My Sister Insisted on Swapping Marriages, and I Became a Marchioness Instead

Chapter 42: Chapter 42: A Heart Split in Two

Qin Yuan said angrily, ”I am not setting up a stall to tell fortunes under the bridge.”

A few people ceased their merriment as they stepped into the hall, seeing Gu Jinghui and Gu Jingjun, the two brothers, seated as host and guest, with the atmosphere not particularly warm.

Gu Jingjun was dressed in a cyan Daoist robe, holding a folding fan in hand, with scholarly elegance. His fair face and almond-shaped eyes glanced over, smiling before speaking, exuding subtle warmth.

No wonder the servants in the mansion whispered that Sixth Master Gu was quite popular with the ladies, always having some throwing themselves at him. If it weren’t for Old Madam Gu’s strict supervision, Sixth Master might have taken several concubines by now.

On the other hand, Gu Jinghui, clad in a dark robe, tall and handsome, yet cold and stern, making people hesitate to draw near.

Qin Yuan secretly pondered, these two brothers were indeed worlds apart, and their relationship seemed distant.

Seeing her enter, Gu Jinghui said, ”Madam is here. Sixth brother has something to discuss with me, but it requires you to make the decision.”

Gu Jingjun quickly stood up and smiled, ”Greetings, Third Sister-in-law.”

Both exchanged half-bows, acknowledging each other, and then sat separately.

The maid beside swiftly served tea.

Gu Jingjun dared not openly gaze at this dazzling third sister-in-law, only stealing a brief glance before averting his eyes.

Qin Yuan’s voice was soft and gentle, asking, ”Husband, what is it that Sixth Brother wishes to discuss?”

This voice was soft and tender, wrapping around the ears, carrying the gentle charm of the southern regions of Jiangnan.

It was almost certain that Third Sister-in-law’s ancestral home was from Jiangnan; accompanied by a pipa, singing southern folk tunes would surely be captivating.

Gu Jingjun’s mind began to wander.

Gu Jinghui said, ”Sixth Brother heard you intend to stockpile pepper and specially came to inquire how much you wish to purchase and at what price. He has a friend who happens to have a batch of pepper to sell, wanting to clear it for capital to pursue other ventures.”

Qin Yuan was slightly surprised.

Gu Jingjun hurriedly continued, ”Third Sister-in-law, this person is a friend of mine, from Wujiang, studied for six years at the Imperial College Inner Residence, unable to advance and was forced to quit and sent back to his hometown to take exams. He wishes to clear his inventory, purchase items popular with Southern people, and sell them back home, thus covering expenses.” I happened to hear about this while out drinking the other day. Isn’t it fortuitous?”

Gu Jinghui felt a slight discomfort when seeing him bypass himself to speak with Qin Yuan, but couldn’t quite pinpoint why, only his expression darkened as he looked at Qin Yuan.

Qin Yuan pondered silently.

If unmoved, it would be false.

However, this person’s identity is unusual; her father is the Sacrificial Officer at the Imperial College. If involved in anything improper, it would simply invite unnecessary trouble.

”Thank you, Sixth Brother, for the help. It indeed is a coincidence,” Qin Yuan hurried to voice her gratitude, seeing Gu Jingjun’s fair face subtly excited.

No matter how, Sixth Master Gu was showing goodwill; she couldn’t be discourteous.

Gu Jingjun shook his folding fan lightly, displaying an elegant demeanor with a smile, ”This person I fear even Sister-in-law’s brother-in-law, Mr. Lin, also knows. We’ve had drinks together.”

He mentioned Lin Ziqi to put Qin Yuan at ease.

Yet, sitting beside, Gu Jinghui still wore a sullen visage, asking, ”Sixth Brother also associates with Lin Junren?”

Gu Jingjun chuckled, ”Indeed, thanks to Sister-in-law, I’ve become closer to Lin Junren than before. We once met at a poetry club, knowing only his reputation at first, but never engaged in much talk. Now, being in-law acquaintances, Lin Junren is talented, with potential for an Advanced Scholar; how could I not foster relations?”

Fostering relations with Advanced Scholars is fostering networks.

