Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1191: Working Hard for Sister-in-law

Young Master Dou's expression brightened noticeably when he heard that more silver would be added soon.

However...

"Great Chu spans such a huge territory; even with extra silver from us, it won't suffice. It can merely secure Anfu River at best."

Yet Great Chu boasts more than a hundred prefectures, so stabilizing just Anfu River falls short.

"No, securing Anfu River will stabilize all of Great Chu." Gu Jinli gazed at Young Master Dou and explained, "Our efforts serve as a guiding light of hope. With Great Chu full of capable people, once they witness this light and realize it's possible, families of wealth and influence will step up to safeguard their own prefectures. When sufficient numbers join in, farmers throughout Great Chu can borrow silver for taxes, and the crisis will end."

Ouyang Ming added, "A single spark can start a vast fire across the plains; that's exactly it. We're merely that spark."

Young Master Dou listened intently, eyeing Gu Jinli while knitting his brows once more... The Young Marquis has sharp judgment indeed; picking this wife was a smart move!

Young Master Dou had long thought Gu Jinli mismatched for Qin San Lang, yet now his view shifted. A village girl displaying such cleverness—impressive! No more sympathy needed for the Young Marquis.

Recalling the Young Marquis, Young Master Dou inquired, "Little Boss Gu, how's Company Commander Qin doing these days?"

Gu Jinli: "Brother Qin is doing fine."

What scheme are you plotting this time?

Young Master Dou: "Has Company Commander Qin come back lately? I heard he skipped Scholar Gu’s banquet; did something happen to him?"

A big event like the brother-in-law earning scholar status, and the Young Marquis misses it—haha, maybe he's ready to ditch this peasant lass?

Gu Jinli eyed Young Master Dou, whose grin threatened to split his face, and replied coolly, "My Brother Qin was tied up with official business. Besides, we've known each other since childhood, and our families remain neighbors; no need to overthink it. It's only a banquet—Brother Qin's presence or absence changes nothing in our families' bond."

Brat, don't court death. What's that supposed to imply? Hoping for a rift between me and Brother Qin? Think I'll let you off easy and feed you to the wolves?!

Young Master Dou, upon hearing her words, flashed a knowing smile: "So Company Commander Qin truly skipped it."

"Young Master Dou, why such interest in my Brother Qin? Spent too much time in Jiangnan and adopted some Immortal Lord tastes?" Gu Jinli, fed up with him, struck with a sharp retort.

Sure enough, Young Master Dou's face drained of color in fury: "Quit your nonsense; this young master has no taste for Immortal Lords. I simply admire Company Commander Qin—don't let your mind wander!"

His taunts stemmed purely from believing Gu Jinli unfit for the Young Marquis. Should the Young Marquis lose interest, he'd swiftly arrange a proper noble lady; nothing more to it.

Besides, given the Young Marquis’s position—how could he entertain other notions?

Gu Jinli understood Young Master Dou harbored no such intent, but his relentless prying into Brother Qin's matters irked her.

Brother Qin will reach out when the time is right for meetings or info. Your overzealousness could well sabotage his strategies.

"Douzi, quit lingering and hurry over. Let's seal the contract with our prints, then everyone can proceed separately." Master Ouyang called him, pulling out a Duan Family private seal and pressing it onto the document first.

Hearing this, Young Master Dou rushed forward and applied his own private seal.

Gu Jinli and Gu Jin’an stayed put. Master Ouyang explained, "The Gu Family are mere country folk; they may contribute funds discreetly but must avoid names on the contract. It might reach the Emperor's desk someday, and the Gu Family lacks strength to handle imperial conflicts now."

Therefore, the contract bore only the Ouyang and Dou Families' seals.

Upon this explanation, Gu Jinli and Gu Jin’an both bowed deeply, saying, "Thank you, Master Ouyang, for safeguarding us."

Master Ouyang truly shielded them. Names or prints on the contract would make them prime targets.

Young Master Dou, after listening, held his tongue. Though he scorned Gu Jinli’s background, her status as the Young Marquis’s fiancée meant he must shield the Gu Family.

"It’s done. It’s getting late now. Everyone, head back home. Let the old man and Douzi deal with the rest." With the contract finally secured, Master Ouyang glanced at the darkening sky and declared.

"Very well, we juniors will depart first," replied Gu Jin’an and Gu Jinli.

Gu Jinli shot a look at her big brother before stepping up to Ouyang Ming and bowing deeply. "Many thanks to Third Sister for your assistance. Without your noble persuasion of Master Ouyang, this wouldn’t have proceeded so smoothly."

Ouyang Ming bowed back in response. "Actually, I’m the one who owes thanks to Sister Gu Er. Your clever plan has saved countless lives in Great Chu. Heaven knows how many farmers might have perished otherwise."

A smile crossed Gu Jinli’s face as she said, "Third Sister flatters me too much. I harbor no lofty dreams; my thoughts never strayed to the realm or Great Chu’s people. I simply aimed to safeguard my family’s small farm, and that’s how the idea emerged."

Ouyang Ming chuckled. "Sister Gu Er, your modesty knows no bounds."

"Third Sister, please don’t call me Sister Gu Er anymore. Call me Xiao Yu instead—it feels closer," Gu Jinli continued. "Third Sister, you’re such a bold and valiant lady. I adore spending time with women like you. If I have free time, may I come visit Third Sister?"

Since her older brother, as a grown man, rarely got chances to encounter Miss Ouyang, she, as his sister, needed to strive hard to end his bachelor days!

Ouyang Ming beamed and responded, "I share that very desire... Xiao Yu, feel free to drop by whenever. And if I find a moment, I’d love to visit your place too—is that fine?"

"Absolutely, how could it not be? I’d be thrilled if Third Sister came over." Gu Jinli’s eyes sparkled. "We have plenty of fresh treats at home, ones you won’t find elsewhere, and they’re delicious. When Third Sister visits, I’ll whip them up for you to savor."

Hearing her describe the array of dishes, Ouyang Ming gazed at the girl and grinned. "Xiao Yu, you’re stirring up my appetite already."

"Then tomorrow, I’ll swing by again and bring some goodies for Third Sister—does that work?" Gu Jinli suggested.

"Perfect," Ouyang Ming consented.

Delighted, Gu Jinli peeked at Gu Jin’an and arched her brows triumphantly: See? Isn’t your little sister amazing?

Gu Jin’an felt a flush creep up his cheeks, so he quickly ducked his head to steady himself. He bowed to Master Ouyang and said, "Master, night is falling. I’ll head out now... and return tomorrow to lend a hand."

Gu Jinli: "..."

Brother, you sly one—quietly locking in tomorrow’s trip to the Ouyang household.

"That works well enough; there are indeed chores requiring your help," Master Ouyang affirmed.

Overjoyed, Gu Jin’an expressed his gratitude to Master Ouyang before grabbing Gu Jinli and departing.

Just before leaving, he bowed to Miss Ouyang. "Thank you, Miss Ouyang, for your support."

Ouyang Ming smiled warmly and bowed in return.

Witnessing this exchange, Gu Jin’an led Gu Jinli away. The moment they passed through the Ouyang Family’s entrance, Qin San Lang appeared before them.