My Sister Insisted on Swapping Marriages, and I Became a Marchioness Instead-Chapter 113: Follow the Example

Though Brother Qinxian intended to handle matters properly out of regard for his family’s youngest sister, he truly didn’t want to spend time with those who pretentiously admire the arts. Moreover, he needed to find a way to keep his distance from his brother’s wife’s niece.

Qin Si Yuan was somewhat at a loss for words.

Qin Yuan smiled and said, "My cousin is usually at the Imperial College. He specially took a leave today, however, Sixth Brother enjoys forming circles to recite poetry. My cousin and his brother-in-law have arranged a trip to Yu Yuantang, why not join us that day, Sixth Brother?"

"What a coincidence," Sixth Master Gu said happily: "Three Sister-in-law mentioned this, and Ziqi invited me as well. If brother Qinxian joins, we can grow closer."

Qin Si Yuan nodded awkwardly: "...Alright..."

Sixth Master Gu complimented Qin Si Yuan further: "Brother, you may not know, but my mother has a straightforward personality. She gifts good things to those she favors, just like my Third Brother. My mother has an excellent eye; this inkstone and folding fan perfectly match Brother Qinxian’s charm. As the saying goes, a precious sword is gifted to a hero, and beauty to the fair. If my mother were to gift these to someone else, I would find it inappropriate. But for Brother Qinxian, it’s fitting indeed. You should accept a gift from an elder; Brother Qinxian, please do accept it."

Qin Si Yuan was persuaded, unable to refuse any longer lest he appear too rigid.

Old Madam Gu saw him accept it and laughed: "Quickly, have Brother Cheng and Sister Yu come out to meet the guests. These two children managed to recognize a few words and are eager to meet the future Advanced Scholar."

Qin Si Yuan blushed and waved his hands in a fluster: "Old Madam, you mustn’t say that. The younger generation here is merely a scholar."

Sixth Master Gu noticed Qin Si Yuan’s modest sincerity, quite different from those he usually interacted with, and his intentions to foster friendship grew even stronger.

Old Madam Gu chuckled: "Your sister has mentioned that even Lord Sacrificial Officer believes you’re a sure bet; amongst family, there’s no need to be overly modest."

Qin Si Yuan, face still flushed, replied awkwardly, "Old Madam, I sincerely feel it’s inappropriate; a title must be justified to be spoken right, I really cannot accept it."

Old Madam Gu laughed heartily: "Alright, as you wish, scholar."

Qin Si Yuan couldn’t help but shift his position slightly.

Sixth Master Gu commented: "Mother enjoys teasing us, treating us like children."

Qin Si Yuan offered a shy smile, glancing at Qin Yuan, aware the Marquis recognized these adopted siblings, seeing Qin Yuan casually fanning herself with a round fan, he felt eased.

Brother Cheng and Sister Yu, having been taught manners, came out, greeted everyone, and sat off to the side.

Sister Yu remained quiet but curiously watched Qin Si Yuan.

Brother Cheng stealthily assessed the expressions of those present.

Sixth Master Gu mused curiously, "How did Mother teach them? These two have become much more courteous and obedient."

Brother Cheng, ears turning red, glanced quickly at Qin Si Yuan, meeting Qin Yuan’s gaze before awkwardly turning his head away, stiffening his neck to focus on the fruit platter atop the table.

Old Madam Gu expressed with a smile: "They’re simply sensible children who hadn’t been properly guided before. With Lady Zhao unwell, I’ve kept them in the main room, always finding tasks for them to prevent idleness. Look at how well they’ve learned now. As your Third Sister-in-law said, live and learn, there were many Advanced Scholars from the previous dynasty who succeeded in their seventies. You should learn diligently from Young Master Qin, read the wisdom of the sages, not necessarily for fame, but to understand principles and be a good example for your sons."

If children can improve, can’t Sixth Master Gu?

Sixth Master Gu, blushing, glanced at Qin Yuan, replied with a laugh: "Mother, I understand. Back then, I hadn’t encountered someone like Brother Qinxian. Now that I have such a companion to study with, I will work hard and encourage my children to progress upon returning."

