Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1194: It’s a Joke

Yet, this remains mere rumor. The imperial house openly declared that Emperor Jingyuan, after plunging deep into Da Rong's core, stumbled into a Rong-laid ambush. Wounded, he concealed himself in Da Rong lands, endured endless trials, fled to Longshan, got saved by Duke Wei and his son, and was securely returned to the capital.

However, as my father revealed, from that moment onward, Emperor Jingyuan's nature truly altered, turning paranoid, quick to startle, and prone to savage outbursts.

Still, Emperor Jingyuan performed his role masterfully, backed by a capable father, securing the throne without a hitch.

Once crowned, though, he veered toward ruin. Immediately upon taking power, he obsessed over Duke Wei's allies, plotted for over two years, then unleashed his assault. In the end, he shattered the Northwest Army's strategies completely, leaving the current forces helpless and pummeled by the Rong without any counter.

"Young Master, we've reached home." Zezi called out, bringing the mule cart to a halt. Erqing leaped from the front seat, lowered the stool neatly, and stepped back to wait.

Gu Jin’an hopped off the mule cart right away. The cart's air hung far too thick, and as her brother-in-law, he endured no more, afraid lingering would spark such fury he'd vomit blood.

Qin San Lang didn't linger either, soon helping Gu Jinli descend from the cart.

"Brother An, Xiao Yu, you're back at last. We were ready to head to town searching for you." Gu Dashan stood guard at the entrance, anxious over Gu Jin’an and the others: "San Lang's returned too—excellent! Come in quick; dinner's prepared and ready to serve now."

Gu Dashan beamed at the sight of Qin San Lang. This prospective second son-in-law had stayed away too long, and amid the chaos, concern weighed heavy on him.

"Uncle Dashan." Qin San Lang grinned, slowly releasing Gu Jinli’s hand, offered a cupped-fist salute to Gu Dashan, and trailed inside.

Third Grandpa, Third Grandma, Mrs. Cui, and the rest delighted in Qin San Lang's arrival, swiftly adding utensils for him: "San Lang, sit down quick. Returning so late, you must be starving; let's eat."

"Alright." After honoring the elders, Qin San Lang glanced at Elder Qin nearby: "Grandfather, your grandson has returned. Things are stable lately, so worry not."

Hearing this, Elder Qin's knitted brows smoothed out; he nodded and replied: "Sit and eat."

The two clans savored a cheerful dinner together. Once finished, Third Grandma and others gathered around Qin San Lang, questioning: "San Lang, the Emperor's hiking taxes—if we can't pay, will heads roll?"

Qin San Lang nodded: "Yes, the whole family might even get dragged in."

The Emperor shows no mercy, excelling instead at wielding the sword of authority to strike down foes, his pride immense. Should he err, only in dire straits would he confess and fix it; else, he'd stomp it underfoot.

Thus, on taxes, anyone bold enough to withhold must brace for the village's collective doom.

If soldiers' kin default on taxes sparking mutiny, the Emperor refuses fault, sending armies to crush. Victory lets flaws endure; defeat brings envoys to parley and atone.

Hence, farmers dwell in grim peril, powerless to rebel. The Emperor dismisses their uprisings as trifles; peasant rabble means nothing, but soldier revolts alone chill his imperial heart.

"Oh heavens, what to do?" Third Grandma wailed: "Can't the gods spare farmers a path to survival? These years brought floods, wars—we fled south hoping for relief, yet it's worse. Taxes this crushing, countless souls may perish."

Third Grandma sobbed in deep grief. Having weathered vast sufferings, in her waning days she craved quiet repose, only to meet this calamity, sinking into true hopelessness.

Her thoughts drifted to Aunt Fuya’s household.

"We don't know where Aunt Fuya’s family has settled. Without silver for taxes, if they're executed, what then?" Third Grandma wept, face hidden in her hands.

Gu Jin’an spoke up fast: "Third Grandma, no more tears. Aunt Fuya’s kin possess mighty fortune; they'll surely endure."

He went on: "Master Ouyang’s family has already moved into action, teaming up with multiple rich and powerful noble clans to establish a bank. They’ll lend Silver to farmers all over Great Chu so they can cover their taxes. If farmers manage to borrow that Silver for taxes, this disaster will be averted."

"Really?" Third Grandma’s eyes brightened, and she questioned: "Will Aunt Fuya’s family be able to borrow Silver for their taxes too?"

Gu Jin’an nodded: "Absolutely. Noble families hold sway across Great Chu. With the bank open, any farmer in Great Chu can take loans, so Aunt Fuya’s family qualifies as long as they’re within the realm."

Gu Jin’an realized Aunt Fuya represented Third Grandma’s last hope for continuation. To keep her from falling into despair, he stretched the truth.

True, Master Ouyang and the Dou Family possessed vast wealth, yet even their Silver couldn’t cover everywhere—likely limited to folks in He’an Prefecture at best.

Third Grandma trusted Gu Jin’an’s words. Hearing this, she clutched his hand and declared: "That’s wonderful. Aunt Fuya’s family can be rescued then."

She pressed further on details about Master Ouyang and the others launching the bank to loan money to farmers.

Gu Jin’an revealed only what suited the moment.

"Hold on a second." Third Grandma dashed back indoors, returning with a box: "Here’s all the Silver us old couple scraped together. Give it to Master Ouyang... perhaps it’ll reach my Fuya somehow."

Gu Jin’an hesitated to accept, but seeing it eased Third Grandma’s heart, he reluctantly took it.

Still, he accepted just half, placed the rest back in the box, and handed it over: "This amount suffices. Keep the remainder for yourselves."

Third Grandma didn’t argue and took it back: "Widows and orphans in neighboring villages lack funds. If they seek help, this old lady plans to loan it out to them."

"Brother Qin, you ought to rest now." Noticing Qin San Lang’s exhaustion worsening, Gu Jinli felt pity and urged him to retire rather than linger for talk.

Third Grandma glanced at Qin San Lang and cried: "San Lang looks completely worn out—go rest at once!"

Qin San Lang replied: "I’ll head off then."

He added: "I must depart before dawn, so I won’t manage visits to all the elders tomorrow."

These words aimed at Gu Jinli’s ears; she nodded back and responded: "Brother Qin, no need for such formality between our families. Just rest up quickly."

I’ll await your visit—don’t fret.

Qin San Lang caught her meaning, flashed a smile her way, and trailed Elder Qin home.

...

Back at the Qin household, Elder Qin posed a few questions to Qin San Lang. After the report, he grew quiet.

After what felt like ages, he murmured: "Great Chu, how did it sink to this state?"

Sorrow laced his tone. He recalled how his old master and fellow warriors once swept the land with fiery resolve, pledging a dynasty free from noble family dominance—one where humble commoners could rise fully, enduring for generations.

Yet today’s Great Chu stood as nothing but a farce.