Qin Yuan was speechless.
For some reason, the Ninth Princess always harbored a hidden malice towards her.
All eyes turned to them. Although Cui Shi didn't understand why, she could see the undercurrents within and her eyes showed worry.
Madam Gu's expression became somewhat complicated.
Qin Yuan couldn't tell for a moment whether Old Madam Gu wanted her to agree or refuse.
She said, "As Your Highness knows, I haven't been married into the Marquis's household for long. If it weren't for the help of the stewards and managers, I wouldn't be able to manage. It's also because my sixth sister-in-law is unwell that she has been burdened with this heavy responsibility. As the saying goes, 'When the tiger is away, the monkey will carry the heavy load.' I haven't even sorted out the old acquaintances of the Gu family yet, and I didn't even know that the Chang family and the Marquis's household used to have frequent interactions. I'm so clumsy, please forgive me, Miss Chang. May I ask how long Miss Chang has been in the capital alone? Are you living alone in the old house in the capital or what?"
Her words implied that the Chang family's daughter had inexplicably come with the Ninth Princess uninvited, and she didn't know what she meant by that.
If it is an old friend, one should first send a formal invitation to pay respects.
I have no idea what's going on with all this.
In fact, Qin Yuan had already guessed seven or eight parts of the truth, but she could only pretend to be confused.
The Ninth Princess glared at Qin Yuan with an unfriendly expression, but couldn't say anything. After all, she herself had skipped over Old Madam Gu and thrown the topic at Qin Yuan.
"How cunning," the Ninth Princess cursed inwardly.
If she were to continue to make things difficult for Qin Yuan at this point, she would be making an enemy of the Gu family.
Unless a member of the Gu family comes along and humiliates Qin Yuan.
This person must be either Old Madam Gu or Lord Gu.
No one else has that status or that qualification.
Clearly, Chang Qingling shared the same thought as her. At this moment, she looked at Old Madam Gu with a pair of eyes filled with sorrow and fear, and said in a murmur, "Madam of Dingbei, our Chang family and the Gu family do have some history, but these are all things from more than ten years ago. It's not easy to bring this up. That's why I've been in the capital for a while now, and I haven't dared to send a visiting card to your residence."
Qin Yuan understood that this was also a formidable character.
They only said they didn't dare to come, but why did they dare to come today without any posting?
Madam Gu sighed, "What's so hard about that? The Chang and Gu families were related by marriage before. Your sister and the Marquis were once engaged, but unfortunately, your sister passed away early, and the marriage didn't happen. But at your age, why did you come to the capital alone? Is there some reason for this?"
Chang Qingling: "..."
Qin Yuan never expected that Old Madam Gu would have such a trick up her sleeve.
Chang Qingling looked distressed, as if she had some unspeakable secret.
At this moment, Hongye, who had already received Qin Yuan's instructions, had invited Gu Baozhu and a group of young ladies over.
"Greetings, Ninth Princess."
Everyone first bowed to the Ninth Princess, and then dispersed to sit next to their elders.
Gu Baozhu leaned closer and asked with a smile, "What brings the Ninth Princess here?"
The Ninth Princess said, "I heard that your family is holding a banquet. My brother, the Crown Prince, said that Marquis Dingbei requested to be enfeoffed for the sake of the safety of the capital. Today, I suppose he brought me here to get rid of bad luck and join in the fun."
Gu Baozhu was flattered and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness the Crown Prince and the Ninth Princess."
The Ninth Princess sneered and said, "Just don't blame me for being a busybody."
These words came out of nowhere. Gu Baozhu, unaware of the previous lawsuit, asked, "Why does the Ninth Princess say such a thing?"
The Ninth Princess then recounted the story.
Gu Baozhu was impulsive and quick-tempered, and she liked to talk about her family's affairs in public.
Rumors such as Lord Gu wanting to take Lady Zhao as a concubine, and the twins Lady Zhao brought with her possibly being Lord Gu's children, were mostly spread by Gu Baozhu.
The Ninth Princess thought that Gu Baozhu was going to say a few words in her favor.
Unexpectedly, Gu Baozhu only said, "The Ninth Princess isn't exactly a busybody, she's just a bit kind-hearted," before lowering her head, taking a piece of pastry, and taking a small bite.
I wonder when I'll be able to finish this snack.
Ninth Princess: "..."
Unbeknownst to her, Gu Baozhu was most afraid of offending Qin Yuan. Besides, with Old Madam Gu present at the banquet, Gu Baozhu dared not act recklessly. If she were confined again, she feared that, just as her third brother had said, she wouldn't even be allowed to watch the lantern festival.
Chang Qingling couldn't continue her conversation after being interrupted by Gu Baozhu and the others.
Madam Jin and Madam Dai, among others, had already changed the subject.
After a while, Qin Yuan invited everyone to take their seats, and the seats were arranged according to rank and seniority.
The Ninth Princess sat at the head of the table, accompanied by Old Madam Gu and Madam Cui.
Chang Qingling was called to sit down and talk to Old Madam Gu again.
Gu Baozhu whispered to Qin Yuan, "Mother doesn't like the Chang family, but we still have to put on a show."
Qin Yuan then asked, "What else do you know?"
Gu Baozhu rolled her eyes and muttered, "That's all I know. My third brother was engaged to her eldest sister back then, but her eldest sister died for some reason, and her family also had a mishap. So my third brother went to the northern frontier, and the two families lost contact long ago. Come to think of it, I was still in my mother's womb back then, how could I know much?"
Qin Yuan couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Gu Baozhu hurriedly pleaded, "Third sister-in-law, when you see Third Brother later, you must praise me well. I'm really tired today. I don't know how much effort I put into entertaining them."
“Okay, you should do that from now on,” Qin Yuan whispered.
"...Let's talk about it later..."
Gu Baozhu returned to her seat and went to talk to others.
Qin Yuan greeted the guests for a while, then asked Madam Jin and Madam Dai to keep an eye on things. She then left, wanting to find someone to ask how things were going with Madam Gu.
She had only taken a few steps when Gu Shiba suddenly appeared out of nowhere and asked, "Does Madam have any instructions?"
This surprised Qin Yuan.
Qin Yuan then asked, "Were you placed here by the Marquis?"
Gu Shiba nodded.
Qin Yuan said, "I'm worried about the Sixth Madam. I wonder what the Sixth Master and the Xu family have said."
Gu Shiba said, "The Xu family has already left. Sixth Master has gone to the front to greet the guests. Right now, he's probably discussing poetry with the Grand Master of Ceremonies and painting with Mr. Songshan."
Qin Yuan responded with an "Oh".
Gu Shiba added, "Sixth Master sent out the poetry collection today, all at the Marquis's behest. Sixth Master wasn't entirely willing, but the Chief Minister was very pleased."
Qin Yuan couldn't help but smile.
Those who came today were all subordinates of Lord Gu and members of the Gu family; why would they be interested in poetry?
Gu Shiba added, "His Highness the Crown Prince asked for two books, saying he wanted to take them back and read them carefully at his own pace. He also asked Young Master Qin quite a few questions."
Qin Yuan then asked, "What are the arrangements for Physician Li and Xiao Dong?"
Gu Shiba said, "The Marquis has arranged for the two to take their seats. Xiao Dong and Young Master Qin are playing together, while Physician Li and the Gu family members are at one table."
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