Compared to Lin's mother in her previous life, Old Madam Gu was the best mother-in-law imaginable.
Qin Yuan smiled affectionately and said, "Yuan'er spent the morning tidying up her dowry and was planning to take over Wutong Garden in the afternoon, but the Marquis is not here. Yuan'er also had nothing to do, so she came to talk to her mother."
She was beautiful and had a soft, sweet voice. Just one word, "Mother," was enough to soften Old Madam Gu's heart.
Madam Gu had given birth to four sons in a row, and she was quite fond of her little darling. Otherwise, she wouldn't have doted on the seventh young lady born to Concubine Wen.
Qiuju smiled, knowing that the new lady of the house had caught the old lady's eye.
Sure enough, Old Madam Gu pulled her to sit beside her and said, "Then I'll chat with you. You've only just arrived at the Marquis's mansion and you're completely clueless. You don't even know which way the door faces."
In her previous life, Qin Yuan went from being the wife of a minor official to the wife of a prime minister. She had seen and experienced everything. She was witty and worldly-wise, and soon she made Old Madam Gu smile from ear to ear, feeling that they were on the same wavelength.
If it weren't for the difference in age and seniority, Old Madam Gu would very likely have become sworn sisters with Qin Yuan on the spot.
A moment later, Rong Momo came in.
Madam Gu said, "You old fool, where did you go just now? I was just saying I wanted to show Yuan'er the fans I had collected, where did you put them?"
Rong Momo responded and returned a moment later, saying, "Old Madam, go and see if it's those few items. There are too many things; this old servant is a bit confused."
Qin Yuan understood that Rong Momo had something to say to Old Madam Gu.
Madam Gu sent someone to call back the maid who had taken the dog out for a walk, so that Qin Yuan could wait and have a good look at the poodle.
Qin Yuan agreed.
Madam Gu then followed Rong Mama to the side room.
When Madam Gu returned, her gaze towards Qin Yuan held a touch of pity.
"Yuan'er, you're going back to your parents' home tomorrow. Have you decided what to wear and what to carry?"
Qin Yuan noticed the changes in Old Madam Gu and knew that her mother-in-law wanted to make amends because the Marquis had neglected her. She smiled and said, "Just wear the clothes I made at my parents' home when you go back to your parents' home. There's no need to be too ostentatious."
Madam Gu felt even more pity and said, "How can that be?"
Qin Yuan asked helplessly, "Does that mean I have to dress very formally? I'm young and I'm afraid I might act inappropriately. Mother, please make the decision for me. I will listen to you and will never disgrace the Marquis's mansion."
Madam Gu smiled and looked Qin Yuan up and down, then clapped her hands and said, "You are a lucky child. Years ago, I received a set of long gowns and wedding robes, but because I was getting old, I had nowhere to wear them, so I kept them. It turns out they were prepared for you."
Rong Momo came in carrying a tray with several fans on it. Upon hearing this, she said, "This old servant was thinking it was a pity. I didn't expect it was prepared for Madam. It turns out that this is fate. Madam's skin is fair and smooth, so it's just right."
Madam Gu smiled broadly.
Qiuju chimed in, "This is the destined mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship between the old lady and the lady."
Madam Gu said happily, "Go and get it quickly, so that Yuan'er can try it on."
Qin Yuan blushed, making her appear even more obedient.
The clothes were brought over, and Qin Yuan was pushed around to change.
Rong Momo whispered, "Madam is truly favored by the Old Madam."
If it's just to compensate the wife, adding a little more to the homecoming gift would be enough.
Madam Gu nodded and said, "Yuan'er is a well-behaved child. Every word she says touches my heart. She is an illegitimate daughter in her maternal family and was forced into a marriage. After entering the manor, she was neglected by the Marquis. If I don't cherish her, who will?"
Rong Momo sighed, "The Marquis is brilliant and brave on the battlefield, but he is incredibly muddle-headed when it comes to matters within the inner quarters."
A short while later, Qin Yuan came out wearing new clothes.
The crimson gauze gown, embroidered with intricate patterns in gold thread, accentuated Qin Yuan's fair and clear face, making her even more radiant and beautiful. The dark blue shawl, with its rich and dignified embellishment, further enhanced her delicate and radiant beauty, making Qin Yuan's beauty dazzling and surpassing all others.
Madam Gu couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
"How come this daughter-in-law is so beautiful? Is Brother Hui blind?"
Qin Yuan was a discerning person; this set of clothes was too precious to be found even with money. She wondered how Old Madam Gu had acquired it.
"It's too precious," Qin Yuan said, blushing. "This gauze dress is so light that it feels cool even in the sweltering summer, giving one the feeling of having cool, sweat-free skin. The embroidery is done by a master of Suzhou embroidery, and it is not only beautiful but also creates a picture with every movement. This set should be kept as a family heirloom. How could I bear to wear it back to my parents' home?"
Hearing Qin Yuan's appraisal, Old Madam Gu's face grew brighter and brighter.
Good things should be enjoyed with knowledgeable people.
If someone is ignorant and only knows that something is pretty or expensive, but doesn't know what makes it good or valuable, then they won't appreciate it.
That's like giving a flirtatious look to a blind man.
Madam Gu felt that Qin Yuan suited her tastes even more, and quickly said, "Such a good thing should not be kept in a box and never see the light of day. A woman only has a few good days in her life. If she doesn't have good clothes for the good days, it will always be a regret. Yuan'er, you should wear this for your homecoming."
Qin Yuan had no choice but to accept it.
After talking to her about fans for a while, Old Madam Gu felt she had found a kindred spirit and said to her, "Wutong Garden is where you live. You need to take charge of it as soon as possible. The Dingbei Marquis's mansion has been passed down for generations, and most of the servants are born into the household. They are deeply entrenched. If you are weak, they will bully their master. Later, I will have Rong Mama accompany you to take over Wutong Garden. She can also give those restless servants a warning and not let just any Tom, Dick, or Harry into the courtyard to bark."
Qin Yuan's eyes reddened, and she couldn't help but hug Old Madam Gu and act coquettishly, saying, "Mother, you are so good to me. I feel like you are my own mother."
She said it from the bottom of her heart.
Aunt Chen died young, and her stepmother, Cui, only wanted to suppress her, while her mother-in-law from her previous life was always trying to torment her.
Qin Yuan never expected that she would receive such affection from female elders.
How happy she would be if Madam Gu were her own mother.
Old Madam Gu stiffened for a moment, then gently stroked her head and said lovingly, "Am I not your mother? Silly child."
Qin Yuan smiled through her tears and said, "Yes, you are my mother."
Seeing the beauty with tears in her eyes, Old Madam Gu wanted to protect her even more.
On the way back to Wutong Garden with Qin Yuan, Rong Mama extracted a lot of information from Hongye and Cuiming. She couldn't help but sigh inwardly, thankful that the madam had a good temper; if she had been more temperamental, who knows what kind of mess she would have made.
I wonder what the Marquis is thinking.
Sixth Master is younger than the Marquis, and his children are already studying in the outer dormitory of the Imperial Academy Primary School. The Marquis is almost thirty years old. When will he have a legitimate son?
Rong Momo was determined to help Qin Yuan make sure the fence of Wutong Garden was firmly secured.
Zhao Niangzi sent a servant to barge into the lady's courtyard and shout, managing to get the Marquis to leave. Wutong Garden needs a good overhaul.
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