Chapter 577: Chapter 577: Birds of a Feather

"Madam, Shen Changle requests an audience," said the maid outside, interrupting Qin Yuan’s thoughts, to which Qin Yuan replied, "Let him in." 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Shen Changle’s plump figure no longer exuded its usual aura of peace and happiness, and he said cautiously, "Madam, yesterday I discussed a plan with a few shopkeepers, please advise."

Qin Yuan ordered someone to bring a small stool for him, served tea, and asked someone to call for Cui Ming before saying, "Now that Cui Ming is here, go ahead and speak. Even if it’s of no use, three of us together can match one Zhuge Liang."

Only then did Shen Changle slightly relax.

He gathered everyone for discussion, and although they hadn’t found an idea as good as the Nine-Turn Lotus Lamp, it was satisfactory enough.

After all, those shopkeepers wanted to make a big profit during the festival, exploring everywhere and gaining some insights. Furthermore, Shen Changle knew well the value of a good idea, declaring to everyone that whoever’s idea was selected would receive ten silver ingots, motivating the staff to come up with ideas.

Shen Changle thought, even if they couldn’t use it this time, they could slightly adapt it for future use.

Indeed, after listening, Cui Ming said, "These ideas are quite good, but still..."

Shen Changle remained silent, waiting for Qin Yuan to speak.

Qin Yuan thought for a moment, and said, "In theory, coming up with these methods is good, but we need to compete with the Book Sea Pavilion now. The Marquis wants to take the lead; their Nine-Turn Lotus Lamp is ready, so we must think of another strategy."

Shen Changle nodded, waiting for Qin Yuan to continue.

After all, these were things he already knew.

Qin Yuan continued, "I have an idea, but it’s a bit complicated..."

Cui Ming hurriedly said, "What does it matter if it’s complicated? As long as we can win, we’ll work hard no matter how complicated it is."

Shen Changle: "..."

He was the one who had to do the work, after all.

Qin Yuan didn’t continue, but instead asked him, "Have there been any news from the Xu family and King Jin recently?"

Shen Changle replied, "Xu Tang left the palace yesterday to play football, somehow broke his leg. I think he’s not willing to suffer this loss, but he doesn’t know the opponent’s details, and is now looking for people to take revenge."

Qin Yuan smiled slightly.

Cui Ming sneered, "If only he were as diligent in looking for his cousin."

Xu Zhen went missing, and the Xu family only made trouble at the Marquis Mansion, not really putting much effort in privately.

Shen Changle laughed, "Xu Tang is now devoted to serving King Jin, naturally caring more about his own career prospects."

Qin Yuan asked, "Has he done anything concerning my cousin?"

Shen Changle thought for a moment and said, "Now that his leg is broken, perhaps he can’t be bothered."

Qin Yuan shook her head, "Having a broken leg means he can’t enter the palace, doesn’t that mean he has more time? Prince, King Jin, and the Marquis Mansion are on bad terms over the Capital Inspection. Xu Tang originally planned to cause trouble for my cousin to earn merit, and now the Xu family has withdrawn their lawsuit and negotiated with Sixth Master, offering pepper as dowry silver and promising not to use Miss Xu’s disappearance to entangle the Marquis Mansion. Xu Tang is probably eager to show loyalty."

Shen Changle was surprised, "I will find someone to keep a close watch on Xu Tang."

Qin Yuan nodded, "You don’t know yet, but Mr. Songshan is planning to establish Feiyun Pavilion. You have more information from being active in the market. Wouldn’t it be great if you could help Mr. Songshan?"

Shen Changle was somewhat confused, and asked, "Madam, what about the pepper and poetry collection?"

He was quite reluctant to let go, but he also realized that working with Mr. Songshan could offer many benefits.

Qin Yuan replied, "The more capable you are, the more work you get. Naturally, it’s still your job to manage it. If you’re too busy, just promote one or two clever people to assist you."

Shen Changle was secretly pleased and quickly agreed.

Qin Yuan continued, "I’ve thought about it; we probably can’t settle peacefully with the Crown Prince and King Jin now. Since the Marquis wants to vent for Sixth Master, we must be diligent."

Shen Changle immediately patted his chest, "Madam, just give your orders. I will do my utmost without any mistake."

Seeing his enthusiastic promise, Qin Yuan smiled, "Then let’s discuss. Let us three ordinary men put our heads together like Zhuge Liang."

...

Gu Baoshu rode out of the Marquis Mansion alone, heading straight to the Jiujie Mansion. Arriving at the back door, she looked around, then stood on her horse, climbed onto the courtyard wall, and peered inside.

Seeing no one around, she jumped in and dashed straight towards Qin Heng’s small courtyard.

"Brother Heng, are you still alive?"

At that moment, inside the house, Qin Heng was frowning over his calligraphy. His mother had been keeping a close watch on him lately; he couldn’t leave the house easily and had to read and practice calligraphy daily. His days were as boring as a monk’s.

However, while monks recite "Amitabha Buddha," he was reading the Four Books and Five Classics.

Mrs. Cui would always say, "No matter what, you are the son of Lord Sacrificial Officer. Not learning well is one thing, but not learning at all is another. Even if you can’t grasp the Four Books and Five Classics, you should at least be able to recite them by heart. Even if you fail the imperial exams, you should at least have good handwriting. Look at Sixth Master Gu; he couldn’t read or write initially, but now he can compose poems and paintings. Your family has donated an official position for you, so you should socialize outside. Stop causing trouble. Your eldest sister and brother-in-law are there to handle your cousin’s matters, not you."

Qin Jijiu had taken leave for him from the Imperial College, and he no longer visited Shen Changle.

Imprisoned in the courtyard each day and feeling extremely bored, when he heard the familiar voice outside, he instantly came alive, stuck his head out from the window, and whispered, "Come in quickly, I’ll truly die if you don’t, my lady."

The two people who loved meddling in others’ affairs came together, determined to meddle in Qin Siyuan’s affairs.

As the saying goes, when you see injustice, draw your sword to help.

As for whether Qin Siyuan would appreciate it, that was not a concern for these brave and righteous heroes.

The days went by quickly, and soon it was the day of Madam You’s birthday banquet at the Duke Zhen’s Mansion. Qin Yuan woke up early to dress up and then went to the main room.

Old Madam Gu had already changed her clothes, and after the ladies-in-law had breakfast, they waited for Gu Baoshu before heading to the Duke Zhen’s Mansion.

Gu Baoshu insisted on sharing a carriage with her third sister-in-law, to which Old Madam Gu said, "Don’t you have your carriage? Your third sister-in-law needs to bring several maids when she goes out, and you’ll feel cramped sharing it."

This was Qin Yuan’s first time going out as a guest, so she naturally couldn’t afford to lose in appearance.

Not only was she dressed with utmost elegance, but apart from the maids, nannies, and little maids carrying belongings, she also took four personal maids with her.

Gu Baoshu also had a group of nannies and maids following her, leaving no room in the carriage.

Hearing this, Gu Baoshu had to get on her carriage. Upon arriving at the side gate of the Duke Zhen’s Mansion, a servant came to guide them. Once the carriage stopped, Gu Baoshu didn’t wait for the maids’ help and immediately lifted her skirt and jumped off the carriage.

When Old Madam Gu saw this, her eye twitched.

Then she looked at Qin Yuan, who gracefully alighted the carriage with the aid of Hehua’s hand. A gentle breeze stirred her skirt, causing the emerald feathers by her temples to quiver, which, even in an indifferent gaze, was captivating.