Compared to the Mrs. Lin from the previous life, Old Madam Gu was undoubtedly a much better mother-in-law.
Qin Yuan smiled warmly and said, "I spent the morning organizing the dowry, originally planning to manage Wutong Garden in the afternoon, but since the Marquis isn't here and I have nothing to do, I came to chat with you, Mother."
She had a good appearance and a soft, charming voice. Just calling her "Mother" softened Old Madam Gu's heart.
Old Madam Gu had consecutively borne four sons, so she cherished having a little 'cotton-padded jacket', otherwise, she wouldn't have doted on Seventh Miss, born to Aunt Wen.
Qiujie smiled gently, knowing that this newlywed Marchioness had captured Old Madam's fancy.
Indeed, Old Madam Gu pulled her to sit by her side, saying, "Then I'll chat leisurely with you. You've just arrived at the Marquis Mansion, feeling utterly blind, not even knowing where the doors open."
In her past life, Qin Yuan had gone from the wife of a minor official to the Prime Minister's wife. She had seen and experienced it all; her conversation was witty and socially adept. Before long, she had Old Madam Gu bursting with laughter, feeling a congenial bond with her.
If it weren't for the age difference and hierarchical gap, Old Madam Gu might have taken Qin Yuan as a sworn sister on the spot.
Soon, Nanny Rong entered.
Old Madam Gu said, "You old thing, where have you been just now? I was saying I wanted to show Yuan'er a few fans I've collected. Where did you put them?"
Nanny Rong acknowledged and returned shortly after, saying, "Old Madam, take a look and see if these are the ones. There are so many things, this old servant gets a bit muddled."
Qin Yuan understood that Nanny Rong had something to discuss with Old Madam.
Old Madam Gu had someone call back the maid walking the dog, so Qin Yuan could properly see the lion dog.
Qin Yuan agreed.
Only then did Old Madam Gu follow Nanny Rong to the side room.
When Old Madam Gu returned, her eyes held a bit more tenderness towards Qin Yuan.
"Yuan'er, you're returning to your family tomorrow; have you thought about what to wear?"
Qin Yuan was aware of the change in Old Madam Gu, understanding that her mother-in-law wished to make amends for the Marquis neglecting her. She smiled and said, "I'll wear the clothes I made at my mother's house for returning; there's no need to be too flashy."
Old Madam Gu looked even more compassionate, saying, "How can that be enough?"
Qin Yuan asked helplessly, "Should it be something very grand? I'm young and afraid of getting it wrong. Just help me decide, Mother; I'll follow your lead and won't bring shame to the Marquis Mansion."
Old Madam Gu smiled warmly, observing Qin Yuan from head to toe, and clapped, saying, "This child is blessed. Years ago, I acquired a set of grand robes and a xiapei, but being older, I haven't found a place to wear them, so they've been kept. Unexpectedly, they were meant for you."
Nanny Rong entered with a tray holding several fans and commented, "This old servant always thought it was a pity, never realizing it was prepared for Madam. This affinity was destined here; Madam's fair complexion fits well."
Old Madam Gu laughed heartily.
Qiujie joined in the jest, "It's fate between Old Madam and Madam as predestined in-laws."
Old Madam Gu exclaimed joyfully, "Quickly, bring it out and let Yuan'er try it on."
Qin Yuan blushed, looking even more charming.
The attire was brought in, and Qin Yuan was urged to change.
Nanny Rong whispered, "Madam is truly favored by Old Madam."
If it were only to compensate Madam, additional return gifts would suffice.
Old Madam Gu nodded, saying, "Yuan'er is so docile; her words deeply resonate with me. She's a concubine's daughter and forced into this marriage, neglected even after entering the mansion. If I don't show her some affection, who else will care for her?"
Nanny Rong sighed, "The Marquis is brilliant and formidable on the battlefield, yet utterly muddled regarding household matters."
Soon, Qin Yuan emerged in her new attire.
The vermilion gauze robe, embroidered with intricate patterns in gold thread, highlighted Qin Yuan's jade-white, translucent complexion with radiant beauty. The stone-green xiapei added an air of noble elegance against the vivid allure, making Qin Yuan's beauty striking, overshadowing all others.
Old Madam Gu couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
"How did this daughter-in-law grow so beautiful? Is Hui'er blind?"
Qin Yuan also recognized the quality; the attire was exceedingly precious, likely unattainable even with wealth. She wondered how Old Madam Gu had acquired it.
"It's too valuable," Qin Yuan said, blushing, "This gauze robe feels weightless, cool on the hottest summer days, giving an icy sensation free of sweat. The embroidery is crafted by Su Embroidery masters, not only beautiful but moving with one's gestures, forming a picture. Such a set should be kept as a family heirloom; I hardly dare wear it for returning."
Hearing Qin Yuan's appreciation, Old Madam Gu's face lit up even more.
Good things should be appreciated alongside those who understand them.
If someone lacks discernment, seeing only appearance or value yet oblivious to intrinsic quality, then it's akin to casting pearls before swine.
Old Madam Gu increasingly felt that Qin Yuan suited her admirably, exclaiming, "Such fine apparel shouldn't stay hidden in a box, never seeing daylight. A woman's life has only a few good days; without fine attire for those occasions, there will be regret. Yuan'er, wear this for returning."
Qin Yuan couldn't refuse, accepting it.
Old Madam Gu chatted with her about fans again, feeling they'd found a kindred spirit, and said to her, "Wutong Garden is your residence; you should take control of it early. The Dingbei Marquis Mansion has seen several generations, with most being native-born servants, deeply entrenched. If you appear weak, they'll take advantage. Soon, let Nanny Rong accompany you to manage Wutong Garden and straighten out those restless servants; don't let anyone just wander in making noise."
Qin Yuan's eyes reddened, hugging Old Madam Gu affectionately, saying, "Mother, you've been so wonderful to me. I feel like you're my real mother."
Her words came sincerely.
Aunt Chen passed away early, her legitimate mother Mrs. Cui only sought to suppress her, while her previous life's mother-in-law was bent on tormenting her.
Qin Yuan never imagined she could receive the care of a female elder.
If Old Madam Gu were her birth mother, how blessed she would be.
Old Madam Gu stiffened slightly, then gently stroked her head, saying warmly, "Aren't I your mother, dear child?"
Qin Yuan smiled through tears, saying, "Yes, you are my mother."
Seeing the tear-laden beauty, Old Madam Gu only wished to protect her more.
On the way back to Wutong Garden with Qin Yuan, Nanny Rong gathered much information from Hong Ye and Cui Ming, secretly sighing in her heart, thankful Madam had a gentle disposition; otherwise, who knows what chaos might have ensued?
It's unclear what the Marquis was thinking.
Sixth Master is younger than the Marquis, yet his child already attends the elementary school at the Imperial College in the Outer Residence. The Marquis is nearly thirty; when will he have a legitimate son?
Nanny Rong resolved firmly to help Qin Yuan fortify Wutong Garden's boundaries.
Lady Zhao sent a nanny to storm into Madam's courtyard, yelling to summon the Marquis away. Wutong Garden certainly needs thorough reformation.