Chapter 190: So Efficient Today
On the way, Qin Yuan suddenly remembered that there was something she hadn’t told Marquis Gu.
She didn’t know what was wrong with him, being so unruly from time to time.
It made her uncomfortable too, delaying important matters.
Qin Yuan irritably tugged at the edge of the round fan, wishing she could give that annoying guy a good beating to vent her frustration.
Upon returning to Wutong Garden, the housekeeper and stewards came, as usual, to report and receive supplies.
Qin Yuan didn’t give it much thought.
These matters were all sorted out in regulations, and they just needed to follow the instructions.
After all was handled, Gu Shiliu came by again, smiling as he handed a box to Qin Yuan, saying, "Madam, the Marquis asked me to deliver this, saying you shouldn’t always wear the servant’s clothes. These are clothes the Marquis used to wear. If you think they fit, you should wear these. The fabric is also better."
Before Hong Ye took over handling Gu Jinghui’s clothes, it was Gu Shiliu who managed them.
It wasn’t easy for him to dig out all those old clothes.
Qin Yuan was momentarily stunned and said, "Alright, just leave them here."
Gu Shiliu walked outside the window.
Qin Yuan called him back again, instructing, "If the Marquis wants something specific for lunch, just let someone pass the message to Hong Ye or Cui Ming."
Gu Shiliu smiled and agreed.
Only then did Qin Yuan open the box to inspect it. Inside were several Songjiang cloth shirts that Gu Jinghui had worn. She casually picked one up and tried it on in front of the mirror, finding it not too long.
Hong Ye exclaimed, "Who knows how many years ago the Marquis wore these clothes."
Gu Jinghui was so tall that he likely surpassed Qin Yuan at just a teenage age. These clothes must be at least a decade old.
Cui Ming also came over for a closer look, saying, "They don’t seem to have been worn much and were well preserved."
Qin Yuan examined the stitching and found a small lion and the character "Hui" subtly embroidered at the edges, which touched her heart. She said, "This must be the handiwork of someone with genuine intentions."
As someone with experience, she understood what was on a woman’s mind when making clothes for someone she loves.
She pulled out another garment, finding it the same.
Qin Yuan frowned, contemplating whether it was a former personal maid serving Marquis Gu.
But Marquis Gu said that he didn’t use a maid’s service after he grew older.
He was surrounded by servants and often did many things himself.
Then who could this person be?
Qin Yuan searched through a few more garments, finding only one different, and had the little maid use medicinal incense on it before changing into it to see Doctor Li.
Hong Ye quietly asked Cui Ming, "Should we ask Gu Shiliu about this?"
Cui Ming replied, "Gu Shiliu probably doesn’t know. Maybe the Marquis himself isn’t even concerned about this matter."
"Why do you think so?"
"If Gu Shiliu knew, would he have chosen the clothes to provoke Miss? If the Marquis cared about this person, the clothes would have been well kept and wouldn’t have been mixed with ordinary clothes, nor would Gu Shiliu have picked them out."
The Marquis’ character has become clearer to them over these recent days; these things surely wouldn’t be something he’d dwell on, leaving it for others to arrange.
Hong Ye nodded, saying, "True, whatever it is, it’s likely an ancient, trivial matter many years past. Even if the young lady minded, it wouldn’t be over something like this."
But looking at the young lady, she didn’t seem indifferent either.
Cui Ming pursed her lips and said, "It’s my fault for not remembering to have the sewing room rush a few men’s garments for the young lady. I’ll go find Mrs. Li, properly sorted, so why wear someone else’s."
Hong Ye chuckled, leaving the matter aside.
By noon, Qin Yuan returned, and Cui Ming had already instructed the sewing room’s nannies to work together to make a garment.
The Songjiang cloth was readily available, and a servant’s clothes didn’t require decoration, just neat seams and appropriate cutting.
During the hot summer in the Capital City, after a wash and being laid out to dry, clothes would dry in less than an hour.
With the meal set on the table, Cui Ming had also ironed the clothes, ready for Qin Yuan to wear after her noon nap.
Hong Ye gave a thumbs-up, saying, "You’re really efficient today."
Cui Ming snorted lightly through her nose without responding.
Gu Jinghui hadn’t arrived yet, and Qin Yuan was sitting by the table, going through the items in the box.
Yesterday, many were inspired by Princess Fuyun and sent various items into the mansion; some were letters, some booklets, and others were medicinal packages.
The Ninth Princess also sent a letter, expressing concern for Marquis Gu’s safety and hoping Marquis Gu, as a pillar of the nation, would prioritize the country and take good care of his health, as Da Xing Dynasty couldn’t afford to lose a god-like general like him.
The admiration was evident.
Qin Yuan smiled.
Marquis Gu indeed had the favor of the Princess.
The Qin Family also sent a letter, written by her father.
Lord Qin Jijiu mentioned they couldn’t sleep well due to worries about them, and Qin Heng was constantly concerned. Lord Sacrificial Officer hoped they would live well, and if they needed any help, the Qin Family would offer their support.
He also reminded Marquis Gu at the end of the letter that he must not forget about reading. While there’s free time, it’s a good opportunity to read more books.
Qin Yuan placed the letter aside.
Her father’s old habit had resurfaced, but this was also due to Marquis Gu’s intentional alignment.
Whenever he saw someone eager to learn, Lord Sacrificial Officer wouldn’t miss reminding them to study diligently.
However, this letter didn’t mention Qin Wan and Lin Ziqi, which surprised her a bit.
Given her father’s habits, he wouldn’t have overlooked that.
Nonetheless, Qin Yuan didn’t bother about their matters, not paying much attention.
Other letters were from families interacting with the Dingbei Marquis Mansion, mostly expressing concerns and well-wishes.
Some people even sent home remedies and medicinal packets.
Even Marquis Gu’s subordinate deputy general prayed for protection spells in Dazao Temple on his behalf.
The variety was overwhelming and tiring to see.
Qin Yuan finally saw Manager Leng’s letter at the back.
Just as she was about to open it, Gu Jinghui arrived.
"Yuan’er, I’m late. Hasn’t the food gone cold?"
Gu Jinghui looked apologetic.
Qin Yuan said, "It’s alright, it’s too hot in summer to eat much anyway."
Gu Jinghui said, "It’s all Sixth Elder’s fault; he insisted on showing me his new poetry collection. I told him yesterday to check on his sixth sister-in-law and the children. He wandered outside for half the day, coming back quite upset. No idea why."
Qin Yuan raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"
A little maid entered with a bronze basin, inviting the Marquis to cleanse his hands with medicinal water.
Marquis Gu cleaned his hands and said, "The matter you mentioned today, I’ve already instructed someone to send a message to the Northern Border. Maybe within half a year, we’ll have news, or if it’s quick, within three months."
Qin Yuan said, "If there’s news, it would be nice if the Marquis could let me know. I’m curious to see whether my guess is correct."
Marquis Gu took her by the hand to sit, saying, "Of course, I’ll tell you. Quick, eat up, the food’s getting cold."
Qin Yuan picked a few bites, observing Marquis Gu focus on his meal, and said, "The Marquis hasn’t usually been involved with the sixth younger brother’s household affairs, so why this time..."