Gu Jinghui fell silent.

Sixth Master Gu said in wonder, "I’ve never seen a maid who knows martial arts by Mother’s side all these years."

Old Madam Gu looked somewhat pleased. "I knew you wouldn’t guess. I am a daughter of military merit; how could there be no martial people by my side? This person you see every day is Nanny Rong."

Marquis Gu was visibly surprised and turned to look at Nanny Rong.

Nanny Rong stepped forward with a smile, posed a stance, then slowly retracted it, saying with a smile, "I have been with Old Madam since I was young. As I got older, I learned some basic martial arts from the Martial Arts Master in the residence. Although my skills are not high, they are sufficient to protect Old Madam. Marquis, rest assured."

"Mother, I truly never realized that Nanny Rong was also a practitioner," Marquis Gu marveled.

Nanny Rong laughed, "I didn’t train in hard martial arts. I specialize in survival techniques that don’t show much in action. Marquis didn’t notice, naturally couldn’t tell."

Old Madam Gu said, "I am an old woman, and when I go out, it’s only for tea chats with other old ladies. Outside the private residence, there are guards for protection, and having Nanny Rong with me is enough. We’ve been fine all these years. But Yuan’er should have more people around her."

Qin Yuan’s eyes sparkled, full of admiration. "Mother is truly too kind to me."

Seeing this, Old Madam Gu felt very gratified and smiled, "At my age, how many people can I still summon? Besides, those old ladies cherish life more than I do, and all have someone for protection, so no one would scheme against us old women. Just accept it without refusing. Hui’er thought it through. I completely forgot about it. I should have prepared this for you long ago."

Marquis Gu felt a bit uneasy, lightly coughed, turned his face, and asked, "Are all the arrangements in place? I haven’t checked yet. Mother, Yuan’er, how do you feel about it?"

Old Madam Gu replied, "Not bad. They seem inexperienced but probably just need more guidance from Yuan’er."

"If they’re useful, keep them. If not, return them once Old Han trains someone else up."

Old Madam Gu nodded, "Your arrangement makes sense. It’s more reassuring to have someone nurtured within our family."

Qin Yuan said, "Let Mother and Marquis handle everything. I think both individuals seem clever. If Mother doesn’t want them, I’ll gladly take them."

"Before the Mid-Autumn Festival, take them out a few more times to let them experience the scenes."

Old Madam Gu instructed carefully.

Qin Yuan agreed to everything one by one.

After dinner, everyone took their leave. Old Madam Gu said, "Old Third, stay. I have something to tell you."

Marquis Gu hesitantly said, "Mother, I’m somewhat tired today. I’d like to return early to rest. Can I come see you tomorrow to talk, please?"

Gu Baoshu cheerfully tugged Qin Yuan’s hand and said, "Sister-in-law, shall I accompany you to Wutong Garden to chat? My mother is about to scold my third brother, and he won’t return for a while."

Sixth Master Gu chided, "You talk too much."

Gu Baoshu huffed, "Since you won’t even give your sister a painting, stop putting on airs as a brother."

Sixth Master Gu couldn’t deal with her, only glaring helplessly.

Qin Yuan amusedly said, "Are you talking about sharing profits from the pepper business? Have the accounts been checked?"

Gu Baoshu pulled her outside: "Finally got it sorted—discovered quite a few missing pieces of jewelry. A nanny who served me since childhood had sticky fingers, stealing jewelry for silver to gamble. Lately, lost so badly she couldn’t redeem the pawn tickets. Seeing me starting to check the jewelry and gold, she got so scared she confessed everything."

Qin Yuan walked out with her.

Sixth Master Gu threw a look of ’good luck’ at his third brother and followed them out.

Only then did Old Madam Gu speak, "Old Third, why are you suddenly so tired lately?"

Marquis Gu looked exhausted and sighed deeply, "The Emperor entrusted me with such an important task as the Capital Inspection. The scholars in the six departments have many affairs, and court officials are all trying ways to slip me notes. I have to send people to keep an eye on them and navigate between the pleading princes and ministers—it’s mentally exhausting."

Old Madam Gu snorted, "You traveled thousands of miles at the Northern Border, days and nights without closing your eyes, not feeling tired. Why claim exhaustion now?"

Marquis Gu was left speechless.

Old Madam Gu continued, "People say one forgets one’s mother after marriage. I never believed it, yet seeing you now, I am forced to believe it. I suppose I’ve grown old, and having you sit with me a bit longer, you grow impatient."

Her words struck his heart to the core.

Marquis Gu urgently pleaded, "Mother, Mother, please forgive your son."

"Will you ever think of forgiving your mother?" Old Madam Gu said angrily, "So many days past, what exactly have you found out? You don’t place any importance on this, do you?"

Marquis Gu, flustered, said, "Mother, how can you think I don’t care? I’ve been inquiring all along. Mother, I dare not say I’ve neglected you."

Old Madam Gu accused, "You absolutely bear the responsibility. You know perfectly well I worry about this, yet you bring no news. Aren’t you putting your old mother on a steaming pot, roasting over a fire? If you want me to take back my words, fine, tell me everything honestly, without any concealment."

Marquis Gu insisted, "Sixteen sent people to ask, but nothing was found."

Old Madam Gu scoffed, "I know you think I’m old and useless. You think you can deflect me. Qiujie, quickly pack, we’ll set out tomorrow; I’ll inquire myself."

With that, she stood up to leave.

"Mother, Mother, Mother," Marquis Gu said, unable to handle her pressure, collapsed to the ground, crying, "Mother, truly, I have not lied. Nothing has been discovered. The Mo family is no more, their old house is abandoned. Neighbors say the Mo family’s youngest daughter married long ago, perhaps the old couple, missing their daughter, moved near her husband."

Old Madam Gu exhaled a cloud of turbid air.

"That... is she really Little Ni? Give me a clear answer today. Don’t dodge the question."

"Mother, the messages from inquiries say the Mo family moved after marrying off their daughter. Their old home is abandoned. Perhaps, Ni’s parents, reluctant to part from her, moved near her in-laws. As for that golden leaf, maybe Fourth accidentally lost it and someone picked it up..."

"...Do you even believe what you’re saying?"

Old Madam Gu spat at him.

Marquis Gu wiped the spit from his face, sighing, "Mother, it’s been so long. Why seek out the Mo family now? Sister Mo has been married for years. For us to suddenly search them out, avoiding alarming others is impossible. If her in-laws get suspicious, aren’t we causing trouble for them?"