My Sister Insisted on Swapping Marriages, and I Became a Marchioness Instead-Chapter 83: What Is He Overthinking About?

Qin Yuan did not respond immediately, instead chewing slowly on a pickled cucumber, lost in thought.

Gu Jinghui said, "If it’s difficult, never mind. I’ll think of another way."

He knew Qin Yuan was cautious; otherwise, Qin Yuan would not have politely declined the business proposal involving pepper that Sixth Master Gu mentioned last time. When he asked, he didn’t hold out much hope.

Upon hearing this, Qin Yuan glanced at Gu Jinghui and curiously asked, "What method do you have in mind?"

More or less, it’s about finding someone to speak to, to get into the Imperial College.

Her father held the highest position at the Imperial College. He had been in an acting capacity for several years, with his rank not elevated yet, but everyone knew that after the next Ministry of Personnel evaluation, he would become an official, with his rank rising to the fifth.

Perhaps he will stay in this esteemed position for life.

Though the Sacrificial Officer is poor, he can accumulate prestige in the Pure Stream, paving the way for his descendants.

In the previous life, when Lin Ziqi rose to prominence, her plans played a big role, but her father’s students all over the country were invaluable as well.

The whole Qin Family is extremely cautious at this juncture.

Even her cousin Qin Siyuan got into the Imperial College with the status of a scholar.

Qin Yuan mused, fearing her father would not agree with Marquis Gu.

Gu Jinghui said, "See if the Ministry of Personnel can help, pull a favor, and specially admit Brother Cheng."

Qin Yuan remained noncommittal.

This is about seeking special admission to the Imperial College through favors. Back when military merits were being determined, Marquis Gu couldn’t push his brother-in-law up a few more ranks, as the Ministry of Personnel was strict on verifying military merits.

Now seeking special favors for admission is even more difficult?

Using connections and favors for this is not as meaningful as waiting for Brother Cheng to grow up and securing a good future for him.

But that’s the Marquis’s own decision. Qin Yuan didn’t want to say much, for fear he would think she was against the two Pang Family children, blocking them everywhere.

Yet Gu Jinghui insisted on asking her, "Do you think this isn’t appropriate either?"

Qin Yuan nodded, saying, "Marquis’s action is indeed inappropriate."

"Call me husband, yet you call me Marquis again."

Gu Jinghui discontentedly put some pickled cucumber strips in his mouth, his deep, dark eyes glaring at Qin Yuan’s small mouth, eager to hear what she might say.

Qin Yuan smoothly replied, "Husband’s action is inappropriate. Brother Cheng’s future should be decided by Lady Zhao. At the very least, you should ask whether the child wants to pursue literature or military. If military, he should start training early. If literature, you can’t just toss him into the Imperial College."

"...This..."

Gu Jinghui frowned.

He didn’t want to see Lady Zhao again, hoping never to see her henceforth.

However...

"These are small matters; they can be discussed between Mother and Lady Zhao," seeing his frown, Qin Yuan quickly added. Seeing Gu Jinghui’s brow relax, she continued, "Sixteen is going to meet the Pang Family. He’ll be back in a few days. We’d better wait for them to arrive and then discuss how to arrange things. If Lady Zhao wants to stay in the Capital, husband can then plan well."

Lady Zhao and others might not follow the path Marquis Gu laid out, and if Marquis Gu meddles in everything again, causing trouble, she wouldn’t bother to manage. It’s better to lay everything on the table beforehand.

Qin Yuan continued, "Husband, due to the kindness of the Pang Family, you wish to give the best to Brother Cheng. But Brother Cheng’s father’s rank is insufficient. Even if he enters the Imperial College, it might not benefit him. Why it wouldn’t benefit, let me explain carefully."

Gu Jinghui responded with a "hmm."

"To be admitted to the Imperial College Elementary through special favors, their father’s rank needs to be above fifth grade. Our dynasty generously rewards military merits, but once Brother Cheng enters, the children around him will likely come from families with significantly higher status. He hasn’t had prior foundation classes, putting him behind in studies. I’ve heard Nanny Rong mention that Sixth Master complained several times about his children often being bullied to tears by Brother Cheng, indicating Brother Cheng’s brash nature, quite different from Capital children. Little children are unstable; if he enters the Imperial College and loses interest in studying, what will husband do? Scolding or punishing isn’t something an adoptive father should do; moreover, does Lady Zhao think the same as you?"

These words were very direct and specific.

Gu Jinghui was stunned.

Indeed, as Qin Yuan said, he wanted to compensate the two Pang Family children with the best. However, if this intention didn’t yield a good outcome, it would be better not to have it at all.

He couldn’t help but think of the story of Qing Feng annihilating the entire Cui Zhu clan.

If Lady Zhao comes crying to him for managing Brother Cheng, perhaps they will be entangled for life.

Gu Jinghui felt a chill run down his spine and hoarsely asked, "In your view, what should be done?"

Qin Yuan smiled, "What I suggest may not seem good to husband. But since you asked, I’ll say it; I shouldn’t hide it. For the good of the Pang Family children, husband shouldn’t place them in inappropriate situations, fostering unintended thoughts. If they grow accustomed, believing it’s their due, that would skew their disposition, leaving husband harming them rather than doing good."

"I’ve observed coldly. Lady Zhao pampers the two children excessively. They are only about five years old now, still correctable. If you continue indulging them, once their disposition sets, any future rebuke or blame will be futile."

Gu Jinghui said, "Is this why you let Xiao Hong get familiar with them and speak to them?"

Nanny Rong praised Qin Yuan in front of him, saying she was smart and knew boundaries. Having Xiao Hong get close to the two children and moderate their behaviors was Qin Yuan’s idea, but it was entirely taught by Nanny Rong, with Qin Yuan not interfering at all.

Qin Yuan nodded, "This is just a minor tactic. The guidance from a playmate is one aspect, but the most important is the teachings by example from parents."

The implication being that both Gu Jinghui and Lady Zhao are incompetent.

Gu Jinghui’s face burned with embarrassment.

He cleared his throat and said, "If that’s the case, once the Pang Family arrives, if Lady Zhao stays in the Capital, I will find good teachers for the two children, which might help to some extent."

At this point, Gu Jinghui inexplicably felt a sense of worry.

Previously, he thought simply throwing the children in school and hiring a nanny for Sister Yu would suffice.

With Qin Yuan’s perspective, he realized these aren’t his own children to arrange at will. Can a mother like Lady Zhao nurture Sister Yu well?

Boys could live with a teacher, with less maternal closeness and influence.

If only Qin Yuan would teach Sister Yu.

Gu Jinghui then bitterly smiled.

What nonsense am I thinking?

Qin Yuan said, "Husband, just do your best. I once studied some ’Zhou Yi’ with Father. Though not proficient, I understand that everyone in the world has their destiny. Even if husband arranges everything, you can’t control their fate. Just as no one can plan Marquis’s future."

Gu Jinghui put down his chopsticks, saying, "You’re right. I’ll return to the Great Camp now."

With that, without waiting for Qin Yuan to respond, he swiftly got up, loudly called for a servant, and left the courtyard.

Cui Ming and Hong Ye outside noticed Marquis Gu’s gloomy expression as he briskly lifted the curtain and walked out.

The two exchanged glances, unsure of what happened.