Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1185: Shockwaves

"Er Gou? Er Gou, where did you wander off to? Get back home fast, or Second Sister will grill you." Brother Cheng scoured the village outskirts but spotted no sign of Er Gou, so he dashed further to keep searching.

Passing the massive millstone at the village heart, Brother Cheng got hailed by a cluster of village ladies: "Brother Cheng, oh Brother Cheng, you’re here—come quick, the aunts have questions for you!"

Upon hearing that, Brother Cheng cast a glance at them with his sharp phoenix eyes and intoned like reciting a scroll: "My big brother swore a harsh oath against discussing marriage until he becomes a scholar."

So drop that notion and quit claiming my big brother suits your nieces or grandnieces. I’ve endured plenty of that chatter.

Surprisingly, the village women shifted gears, rushing up to seize his arm while insisting: "What rubbish are you spouting, kid? The village chief already chewed us out—how could we still eye your big brother? Aunts simply want to know when Cousin Ming intends to arrange a marriage? Better hurry, or he’ll grow too old."

Brother Cheng kept reciting: "Cousin Ming swore an even fiercer oath refusing marriage talk before scholar status."

With those words, he slyly tugged free his gripped arm.

The ladies fumed at this: "What’s wrong with your family? Apart from loving to tattle to officials, why the obsession with fierce oaths?"

Don’t you worry a thunderbolt might strike you dead if they hold true?

"Mrs. Fuzi, quit bothering him—this boy’s a total book nerd, what does he know? If you wanna find out, just fork over five coppers to Gu Dewang; that kid’s full of gossip and loves peddling it." He Yanshou’s mother chimed in, eyes gleaming, "Hey, Gu Dewang’s nearing thirteen, huh? Goodness, he’s turning into a fine lad, prime for wedding! His folks are wealthy now, plus a scholar cousin; marrying into that would be a steal."

Brother Cheng: "..."

Fine, your schemes flip quicker than a page—now aiming at Brother Wang? Good luck snaring him; that sly fox might just turn the tables on you.

Brother Cheng brushed them off, pressing on to hunt for Er Gouzi, and at last located him in the workshop house’s main kitchen.

"Er Gouzi, you lack any drive—Da Gouzi’s out snaring rabbits, yet you slink here pilfering meat. No shame? You’re a wolf, not some mutt." Brother Cheng scooped up Er Gouzi and sought Gu Dashan, lingering till he wrapped up work before heading home together.

...

Dawn of the feast day saw villagers arriving with gifts before first light. The Gu Family had wisely prepped, rising at midnight to brew huge vats of meat porridge that guests slurped down upon entry.

"Grab some meat porridge to tide you over first, save the main banquet for noon." Gu Dafu beamed widely at the crowd, thrilled to pitch in from midnight through dawn without a hint of fatigue.

"Wow, meat porridge—and loaded with chunks!" Villagers gawked at the hefty bowls, buzzing with thrill; the Gu Family’s rise was clear, offering meaty porridge pre-feast—what extravagance awaited midday?

Delighted, the villagers savored their hearty porridge bowls, buzzing in anticipation for the noon spread.

Certain folks dragged daughters along, scheming for a shot; maybe their girl would charm the scholar or his mother into a concubine spot.

Sadly, Luo Wu stood guard outside the workshop house from early morn with officials, directing gift-takers Mai Dong and San Qi to warn every feast-goer: "By Lord County Magistrate’s command, none shall disturb the scholars—offenders face instant jail and fines starting at five taels."

That stern notice curbed all schemes, letting everyone revel in the feast without fuss or strife.

Master Ouyang and Ah Song showed up too, clad in straw sandals, rough hemp garb, and straw hats, perfectly posing as weathered peasants.

Skipping the workshop house, they joined the outdoor banquet with the masses, raving: "This rustic fare tastes divine, rivaling fancy restaurant dishes—actually punchier!"

A gaunt elder at their table shot him a scornful look, scoffing: "Yapping about restaurant feasts like you’ve dined there—quit bragging and chow down. At these banquets, dawdlers miss the prime cuts."

With those words, he swiftly speared a chunk of pig’s trotter using his chopsticks with pinpoint accuracy, shoving it into his mouth and ripping off a bite, all while slyly tucking a portion of braised meat into the hidden box he’d smuggled in.

Folks at the table mirrored his actions.

Master Ouyang chuckled at the sight: “No need to hold back, brothers. The Gu Family laid out heaps of meat dishes, and word is, after the meal, they’ll hand each of us a bamboo box packed with meat to take home.”

The old man replied: “We’ve heard that rumor, but can we trust it? Better stash some away now, or the ones back home who missed out will raise hell if there’s nothing for them.”

He grumbled: “The Gu Family’s too cheap. With all their wealth, why just one day of feasting? If my grandson passed the scholar exam, I’d throw a banquet for three full days and nights.”

A tablemate who knew him scoffed: “Ease up, Old Man Yang. Your grandson can’t even read properly. Even if he became a scholar, you wouldn’t feast for three days—just a bowl of your grain mush with some meat fat would do.”

Old Man Yang had no comeback but kept shoveling food fast, refusing to slow his eating.

Master Ouyang couldn’t hold back his laughter, amused by the rough-edged country people.

“What’s so funny? Eat up quick—the grub won’t jump into your mouth on its own.” Old Man Yang shot Master Ouyang a glare before resuming his feast.

Taking the cue, Master Ouyang joined in, chowing down with gusto.

The villagers at the banquet were thrilled too, stuffing themselves on meat-heavy dishes and scoring a box of fresh meat to carry home, departing in high spirits.

Yet their happiness didn’t last; the very next day, disaster struck, leaving them in tears.

County Magistrate Zheng came back and dispatched officials to the village with papers declaring a tax hike.

The villagers reeled in shock: “What? Grain and poll taxes doubled, plus a Kangrong tax of one tael of silver per person? This’ll ruin us—where are we supposed to scrape up that silver?”

Thanks to Emperor Chu’s tax decree, turmoil erupted in Jianghuai, Jiangnan, Zhili, and beyond. Farmers cried out in misery, pleading poverty, but officials were powerless against the Emperor’s command.

When Gu Jinli got wind of this, shock hit her like a thunderbolt, her mind reeling: Has Emperor Chu lost his mind? He must have— no sane ruler would pull this!

A Kangrong tax of one tael per head—does he believe every Great Chu subject is worth a hundred taels?

She rushed to Gu Jin’an right away: “Big brother, speak to Master Ouyang. Can he rally the Capital’s nobles to force the Emperor to rescind this? Otherwise, blood will flow like rivers.”

Gu Jin’an’s face turned stormy, fury choking his words, but finally he said: “Watch the house. I’m heading to Master Ouyang now.”

Skipping the mule cart, he borrowed Luo Wu’s horse and galloped toward town.

Ouyang Ming had caught the news too and was conferring with Master Ouyang on next steps.