongye is straightforward and quick-witted, but Lord Gu is tolerant of her.

Hongye added, "Her little schemes can't even be hidden from us, let alone the Madam."

Cui Ming said, "She calculates so meticulously step by step, but there are always times when she loses her focus. I'm starting to worry; could there be a problem with that batch of pepper she mentioned?"

Qin Yuan said, "We'll see when the time comes. It shouldn't happen. The Sixth Madam wants me to buy pepper as soon as possible, lest something unexpected happens."

That's exactly what Madam Gu thought.

She hurriedly instructed her personal maid, "Go and urge them to check the quality of the pepper and ask for the bottom price."

Knowing that she was eager for Qin Yuan to suffer a loss, Granny Zhao said, "Why don't we take this opportunity to make a profit?"

Madam Gu shook her head.

"My third sister-in-law may be young, but she is very cautious in her actions. Perhaps she was toughened up by her stepmother at her parents' home. If Pepper has done something wrong, she will definitely notice. If I want to gain her trust, I must show her sincerity."

Granny Zhao then abandoned her plan to tamper with the items.

It's a bit of a pity, but what the master said makes sense.

Madam Gu said, "We need to find a way to get her to buy the pepper as soon as possible and make it a done deal."

Granny Zhao suddenly realized.

"Yes, as long as she buys it, she's destined to lose."

Madam Gu also gathered a lot of information. Having managed the household affairs of the Marquis's mansion for many years, she was well-informed and knew that what Manager Leng said was true.

Qin Yuan's deal was destined to be a loss.

Having repeatedly met with setbacks and witnessing the decline of Fengxuan Pavilion, she became increasingly anxious to set a trap for Qin Yuan.

"It's clear that even auspicious omens aren't always accurate in everyone's dreams."

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