My Sister Insisted on Swapping Marriages, and I Became a Marchioness Instead-Chapter 163: Want to Take a Break?

Old Madam Gu believed that the Feng Mansion would not last more than three months. Since she, Brother Cheng, Sister Yu, and others had always been in good health, there was no need to trouble Doctor Liu.

Doctor Liu requested several times, claiming that the bodies of women and children were weak and needed more attention. If they contracted smallpox, it would be too late.

Nanny Rong was somewhat moved but couldn’t persuade Old Madam Gu.

Brother Cheng and Sister Yu knew that this smallpox outbreak was brought by Lady Zhao. They were heavy-hearted and spoke little in the main room. After hearing about this, they quietly asked Xiao Hong if they would be isolated in another courtyard or abandoned if they contracted smallpox.

Although Old Madam Gu repeatedly assured them that as long as they strictly followed Qin Yuan’s instructions, the chances of contracting smallpox were very small, and even if they did contract it, they would not be cast out, the two children remained gloomy and unhappy all day.

Xiao Hong didn’t know how to comfort them and asked someone to send a note to Qin Yuan, requesting her help in comforting them.

At this point, Doctor Liu’s private movements came to Qin Yuan’s attention.

Qin Yuan temporarily halted the accounts check and switched to reviewing the records of the guards’ patrols, only to discover that after Doctor Liu saw the patients, he often did nothing and went to other courtyards, but since each time he went to a different one, he hadn’t attracted attention before.

"Something’s not right with Doctor Liu."

Qin Yuan muttered with Hong Ye and Cui Ming.

Hong Ye said, "He’s an Imperial Physician, how could he behave like this?"

Cui Ming angrily said, "When he came, I had privately marveled at his bravery, but it turns out he’s such a person."

Cui Ming had a very good impression of Doctor Liu, praising him privately several times. Now, upon realizing the increased number of patients in the mansion might be related to him, her attitude changed drastically.

Lately, everyone in the mansion had been strictly following Qin Yuan’s instructions, yet the number of patients did not decrease but increased, causing fear and anxiety. Everyone feared they might be next.

They not only began to slack off but also started gossiping in private, with their attitudes becoming pessimistic.

Qin Yuan frowned, "We cannot wrongly accuse anyone, but we also cannot let those with ulterior motives go."

Hong Ye said, "Then how should we judge?"

Qin Yuan thought for a while. Not many people knew she could practice medicine, and even if she did know medicine, convincing others was not easy, especially since the other party was an Imperial Physician.

"I’ll go talk to the Marquis."

Qin Yuan stood up, leaving Cui Ming to watch over things and only took Hong Ye to the front courtyard.

Gu Jinghui was practicing archery, while Sixth Master Gu sat in a pavilion some distance away, watching his third brother shoot arrows as he recited poetry, accompanied by only a servant.

"Third Sister-in-law, why are you here?" Sixth Master Gu called out when he saw her from afar, standing up.

Qin Yuan smiled, "I have something to discuss with the Marquis. You’ve been working hard studying these days." 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Sixth Master Gu shook his head, "Not hard at all. I go to bed early every day, wake up to follow Third Brother in practicing horse stance, then read a bit."

Qin Yuan said, "If the two nephews at the Imperial College knew their sixth uncle was setting such an example, they’d probably work even harder."

Sixth Master Gu smiled sheepishly.

Gu Jinghui, with his bare torso, pulled the bowstring all the way back, releasing three arrows in a row, each hitting the target dead center. With Qin Yuan’s presence, he exerted great strength, knocking the target to the ground with the last arrow, raising a cloud of dust.

"Look at Third Brother," Sixth Master Gu said with admiration, "isn’t his martial skill impressive? He could probably hit a fly from a hundred meters away."

Qin Yuan couldn’t help but laugh and said to Marquis Gu, "Would you like to take a break, Marquis?"

Gu Jinghui put down the bow, picked up a towel from the rack to wipe the sweat off his body, and asked slowly, "What brings you to see me today, my lady?"

In recent days, Qin Yuan had been busy with account books and managing household affairs, barely interacting with him.

Gu Jinghui had to stay in his own courtyard, studying with his younger brother.

Although the sixth brother read poetry collections, he read "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and the "Spring and Autumn Annals."

The two like-minded brothers felt that their wives were not considerate enough.

Qin Yuan squinted, facing the sun, watching him walk over slowly.

The well-defined muscles of his body, washed by sweat, exuded a heroic aura.

Qin Yuan scolded jokingly, "What are you saying, Marquis? Isn’t there a major event in the mansion these days? Once this busy period is over, it will be better."

Gu Jinghui responded noncommittally with a soft "hm."

He didn’t believe her.

The gaze Qin Yuan had when counting accounts was much more affectionate than the one she gave him.

He understood well that his young wife certainly held him in her heart, but household duties came before him.

But those words need not be said in front of the little brother.

Gu Jinghui said, "It’s hot and sunny outside, why don’t you wait inside? I’ll just rinse off my sweat and be right over."

Qin Yuan nodded and turned to go inside.

Gu Jinghui said to Sixth Master Gu, who was looking at him eagerly, "Study hard, I’m looking forward to your masterpiece astonishing the Book Sea Pavilion once you open your own household."

Sixth Master Gu bowed his head.

Gu Jinghui’s lips twitched with a hint of a smile as he turned to wash up.

Sixth Master Gu muttered quietly, "As if he doesn’t have a wife either, hmph."

The nearby servant, sensing an opportunity, quickly said, "Sixth Master, would you like me to call Aunt Zheng over to sing a tune? You’ve been tired these days, do you want a break?"

Sixth Master Gu was annoyed, "Didn’t Third Sister-in-law say not to visit other courtyards often? If it wasn’t important, even she wouldn’t come to see Third Brother. What need do I have to listen to a tune?"

He took the book and started reading again.

His third brother and third sister-in-law held such high expectations for him; he couldn’t let the Book Sea Pavilion laugh at him.

In the future, he was determined to publish a poetry collection of his own, every piece a classic.

Qin Yuan entered Gu Jinghui’s study and found the room to be simply furnished.

A few garments were casually draped over the antique shelf, and two books were on the table: one "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and the other "Spring and Autumn," both bearing signs of having been read.

The bookshelf leaning against the wall was crammed with books. Qin Yuan casually flipped through a few volumes, confirming that, as Marquis Gu had mentioned, they were all military texts and miscellanies, along with storybooks like "The Three Heroes and Five Gallants."

She walked over to the table and sat down, casually picking up a sheet of written paper to look at. It turned out to be a copied memorial, stained with ink, with Marquis Gu’s handwriting bold and distinct, just like the man himself.

"My handwriting isn’t very good, please pardon me."

Gu Jinghui came in, seeing the paper in Qin Yuan’s hand, he quickly spoke up.

He had changed into a short coat, with hair tied up high, appearing more untamed. Qin Yuan had never seen him dressed like this and couldn’t help but take another look, saying, "Husband’s handwriting is vigorous, it just needs more practice."

Gu Jinghui walked over, "Indeed, after going to the battlefield, I’ve had little opportunity to write. These past years, I’ve somewhat neglected it."

After discussing the handwriting, they ought to discuss the main issue.

Upon hearing Qin Yuan mention Doctor Liu’s inappropriate behavior, Gu Jinghui frowned, "No wonder the number of patients hasn’t decreased. I’ve been a bit suspicious as well. But Doctor Liu volunteered to come to the mansion in times of crisis, earning a good reputation. Since the mansion doesn’t have its own doctor or household doctor, there’s no one to point out his misconduct. This makes it difficult. What does my lady think?"