Old Madam Gu hurriedly said, "Mr. Songshan, my daughter-in-law is still very young. Your scholarly discussions must be excellent in poetry. Let her learn a bit more. If she reads something and expresses an idea, if she’s wrong, just laugh it off. If she’s right, just nod. But please refrain from using the term ’guidance’."
Qin Yuan laughed and said, "Mother is absolutely right, how could I possibly be worthy of using the word ’guidance’."
Mr. Songshan quickly responded, "The ancients said: ’Hearing the strings and knowing the elegant meaning’; listening to Madam’s words, one can tell the depth of her accomplishments. Throughout my many years of traveling, I’ve met many talented and intelligent women, each excelling in their own way, and among them are those with remarkable talent in poetry. Yet, the discussion Madam just had is far above those women."
Gu Jinghui’s face brightened even more, and he laughed, "Mr. Songshan, just have someone send the poems over. Even my father-in-law praises my wife’s talent and scholarship, but you know, scholars always love to be humble."
Mr. Songshan chuckled and said, "Marquis Gu’s straightforward and forthright nature suits me very well."
"Really?"
Gu Jinghui raised an eyebrow.
Mr. Songshan earnestly replied, "Of course it’s true. When I first entered the mansion, I was a bit worried that the Marquis, with his high status and power, would be unapproachable. To my surprise, he’s so easygoing and straightforward."
Gu Jinghui waved his hand and said, "That’s perfect. I also enjoy hearing Mr. Songshan’s storytelling. If you’re willing, why not stay in the mansion, chat with me, and expand my knowledge when you have free time."
Mr. Songshan laughed and said, "It’s exactly what I wish."
Both Qin Heng and Qin Siyuan beamed with joy: "..."
They had been working hard all afternoon, only for Marquis Gu to settle the matter with a final word.
Qin Yuan glanced at Gu Jinghui with a smile.
One must say, Marquis Gu is truly fortunate.
Mr. Songshan and Marquis Gu exchanged drinks and soon became slightly drunk. Qin Yuan quickly instructed the servant to help Mr. Songshan back to his courtyard to rest.
Mr. Songshan was still muttering about having Madam critique some poetry.
After the gathering ended, Qin Siyuan and Qin Heng stayed to chat with Sixth Master Gu.
Marquis Gu instructed Gu Shiliu, "If my brother-in-law wants to go horse riding, accompany him for a while."
He then clung to Qin Yuan, heading back to Wutong Garden for a nap.
Having not seen her for one night, he had many things he wanted to tell his young wife.
Hong Ye wandered around the mansion gathering news, while Cui Ming went to the sewing room to supervise. Qin Yuan instructed the maid Mo Zhu to make the bed, assist with washing, and unbind her hair.
After washing, she changed into fresh clothes and climbed onto the canopy bed.
Just then, Marquis Gu stopped Mo Zhu, saying, "No need to bother, why go to such trouble."
Mo Zhu replied, "This is water left over from Madam’s use, it’s already cold. Should I ask someone to bring fresh water?"
Marquis Gu said, "It’s okay."
He didn’t require anyone’s assistance and quickly washed with the water Qin Yuan hadn’t finished using, then also got onto the canopy bed.
Qin Yuan asked, "Husband, do you have any tasks waiting? Can’t spare even a moment?"
Marquis Gu looked at Qin Yuan, his sharp eyebrows slightly curved, with a tiny flame flickering in his dark, bright eyes, giving him a meaningful expression. He said softly, "What am I busy with? Hmm?"
"Stay honest."
Qin Yuan’s face suddenly heated up, warmth spreading to the top of her head.
Feeling like even her hair was hot and burning.
Marquis Gu is really...
Qin Yuan dared not meet his gaze again, turning away and pulling the green gauze quilt up, as if to hide herself completely inside.
Marquis Gu chuckled stiflingly, "Yuan’er, what do you mean by staying honest? Between husband and wife, how honest can one really be? We’ve been married for so long and haven’t consummated the marriage yet..."
Qin Yuan said, "Not today, definitely not today."
"Why not?"
Gu Jinghui dropped his smile instantly, furrowing his brow in disappointment and asked, "Why don’t you want to consummate the marriage?"
Qin Yuan’s voice softly came through.
"With so many things recently, the Measles Goddess hasn’t left yet. We must wait until she’s gone, then fast for three days before we can..."
Marquis Gu’s expression froze: "..."
Seeing his lack of action, Qin Yuan was suspicious and slowly turned to find herself facing his disappointed and reproachful eyes.
"Husband?"
Qin Yuan’s voice unconsciously softened sweetly, her curled lashes trembling gently, as if unsure or wronged.
Marquis Gu collapsed onto the soft embroidered mattress, groaning, "Don’t call me, I’m so mad I might die."
Despite his words, Qin Yuan’s lips slightly curved but quickly settled, hastily saying, "Husband, what’s wrong with you? Why are you angry?"
Marquis Gu exerted slight strength on his sturdy arm, pulling Qin Yuan into his embrace, gently nibbling her delicate white ear. The warm breath made her itch all over, unable to resist curling up.
"Angry? You really know how to play dumb."
Qin Yuan: "Waa waa waa."
Marquis Gu said, "You should quickly send the Measles Goddess away today."