Mrs. Dai is a spiritual person, and she said, "You’re right, now that both the master and I are getting older, the sooner I conceive, the better. With the nanny and the teachers watching over them, I’m much relieved."

After returning to her own residence, she pondered over these words repeatedly, grasping their meaning, and sent the old servant to the Military Department to summon her husband to talk.

Gu Jingcheng took a break and came back, asking his wife, "What’s the big matter? Could it not wait until I finish my duty?"

Mrs. Dai ordered the windows and doors to be tightly shut, and sent the maids and nannies out to guard the door before saying, "By the time you’re off duty, I’m already asleep. I’ve barely seen you this month; there’s something I want to ask you, to see what it means."

So she told him what Qin Yuan had said.

Gu Jingcheng said, "Listening to Madam’s words, it seems things aren’t peaceful lately, and it’s related to the two children. If that’s the case, why hasn’t the Marquis mentioned anything?"

Mrs. Dai said, "I noticed how Madam’s attitude towards the two children is... Didn’t the Marquis also want to use them to bait Mrs. Zhao before?"

Gu Jingcheng sighed.

It’s still better to have our own child.

Judging by the days, although he wasn’t consistent with his medicine, Mrs. Dai had been taking hers regularly for some time.

With no one around, Gu Jingcheng said, "Since I’ve returned already, there’s no rush for this moment. I haven’t been close to you these days; I’m getting worked up."

With that, he tried to get intimate with Mrs. Dai.

Mrs. Dai pushed him away twice, saying, "Shameless old man, doing this in broad daylight."

Gu Jingcheng coaxed with a grin, "You sent everyone out and closed the windows and doors so tightly; everyone will probably think you called me back for precisely this, so why bear a reputation for nothing?"

The two engaged in shameless antics. Afterward, Gu Jingcheng held onto his wife without getting up and rested for a while, then said, "If this time we manage to have a son, our remaining years will be hopeful. As for raising other people’s children, we don’t need to worry; it’s just about helping out the Marquis Mansion. We rely on the Marquis Mansion, if anything happens, they would help us. Just afraid something sudden arises from these two children, hard to avoid; be vigilant at home and take care of yourself."

Mrs. Dai suddenly understood and said, "That’s right, Madam probably means the same thing, but without any evidence, she’s afraid I’ll inadvertently reveal something and alert the snake."

She glanced at Gu Jingcheng and said no more.

From now on, more people should be arranged to be cautious.

...

Wutong Garden.

After returning from the main residence, Qin Yuan took paper and brush, bent over the desk to write and draw. Cui Ming and Hong Ye understood she wanted quiet, so they ground the ink, filled the teapot, and retreated to guard the corridor.

Because the arrangements for the Mid-Autumn Festival were unchanged and had been ordered in advance, they weren’t as busy as before.

Hong Ye whispered to Cui Ming, "What did you say the Marquis and Sixth Master went to the ancestral hall for in the middle of last night?"

Cui Ming thought for a moment and asked, "When we were at Jiujie Mansion, when did the master and madam go to the ancestral hall?"

Hong Ye said, "During holidays or when there’s something significant to report to the ancestors."

After a pause, she laughed, "Young Master Heng goes more frequently."

Qin Heng was indeed punished to kneel in the ancestral hall by Qin Jijiu numerous times.

Cui Ming said, "Perhaps the Marquis and Sixth Master reported something significant to the ancestors? The Marquis hasn’t been home much recently, often coming and going in a hurry."

Hearing this, Hong Ye sighed.

Cui Ming’s eyes twinkled with realization that she was thinking of Gu Shiliu again, but was too shy to mention it.

"I haven’t seen Sixteen for days; probably the Marquis has him running around. If he gets some free time, he would surely visit Wutong Garden, wouldn’t he?"

Hong Ye bashfully said, "Right..."

Just then, a nanny approached and reported, "Gu Shiliu’s parents are at the door, saying they want to pay respects to the masters. The Marquis is absent, and Sixth Master doesn’t handle this; what should we do? Could you trouble Miss Hong Ye to go inside and inform Madam, to see if she wishes to see them?"

Hong Ye froze at these words.

Cui Ming couldn’t help but burst into laughter, saying, "Alright then, let me handle this, you stay here for a bit, I’ll go in and report to Madam."

Hong Ye’s face turned bright red, feeling a bit lost.

Cui Ming walked inside a few steps, then turned back to look at Hong Ye with a smile, "Will you greet them here, or come with me to report to Madam?" 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

The nanny didn’t know what they were up to but smiled, saying, "If Madam wants to see them, I’ll just pass the word for them to come directly inside; why trouble Miss Hong Ye to greet them?"

Hong Ye’s face turned even redder.

Cui Ming laughed even more heartily.

Hong Ye thought it over; although going inside might be embarrassing, it’s better than standing outside awkwardly. So she stomped her foot and said, "Don’t let me catch a chance to laugh at you."

Cui Ming was indifferent, "Just wait for it."

The two teased each other into the inner room before falling silent. Cui Ming then asked, "Gu Shiliu’s parents came to pay respects to the masters. The Marquis is absent, so they found their way to Wutong Garden. Miss, do you want to see them?"

Qin Yuan put down the Hu Bi Brush, smiled, looking at Hong Ye standing behind Cui Ming, and asked, "In your opinion, should I see them or not?"

Hong Ye irked, "You all just keep teasing me, leaving me at a loss now."

Qin Yuan raised an eyebrow with a smile, "Oh? Aren’t you usually the one with the most ideas?"

Hong Ye said, "I don’t even know what this is now? If I just see them, perhaps Gu Shiliu hasn’t even mentioned me at home yet. If I don’t see them, when it comes to explaining later, what do we do?"

The good matter turned difficult because of Hong Mian’s meddling.

Hong Ye spoke more and more aggrieved, her eyes reddened.

Seeing this, Qin Yuan didn’t tease her anymore, seriously said, "Since you don’t know, I’ll decide for you. They’ve come to pay respects, likely about discussing Sixteen’s marriage, and probably want to meet in person."

With a red face, Hong Ye asked, "Should I stay here or avoid them?"

Qin Yuan replied, "Why don’t you go change clothes first? If I call for you, then come in."

Hong Ye now had a plan and immediately said, "I’ll go then."

Qin Yuan nodded, and then Cui Ming went out to inform the nanny to invite the guests inside.

Not long after, Gu Shiliu’s parents arrived.

Seeing that their clothing was tidy and their manners polite, not appearing unfit for the occasion, Qin Yuan was already somewhat satisfied. After they paid their respects, she ordered the little maid to bring small stools for them to sit.

The couple courteously declined for a moment and then sat down angled.

Qin Yuan said, "It’s kind of you to keep us in your thoughts, we’re truly grateful. Sixteen has been sent by the Marquis for tasks lately, I haven’t seen much of him. It’s tiring for him, but it’s because the Marquis values him. Even the Marquis himself is busy and hasn’t been home in days. If you have matters at home or any difficulties, just let me know."