My Sister Insisted on Swapping Marriages, and I Became a Marchioness Instead-Chapter 86: A Hero of Unparalleled Integrity

Qin Heng immediately responded, "Sure."

He liked his elder sister’s husband the most and planned to visit him often. Extending greetings to the Old Madam was part of proper etiquette.

Then, feeling a bit anxious, he added, "Does my attire look too shabby?"

Qin Jijiu had prohibited him from spending too much thought on his clothing. Qin Heng usually wore his student uniform at the Imperial College and dressed plainly and modestly at home. Faced with the opulence of the Marquis Mansion, he couldn’t help but feel slightly inadequate.

Qin Yuan said, "Don’t worry, the Old Madam is very generous and outgoing. She likes young ones with sweet tongues. If you speak sweetly, she’ll surely give you plenty of meeting gifts."

"Am I someone so superficial?"

Qin Heng said unhappily.

Qin Yuan said, "You’re not; I am. Is that alright?"

The two argued a bit, but Qin Heng soon stopped worrying and obediently followed Qin Yuan to the main house, repeatedly exclaiming, "The Marquis Mansion is indeed large and luxurious."

Yet Qin Heng wasn’t entirely without tact, as he refrained from saying things like his second sister should marry into the household.

Qin Yuan simply smiled with pursed lips.

Upon reaching the main house, Qin Yuan brought Qin Heng to stand outside the courtyard. Xiao Hong, beaming joyously, came out with a swing of her braids, cheerfully asking, "Madam, is this the young master from the family?"

"He’s my younger brother, currently studying at the Outer Residence of the Imperial College."

Xiao Hong quickly greeted them and whispered, "The Old Madam is inside amusing Brother Cheng and Sister Yu."

Qin Yuan nodded and asked, "Are you getting along well with them?"

"Quite well. Nanny Rong asked me to tell them some interesting stories. Yesterday, the Marquis came and also spoke about matters concerning the Pang family."

The matters of the Pang family pertained to the children’s father.

Qin Yuan smiled and said, "Good child, it must take some effort on your and Nanny Rong’s part."

Qin Heng followed along quietly, just listening.

Xiao Hong said, "Sister Zihua from Fengxuan Pavilion also comes to visit Nanny Rong every day and talks about Lady Zhao’s affairs. Nanny Rong said once the Marquis finds the Pang family’s relatives, things will be much better."

Qin Yuan acknowledged with an "Hmm."

Considering the time, it seemed that Gu Shiliu would take a while to return.

The Pang family needed to arrange someone to come to the capital, which would require several days of discussion. The person coming wouldn’t be young, and Gu Shiliu wouldn’t just rush along the way; he would need to take breaks.

As they chatted, they arrived at the door of the hall, and the little maids had already lifted the curtains.

Qin Heng kept his head down, hardly daring to look around.

The entire journey through the Marquis Mansion showed its grandeur and magnificence. The maids in the main house all wore satin and silk, and the jewelry in their hair was gold and jade, making them appear even more impressive than daughters of minor officials.

Qin Heng was afraid that his nervousness would inadvertently embarrass his elder sister.

"Has the young master arrived? Please come in, please come in."

The voice of the Old Madam Gu had already called out, and Nanny Rong followed, welcoming them with a huge smile.

Qin Heng paused nervously.

Qin Yuan laughed and said, "My brother has been buried in books at the Imperial College and rarely meets people. If there are any shortcomings, please forgive him for my sake, mother."

Hearing Qin Yuan affectionately call the Old Madam "mother," Qin Heng was a bit surprised.

Then the Old Madam laughed warmly, "Yuan’er, no need for formality. Your brother is no lesser, clearly knowledgeable and courteous."

Qin Yuan gently nudged Qin Heng.

Qin Heng quickly performed the junior’s etiquette to the Old Madam, who smiled and said, "Stand up, stand up. As relatives, we should visit frequently and not be too formal."

Qin Yuan also paid her respects.

Nanny Rong stepped forward to formally help Qin Heng up. He quickly stood and positioned himself to the side.

The Old Madam said, "Sit down, sit down."

Noticing Brother Cheng and Sister Yu weren’t around, Qin Yuan understood the Old Madam worried they might misbehave in her presence and thus avoided letting Qin Heng see them.