Old Madam Gu sighed: "That would be wonderful. The Qin Family fosters a legacy of literature and learning. You all should learn from it properly."

Not particularly wanting to study with Sixth Master Gu, Qin Si Yuan helplessly glanced at Qin Yuan, who smiled faintly: "..."

Just as the conversation continued, a voice from outside, laced with laughter, interrupted, "I heard Third Sister-in-law’s cousin arrived, so I hurried over to recognize our relatives."

Sixth Master Gu frowned.

Old Madam Gu: "..."

The curtain was lifted, and a woman dressed in honey-colored palace attire with a long face entered, followed by a girl clad in a rosy gown.

Qin Si Yuan’s eyelids twitched, recognizing it as Sixth Madam and her niece, quickly lowering his gaze, daring not to look further.

Qin Yuan smiled and said: "Sixth Sister-in-law has arrived, as has Zhenzhen. You’ve come at the right moment; my cousin from the maternal family is here, and the Old Madam is likely to keep us for a meal with good food."

Old Madam Gu, unable to stifle a laugh, remarked: "Every time you come, all you think about is the food. Evidently, you have a greedy nature, but you’re right. Knowing the young master from the cousin’s family was coming, Nanny Rong mentioned preparing a few signature dishes."

Sixth Madam Gu quickly scanned Qin Si Yuan’s figure approvingly, nodding slightly in satisfaction.

Qin Si Yuan arrived at the Gu Family today in clothing that was about seventy to eighty percent new for the summer season, not as refined as Sixth Master Gu’s, but his tall stature, striking appearance, and scholarly aura surpassed.

Qin Yuan also noticed Xu Zhen sneaking glances several times, her face slightly flushed, clearly pleased.

Qin Si Yuan then offered greetings to them.

Sixth Madam Gu remarked with a smile: "No wonder the Old Madam took a liking to them; the Qins are distinguished. With such an excellent young man, with marriage not yet arranged, there will surely be fierce competition in the future."

Sixth Master Gu, displeased, glanced at Sixth Madam.

"The young man is focused on academics, living at the Imperial College, no time to consider such matters. Once an Advanced Scholar, it’s only natural to find a suitable family match."

Xu Zhen bowed her head.

Qin Yuan laughed and said: "These matters will worry my Second Aunt. My cousin is shy; hearing such words may make him restless."

Hearing this, Sixth Master Gu stood up, saying, "Good Brother, let’s go out for a stroll; there’s a lotus pond in the backyard. This is a splendid time for scenery, we can chat over tea. When the meal is prepared, Mother will certainly summon us."

Old Madam Gu said with a laugh: "Good, he has just come to our home, naturally feeling somewhat reserved. You two can talk, and we can chat among the ladies here."

Standing up to excuse himself, Qin Si Yuan followed Sixth Master Gu out, Xu Zhen watched him leave with a sense of reluctance.

Sixth Madam Gu glanced irritably at Sixth Master Gu, then laughed and spoke to Qin Yuan once more: "After learning that Third Sister-in-law brought her cousin here to greet the Old Madam and with Sixth Master also present, I couldn’t resist coming to have a look. Third Sister-in-law may not know, but Sixth Master has long wanted to forge ties with your brother. When Third Sister-in-law’s brother came last time, Sixth Master was quite frustrated for missing the chance to meet him. Young Master Qin is, indeed, outstandingly talented..."

Old Madam Gu promptly interrupted her, laughing: "This child, Sixth Elder, simply has an affinity for scholars. For years, he hasn’t encountered many with true talent and knowledge, continually mingling with those scholars. Without my saying it, those who spend their days by lakesides reciting poetry rarely settle down to study for titles. Once Sixth Elder heard your cousin self-achieved entrance to Imperial College, he couldn’t stop mentioning it, genuinely wishing to connect as the saying goes, mimic what you admire. If Sixth Elder could focus on his studies, I would find peace even if he achieves merely a Scholar."

Suddenly, Brother Cheng inquired: "Godmother, could I join Uncle in studying as well?"