This remark really undermines our own prestige, and Qin Heng doesn’t like it one bit.

But given the current circumstances, he had no choice but to swallow his displeasure.

Seeing his reluctant expression, Qin Yuan knew he wasn’t really listening, so she laughed and said, "Since we’ve clarified this matter, we should next discuss how to prevent the Xu Family from causing trouble."

Gu Baoshu was first to respond: "If it comes to using one’s head, perhaps I’m not the best, but I’m quite skilled with my fists and feet. I can deal with those Xu Family ruffians like we did today."

Qin Siyuan hurriedly waved his hands: "Even though we’re relatives by marriage, there is still a difference between men and women. If word got out, it wouldn’t be good for the Seventh Miss’s reputation. How could I let you risk your name because of me? Besides, it’s not convenient. Seventh Miss, you should drop this idea quickly."

Xiao Dong picked up the conversation: "I can prepare some exclusive medicine powders for Brother Qin and Brother Heng. If you can’t win by force, pretend to negotiate, then toss the powder and escape. To be honest, I’ve never lost a fight. On the street by Renhe Hall, no one dares provoke me."

Qin Heng immediately leaned in with a flattering smile: "I didn’t know you had such a skill, Xiao Dong."

Xiao Dong lifted his little face proudly: "I’ve been learning pharmacology from my master since childhood, so naturally, I know these things."

Qin Heng then said, "I’d like to get some medicine powders; I wonder if you can make them for me."

"Tell me what you want, and I’ll see if I can make it."

Xiao Dong held himself with great confidence.

Fuguo’er also leaned over and said, "Brother Xiao Dong, since we’re all in this together, make some for me too. Later, I plan to fight Pang Cheng; he’s been using his height and strength to bully us together with Pang Yu."

A true man handles retribution himself for it to be satisfying.

Qin Siyuan laughed: "Xiao Dong’s idea is good. If I carry some with me, I won’t panic if we encounter those ruffians again."

Gu Baoshu added: "Xiao Dong, prepare some for me too. I notice many wanderers carry concealed weapons with them. Can you make one suitable for my status and give it a powerful-sounding name? That way, before I appear, I can scatter it as a greeting."

Qin Heng clicked his tongue: "Seventh Miss, you’re already formidable in a fight, and who would dare to provoke the Seventh Miss of the Dingbei Marquis Mansion? Just mentioning your name is enough to scare most away. Do you even need that?"

Gu Baoshu bent her finger and flicked Qin Heng’s forehead lightly, leaving a red mark.

"You don’t understand. There are always those who are blind. And besides, as the saying goes, ’There is always a taller mountain,’ and ’There’s always a more skillful person among the skillful ones.’ I’m not one to be arrogant."

Qin Heng let out a cry, covered his head, and looked resentfully at the lively Gu Baoshu.

In the end, he didn’t dare say anything more.

Seeing them so lively, Qin Yuan couldn’t help but say, "Xiao Dong, make some for me too."

Xiao Dong chuckled, "No problem, no problem. It’s just that this is a small business. If it doesn’t cost much, I can make it readily. But if you need a lot, I might have to get some herbs from Renhe Hall, and then there will be a charge."

He was very much like Doctor Li, who loved money.

Kids really do take after those who raise them.

Qin Yuan laughed, "You’re even asking me for money..."

Before she could finish, Xiao Dong hurriedly said, "Of course, neither you nor the Marquis need to pay, but for anyone else needing a lot or expensive things, there will be a charge."

Gu Baoshu crossed her arms, dismissively said, "Xiao Dong, make me ten taels’ worth. Whatever’s left can stay with you for now."

Qin Yuan asked, "Brother Heng wasn’t wrong. You always have someone with you. Who would be so blind as to provoke you? Why do you need them?"

The last thing anyone wanted was this little sister-in-law causing trouble.

Gu Baoshu replied, "Hehe, sometimes I want to fix someone without showing my hand in public. With Xiao Dong giving me his powders, combined with my skills and accuracy, others will never suspect it was me."

Fuguo’er immediately said to Gu Baoshu, "Aunt, Xiao Dong runs a small business. Ten taels of silver is a fortune for him. How long would it take to spend all that? How about letting your nephew keep two packs in your name, just as a token of your love, okay?"

Gu Baoshu was straightforward and agreed immediately.

Next came Brother Kang.

Then it was Sister Lan’s turn.

Xiao Dong said, "I’ll cover Brother Qin’s share."

The only ones who had to pay were Qin Heng and Gu Baoshu.

Qin Heng said, "Xiao Dong, you even want to earn my money. Are we not good brothers anymore? How about making me some fragrant bags? I can sell them to the brothers in Xu Tang who play football, make some money, and then buy medicinal powders from you. What do you think?" 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Xiao Dong’s eyes lit up and he said, "I can also make some sweet-smelling soap beans that you can sell to them. They’re fragrant, they don’t cause rashes, and mosquitoes won’t bite. I won’t let you do it for free; I’ll give you a twenty percent cut of what you sell."

The two of them were thoroughly enjoying their chat.

Once everyone finally quieted down, Qin Yuan said, "Starting tomorrow, I’ll have some guards secretly follow you all, just in case. You all must also be more vigilant."

Qin Siyuan said, "Wouldn’t that be too bothersome? I can just go out less, maybe even visit the Imperial College less, it’s no big deal."

Qin Yuan sternly said, "Xiao Dong’s point shouldn’t be ignored. Brother, you’ve studied hard for ten years. If these petty bullies interfere, it would be like saying our Marquis Mansion has no one to stand up! Besides, should my silly brother fall into a trap, that would also be a problem. Asking the Marquis for one guard is the same as asking for two; there’s no need for you to worry about such small matters. Moreover, if you score high in the exams, it’ll only benefit my bookstore business."

"Brother Siyuan, there’s no need to feel bad. My elder sister is the sharpest; she won’t lose out."

Qin Heng quickly chimed in.

With outsiders present, Qin Siyuan could only say to Qin Yuan, "I will remember your kindness, dear sister."

Qin Yuan smiled, "We’re all of the Qin Family, why create distance? There may come a time when I need my big brother’s help, and how could he possibly stand by then?"

Qin Siyuan was even more moved when he heard this, "Then I won’t be polite. When you need help, just say the word."

Qin Heng felt sentimental, "No wonder Mother says at home that if my second sister had just a little of what my eldest sister has in terms of brains, the in-laws wouldn’t sigh at the mention of her."

Qin Siyuan twitched his mouth, not wanting to speak.

Qin Yuan said with a smile, "What you’re saying is meaningless; they’re both sisters. You shouldn’t praise one while belittling another. If your second sister hears this, she’ll get upset."

She paused and said meaningfully, "For the sake of your second sister, you can’t let your brother-in-law stray."

Qin Heng nodded, "I’m watching over brother-in-law and Xu Tang. If they make any wrong moves, I’ll surely report to you and Father."

This made Qin Yuan frown, "You just look after yourself. As for keeping an eye on others, leave that to Sixteen and Shi Ba. If you’re really unwilling to study, even going out with Shen Changle is fine by me. Last time Shen Changle said that your suggestion was really good."

Qin Heng pouted stubbornly, but Gu Baoshu quickly shot him a look.

Qin Heng understood and said, "Elder Sister, I will remember."