Qin Jijiu’s chosen son-in-law is by no means mediocre.

Gu Jingjun capitalizing on Qin Yuan’s association to connect with Lin Ziqi, is a naturally occurring social move.

Expressing such, he aimed to indicate his respect towards his third brother and sister-in-law, valuing her family connections.

Yet, Gu Jinghui remained unpleased, raising his teacup to feign sipping tea, casting a gaze of obscure interpretation towards Qin Yuan.

Qin Yuan was contemplating how to tactfully decline Gu Jingjun’s kindness, unaware of Marquis Gu’s transformation in demeanor. After some consideration, she said, ”Introducing such a reliable person, Sixth Brother, is certainly beneficial, only...”

”Only what?”

Gu Jingjun promptly asked.

Qin Yuan lowered her head, observing her small hands placed upon her lap, speaking softly, ”It’s just that this person is a student at the Imperial College, and my father is the Sacrificial Officer there. I was wondering whether I should avoid suspicion.”

Gu Jingjun was taken aback.

While Gu Jinghui glanced approvingly at Qin Yuan.

After a pause, Gu Jingjun murmured, ”Could it be that Sister-in-law fears bringing trouble for Lord Sacrificial Officer?”

Qin Yuan sighed, ”Yes, precisely so. Now that he couldn’t advance from the Inner Residence, forced to return home, who knows what he’s feeling inside. If I were to purchase his pepper, trouble might arise in hindsight.”

Imperial Censors often report swiftly upon hearing news.

Just fearing someone intentionally stirring trouble.

Though the Sacrificial Officer of Imperial College is a fifth-ranked official, he remains a leading figure among scholars, a pillar in the Pure Stream.

Even the shrewd Qin Jijiu has adversaries.

Gu Jingjun folded his fan, tapping it firmly against his palm, regrettably saying, ”Sister-in-law has considered it thoroughly; I was lacking foresight towards the issue.”

I assumed Sister-in-law to be just an uninformed woman, surprising that she thought of such aspects.

A daughter educated by Qin Jijiu was indeed extraordinary.

Gu Jingjun enviably mused, ”Why does third brother always gain the best in this world?”

Seeing his genuine regret, Qin Yuan quickly consoled, ”Sixth Brother didn’t avoid the scorching heat to bring this matter to light solely for the family’s sake. Clearly, Sixth Brother respects Marquis, paying attention even to my affairs. I’m grateful beyond measure, only that I... I feel as though I’ve let down Sixth Brother’s goodwill.”

Upon hearing this, Gu Jingjun felt a surge of emotions, having countless thoughts spiraling within, eventually sighing, ”Such trivial matters, hardly worth mentioning. Sister-in-law is truly too courteous; I shall inquire further for Sister-in-law in the future.”

Standing up, Qin Yuan gracefully bowed, ”Then, thank you, Sixth Brother.”

Gu Jingjun hastily stood to return the courtesy, ”Sister-in-law is too kind.”

Once both were seated again, Gu Jingjun continued, ”I heard Sister-in-law wishes to stockpile a significant amount of pepper. It would be prudent to exercise some caution.”

He genuinely wished to advise Qin Yuan.

Qin Yuan responded, ”Sixth Brother’s kind intentions are appreciated. Both mother and husband have similarly advised caution.”

Gu Jingjun glanced at Gu Jinghui, who remained silent for long, with a somber expression, then quickly said, ”I have nothing more to disturb, let’s not linger. Third brother succumbed to summer heat; he likely needs more rest.”

Gu Jinghui slowly nodded, saying, ”Very well, Sixth Brother may come find me in the future.”

Qin Yuan added, ”Take care, Sixth Brother.”

Feeling distraught, Gu Jingjun left Wutong Garden, pacing around the courtyard, avoiding returning to his main residence.

He wandered along the path, heading towards Aunt Zheng’s small courtyard.

Within the courtyard, Aunt Zheng was singing a tune, ”A heart split in two, alas, my dear, carrying you everywhere...”

The long water sleeves danced alluring arcs in the air.

Usually, Gu Jingjun would be delighted.

Yet, at this moment, his heart was filled with indescribable melancholy.