My Sister Insisted on Swapping Marriages, and I Became a Marchioness Instead-Chapter 112: Clearing Past Humiliation

Qin Yuan seemed unaware, slowly describing to Qin Siyuan the layout of the Marquis Mansion, the benefits of various garden scenes, and finally said: "Brother, do you remember the difference in concept we didn’t finish discussing before? You look at this Marquis Mansion’s layout and think about the Qin Mansion’s layout, what you see is the difference in concept."

Qin Siyuan opened his mouth, but not a single word came out.

The Qin Mansion was narrow and cramped, but all the essentials were complete.

He had sought refuge in the Qin Mansion for several years and rarely left the small courtyard, yet he was well acquainted with the Qin Mansion’s layout.

Comparing it with the garden scene before him at the Marquis Mansion, it was indeed impressive that his younger sister could think of this.

But strangely, that invisible barrier they’d never understood for years seemed like it might collapse.

The two stayed silent until they nearly reached the main room. Qin Yuan then said: "Old Madam is very fond of me and the Marquis. The population in the mansion is simple. Besides Sixth Master and Sixth Madam’s household, there is the unmarried Seventh Miss who was punished by Old Madam for three months for some misdeed, not allowed to leave. The Marquis’s benefactor’s widow also resides here with her child. Additionally..."

Qin Yuan dragged her voice and said: "The inner mansion is managed by Sixth Madam, whose niece recently came to reside in the mansion. Sixth Madam seeks her company with Seventh Miss and wants to take her to social gatherings to find a suitable marriage."

Qin Siyuan was moved, sensing today’s event was related to Sixth Madam’s niece.

"Sister, I’ve noted what you’ve said."

Hearing Qin Yuan’s cousin had arrived, the main room instantly became lively with Nanny Rong, Qiujie, and Xiao Hong all coming out to greet. Nanny Rong asked with a smile: "Is this the cousin young master?"

Qin Yuan said: "Indeed, my cousin said last time he came and went hurriedly without paying respects to Old Madam. This time he must pay respects in the main room before he leaves."

Nanny Rong praised: "Cousin young master is truly handsome and talented."

Qiujie looked Qin Siyuan up and down with her keen eyes and nodded secretly.

This renowned Young Master Qin indeed stood out from the rest.

Xiao Hong exclaimed: "Madam, why are all your family members so good-looking?"

Qin Yuan laughed and asked: "Are the people in the Marquis Mansion not good-looking?"

"Of course, they’re good-looking too, but your family has a scholarly aura, it’s different; Old Madam said so."

Qin Yuan pinched her little cheek, said: "You’ve learned to say scholarly aura, not bad, not bad."

Qin Siyuan bashfully lowered his head, afraid to look around, lest he be judged disrespectful, bringing shame to Qin Yuan.

Entering the main room, he saw Old Madam sitting at the top, dressed elegantly, her hair neatly combed, waiting happily for some time.

"Paying respects to Old Madam."

Qin Yuan introduced her cousin with a smile, saying: "Mother, this is my cousin, named Siyuan. He recently completed his coming-of-age ceremony, hasn’t taken a courtesy name yet. He’s shy and only likes reading. Mother, please don’t critique his manners and frighten him."

"Cousin young master is so talented, I like him too much to critique."

Qin Siyuan saw Old Madam Gu was indeed as Qin Yuan had said: kind. Hearing Qin Yuan naturally calling her mother showed she truly lived well at her in-laws. He immediately relaxed, swiftly paid junior respects to Old Madam Gu, and cheerfully said: "Old Madam, last time I came hastily and couldn’t pay respects. Today, as Old Madam allows, I’ve specially come to pay respects and wish Old Madam longevity and happiness."

Seeing his cultured demeanor, Old Madam Gu already liked him, further impressed by his sincere attitude, appropriate speech, and graceful conduct as a gentle noble, she cherished him even more.

"My unrefined sixth son has been mentioning wanting to meet you for some time, saying as family and scholars, we should genuinely connect. Last time your cousin came, he was too embarrassed to come out after being injured, but this time we must have a good conversation."

Qin Siyuan knew she was speaking of Sixth Master Gu.

He had long admired Sixth Master Gu’s reputation yet had never met him. Though he disliked ostentatious people, as his sister’s brother-in-law, he must courteously navigate the situation. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"Old Madam is too modest. I’ve heard Sixth Master Gu loves reading and poetry. I’d like the opportunity to engage in poetry with him."

Old Madam Gu was delighted to hear this and quickly urged Qiujie and Nanny Rong to bring meeting gifts.

Qin Siyuan, who completed his coming-of-age ceremony, received gifts naturally different from Qin Heng’s. Qiujie offered a tray holding a black lacquered gold-painted folding fan, revealing a silk panel depicting figures on one side, flowers and birds on the other, creating complementary scenes.

The fan’s handle had a pendant the size of a sparrow egg, intricately carved with five winged bats, representing the wish for five blessings.

Qin Siyuan immediately wanted to decline.

Nanny Rong presented a square old green Duan inkstone, engraved all around with bird, beast, and fish patterns, rustic and elegant.

Qin Siyuan’s eyes lit up at the sight.

He could resist the elegant fan but couldn’t refuse this Duan inkstone.

Owning such an inkstone is a true blessing for a scholar.

"...This...this is too precious, I truly can’t accept it."

Qin Siyuan regained composure and repeatedly declined.

Ultimately, he couldn’t resist Old Madam’s words: "A gift from elders must not be declined. Qin and Gu families are united by marriage; you are my junior. It’s best for you to accept the gift. We don’t have many scholars at home; these fine items shouldn’t go to waste."

As they politely pushed the gifts, Sixth Master Gu strolled in, fan in hand, his eyes lighting up upon seeing both Qin Siyuan and Qin Yuan present.

He had dressed meticulously that day in a silver-blue robe, with a dark blue silk sash around his waist, hanging beside a cyan jade pendant, knotted in silver thread, adorned with tiny beads, coupled with his gentle profile, he truly appeared a refined scholar.

Qin Yuan glanced over, and Sixth Master Gu met his sister-in-law’s bright gaze, secretly thinking his face had healed today, ready to redeem himself.

Due to a facial injury, he’d caused a scene at his brother and sister-in-law’s place; the prideful Sixth Master Gu lamented privately after sobering up, feeling ashamed for drunkenly embarrassing himself, and avoided venturing out for days.

Today, hearing his sister-in-law brought her cousin to the main room, Sixth Master Gu hurriedly dressed to make a fresh appearance.

"Sister-in-law, is this Young Master Qin?"

Sixth Master Gu was immensely satisfied with Qin Siyuan’s character and appearance.

He thought, with such a sister-in-law, how could her cousin be anything less?

Such talent, he must find a way to connect.

Qin Siyuan hesitated, quickly coming over to pay respects, realizing Sixth Master Gu was several years older, already married with children, naturally becoming his elder, making Qin Siyuan the younger brother.

Sixth Master Gu said: "We connected at first sight and must frequently interact. Although I’m unworthy, I’ve long hoped to find someone to read together. If you don’t mind, please come often, I have much to learn from you."

Brother Qin Siyuan: "..."