As it turns out.

Marquis Gu glanced sideways at Sixth Master Gu, saying with hatred, "No wonder the Xu family began spreading rumors of my illness everywhere after that day."

Qin Yuan restrained herself from laughing.

Sixth Master Gu couldn’t help but let out two awkward laughs: "That’s because he said such infuriating things at the time. I was so angry and only wanted to hit him, but then feared it would anger Third Brother, so I kept quiet. Who knew they would be so despicable!"

Marquis Gu ignored him, tilting his head to ask Qin Yuan, "Are you suggesting not to pressure the Capital Governor Mansion to pursue them?"

Qin Yuan nodded: "Precisely so. On the funeral day, if the Xu family doesn’t cause trouble, it seems as though relations haven’t completely broken down in the eyes of others, which is a thorn for Xu Tang. Mr. Xu wants to play both sides, while Xu Tang is betting with his sister, naturally causing the estrangement between them to grow. In the future, we can manage Xu with Xu and avoid them teaming up to trouble the Marquis Mansion."

Sixth Master Gu widened his eyes, asking: "Then should I continue accusing the Xu family later?"

"Of course you must. Matters like dowry must be clarified, or how will it be explained to the children in the future? Mrs. Xu can’t just disappear without a word. If Xu family members start talking nonsense later, black will turn to white and right will turn to wrong."

Mr. Songshan wished he could shake his new disciple’s head vigorously.

It’s merely good fortune to have been born in the Dingbei Marquis Mansion.

Otherwise, one might be swallowed alive without knowing what’s happening!

Sixth Master Gu looked at Qin Yuan.

Qin Yuan nodded: "Naturally, pursue them as a precaution against future risks. As for the money, we hardly care. The Xu family and King Jin are entangled, and King Jin bears ill will towards the Marquis Mansion. Who knows what might happen during the struggle for the throne later; best to eliminate threats beforehand."

Sixth Master Gu suddenly understood: "You’re saying to wait until after the funeral to accuse them, right?"

"Yes!" Marquis Gu affirmed: "After the funeral, pursue this matter. Your brother-in-law is indecisive, and if we don’t go after him, he’ll surely stay put, observing the situation and not biting on Xu Zhen’s issue. After the funeral, pursue the Capital Governor Mansion to clarify dowry, pepper funds, and so forth in the government records. Also, the fact that Mrs. Xu was aggravated to death by the Xu family cannot be glossed over, lest the children be misled by rumors later. Just remember this; you can’t exert effort elsewhere. Concentrate on poetry and painting, be a good example for the children, and that will help the Marquis Mansion and me."

Having spoken at length, Marquis Gu felt a bit exhausted, picked up his teacup, took a big sip, and put it down heavily.

Fearing Sixth Master Gu might lose face, Qin Yuan quickly added: "If future painting collections sell as well as the Poetry Collection of Traveling in Yuyuantang, that’d be remarkable, and Sixth Brother should be credited. Thanks to Mr. Songshan’s blessing, my little dowry shop might really turn into a large bookstore in Shen Changle’s hands."

Sixth Master Gu happily said: "Understood, that’ll be my course of action then. I’ve long said I could help Third Brother."

Mr. Songshan nodded in agreement: "United brothers can overcome any obstacle."

The latter half of the sentence, adding something about a frog, was swallowed back.

Qin Yuan pondered and then said: "Moreover, most housekeepers followed Nanny Zhao’s involvement in the pepper shares. Now with the Mansion in the middle of things, even if displeased, they can only suppress it. With many matters both inside and outside the Mansion, we must handle them well to stay focused. I think if the Mansion takes care of it, covering for them, as pepper prices rise, they will inevitably feel discomfort. If not managed, grudges might form against the masters. If bait is set, someone might bite. This is related to Sixth Brother’s family matters, so I must bring it up."

Sixth Master Gu’s head immediately started to ache.

"This... this... I’ll listen to Third Brother and Young Master Nantang."

Gu Jinghui glared: "Look at you, needing others to make decisions for everything."

Sixth Master Gu defended himself: "I don’t understand household matters, but by not making rash decisions or causing trouble, isn’t it better? We’re all brothers living in the same Mansion, Third Brother and Sister-in-law are capable, what’s wrong with listening to them?"

"..."

Gu Jinghui was blocked, left speechless.

Qin Yuan, uninterested in meddling in the brothers’ affairs, asked: "Mr. Songshan, what’s your take?"

Mr. Songshan shook his head slightly, saying: "No matter how the Mansion’s affairs change, they can’t escape the four words ’skill in subduing inferiors’. The Marquis Mansion has enjoyed generations of wealth, using those born here for several generations, intertwined deeply, similar to the Imperial Court. I’ve recently entered the Mansion and can’t say much, but there’s one thing to mention."

"Please proceed."

"Days ago, the Marquis Mansion sympathized with the veterans, providing substantial funds and provisions; all praised the Mansion and vowed to serve it even unto death—this was a show of kindness. Yet, a ruler must apply both kindness and authority for the best effect. It’s not to inspire fear but to establish clear standards of reward and punishment, so everyone knows what’s permissible, preventing grudges. As the saying goes, those too kind shouldn’t lead troops or manage finances. You’re a woman, inevitably softer-hearted."

Qin Yuan contemplated deeply and sighed: "Your words have enlightened me. Indeed, the Marquis Mansion is not that different from courtly affairs. I am somewhat soft-hearted, avoiding major disruptions that might cause displeasure."

Marquis Gu smiled: "You’ve been in the Mansion for a short time, and there aren’t any truly reliable people yet. If you loosen control, they might harbor ulterior motives and oppress their masters. If you tighten control, it complicates rallying support. This is something I could easily assist with."

Sixth Master Gu hurriedly asked: "How could this be helped?"

Mr. Songshan chuckled silently, smiling at the couple.

Marquis Gu was confident: "Previously, regarding Mrs. Xu’s involvement in printing money, we detained Sun Accountant and Housekeeper Zhang. After the funeral, simply highlight their involvement—this serves as punishment. Deal with one to warn the rest, preventing betrayal. Rewards, as Mr. Songshan mentioned, are already plentiful; those who serve well for the master will be looked after. The rest is up to you."

Qin Yuan thought for a moment: "We originally wanted to brush this matter under the rug."

Sixth Master Gu quickly waved it off: "No need, no need; previously, we feared disturbing Mrs. Xu during her recuperation—now, there’s nothing to be concerned about."

Marquis Gu quite approved of his brother’s view.

"When this case is presented at the Capital Governor Mansion, it might stir up all of Capital City. Aren’t we aiming to eliminate hidden threats? Let’s cleanly separate this matter."