Old Lady Qi said, "I saw that nanny talking to the instructor several times, which was somewhat expected. After all, she came later and became the closest person to Young Master Cheng, even pushing aside Xiao Hong. But today, while in the woods, I heard them conversing in a very strange tone, almost like the Yelv Clan language, though I cannot be sure."

Saying this, Old Lady Qi mimicked a few sounds.

Qin Yuan was startled.

"Did you hear it clearly?"

Old Lady Qi nodded, "Afraid that I might forget, I went over it countless times in my mind, worried about getting even the slightest bit wrong."

Qin Yuan furrowed her brows, finally saying after a while, "Return first, don’t let anyone notice you. What you said today is of great importance, be careful yourself."

Realizing that what she said was useful, Old Lady Qi showed some joy on her face, stood up and said, "Madam, I shall take my leave now."

Qin Yuan added, "Feel free to stay in the next courtyard, Brother Qi and Mr. Songshan are getting along well. Mr. Songshan appreciates his calm and quiet nature, and lets Brother Qi learn alongside Brother Kang when he teaches them. He’s dedicated in serving Mr. Songshan and has a bright future ahead."

Old Lady Qi expressed gratitude, "Without the Marquis and Madam, how could we have such good days? That day I heard the Marquis wanted Doctor Li to treat Wan Accountant, I said, the Marquis and Madam are like Bodhisattvas saving the suffering, and Doctor Li is a divine healer. Encountering you is truly a blessing for us servants."

Qin Yuan laughed, "It’s not that much. We are all tied together, sharing both honor and disgrace. As the saying goes, when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter; we are together here, and if the Marquis Mansion falls, there might be no place for you to scatter. I recently discussed with the housekeepers and Wan Accountant a plan for the future, so even when we are not at war, we can live peacefully for the long term. The Marquis Mansion will not neglect loyal people."

Old Lady Qi was moved, "That’s a long-term plan, I’ve heard about it, only Madam would plan so far ahead."

"The Marquis Mansion probably won’t have much fighting in the future, naturally we should consider long-term," Qin Yuan said. "Auntie Qi, go back and tell Xiao Hong and Zihe to watch over the little masters carefully. There have been numerous events in the mansion and we can’t attend to Brother Cheng and them, so they should pay extra attention daily."

Old Lady Qi nodded in response and hurriedly left.

Qin Yuan sat in the chair with a frown, pondering for a while, then said, "...I wonder if the Marquis can withstand it when he returns..."

Hong Ye, who had been quietly making the bed, couldn’t help but ask, "Miss, what exactly are the Marquis and Sixteen doing?"

Qin Yuan finally came to her senses and said, "Why did you suddenly speak up, you startled me! Don’t you know people can be scared to death?"

Hong Ye said with some grievance, "I saw Old Lady Qi leave, you were sitting there pondering, so I quietly made the bed here and when I heard you speak, I asked."

Qin Yuan said, "I don’t know what they’re up to either."

Hong Ye was suspicious, "Then why are you muttering about whether the Marquis can handle something when he returns, I thought you knew."

Qin Yuan laughed, "I’m thinking about what Old Lady Qi said. You’re so concerned about Sixteen. When can you finally settle down? Should I ask Sixteen?"

Though the words seemed jesting, they were actually thoughtful arrangements for Hong Ye.

Hong Ye’s eyes turned red, "I know you’re smarter than me, always considerate of me, so just arrange it as you see fit, I’ll follow your lead."

Qin Yuan was momentarily shocked, pretending not to understand Hong Ye’s emotion, nodded, "That’s best, my temperament is too impatient to watch you drag things out. If it were up to me, I’d have tied you together long ago."

Hong Ye couldn’t help but laugh, "If Miss were the Matchmaker, I wonder how you’d tie the red string."

The two chatted for a while, then Qin Yuan rested.

But lying in bed, she couldn’t fall asleep for a long time.

What Old Lady Qi said today was truly shocking.

In her past life, worrying about the Yelv Clan invading Daxing, she learned some of the Yelv Clan language after returning to the capital, understanding their customs and habits.

Lin Ziqi had once ridiculed her for being a woman with more concern for the world than him as Prime Minister.

Unexpectedly, learning a bit of the Yelv Clan language was proving to be useful.

Qin Yuan sighed.

No wonder the Yelv Clan spent so much effort.

If the Marquis knew the origin of those two children, what would he think?

Thinking of the past life, then the present, Qin Yuan tossed and turned until late into the night before finally falling into a hazy sleep.

The next morning.

As she opened her eyes, Qin Yuan checked beside her and found the bedding undisturbed, realizing Marquis Gu hadn’t returned all night.

She couldn’t help but sigh.

Outside, Hong Mian heard the sound and came in to attend to her.

Qin Yuan curiously asked, "Where are Hong Ye and Cui Ming?"

Hong Mian looked a bit dejected and whispered, "Sister Hong Ye instructed me to serve here, she and Sister Cui Ming are with Wan Accountant reconciling returned pepper shares."

Qin Yuan was even more curious, "Reconciling so early?"

Hong Mian said, "Wan Accountant said since taking the medicine from Doctor Li, he feels much better and wants to do more work all day. The two sisters are usually in charge of Madam’s pepper shares accounts, so they took the early opportunity while Madam was resting."

The words carried no hint of resentment towards Hong Ye.

Qin Yuan couldn’t help but look at her more favorably.

No matter what, Hong Mian was an extremely clever person.

No master wants to see two assistants quarreling over a man affecting work.

Qin Yuan laughed, "They’ve worked hard. You’ve been put through much too. You rarely serve me for washing up."

Hong Mian immediately said, "That’s because the two sisters are too capable, I never got the chance to serve directly. Today happened to be a coincidence, allowing me to attend to Madam."

Qin Yuan got up, yawning.

"Do you know how to comb hair?"

Hong Mian blushed, "I learned to comb hair. What style should Madam have?"

Seeing this, Qin Yuan knew she was bravely taking on the task and said, "The usual one."

Hong Mian quietly sighed in relief, "I’m familiar with that."

It seemed she practiced frequently in private.

Qin Yuan was curious to see the effort Hong Mian had put in, so after washing up, she sat at the vanity. Hong Mian took the comb and gently combed her hair, her movements gentle, occasionally glancing at Qin Yuan’s expression in the mirror.

Qin Yuan laughed, "When did you learn to comb hair?"

Hong Mian laughed, "I studied with Qiujie from the main room before, and also learned a bit from Nanny Rong, though I don’t often practice."

"I see your combing is quite good, quick and light."

Hong Mian laughed shyly, her hands never stopping, sometimes asking questions with great tact.

When Cui Ming and Hong Ye returned, they found Qin Yuan’s hair already done, with Hong Mian holding a box of jewelry, helping Qin Yuan select hair ornaments.

Hong Ye nudged Cui Ming.