Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1196: Zhou Er

Some old villagers from back home have arrived?

Gu Jinli rubbed her eyes, rose from the bed, let out a yawn, and inquired: "Which village do these folks hail from? What’s their family name? Are they from our county’s town or elsewhere? Who permitted their entry?"

Several questions burst from Gu Jinli in quick succession, the final one holding the utmost importance.

Ever since hearing the Emperor planned to hike taxes, she had commanded Wang Yongfu and his group that only those collecting goods should enter freely; all others, even familiar faces, must be barred without exception.

Whoever defied her orders would have no one to fault but themselves for her ruthlessness.

Xiao Ji explained, "They’re from the Northwest villages. They claim they fled the famine alongside the Young Master, hailing from Niugou Town, bearing the surnames Zhou and Lin. Third Grandpa and Third Grandma seem fond of them. Upon hearing of their arrival, they told Uncle Wang to allow them inside."

So, these were the folks Third Grandpa and Third Grandma wished to meet?

Gu Jinli narrowed her eyes briefly until her vision sharpened, and memories of the Zhou and Lin families resurfaced... Those clans had indeed journeyed through the famine with them, resettled in the same county yet separate villages far distant, leading to scant interactions.

This abrupt appearance surely aimed at borrowing funds to cover taxes.

Gu Jinli rose to don fresh attire, hastily secured her hair in a bun, then headed adjacent to rinse her mouth and splash water on her face, questioning, "Where is my sister? Fetch her quickly, return her here—too many visitors around, and if some rude sort collides with her, it’ll spell disaster."

The Zhou and Lin clans boasted large numbers. During their flight to He’an Prefecture, over fifty souls trailed them. Amid such a crowd, not everyone might act properly; lone men could harbor ill intentions.

Her mind truly leaned toward suspicion and gloom regarding others.

Xiao Yu assured, "Sister, rest easy. Sister Li and I stand guard to shield you." Gu Jinxiu entered the yard carrying a food box, overheard the exchange, and beamed with joy. Being safeguarded by little siblings felt wonderful.

However...

"Sister knows how to fight; no need to fret constantly." Gu Jinxiu had endured the famine too, understood vigilance, and refused to let Xiao Yu, Brother An, or Brother Cheng fuss excessively over her safety.

Gu Jinli chuckled, "I’m aware sister fights well and carries poison for defense—no question there—but habit dies hard; I can’t shake the sense that sister seems fragile, prone to mishaps."

She draped the cotton towel to dry, then instructed Gu Jinxiu, "Sister, remain in the yard, venture nowhere; I’ll step out to investigate."

"Elder Zhou and Elder Lin have just arrived; they won’t depart soon—eat something first." Gu Jinxiu called after Gu Jinli, proceeded to the main room in the courtyard, and unpacked breakfast from the food box.

Hunger gnawed at Gu Jinli too; she devoured two pastries and a bowl of porridge before departing alongside Xiao Ji. Erqing intercepted them just shy of exiting the rear quarters.

Erqing halted the pair and stated, "Miss Zhou Er, Miss Lin Si, this area is the inner courtyard; ahead lies the daughters’ quarters of the mistress—kindly refrain from roaming."

"Mistress? Do you serve the Gu Family?" Miss Zhou Er eyed Erqing with discomfort. All had fled famine together, yet the Gu household thrived far superior, the servant’s garb finer even than her own.

Erqing affirmed, "Indeed, I serve the Gu Family."

Miss Zhou Er smirked, "As a servant, then, summon them—inform Sister Gu and Sister Gu Er of our visit."

She continued, "We endured famine alongside the Gu sisters, braved trials together, share deep bonds, and visits like this are scarce; Sister Gu and Sister Gu Er will rejoice immensely at our arrival."

Gu Jinli’s brow furrowed—since when was she chummy with Miss Zhou?

During the famine escape, Elder Zhou and Elder Lin noted their group’s fighters and sought protection, trailing with kin; only the elders negotiated, bringing sons at most, never granddaughters for introductions.

Erqing declined politely, "My apologies, Miss Zhou Er—this is a vital rear courtyard zone; join the elders in the front yard, avoid straying."

Roaming a host’s home sans elders, poking about freely—what impropriety!

Anger flickered in Miss Zhou Er; she had slipped into the back hoping not just to spot Gu Jinxiu and Gu Jinli, but to chance upon Gu Jin’an too.

Gu Jin’an had earned scholar status as Jianghuai’s second minor three-yuan talent; word spread even to Niugou Town’s Xiaolizi Village, stirring uproar in that remote hollow.

Because of their ties to the Gu Family, both the Zhou and Lin families were showered with gifts from countless villagers and even affluent town dwellers, all eager to gain favor through an introduction to Scholar Gu.

Miss Zhou Er, two years Gu Jinli's senior and already seventeen, had long surpassed the typical marriage age, yet as refugees, suitable matches proved elusive.

Moreover, certain village ruffians kept harassing her, instilling deep fear—even her elder sister’s intended...

Miss Zhou Er fretted greatly over her marital future. News of Scholar Gu’s success ignited her ambitions, fixing her gaze on Gu Jin’an.

Still, her grandfather had sternly cautioned her against bringing shame to the family, warning of dire repercussions if it jeopardized their silver loan!

Deeply resentful yet unwilling to yield, Miss Zhou Er pressed on. Securing a bond with Gu Jin’an to aid the family would shift her grandfather’s reproach to praise for her shrewdness.

Miss Lin Si said, "This lady, don’t be angry. We’re looking for the toilet, don’t know the way, mistakenly came here."

Miss Lin Si harbored a sense of injustice; Sister Zhou Er had drawn her here, with no intent to stray on her own.

"Sister Zhou Er, let’s hurry back and stop wandering. We’re guests here, roaming is unruly." Miss Lin Si grasped Miss Zhou Er’s hand, attempting to lead her off.

Miss Zhou Er reined in her ire, tempted to甩 off Lin Si’s hold but refraining to avoid an unseemly display, instead gripping Lin Si’s hand firmly. "Little Sister, didn’t you want to see the two sisters of the Gu Family? Now you’re about to see them and reconsider? So fickle, sigh..."

Miss Zhou Er let out a sigh, inwardly cursing Lin Si, before telling Erqing, "Since you find it difficult, we won’t make it hard for you. We’ll return to the front courtyard, please inform Sister Gu, that sisters from the Zhou and Lin families came, and if convenient, we would like to see her, and reminisce."

She recollected that Eldest Miss Gu was somewhat naive, tender-hearted, and bound by propriety; aware of their presence, decorum would surely draw her out to greet them.

Courting Gu Jin’an demanded first charming the Gu sisters.

Regrettably, Gu Jinxiu, molded by Gu Jinli’s tutelage over many years, had evolved far beyond the youth who’d suffer unwanted tasks merely for politeness.

"Alright, the servant will inform the eldest lady, the two of you farewell." Erqing replied indifferently, shooing away Miss Zhou Er and her group.

Gu Jinli emerged with Xiao Ji only once they had departed.