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

Chapter 55: Chapter 55: No Matter What, She Just Won’t Be Provoked

The housekeepers initially wore ingratiating smiles but were stunned by the words.

Sixth Lady Gu hurriedly asked, ”What did Third Sister-in-law say?”

Qin Yuan smiled and replied, ”I know Sixth Sister-in-law is considerate of their hard work, wanting to bring them wealth, yet...”

”Yet what?”

Qin Yuan glanced at the eager housekeepers and said with a smile, ”But if Sixth Sister-in-law wishes to bring them wealth, she shouldn’t come to me. Pepper is a precious item, priced differently from cheap goods. Unlike things that rise and fall by a few coins daily, when there’s scarcity, it can soar tenfold.”

Sixth Lady Gu frowned, ”So Third Sister-in-law means to buy pepper and store it, selling only when its price rises?”

”Exactly,” Qin Yuan said with a smile, ”Sixth Sister-in-law is astute, immediately grasping the key point.”

Sixth Lady Gu quickly assured, patting her chest.

”I’ll entrust my silver to Third Sister-in-law, letting her handle it.”

The housekeepers quickly echoed, ”Madam, the same goes for us; we await your instructions. When you say to sell, we will sell.”

Qin Yuan appeared helpless and said, ”We haven’t gotten the goods yet. You should go and consider before discussing shares. Since I’ve accepted Mrs. Cai’s share money, how could I refuse yours?”

Implying that they were esteemed individuals.

The housekeepers visibly relaxed, appearing much closer to Qin Yuan.

Sixth Lady Gu lowered her gaze, watching the tea leaves rise and fall in her cup, saying nothing.

Someone directly asked, ”Madam, do you believe there’s something amiss with the pepper deal?”

Qin Yuan nodded.

She glanced at Hong Ye, who stepped forward briskly and said, ”The Madam went to see Manager Leng at Ranxiang Inn. There’s news that some big merchants plan to go overseas to buy pepper. If this route succeeds, the price of pepper might drop. Pepper is valued, but few can afford it. Please be cautious.”

Some hesitated.

A person continued, ”Why then does the Madam want to buy and store pepper?”

Everyone turned to Hong Ye.

Hong Ye said, ”Madam dreamed of a good omen and felt compelled to try. Making a share implies business has profits and losses, without guaranteed gains. If you exit midway, the Madam will return money at market value minus costs.”

The housekeepers fell silent.

Who would have thought the Marchioness engaged in significant business because of a dream?

This young lady, newly wealthy upon entering the marquis mansion, grows restless. How much of her dowry might ruin this way?

Qin Yuan laughed, ”Old Madam and Sixth Lady Gu think that upon entering the mansion, I’m set to do business, contributing silver. You may follow along, but if you lose, don’t blame me. Consider carefully and then contact Hong Ye or Cui Ming for receipts.”

Sixth Lady Gu didn’t anticipate Qin Yuan’s steadfastness, resisting persuasion.

If not entirely supportive of pepper, she wouldn’t ignore Manager Leng’s advice, buying large amounts while accepting Old Madam’s and others’ silver.

Yet all efforts couldn’t move her.

She truly is a difficult person.

Sixth Lady Gu smiled, ”I’m not donating; I truly trust Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law’s skills. Still, as Third Sister-in-law said, business can gain or lose; it’s best to say this upfront.”

The housekeepers who were about to back out felt assured again hearing this.

The Marchioness throws her silver away for noise, but the Marquis won’t.

Qin Yuan looked at Sixth Lady Gu, smiling, ”The Marquis fears I won’t fulfill promises after taking money from mother and you all, hence he inquired for me. He has fought in Northern Border for years, with no time for these matters. Honestly, I’m anxious too; this is my dowry silver.”

Implying it’s her private funds, uninvolved with Marquis Gu.

The housekeepers retreated again.

Sixth Lady Gu saw and said, ”Don’t worry, Third Sister-in-law. That dream will become reality; I believe in you.”

Even if not involving housekeepers, the pepper trade must proceed.

Qin Yuan shyly smiled.

Originally vibrant as the sunset, her bashful demeanor enhanced her beauty.

In Sixth Lady Gu’s eyes, she appeared glaring.

Beside her, she felt as Sixth Master said, like a scorched pancake.

This fresh, charming sister-in-law remained unmoved.

No wonder Lady Zhao couldn’t make waves.

Some quick-thinking housekeepers realized while the pepper trade might not profit, the Marchioness’s allure captivated.

Marquis Gu, possessing such beauty, likely wouldn’t focus solely on Fengxuan Pavilion.

They began scheming differently.

Mrs. Cai was indeed crafty.

Indeed.

Sixth Lady Gu hadn’t realized her housekeepers were plotting, and asked with concern, ”Third Sister-in-law, upon arrival, Bai Que collapsed at Wutong Garden’s gate. Did she offend you?”

”Bai Que?”

Qin Yuan curiously looked at Sixth Lady Gu. ℴℴ𝘮

Utterly confused, clearly unaware of this person.

Sixth Lady Gu doubted her ignorance but feigned ignorance, scolding herself, ”Look at me, forgetting Third Sister-in-law isn’t familiar with everyone yet. Bai Que is a second-class maid once serving Old Madam, now at Lady Zhao’s side, seemingly respectable. We just arrived at the gate when she stood upright under the scorching sun, her face flushed. Seeing me, she fell without speaking — likely heatstroke. Marquis Mansion is required to show courtesy to those who’ve served Old Madam, so I’m concerned...”

Qin Yuan replied surprised, ”Did something like this happen?”

Hong Ye quickly answered, ”The Madam doesn’t know. I followed Marquis’s instructions, telling the maid to report to Old Madam instead. Anything she lacks will be arranged, not embarrassed. But she claims I lied, seeking Marquis’s confirmation. Unaware she served Old Madam, I wondered why she behaved arrogantly, so I ignored her and returned to Wutong Garden. Under such heat, she stayed outside, and with the Marquis indoors, she fainted from heatstroke.”

Everyone: ”...”

The maid named Hong Ye indeed had a quick tongue.

Qin Yuan glanced at Hong Ye.

Hong Ye pursed her lips and continued, ”When I went to greet Sixth Lady Gu earlier, she already ordered the maid be carried to Fengxuan Pavilion. Maybe she’s already seeing the doctor now. I found the maid odd, not a serious issue, so I didn’t report to the Marquis and Madam. I acted on my own; please punish me.”

These words stung Sixth Lady Gu’s face.