My Sister Insisted on Swapping Marriages, and I Became a Marchioness Instead-Chapter 158: Much More Affectionate

With Marquis Gu giving Qin Yuan such recognition, everyone became even more cautious.

Housekeeper Cao immediately said, "What the Marchioness said we will keep in mind and dare not transgress. Please rest assured, Marquis and Marchioness."

Housekeeper Han also said, "The Marchioness’s guidelines are impressive, and we wholeheartedly accept them. We will definitely restrain everyone and weather the crisis with the Marquis Mansion."

Housekeeper Cao laughed and added, "Indeed, indeed, Housekeeper Han said exactly what this old slave wanted to say."

Housekeeper Han: "..."

Gu Jinghui replied with satisfaction, "That’s good, if anyone disobeys, this Marquis will not be lenient."

Qin Yuan smiled and said, "Once the mansion is opened, I will reward diligent people with five taels of silver and those who contribute greatly with fifty taels of silver. If mistakes occur, punishments previously mentioned will be enforced, and monthly stipends may be reduced for two to six months depending on the circumstances."

Everyone was both surprised and delighted, and developed a sense of awe for the newly arrived Marchioness of the Marquis Mansion.

After everyone dispersed, Gu Jinghui held Qin Yuan’s hand and quietly asked, "Were you worried just now?"

Qin Yuan looked up, puzzled, asking, "Worried about what?"

Seeing her calm demeanor, Gu Jinghui said nothing further.

Soon, Qin Yuan understood and laughed, "It’s my first time managing so many things. I was inevitably concerned that the rules I laid out might meet with resistance. If they don’t satisfy everyone and a major issue is delayed, it would betray the Marquis’s trust. Fortunately, everyone, out of respect for the Marquis, didn’t say much. Whether the rules are effective remains to be seen."

Gu Jinghui earnestly replied, "Yuan’er, you’ve done well, don’t underestimate yourself. Mother said your capabilities are exceptional, far surpassing Sixth Brother’s wife. I see you’ve managed the household affairs impeccably these past few days. I can’t help but be a bit greedy and want you to manage the outer courtyard as well."

He paused and added, "After all, the matter of smallpox is of great importance and requires someone to oversee everything. If the inner and outer courtyards are managed separately, it might cause disconnection. Entrusting everything to you, I worried whether you could handle it all, but I hadn’t imagined you’d do so well."

These words made Qin Yuan understand Marquis Gu’s considerations.

Her heart stirred, finding the Marquis more handsome and agreeable by the moment.

Marquis Gu delighting in her beauty didn’t bother Qin Yuan.

After all, she was indeed exceptionally beautiful.

It’s only natural for men to be drawn to beauty.

But Marquis Gu recognizing her talent, entrusting the entire mansion to her and supporting her, definitely made her happy.

What the refined and gentle Lin Ziqi of her previous life never gave her, the martial artist Gu Jinghui has given.

Qin Yuan felt a mixture of emotions, smiling as she said, "If Yuan’er manages well, after the mansion is opened, Marquis, you ought to reward Yuan’er properly."

Gu Jinghui, seeing her charming smile, replied, "Alright, whatever you want, I’ll find a way to get it for you. Even if you buy all the pepper in the capital, don’t worry about losing money. At worst, we can send it to the Northern Border."

Qin Yuan paused and asked, "Could it be Marquis can trade through the Northern Border route?"

"I have guarded the Northern Border for years; relying solely on court provisions wouldn’t unite the soldiers. Naturally, the trade route along the way is familiar. When not at war, we have mutual trade with the small countries along the trade route. These details can be discussed later."

Qin Yuan lowered her eyelids, realizing that Gu Jinghui intended to be completely honest with her.

"Alright," Qin Yuan grasped Gu Jinghui’s hand firmly.

Gu Jinghui’s smile widened, saying, "Then have you thought about what reward you want once the mansion opens?"

