Steward Han hurriedly said, "Madam, you are too kind to this old servant. This old servant risked his life to follow the old Marquis to the battlefield, and escaped death several times. I have saved your life and been saved by you. I have received your kindness and trust. The lives of my whole family belong to you. In recent years, I have watched helplessly as the manor suffered misfortune. I was anxious but there was nothing I could do."
Fortunately, the Marquis is incredibly brave and has rendered great service, bringing prosperity back to the Marquis's mansion. The Marquis also cares for us old folks; he is truly kind and benevolent. And with the Madam being so capable, good days are yet to come. If there is anything this old servant can do to help, I will do my utmost.
Qin Yuan was surprised that the usually unapproachable butler Han suddenly became so loyal.
After a long pause, he said, "Steward Han has made great contributions, and the old lady and the Marquis remember them well. With your loyal support for the Marquis's mansion, I don't need to worry too much."
Butler Han was very pleased.
"Don't worry, Madam. We will take care of everything with the Xu family and will not let you worry about anything."
Qin Yuan: "?"
Just as he was about to ask a few more questions, several stewards outside requested an audience, as they had many uncertainties to report regarding the preparation of Madam Gu's coffin and other items.
Seeing that it wasn't the right time to have a detailed conversation, Qin Yuan told Butler Han to go and attend to other matters.
After dealing with the stewards, Qin Yuan hurriedly said to Hongmian, "Go find Cuiming and tell her to quickly have the sewing room prepare funeral clothes and mourning attire..."
Hongmian said, "There are few people in the sewing room, and I'm afraid we can't sew this many in a hurry. The older women in charge should know how to handle emergencies."
Qin Yuan nodded: "You're right. Let them sew a few for the young masters first. As for the others, you can consult with the old steward who used to help Steward Zhang."
Since Butler Han said the previous assistant was usable, she had to give it a try.
Hongmian went off excitedly.
As soon as Hongmian left, Xiaohong, with swollen eyes, came to kowtow.
As soon as Mo Zhu led her in, Xiao Hong sniffled and said in a muffled voice, "Madam, Xiao Hong is going to work at Master Cheng's house today, so I came here to kowtow and say goodbye to my master."
After saying that, he knelt down at the door and kowtowed three times earnestly.
Qin Yuan smiled.
"Why is it just you who came?"
Xiao Hong said, "Since I'm leaving, I don't know when I'll be able to return to the Marquis's mansion or see the Madam again. Of course, I'll have to come and kowtow."
Seeing her pleading expression, Qin Yuan said, "You'll have plenty of opportunities to come back with Young Master Cheng and the others in the future."
Tears welled up in Xiao Hong's eyes. Qin Yuan told her to stand up and talk. Xiao Hong took two steps closer and whispered, "Madam, you must remember to bring me back. I've learned so many words and how to read account books."
Qin Yuan smiled and said, "I keep my word."
Little Red blinked, her eyes brimming with tears, and said, "This servant will do his job well."
Qin Yuan said, "Don't worry, just go there and stay for a while. Learn as much as you can when you have time. Remember to come back and let me know if anything happens."
"good."
Xiao Hong was happy and stayed for a while. Seeing that Qin Yuan was busy and Hong Ye and Cui Ming were not there, she had no choice but to leave, looking back every few steps.
Qin Yuan was so busy that she didn't have a moment to spare until lunchtime. She had just stretched when Gu Jinghui returned with a cold face and asked as soon as he entered, "What are you having for lunch?"
Qin Yuan thought for a moment and said, "How about we eat in the main room?"
Gu Jinghui said, "Alright."
After the family reunion banquet, the twins will move to Gu Jingcheng's place. They can have a meal and chat together there now.
Gu Jinghui was very satisfied with this arrangement, and his expression softened considerably.
Qin Yuan said, "Sister-in-law Cheng came this morning and said that the family had been sending out invitations all night. She also asked us why we were in such a hurry, since the previous agreement was no longer valid. So I told her about Sixth Sister-in-law's matter."
Gu Jinghui said, "Yes, our Marquis's Mansion also sent out invitations overnight last night. Fortunately, they were all comrades-in-arms in the army, and they don't have so many formalities."
Qin Yuan said, "That's good. When you see the two children later, say some kind words. After they go to live with Sister Cheng, it won't be as easy to see them as it is now. They don't have their mother by their side, and they have to settle in a new home. With people around them stirring things up, they will inevitably have more thoughts and concerns."
Gu Jinghui nodded, "As you wish."
The couple went up to the main room, where Rong Mama came out to greet them, saying, "The old lady was talking with Young Master Kang and Young Master Fu in the room, and they have just calmed them down."
Qin Yuan frowned and said, "Well... since Brother Cheng and Sister Yu are leaving, we were thinking of having lunch together and chatting..."
Gu Jinghui and Rong Mama both frowned.
Rong Momo hesitated for a moment before saying, "I'm afraid Sixth Master will also be coming."
At this moment, Master Gu probably wouldn't be happy to see the twins either.
Qin Yuan then said, "Why don't you go to the outer courtyard to have a meal with the two children, and I'll stay here with my mother and nephews?"
A hint of displeasure flashed across Lord Gu's cold face, and he only responded with a muffled "Hmm."
Seeing his displeasure, Qin Yuan quickly said, "Husband, come in with me. Let's talk to Mother for a while before we leave. There's no rush. We can also have Xiu Niang prepare an extra meal, and I'll have the kitchen prepare some dishes that you and the two children like and send them over. Put it all on my tab, okay?"
Rong Momo couldn't help but laugh and said, "So it was the Madam who paid for the Marquis's treat."
A smile flashed in Lord Gu's eyes, and his voice softened: "Alright, why not make more? I'll invite Mr. Songshan to accompany us, so he can take a look at Cheng Ge'er's aptitude."
Qin Yuan knew that Lord Gu wanted to find a good tutor for Cheng Ge'er and had his eye on Mr. Songshan, so she said, "That's fine, but it would be better to wait until they are settled in with Sister-in-law Cheng and stay for a while before talking about studying."
Lord Gu thought for a moment and said, "You're right."
The couple went inside as they were talking.
When Madam Gu saw them arrive, she smiled and said, "You two have long noses; you came as soon as you smelled the aroma, knowing that I was going to make something delicious."
Kang Ge'er and Fu Ge'er, who were sitting on the folding chair with Old Madam Gu, quickly got up and bowed, saying pitifully, "Uncle and Aunt are here too. I wonder if my father is coming."
Qin Yuan smiled and said, "If your father has time, he will definitely come. There are many things to do at home these days..."
Before she could finish speaking, Old Madam Gu said, "No matter how busy you are, you must have a meal. Send someone to call Sixth Brother over here."
Gu Jinghui frowned and said, "Yes, I'll have Sixteen go and call him. No matter how busy he is, he has to be here."
Madam Gu was pleased. "Baozhu said she was going to stay with her nephews and nieces, but she went out early this morning and hasn't come back yet. That crazy girl, never mind. You all stay with me for a meal and have a chat."
Gu Jinghui frowned even more deeply. "Baozhu went out again?"
He wanted to say something, but in the end he didn't. He just sat down and talked to the children. After a while, Sixth Master Gu came and pulled Qin Yuan to recite poems for a while. He then taught Kang Ge'er to write poems and Fu Ge'er to compose couplets. He was very patient and showed the demeanor of a loving father.
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