Qin Yuan found it rather strange; this old concubine, Aunt Wen, acted in a manner quite unlike that of a concubine.
But both the old Marquis Gu and his wife indulged him.
"Is Aunt Wen an absolute beauty?"
Lord Gu laughed and said, "Even the late Crown Prince once asked me this question, but I have hardly ever seen her. Even my sixth brother has hardly ever seen her face. Even when she is in the mansion, Aunt Wen wears a veil. She has a graceful figure, and her fragrance wafts with every step she takes. Her voice is also very melodious. She must be a rare beauty."
Qin Yuan found it even stranger.
"How could she endure the austerity of the nunnery? How could she abide by the precepts?"
Lord Gu laughed and said, "The Shuijing Nunnery is not far from the family temple. The abbess receives a lot of money from the Marquis's mansion every year. She has a lot of things, so she should not have a hard life."
At this moment, Qin Yuan had changed into another set of red gold jewelry, which was adorned with scattered agate and jade, resembling a starry sky.
Even Qin Yuan, who had seen many good things in her previous life, couldn't help but marvel at the abundance of Old Madam Gu's collection.
Lord Gu's Adam's apple bobbed a few times before he finally said in a hoarse voice, "Let's leave this set for now. I've been thinking about it, and the jewelry Mother gave us is all excellent. Why don't we keep it for our daughter, Yuan'er? How about I give you a few more sets of jewelry?"
Cui Ming couldn't help but mutter to herself after hearing this.
My daughter is still nowhere to be found.
Qin Yuan then realized what was going on and put on a greedy expression: "Excellent. My husband's inner garment is already embroidered, and he's giving me a set of jewelry. We can exchange gifts."
Lord Gu smiled and stepped forward to pinch Qin Yuan's little face, saying, "You're not at a disadvantage."
Qin Yuan slapped his hand away and scolded, "Show some respect. I haven't even finished my haircut yet."
Lord Gu snorted and went into the washroom to wash up.
Cuiming asked, "The old lady has sent so many sets of jewelry. If we don't choose any of them, will the old lady be unhappy?"
Qin Yuan winked.
"Have her son go and talk to her."
Surprisingly, she was quite curious about what kind of jewelry Lord Gu would give her.
Cui Ming smiled too.
Lord Gu couldn't help but smile in the clean room.
His young wife was always cunning, and this cleverness particularly pleased him.
When he came out, the headdresses on the stage had been put away, Qin Yuan's hair had been combed down, she had changed into her nightgown, and was ready to go to sleep.
Under the lamplight, her satin-like long hair, slender neck, and fair, jade-like skin were all so alluring.
Lord Gu stepped forward, picked her up, and bounced her around, saying, "What have you been busy with these past few days? You're already asleep when I get home every day, and you won't let me hold you. Are you upset that I ate mutton?"
Qin Yuan laughed and dodged his stubble-covered face, saying, "You come back late and then blame others. You ate mutton, so of course you're hot at night, and I can't stand the heat. Besides, how would I know if you were asleep?"
"You're always making excuses."
Lord Gu seemed to be implying something.
Qin Yuan knew he had overheard those words, so she asked, "Are you going to tell Mother or not?"
Lord Gu just looked at her and smiled.
Qin Yuan struggled, "If you don't tell your mother about the trouble you caused, who will?"
"Okay, okay, I'll tell you, but you have to do as I say tonight."
Cui Ming and the others had already left. Qin Yuan's heart was pounding. She cupped Lord Gu's face in her hands and coaxed him softly, "Please rest for now and make trouble for me again when you're better, okay?"
"How can that be?"
Lord Gu was a little annoyed.
Doesn't that mean he's incapable?
When Qin Yuan opened her eyes again, it was already morning, and she almost missed breakfast.
"That bastard, I don't know where he gets his bravado from."
Complaining aside, people still have to get up.
The managers and their mothers are all waiting for a reply.
Hongye came in to serve, saying, "Before the Marquis left, he instructed that the manor now has three stewards and a capable accountant, so it's fine for the lady to take a day off occasionally. Even His Majesty has times when he doesn't attend court."
"You guys are really obedient," Qin Yuan complained, "He said he wouldn't shout, so I didn't?"
Hongye said, "In my opinion, that's enough. We haven't had much free time since we arrived. Now that we have troops and generals, why are we still worrying so much?"
Qin Yuan said, "Alright, I'll do as you say. I'll steal a half-day of leisure. I haven't written any poems in a long time, and I haven't had time to reply to Miss Dong's letter."
Cuiming came in and overheard something, then asked, "Why is Miss Dong writing poetry again?"
Qin Yuan said, "This time it wasn't me who wrote the poem. She started the Firefly Poetry Society in Jinling and other places, and copied the best poems from the women and sent them to me to see if I could print them. She also said that these women were willing to pay for printing and sales."
Cui Ming pondered for a moment and said, "This collection of poems might sell very well in Jinling."
Qin Yuan nodded.
"Why?" Hongye asked, puzzled.
Cui Ming said, "The Imperial Academy has been holding poetry competitions for so long, but the women in the capital have never formed a poetry club. Most of the poets are men. Even our young lady is just using a pseudonym to blend in. But the women in Nanjing are able to form a poetry club. Firstly, it is because Miss Dong is capable, and secondly, the customs in Nanjing are different from those in the capital."
"What does this have to do with the poetry collection selling so well?"
"You forgot that Sixth Master's previous collection of poems was collected by young ladies because of its elegant printing. Shen Chang Le couldn't stop smiling. This collection of poems was written by a woman, so naturally women would love to collect it even more. Moreover, Southern women are exquisite and particular, and their makeup and fashion trends will soon spread to the North. If they admire poetry collections, the whole country will naturally follow suit."
Qin Yuan nodded with a smile.
“You’re absolutely right. I’m afraid Shen Changle hasn’t thought of that yet. Besides, there have never been many collections of women’s poetry, and even fewer good ones. There are probably quite a few men who collect them.”
Cui Ming's eyes lit up, and she said, "I hadn't thought of what you're saying, Miss."
Qin Yuan said, "Then let Shen Chang Le come to discuss this. Cui Ming, you can get involved in this matter. I will also write two poems under the name of Young Master Nantang and include them in the collection to enhance the atmosphere."
Hongye clapped her hands and said, "This is good, this is good! I've heard that many women are inquiring about Young Master Nantang. If we include him, he will definitely sell very well."
Cui Ming hesitated for a moment.
"Well, well, I don't really understand poetry either."
Hongye spat and said, "You always complain that I'm stupid, but today it's your turn. If you have something to say, just tell Miss. Practice makes perfect. Look at Shen Changle, she's quite the expert now."
After a long pause, Cui Ming nodded and said, "Then I'll give it a try. If I don't do it well, please don't blame me, Miss."
Qin Yuan laughed and said, "You're just being too cautious. It would be great if you and Hongye could balance things out."
After having breakfast.
Qin Yuan was chatting casually with Shen Chang Le when Gu Shiliu ran over and said, "The Marquis asked me to find these sets of jewelry in the storeroom for Madam to choose from."
Hongye and Cuiming both gathered around to look.
After they were opened one by one, everyone's expression changed.
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