Qin Yuan originally wanted to blend in with the crowd to greet the emperor discreetly, but the Ninth Princess said loudly, "I was a little disappointed that I didn't get to see the Lady of the Marquis earlier."
After saying this, the Ninth Princess said, "Everyone, please rise."
As everyone took their seats, Qin Yuan stepped forward and said with a smile, "I didn't expect the Ninth Princess to grace us with her presence. I apologize for being late in welcoming her."
The Ninth Princess said with a forced smile, "I've heard that the Lady of the Marquis of Dingbei is now in charge of the entire Marquis of Dingbei's residence. As the saying goes, the capable are always busy, and it's understandable that she might not be able to attend to everything at times."
Before Qin Yuan could speak, Old Madam Gu chimed in with a smile, "That's right. Her sixth sister-in-law used to manage the household, but now that she's ill, she's in charge of all the household affairs. It's pitiful that she's so young; she managed to avoid even the slightest mistake with smallpox. It's truly remarkable. The Marquis is busy all day, and the sixth brother doesn't like administrative duties, so all the affairs of the entire mansion are now in her hands. She's definitely busier than others."
The Gu family members all smiled and flattered, "It's also because of your good fortune, Madam. The Lady of the Marquis is outstanding in both appearance and ability, and she is also dignified and thoughtful in her work."
Qin Yuan lowered her head, feigning shyness.
Old Madam Gu praised her even more, and held Cui's hand, saying, "Mother-in-law, it's strange, but I feel a sense of closeness when I see Yuan'er. It seems that our two families are truly destined to be in-laws."
Madam Cui also felt proud and smiled broadly, saying, "It's good enough that she, a girl from a humble family, doesn't make any mistakes. What's rare is that she has such a good mother-in-law like you. If you ask me, it's her good luck."
The others chimed in, "Yes, yes. What a daughter-in-law fears most is encountering a wicked mother-in-law who makes her follow rules every day and tortures her relentlessly. Our old lady is kind-hearted and wouldn't do such a thing. She's always smiling at the younger generation."
Their husbands were all members of the Gu family and subordinates of the Marquis. They had little contact with the Ninth Princess and could not speak to her. Therefore, they only respected the Ninth Princess and had no intention of flattering her.
The Ninth Princess, left out, looked rather unpleasant.
But Madam Dai continued loudly, "What you say is right and wrong. If you ask me, the Marquis is truly blessed. The old lady chose such a good daughter-in-law. Isn't that a good thing for the Marquis? Everyone knows how much our Marquis loves his wife. He treats her like a precious gem, afraid of breaking her or melting her. His affection is so intense that I blush just watching him. It's a pity that my husband is such a blockhead, completely oblivious. Once we become neighbors with the Marquis's mansion, we'll have to teach that blockhead a lesson from the Marquis."
"Shameless!" several older women mocked Dai.
Dai laughed and said, "Oh my, I don't believe you're not envious."
At this moment, Madam Jin softly interjected, "How can I not be envious? Our General Jin keeps saying at home that the Marquis was like a block of wood before, but ever since he got married, it's as if the Jade Emperor breathed a breath of magic into him and brought him to life. There's just one bad thing, though: he praises and talks about Madam whenever he gets the chance, which makes several of his unmarried colleagues' hearts flutter. They even told me to learn from Madam how to coax my husband when I have time."
"Hahahaha," everyone burst into laughter.
Dai, trying to be friendly, asked, "Did you learn it?"
Madam Jin said, "Hmph, what's there to learn? The moment I saw your appearance and character, I knew it. Who doesn't love a beautiful woman? Our Lord Jin, with his bear-like appearance, is the perfect match for me. He can't think of anything else. Our Marquis has both military achievements and good looks. He and our Madam are a perfect match. How could they not be in love?"
Everyone laughed and agreed.
A young woman standing beside the Ninth Princess was pale, and her eyes occasionally glistened with tears as she looked at Qin Yuan.
Qin Yuan saw this and thought, "..."
He couldn't help but wonder to himself, where did Lord Gu get into this romantic entanglement this time?
She just smiled shyly and didn't respond, looking every bit the shy and timid new bride who was afraid of being mocked. Sure enough, everyone felt more sorry for her and would occasionally throw a few words at her, only to have them steered back to her by others.
Qin Yuan intended to remain seated until the banquet began, but the Ninth Princess was restless. After everyone had finished speaking, she turned to Old Madam Gu and said, "Old Madam Gu, do you recognize this Miss Chang beside me?"
"Miss Chang?"
Madam Gu was somewhat surprised.
Qin Yuan also looked over and realized that the young woman's surname was Chang.
The surroundings quieted down.
The Ninth Princess smiled and said to Miss Chang, "Didn't you say you wanted to see an old friend? Why didn't you dare to speak when you saw Old Madam Gu? Is it because you're feeling timid when you're near home?"
Madam Jin glanced at Madam Dai.
Madam Dai frowned, staring at Miss Chang, her expression somewhat unpleasant.
Rong Madam, the old lady's attendant, had long since turned pale.
Qin Yuan could tell that this Miss Chang was someone of considerable importance. The Chang family and the Gu family should be old friends, but this Miss Chang looked to be only a few years older than herself. She wondered what her relationship with Lord Gu was.
The Ninth Princess and this person were clearly here to cause trouble. The Crown Prince still needs to rely on Marquis Gu, so she is the one being targeted.
Qin Yuan remained calm and watched silently.
Miss Chang took a step forward and bowed in the direction of Old Madam Gu, saying, "Qingling, the youngest daughter of the Chang family, greets Old Madam Gu."
Madam Gu paused for a moment, her smile fading, and asked, "May I ask who Chang Qingyun is to you?"
Chang Qingling smiled sweetly and said, "Reporting to the old lady, it is my elder sister."
Madam Gu sighed, her voice trembling slightly as she recalled something, and said, "Even you have grown so much."
Chang Qingling said, "Yes, my mother told me that the old lady used to hold me when I was little."
"Yes," Madam Gu sighed, "our two families haven't been in touch for many years. Is your father going back to the capital?"
Chang Qingling's voice was desolate as she said, "Perhaps soon. I... I am currently living in the capital, and fortunately, the Ninth Princess has not abandoned me and has taken good care of me."
There's a lot more to this than meets the eye.
Madam Gu frowned slightly.
The Ninth Princess suddenly smiled and said, "I spend most of my time in the palace, and I'm kept very strict by the Empress Dowager. How much can I take care of you? The Gu family and your Chang family are old friends. If you have any inconveniences, you can ask Old Madam Gu for help."
This was a direct and extremely rude retort.
If it were someone else, they would naturally do them a favor.
But Madam Gu remained silent.
Chang Qingling looked rather forlorn and dejected, her appearance pitiful beyond words.
It was so quiet all around that you could hear a pin drop.
Qin Yuan was pondering this when she saw the Ninth Princess raise an eyebrow and throw the conversation back at her, saying, "I forgot that the Marquis's wife is now in charge of all the affairs of the Marquis's mansion, and she is not much older than Miss Chang. If we're talking about taking care of her, we should ask the Marquis's wife. I just don't know what the Marquis's wife thinks?"
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