Qin Yuan quickly said, "Let him come in and deliver the message."

Gu Baoshu, cradling her belly, hurriedly picked up her chopsticks pretending to be selecting food, listening closely as the servant respectfully reported through the curtain, "Madam, the Marquis has sent word that travel outside is inconvenient, and all affairs of the mansion are entrusted to Madam, who should handle them at her discretion without concern."

After a while, Qin Yuan asked, "Is that all?"

The servant hesitated for a moment, "That’s...all... usually the Marquis only sends a few words."

Qin Yuan thought about it; connections outside might indeed be inconvenient, plus Marquis Gu wasn’t one for many words.

But how is this any different from before?!

She took a deep breath and instructed, "You may go rest."

"Yes," the servant quickly retreated.

Seeing her frown, Gu Baoshu put down her chopsticks, cleared her throat, and asked, "Third Sister-in-law, since Third Brother said all affairs inside and outside the mansion are up to you, what do you think?"

Qin Yuan slowly replied, "With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching and the Marquis still outside, these matters can’t be delayed. Tomorrow, Mr. Songshan and your Sixth Brother are meeting for discussion; how about you join as well?"

"Discussion? That’s great," Gu Baoshu immediately laughed, "It’s settled then. Third Sister-in-law, you’ve chosen the right person in me; you truly have foresight, even better than my Third Brother."

Today, she accomplished a great deed, but sharing it only with Qin Heng and Qin Yuan was not satisfying enough.

Tomorrow she can tell Mr. Songshan and her Sixth Brother to let them know just how impressive she truly is.

Besides, she’s long wanted to be part of the adults’ discussions.

Sixth Brother, who couldn’t even truss a chicken, could partake; why not her?

Third Brother always finds her too unstable, but Third Sister-in-law understands her.

Qin Yuan chuckled, "Look at you, so excited that you’re scratching your ears and cheeks. If Mr. Songshan sees this, he’ll say you’re not steady. But now you’re a person of wisdom and courage, doing big things."

"Indeed," Gu Baoshu patted her little chest and boldly declared, "I’ve come to understand the essence that appearances can be deceiving, and the sea cannot be measured. If Mr. Songshan judges by looks, he will miss this treasure pearl of mine."

Qin Yuan: "..."

Goodness, given a stick, she climbs right up.

Without a hitch.

Qin Yuan, half annoyed and amused, said, "You better go change your clothes; I won’t keep this treasure pearl here, lest others say it’s placed in darkness. There’s a pile of matters not yet arranged, so I won’t chat idly with you. After changing, go speak with Mother; she’s reluctant about you going to White Crane Academy. Also, your nephews and nieces won’t willingly part with such a wonderful aunt."

Gu Baoshu sighed in distress.

"Being too beloved can be troublesome. Whenever I say I am going far, everyone is reluctant to part with me. But one should have a long-term vision; when feelings endure, it’s not just about every day and night."

Qin Yuan: "..."

Hong Ye came in to tidy the bowls and chopsticks, and couldn’t help but laugh hearing this, "Seventh Miss is now talking in literary style; although I don’t quite understand, I also feel it’s impressive."

Gu Baoshu stood up and stretched, saying, "You really are delightful, no wonder Third Sister-in-law relies on you so; you grew up by her side and received her teachings, naturally different from other maids."

Hong Ye laughed, "Seventh Miss is just being kind. I am not as good as you say, but following Madam, I have learned a bit of skin knowledge."

"Just learning some skin knowledge is already remarkable; if imbibed for over ten or twenty years, it would be incredible," Gu Baoshu sighed, "How nice it would be if I could have you by my side. Speaking of which, Third Brother is reluctant to part with me, so he lets Sixteen accompany me to White Crane Academy. If you could come along too, that would be great."

She then looked at Qin Yuan.

Hong Ye blushed, almost burying her head in her chest.

Qin Yuan laughed, "If I were you, I’d stop while ahead. Saying it every day, what if one day the Marquis regrets it, finds himself inseparable from Sixteen, and asks you to return him? Regret wouldn’t come in time."

Gu Baoshu quickly covered her mouth with both hands and dashed away.

Amid the laughter of the maids.

The next day, after Qin Yuan dealt with routine matters, she sent for Mr. Songshan and Sixth Master Gu for a discussion, while they were busy sorting out information with Gu Shiba.

Gu Shiba received the message and hastened, "Madam asks us to come for discussion."

Seeing the two ignore him, he added, "Wonder what message the Marquis sent Madam yesterday?"

Only then did Mr. Songshan raise his head from the pile of papers, saying, "We’re going, we’re going, stop urging. Whatever message is sent, all this work waits here to be done."

Gu Shiba said, "Let’s go quickly and see what Madam says. The sooner it’s done, the sooner we can return to work."

Upon arriving at the outer hall, they saw Gu Baoshu already seated, leisurely sipping tea.

Gu Shiba widened his eyes, "Why is Seventh Miss here?"

Sixth Master Gu bluntly said, "Treasure Bead, we’re about to discuss serious matters; you should go play elsewhere."

Mr. Songshan frowned, "Does Seventh Miss have something to discuss with the Marchioness?"

Gu Baoshu triumphantly swung her legs, put down the teacup, and smiled, "Mr. Songshan, Sixth Brother, Shiba, I was invited by Third Sister-in-law."

Gu Shiba: "..."

Sixth Master Gu suspiciously examined Gu Baoshu, asking, "Did you cause more mischief?"

Gu Baoshu, now a person of stature, restrained herself and finally said, "I did accomplish something big, and saying it might shock you."

Sixth Master Gu suspiciously looked at her.

Qin Yuan entered, laughing, "Indeed, Seventh Sister accomplished a great deed yesterday and gathered some news that shocked me. She truly is bold yet meticulous."

Mr. Songshan raised his eyebrows and craned his neck, "Oh? Do tell."

Gu Baoshu chuckled, "Actually, it’s nothing much. It’s still due to the good teachings of you and Third Brother... along with my bit of brain work."

This moment was her time for modesty, the tale best left for Third Sister-in-law to recount.

Unable to hold back her laughter, Qin Yuan didn’t prolong the suspense and briefly explained what Gu Baoshu had done, during which Baoshu couldn’t help but add incessantly where the tale seemed less exciting.

Upon hearing, Mr. Songshan stroked his beard in contemplation.

Sixth Master Gu laughed, "I never thought Xu Tang was just a sham, with such a prominent reputation outside, revealed by Seventh Sister’s antics. Now, instead of harming others, he hurt himself, and won’t his foot need months of rest?"

Mr. Songshan glanced at him without comment.

Gu Baoshu couldn’t help but exclaim, "Oh my, Sixth Brother, after all I’ve said, is this all you care about? Do you know, the Xu family wanted to leverage Sixth Sister-in-law and Xu Zhen’s matter to curry favor with King Jin, who in turn wanted to use it to please the Crown Prince. Now that plans failed, they schemed against Mr. Qin through my sister-in-law’s brother-in-law."