Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1220: Why Are You So Excited?

Business dealings that involved Liang Zhuzi and his associates had previously brought them to the Gu Family. On one occasion, they had sought a loan of Silver from this very family. While the Gu Family declined to lend them the funds directly, they advised Liang Zhuzi and his group to approach the new bank with Village Chief He in five days’ time, assuring them they could use a back entrance to secure a direct loan.

Remembering this instruction, the residents of Lianghe Village arrived at the entrance of Da Feng Village well before dawn to await their opportunity.

"Zhuzi, you've returned as well." Village Chief He observed that Liang Zhuzi had indeed lost weight and gave a nod of approval. After facing setbacks in Hukang County and receiving a stern lesson from Xiao Yu, he appeared to have genuinely become more submissive.

Liang Zhuzi brought his hands together in a respectful gesture towards Village Chief He, stating, "Village Chief Uncle, it has been a considerable time. You appear more robust and healthy than ever."

Aware of Village Chief He's particular pride in He Jinseng, Liang Zhuzi initially intended to offer some praise. However, he quickly recalled that He Jinseng had unfortunately failed to pass the recent examinations and had not attained the status of a Scholar. He therefore suppressed the words of commendation that were on his lips, altering his statement to, "I had no choice but to return. The current tax levy is excessively high. There are still more than a dozen households within our village unable to meet the payment. As I have prior dealings with the Gu Family, I felt compelled to come back and assist everyone."

Life in Lianghe Village was, in truth, quite manageable. Yet, when contrasted with Da Feng Village, where every family possessed gainful employment, their circumstances were still somewhat less prosperous. And this was merely the summer tax; the autumn tax would be due in the tenth month. The people of Lianghe Village considered this prospect, fearing that the autumn tax might increase further, and resolved to seek loans from the bank.

Their plan was to secure the loans first and address the details later, lest the Silver available at the bank be depleted by the time the autumn tax was due, leaving them without funds to pay.

Upon the mention of taxes, Village Chief He’s aged face also clouded over with a bitter expression. He waved a dismissive hand and declared, "Let us not dwell on that matter. We must hasten our departure."

"Indeed."

Under the guidance of Village Chief He, the assembled group proceeded towards the county seat, traveling by mule and ox carts.

Thanks to the prior notification provided by Qin San Lang, Village Chief He and his companions were spared the need to queue. Following a verification of their household registrations, they were granted entry.

Upon reaching the newly established bank, they found its main doors still firmly shut; it had not yet opened for business.

A considerable number of villagers had congregated around the bank's entrance, voicing their uncertainty: "Is this indeed the correct location? Have we arrived at the wrong place?"

"There is no mistake; this is the place. Observe the Guards stationed at the entrance and the Military Officers patrolling the street. Their presence clearly indicates they are here to safeguard this bank, presumably to deter any attempts at robbery."

"And examine the inscription above the doorway. Does it not appear rather complex? It reads 'Dou Ou Bank,' incorporating the initial character from the Dou Family and the Ouyang Family. This must be it, beyond a doubt!"

"Dou Ou Bank? A 'Fight-and-Brawl Bank'? What sort of peculiar name is that? To conceive of such a name is truly something else."

"Who concerns themselves with the name, as long as they are willing to extend us loans?"

Hearing these various comments, Qin San Lang's expression became difficult to interpret. That individual, Dou Ke, invariably proved unreliable when it came to choosing names.

"Village Chief, please accompany me." Qin San Lang had been assigned the duty of commanding troops to secure the bank. However, upon spotting Village Chief He, he approached and announced, "I shall escort you through the back entrance."

"Ah, it is San Lang. Excellent, excellent. Everyone, stay close and follow San Lang into the bank." Village Chief He was overjoyed and also felt a considerable sense of pride. He considered the preferential treatment their Da Feng Village was receiving, a circumstance that would undoubtedly incite envy among farmers for scores of miles around.

Qin San Lang made a shushing motion with his hand, signaling for them to refrain from speaking so loudly, so as not to incur the displeasure of others who might overhear.

Observing this, Village Chief He and the residents of Lianghe Village promptly fell silent.

Before long, Qin San Lang led them to the rear entrance of the bank. After he gave a knock, Dou Meng himself emerged to usher them inside.

The young Master, who had been working through the night, was suffering from a splitting headache. He was currently reclining in a Taishi Chair, remarking to Gu Jin’an, "Postpone the opening of the doors. I require two hours of sleep, or I fear I shall not survive."

Gu Jin’an responded, "Delaying the opening for two hours? Do you truly believe the villagers won't simply storm this bank and destroy it?"

