Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1188: Setting Up Dou Ke

Gu Jinli had mulled over this approach ever since she learned of the Kangrong tax collection. Yet, it wasn’t the perfect solution, and she’d rather avoid it if she could.

Observing Gu Jin’an’s expression, however, made it obvious that Master Ouyang lacked a better idea, so she went ahead and suggested it.

"What method? Quick, tell me." Gu Jin’an desperately wanted any solution right now; whether it was flawless didn’t matter.

"Money, borrowing money." Gu Jinli put it simply in a few words: "We’ll gather a few rich and reliable families to establish a bank together, offering loans to farmers unable to pay taxes, helping them survive this hardship. If they endure, He’an Prefecture avoids descending into chaos. With He’an Prefecture stable, we’ll have a secure spot to live and prosper."

Once unrest breaks out in other regions and Emperor Chu sees the error of his excessive tax demands, he’ll shift tactics—either deploying troops to crush rebellions or appeasing the unrest. After this bout of turmoil fades, our family will be entirely out of harm’s way.

"Borrowing money?" Gu Jin’an nodded after hearing it: "This approach works, but it’s far from ideal; we’d be losing silver."

A massive sum of silver would need to be invested.

Gu Jinli replied, "Brother, this venture can turn a profit. Stabilizing He’an Prefecture keeps our businesses running; loaning silver ensures farmers from nearby villages pay their taxes, sparing our home from desperate crowds demanding cash."

She tilted her chin toward the workshop area and added, "Folks from Lianghe Village have already shown up, pleading with Dad for loans at the workshop."

Lianghe Village people knew them well and would still seek loans. But if desperate strangers from other villages couldn’t hold on, they wouldn’t borrow—they’d turn to robbery.

Gu Jin’an scowled in irritation and shouted to Zezi: "Zezi, rush to the workshop and warn Dad and Third Grandpa not to hand out any silver yet!"

Gu Jinli held back Zezi and said, "Brother, hold off. I’ve already told Da Tuan to instruct Dad against starting those loans."

Providing loans to farmers was acceptable, but not under their family’s banner—it had to come from the bank. Otherwise, after aiding this village, hordes from elsewhere would flood in, ignoring the bank altogether.

Banks charge interest, and farmers find it hard to qualify for loans; only affluent households with assets can secure them.

Gu Jin’an eased up and commented, "Your plan demands a ton of silver; we can’t pour all our family’s funds into it."

Short on cash, Gu Jin’an grew uneasy. They’d suffered poverty before and understood the torment of empty pockets.

Gu Jinli smiled at his words and responded, "Naturally, we won’t risk every bit of our silver. I’ve got just the person in mind—he’s rich and dependable."

Plus, he’s quite gullible.

"Young Master Dou?" Gu Jin’an paused briefly, then grinned and nodded: "He’s indeed the right fit."

It’d be a shame not to lure such a loaded fellow into sinking some silver.

The siblings shared a knowing look, settling on their scheme to fleece Dou Ke.

"For a powerful and trustworthy clan, the Ouyang family stands out." Gu Jinli glanced at Gu Jin’an while speaking, then added, "If that doesn’t sit well, the Zheng family is another choice."

This carried dangers; a single mistake could brand the Ouyang family as openly defying Emperor Chu.

Miss Ouyang is the girl her brother fancies—no one wants to drag a loved one into peril—so Gu Jinli offered the Zhengs as a backup.

Gu Jin’an shook his head with a smile: "No need to switch; Ouyang family it is. Don’t fret over Miss Ouyang; she’s a woman of strong principles."

The Ouyang family’s prestige stemmed from Ouyang Hong serving two generations as the Emperor’s tutor, so even acts against Emperor Chu would earn leniency—unlike the Zhengs.

The Zhengs were nobles, once scorned by Great Chu’s founding Emperor. With Zheng Ying’s grandfather now a top capital official, they drew constant watch. One slip, and attacks on them would only worsen everything.

Among known influential clans, the Ouyang family proved the best pick.

"With brother on board, let’s divide tasks. You handle persuading Master Ouyang on farmer loans, and I’ll take care of roping in Dou Ke." Gu Jinli declared, then leaned closer to whisper to Gu Jin’an, "Did you catch sight of Miss Ouyang today?"

Surely, he had encountered her; that explains why he praised her so effusively.

Gu Jin’an hesitated momentarily, his face showing slight discomfort, yet he nodded: "Met... she’s even better than I imagined."

Last time, he merely saw her as adept at upholding justice; today, he discovered she’s a noble woman deeply concerned for the woes of the masses.

Gu Jinli eyed her brother’s vaguely stunned look and tsked her tongue: "Brother, you’re in deep trouble; you’ve plunged into the river."

"Hm? More nonsense from you. I’m completely fine; since when did I fall into a river?" Gu Jin’an shot her a glance like she was spouting silliness.

Speaking gravely, Gu Jinli explained: "You’ve tumbled into a river—the river of love. Clear now?"

River of love?

"I don’t understand; what’s that supposed to mean? Does a river like that actually exist?" Gu Jin’an questioned, totally bewildered.

Gu Jinli: "...Pretend I never said a word."

She’d overlooked how ancient folks wouldn’t grasp such a notion.

"I’m heading out." Gu Jinli waved farewell to Gu Jin’an. Upon departing the front yard guest hall, she summoned Erqing and directed her to dispatch Si’an to notify Young Master Dou: "Tell him there’s a profitable venture waiting. Success promises fame and fortune, tied to a collaboration with the Ouyang family that’s highly coveted. If interested, rush over fast."

...

"What?!" Young Master Dou stared at Dou Zhi in astonishment, so shocked he tumbled from the soft couch: "Both fame and fortune, benefiting three generations, could make millions of taels, and it’s a big business deal in partnership with the Ouyang family!"

Dou Zhi confirmed with a nod: "Precisely what Little Boss Gu stated, adding that if you’re keen, make haste to Qingfu Town since they won’t linger."

"Then why hesitate? Quickly prepare the carriage for Qingfu Town!" Young Master Dou barked as he shoved his feet into his shoes.

Dou Zhi remained still, inquiring of his young master, "Young Master, are you sure you believe it?"

It came across as wildly overstated, reeking of a potential swindle.

Young Master Dou paused, narrowed his eyes in contemplation, then nodded firmly at Dou Zhi: "I believe it."

In the past, such words would make him deem the Gu family deranged, yet now he trusted it utterly. That faith arose not from Gu Jinli herself, but from the Young Marquis.

The Young Marquis was ever the grave sort, and with Gu Jinli as his chosen bride-to-be, he’d never allow her to partake in fraudulent schemes.

The refinement of the Marquis Mansion and the Young Marquis’s upright nature inspired full confidence.

Still, Young Master Dou neglected how certain husbands grow smitten; no matter their wives’ antics, they view them as flawless.

"Believe it?" Dou Zhi stared in disbelief; has the young master lost his senses too? Falling for this?

Noting Dou Zhi’s face blending horror and muteness, Young Master Dou yelled, "What’s that face for? Get the carriage ready pronto. No dragging feet. Botch my path to riches, and kiss that promised manor goodbye."