Provably these two children had difficult temperaments.

Qiujie emerged from the inner room with a tray, and the Old Madam invited Qin Yuan and Qin Heng to sit down before speaking, "Qin Jijiu truly has a splendid demeanor. You siblings possess fine features and scholarly aura; this old woman really likes it."

Qiujie promptly presented the meeting gifts.

Qin Heng was taken aback; as his elder sister had said, the Old Madam was generous and outgoing. The tray contained a pair of gold ingots symbolizing academic honor, a near hundred-tael mutton fat jade pendant, and a bulging pocket, though its contents were unknown.

"This, this..."

Qin Heng dared not accept it and hastily declined.

The Old Madam, smiling kindly, said, "What does this count as? Your sister often takes good things from me. Seeing the young master makes me incredibly fond; do make sure to visit often and bond with Hui’er."

Feeling at a loss, Qin Heng glanced at Qin Yuan.

Seeing Qin Yuan nod, he accepted them without further refusal, repeatedly expressing his thanks.

Qin Yuan said, "Mother, my brother has come seeking the Marquis to ride horses. Previously, the Marquis visited my family and took him horseback riding, which left quite an impression on the young one. The moment Imperial College took a break, he promptly came over. But he didn’t expect the Marquis to have gone to the Great Camp."

"Ha-ha," the Old Madam laughed, "Everyone in the Marquis Mansion, young and old, men and women, knows how to ride horses. Right now, you’re unfamiliar with us, but once you are, anyone could teach you."

She then asked Nanny Rong, "Is Sixth Elder at home? If he is, have him join us."

Turning back to Qin Heng, she continued, "Your Sixth Brother is the only one in our family who enjoys reading. When he was young, he wasn’t in good health and couldn’t continue his studies after finishing elementary at the Imperial College, spending his days with scholars. Just yesterday, he spoke to me, saying he frequently associates with your second sister’s husband Lin Junren, even planning to form a poetry society together. When he arrives, have a nice meal together before you return; it’d be great if he could take you horseback riding too."

Qin Yuan, hearing this, couldn’t help but raise her eyebrows.

As she’d predicted, Marquis Gu’s inquiry to Cui Ming the previous night stemmed from this.

Knowing it was Marquis Gu’s brother, Qin Heng felt inclined to make acquaintances and quickly responded with a smile, "I hope I won’t disturb Sixth Brother."

The Old Madam had always favored good-looking people, and seeing Qin Heng’s handsome appearance and elegant speech, coupled with his connection as Qin Yuan’s brother, she couldn’t help but favor him and chatted a bit more.

Qin Yuan humorously chimed in on the side, eliciting more laughter from the Old Madam, who said to Qin Heng, "Your sister sure knows how to win hearts, making this old woman like her immensely. The Marquis also said he’s found a wonderful wife. When you return, reassure your kin that I will take care of her, and she won’t suffer any grievance."

Qin Yuan quickly replied, "I am living very well at the Marquis Mansion. Though he is young and not eloquent, he understands it all."

Qin Heng nodded and said, "Elder Sister looks radiant, clearly living well at the Marquis Mansion. Previously, my brother-in-law came to my house for a drink and assured he’d treat Elder Sister well, putting our minds at ease. My father said my brother-in-law is a man of his word, renowned as a hero, and surely won’t deceive us."

The Old Madam guffawed upon hearing this.

Qin Heng, not understanding why they laughed, joined in with a few chuckles.

After a while, a young maid sought Nanny Rong, who leaned in to whisper to the Old Madam. With some regret, she said, "Your Sixth Brother’s injury hasn’t fully healed, making it inconvenient for him to meet you today. However, we’re family, and there will be many chances to meet in the future."

Qin Yuan internally chuckled.

Sixth Master Gu’s face scar hadn’t healed completely, leaving him too embarrassed to face guests, all thanks to the severity of Sixth Madam’s scratches.

The siblings had a meal with the Old Madam before taking their leave.

Qin Yuan escorted Qin Heng to the second gate before returning, reminding him repeatedly before parting, "Don’t forget to ask Cousin Siyuan to come. I have an important matter for his assistance, make sure to convey this message."