He himself had been so overwhelmed with tasks in recent days that he had not found a moment to sleep. The previous night, after returning to the village to see his family, he had proceeded directly to the county bank after supper and had toiled throughout the entire night alongside the young Master.

"Take this. It will invigorate you, clear your mind, and alleviate the headache brought on by your sleepless night." Gu Jin’an extended a pill towards him.

The young Master accepted the pill and inquired with a frown, "What is this? It is not some form of Poison, is it?"

Gu Jin’an recounted, "An awakening pill. My younger sister and Doctor Wu concocted it. Its efficacy is quite remarkable, but if you harbor any fear, you are certainly not obligated to consume it."

With a decisive gulp, the Young Master downed it in one swift motion. "Would I, this distinguished Young Master, ever show fear?"

Remarkably, this awakening pill proved to be potent indeed. In less than fifteen minutes, the Young Master's mind was clear, his headache completely vanquished. He shot Gu Jin’an a reproachful glare, exclaiming, "With such a beneficial item, why did you withhold it until now?"

Over the preceding days, in addition to attending to their own pressing matters, the pair had been making frequent visits to Master Ouyang's Estate. These meetings were for reporting progress and deliberating on the myriad details concerning the establishment of their new banking institution.

Gu Jin’an responded, "I possessed none previously. It was only upon returning home last night that I acquired the medicine."

"Young Master, Company Commander Qin has arrived with the esteemed individuals from Da Feng Village," the attendant Dou Meng announced.

"Company Commander Qin is here!" The Young Master leaped from the Taishi Chair with palpable excitement. He hurried to the entrance, craning his neck as he inquired, "Where is he? Where has he arrived?"

Gu Jin’an followed him outside, observing the Young Master's animated behavior. He commented in a cool, somewhat eerie tone, "My brother-in-law has arrived. Why this excessive agitation?"

He is not your brother-in-law.

"Hmph, is it beyond this Young Master's capacity to admire soldiers?" the Young Master retorted. He then tempered his eagerness and stepped forward to greet Qin San Lang. "Company Commander Qin, a good morning to you. Have you partaken in breakfast? There is some prepared within. Do come in and share a meal with us."

How could the Young Marquis be permitted to go hungry?

Qin San Lang replied, "There is no necessity. The villagers await to secure loans for their taxes. I have brought the Village Chief and the residents of Lianghe Village. Young Master Dou, please instruct your clerks to commence with them. Once they are proficient with the procedures, kindly open your doors immediately to facilitate the villagers' loan applications."

Moved by the gesture—the Young Marquis remains as upright and kind-hearted as he was in his youth!

The Young Master emphatically declared, striking his chest, "Rest assured, Company Commander Qin. I shall arrange for their loan processing without delay."

As he spoke, he bellowed towards the courtyard, "Dou Zhi, Dou Zhi, hurry here and escort them to the front shop to finalize their loan matters."

"Yes, Young Master," Dou Zhi responded promptly. He entered, bowed respectfully to everyone present, and then addressed Village Chief He. "You must be Village Chief He, is that correct? Kindly accompany this humble servant to the front shop. The clerks will assist you with the loan procedures."

"Oh, oh, oh, thank you, miss," Village Chief He said, beaming with happiness. He led the villagers away but lingered to speak quietly with He Jinseng. "Jin Sheng, that Young Master Dou is a magnanimous benefactor. You must not squander this opportunity. Remain here and engage in a thorough discussion with him."

He Jinseng felt a sense of helplessness but, considering his grandfather's good intentions, reluctantly agreed to stay.

The Young Master, occupied with other matters, had no time to attend to He Jinseng, even finding his presence somewhat intrusive. He grasped He Jinseng, pulled him aside, and then turned to Qin San Lang, his eyes crinkling as a smile formed. "Company Commander Qin, someone is already attending to Village Chief He and the others for their loans. Please, step inside for some tea and rest your weary self."

Up at the crack of dawn and already engrossed in work—the Young Marquis is truly to be pitied!

Qin San Lang shook his head. "No, thank you. The number of villagers outside is increasing. I must go out and oversee them, to prevent any unforeseen incidents."

Huh?

You are not coming in for a bite to eat?

Toiling on an empty stomach is hardly beneficial.

The Young Master experienced a pang of regret but hastily called out, "Company Commander Qin, please wait a moment."

He dashed back inside, meticulously packed an assortment of breakfast items and tea, which Dou Zhi had prepared for him, into a food container. He then turned to Gu Jin’an and asked, "Could you give me a few awakening pills? I intend to present them to Company Commander Qin. He must have endured an all-night vigil, just as we have."

Gu Jin’an cast a glance at him, clasped his hands before him, and stated, "The awakening pill was created by his intended bride, who has yet to be formally wed. Do you truly believe he would be without such a remedy?"