Chapter 580: Chapter 580: Unable to Read the Room

One sentence hinting that she is indispensable; it shows this maid is quite shrewd.

Cui Ming and Hong Ye also curiously observed, seeing that she was in her twenties, with neat features, slightly high cheekbones, a round face, fair skin, and eyes that squinted slightly when she smiled. Her clothes appeared about seventy percent new, with somewhat mature styles and colors—not eye-catching but also not to be ignored.

Hong Ye guessed that Nanny Rong probably looked like this when she was young.

Cui Ming thought, this person has pledged loyalty before their master, so each branch of the family naturally cannot come and try to win her over. They can only kindly treat her well in front of the Old Madam. Even the little maids encountered along the way were very respectful to her. Clearly, she is someone with much calculation who is deeply trusted by Madam You. Yet, it’s unclear why she chose this path for herself.

The head maid respectfully invited the Gu family into the inner room, where several young daughters-in-law helped Madam You greet them. After some polite conversation, they all sat down as hosts and guests.

Madam You smiled, saying, "Once I heard you arrived, I sent Ru Hua to invite you for a chat. Having stayed cooped up in the Marquis Mansion all these years, no matter how I’ve been invited, I haven’t stepped out. Is it because now you have a good daughter-in-law to show off?"

She then squinted her eyes to closely examine Qin Yuan, "Your daughter-in-law is indeed beautiful; there’s no one in our mansion who can compare."

Qin Yuan just shyly kept her head lowered, allowing everyone to praise and admire her.

Beside her, Madam You laughed, "The Ancestor has taken a liking to the wife of Dingbei Marquis? Too bad it’s too late, because while you were napping, a good daughter-in-law became someone else’s."

Everyone burst into laughter.

Old Madam Gu laughed, "It’s not like the old saying ’Wang Po sells melons, boasting about her own goods.’ This daughter-in-law of mine is indeed well-married, both in appearance and character. But Old Madam, you are too modest. Which of the daughters-in-law and granddaughters in Duke Mansion isn’t excellent? I only have this one to be proud of, yet you still have her in your thoughts, though just thinking is all you can do."

"Good child, come closer, let me have a better look," Madam You was about to give a meeting gift, "Last time, I mistakenly only pondered, and couldn’t meet you."

Qin Yuan stepped forward, held by Madam You who examined her carefully, said many nice words before letting go. She then asked someone to send over the meeting gift and went on to praise some more.

"Your daughter-in-law’s character truly matches with old Third, one civil, one martial, a talented couple. In the future, you are bound to enjoy good fortune."

Old Madam Gu laughed heartily, "Old Sister might not know, I am already enjoying my fortune. Old Third is blessed despite being a straightforward person, always focused on fighting and delayed marrying. I was uncertain what family’s daughter he would marry. Who knew it was destined by fate. My daughter-in-law is very capable, now managing all the household affairs, I don’t have to worry about anything."

As for the deceased Sixth Lady Gu, nobody was tactless enough to mention her at this moment.

Hearing this, the ladies of the You family couldn’t help but feel envious.

For the rights of managing household affairs, the Duke Mansion’s various branches argue both openly and secretly, nearly coming to blows in their minds. They, all women in their forties, diligently serve with their daughters and daughters-in-law every day for future benefits, yet they are not as at ease as this new daughter-in-law of the Dingbei Marquis Mansion.

Of course, Madam You understood the impact of these words on her own daughters-in-law, frowning slightly and sighing: "As the tree grows, branches spread. With many descendants in the family without separating, it’s not as comfortable as it is for a sister like you. My old bones have to endure to preside for them because, after all, there are so many people."

The Dingbei Marquis Mansion became tranquil only after nearly all its people died.

In Duke Zhen’s Mansion, there are many descendants. She even has great-grandchildren attending school, around the same age as those in the Dingbei Marquis Mansion. The direct son of Old Madam Gu is said to be unable to have children, so what’s there to be proud of?

Old Madam Gu’s face stiffened slightly as she forced a smile, "Isn’t that so, trouble doesn’t come in pairs in this world? With many descendants, Old Sister will need to worry more."

Madam You continued, "Your daughter-in-law has a wide and deep figure, seemingly blessed with fertility. Your Sixth Elder will marry again, so you will have much to keep you busy in the future. If Gu Sanlang had not gone to the Northern Border, he would have already had a crowd of children by now. Now that he is back and highly valued by the Emperor, I dare say your good fortune is yet to come."

The eyes of several Madam You’s ladies showed a hint of ridicule.

Injured at the Northern Border, Dingbei Marquis was unable to have children. Marrying a daughter from the Pure Stream family was just leveraging power, intimidating others.

Giving her authority over the household was merely a way to pacify her.

What’s there to be envious of?

In the future, the vast Dingbei Marquis Mansion would probably be inherited by the frivolous son of Gu Lao Liu, leading to inevitable decline.

Qin Yuan sensed the vague disdain and malice but pretended not to notice.

Why bother placing these people in her eyes; the real nuisances were others. She would not vindicate Marquis Gu’s reputation. On the contrary, she planned to take good advantage. It would be best if everyone believed, sympathized with, and supported her.

Old Madam Gu laughed, "Thanks for your auspicious words. Old Third committed himself to serving the country then, vowing not to start a family until Yelv was defeated. I thought I wouldn’t see him establish a family in this lifetime. Unexpectedly, he returned and concluded a good marriage, marrying such an excellent daughter-in-law. It’s no bragging; they both are handsome, and their children would appear as a golden boy and jade girl."

The plain-looking You family: Nothing is more detestable than shallow people who talk about looks. Know that inner talent is what truly matters in people. Beauty fades with time, serving with looks cannot last long.

Old Madam Gu, like Gu Baoshu, was oblivious to others’ expressions and enthusiastically said, "What do we seek in our old age if not for our children and grandchildren? As long as they strive forward, what does it matter if these old bones of ours toil a little more?

The great family and wealth of Duke Zhen’s Mansion, how could they understand my worries? When Old Third was in the Northern Border and didn’t return, Old Sixth mingled aimlessly with those scholars every day. I was worried seeing it. Later, he followed a cousin from his relatives to study, write poems, and paint, finally earning some reputation and even getting recognized by the Emperor.

Never did I expect in this life to see Old Sixth capable of achieving something. He told me that day he wants to study well and write good poems, and I was still wondering if I was dreaming, hahaha..."

The talentless You family: Even Gu’s family sixth, who only parrots scholars, gets to step on us now? Does Qin’s family not have the integrity of Pure Stream, actually supporting the frivolous Gu’s sixth?

Feeling increasingly worse, Madam You shifted uneasily in her seat.

The granddaughter-in-law standing by the door immediately said, "Oh, Ancestor, the maids have come several times to invite us. The guests are all seated. Why don’t we move to the main hall and continue our chat with Old Madam Gu? You two are so friendly, with loads of things to talk about, no way you can finish in one sitting."

"You clever-talking girl, truly eloquent," Madam You quickly picked up the conversation, stood up, and said, "Let’s go, shall we go out and see the guests together?"