Qin Yuan glanced at him affectionately and softly said, "Of course I won’t forget, Marquis just wait and see."

Her attitude toward Gu Jinghui became noticeably warmer, her delicate brows and eyes filled with affection, which suddenly made Gu Jinghui feel as if he was walking on clouds, his legs going weak.

Just then, someone rudely interrupted, Housekeeper Han asked, "Marquis, Marchioness, would you like to personally witness the sealing of the mansion?"

Qin Yuan didn’t speak, but looked at Gu Jinghui.

Gu Jinghui bowed his head and asked her, "Would you like to go together?"

Though it was a question, his tone was full of hope.

His dark eyes were steadily fixed on her.

"Alright."

Although there were other matters to attend to, accompanying him to see the sealing of the mansion gate wouldn’t delay much, Qin Yuan thought.

Hearing this, Gu Jinghui’s upwardly curled lips couldn’t be pressed down, he instructed Housekeeper Han, "We’ll go, you prepare quickly."

Seeing such a Marquis, Housekeeper Han: "..."

Hong Ye and Cui Ming couldn’t help but laugh softly.

Gu Jinghui enthusiastically led Qin Yuan towards the mansion gate. For some reason, holding his young wife’s hand and walking this path made his recently gloomy heart light up again.

Upon reaching the main gate, Housekeeper Han had someone bolt the gate inside, then had Gu Shiliu leap outside to paste the seal. The seal even had the date and hour written on it, proving the mansion gate was sealed today.

Outside, quite a few people had gathered to watch.

But due to the smallpox at the Dingbei Marquis Mansion, everyone dared not approach, standing far off instead.

Once Gu Shiliu finished pasting the seal, he returned the same way.

"Marquis, Marchioness, it’s done."

Housekeeper Han added, "The corner and side doors are sealed similarly, with a small window opened near the side for purchases, only opened at agreed times with merchants, otherwise kept locked daily."

Qin Yuan nodded and said, "Well done."

Marquis Gu responded with a nod.

After the sealing of the mansion, Marquis Gu again took Qin Yuan’s hand to return to Wutong Garden, where the courtyard was already crowded with housekeeper mothers and stewards reporting matters, as always since Qin Yuan started managing both the inner and outer courtyards.

"Be careful not to overwork yourself," Gu Jinghui, a bit concerned, said, "I see your management of the household affairs is well done. If the outer courtyard gets too busy, just instruct Housekeeper Cao and Housekeeper Han to handle tasks. They’ve managed the outer courtyard for years and know how to prioritize without any devious thoughts at this time."

Qin Yuan smiled to reassure him, saying, "It’s okay, after tomorrow, everyone will act according to the protocols, and other matters will be simplified as much as possible. It’s manageable until the mansion opens."

Gu Jinghui was about to say something when Gu Shiliu came looking for him, announcing, "The Emperor has sent someone with a decree, just arrived outside the mansion gate, currently calling for entry."

Qin Yuan frowned.

Why would they come just now, the moment the mansion was sealed?

The intention of delivering a decree now was unknown.

Gu Shiliu asked, "Should we reopen the mansion gate?"

Housekeeper Han couldn’t decide either, prompting him to come ask the Marquis for guidance.

Qin Yuan asked, "Do we know what the decree is about? Does it require only the Marquis to receive it, or does the whole family need to receive it?"

If the whole family must receive the decree, they’d have to dress formally and reopen the mansion gate. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

If only Marquis Gu needed to receive it, it’d be simpler.

Gu Jinghui thought for a moment and said, "Yuan’er, you go back first; I will inquire. I’ll send word if there’s anything."

Qin Yuan nodded.

As soon as the words were spoken, Gu Jinghui and Gu Shiliu swiftly disappeared from view.

Cui Ming exclaimed, "Marquis... Marquis..."

Hong Ye admired, "This is the martial arts Gu Shiliu mentioned, Marquis has practiced martial arts from a young age, truly impressive."