Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1221: Daring to Compete with My Sister for Someone

Are you perhaps a little too effusive in your interactions with my brother-in-law?

If he weren't occasionally seen in the company of women, Young Master Dou might even start to suspect that Lan San might harbor feelings for him.

Young Master Dou let out a light chuckle at this thought. An unwed bride? If not for the inconvenient circumstances at the Young Marquis's estate, could a humble village girl like Gu Jinli ever be betrothed to the Young Marquis? Such notions were pure fantasy.

However, given the Young Marquis's clear fondness for that particular 'fish' and his current presence, exhibiting any sort of disdain towards Gu Jinli was out of the question. To do so might risk incurring the Young Marquis's displeasure.

"Company Commander Qin, please accept these snacks. Have a bite when you have a moment free from your duties to replenish your strength." Young Master Dou presented the food box to Company Commander Qin, then inquired with a touch of concern, "Do you happen to have any Awakening Pills on your person? I just took some myself, and the effects were quite remarkable."

Qin San Lang responded with a proud smile, "They were made by my wife, so naturally, I have them in abundance."

Young Master Dou was taken aback. My heavens, the Young Marquis is smiling so tenderly; he truly does favor that 'fish'!

Young Master Dou felt a sense of helplessness wash over him. If the Young Marquis genuinely took a liking to something, he was not one to easily change his mind. Ever since childhood, the Young Marquis had shouldered his responsibilities with great maturity. His father, the Marquis, had also been deeply devoted and loyal to the Marchioness. It was likely that the Young Marquis would be the same towards that 'fish'.

It was truly a shame, a profound pity, that such an admirable Young Marquis was being claimed by Gu Jinli for nothing more than circumstance. Young Master Dou felt like shedding tears!

"I have more than enough Awakening Pills, and as for food, my brother brought me a bag of snacks last night, all made by Xiao Yu, and they were incredibly delicious." Qin San Lang spoke his piece, his words brimming with praise for Gu Jinli. The underlying message was clear: he was acknowledging this person, and no one should dare to show her disrespect, lest they incur his wrath...

Young Master Dou, upon hearing this, chuckled heartily. "Little Boss Gu is indeed quite capable. She can concoct medicine, prepare ham, blend spirits, and even devised the ingenious idea of lending money to pay taxes, leaving many men in her dust."

Young Master Dou's praise for Gu Jinli was effusive, and Qin San Lang's satisfaction was evident. His smile widened, nearly causing his eyes to disappear.

Young Master Dou observed: "..."

The Young Marquis has truly changed; he actually seems to enjoy hearing words of flattery!

"Are these snacks the only ones? Are there any more? There are many brothers outside who are hungry. If there are additional provisions, please set some aside to feed the brethren." Qin San Lang did not take the food box, posing a question instead.

He understood that Dou Ke desired to foster a closer relationship with him, thereby cultivating an image of camaraderie that would facilitate future dealings. However, excessive enthusiasm was not advisable. The people in the Capital were not fools, and Dou Ke's stepmother was constantly vigilant, aware of whom Dou Ke was being friendly with.

If he were to walk out openly carrying this food box, without much forethought, it might be acceptable. But if someone were to pause and consider: Why would someone of Dou Ke's standing treat a mere military leader with such favor? He was just a Company Commander; would someone like Dou Ke need to curry favor with a mere County Company Commander?

The most prudent course of action was a gradual approach. If gifts of food were to be dispersed, they should be given to all the soldiers at the Military Office.

"Yes, yes, yes, it’s merely some food, and of course, there is more. I shall have it prepared immediately and dispatched later to the brethren at the Military Office." Young Master Dou responded with palpable excitement, patting his chest.

Qin San Lang gave a nod and proceeded towards the front of the shop. "I shall go and check on Village Chief He and the others."

"Company Commander Qin, I shall accompany you! It's the perfect opportunity to inform you about how our Dou Ou Bank is extending loans to the common folk." Young Master Dou eagerly followed, but before he had taken more than a few steps, his collar was firmly grasped.

"Gu Jin’an, why are you seizing me, Young Master?" Young Master Dou exclaimed, annoyance coloring his tone.

Gu Jin’an, his anger now visibly heightened, flashed a sinister smile, revealing his white teeth. "You, Dou, have you been possessed? Acting so strangely so early in the morning."

He could not hold back any longer and directly confronted Young Master Dou.

Young Master Dou expressed surprise. Was his behavior that obvious? He had believed himself to be subtle, merely employing a degree of sycophancy, yet he had still been detected.

"What's wrong with it? I was saved by soldiers, which is why I am treating Company Commander Qin..."

Gu Jin’an cut him off mid-sentence. "Enough of that! Cease this pretense. Such falsehoods might sway someone like Li Shuzi, but you would be wise to restrain yourself. If this endeavor goes awry, do not blame me for dismantling you."

Young Master Dou sighed audibly. "Very well, very well, I understand. Why are you so incensed?"

He added, "I shall depart now to instruct Dou Zhi to procure some sustenance for them. Farewell."

Seizing an opportune moment when Gu Jin’an was momentarily distracted, Young Master Dou managed to slip away. Glancing back at him, he assured, "Rest assured, I am well aware of my limitations."

With those words, he quickly scurried off, heading in the direction of the front shop, calling out loudly, "Dou Zhi! Has Village Chief He’s matter been concluded? If so, find someone to purchase ten tables of breakfast from Futai Building for the soldiers at the Military Office; they have worked diligently to secure our area for us!"

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin’an let out a cold snort. He didn’t bother to pursue Young Master Dou, merely muttering, "You cannot take anyone from my Xiao Yu, you are not capable."

With that, he returned to his room to complete his remaining tasks and chores.

Young Master Dou felt a measure of relief knowing Gu Jin’an wasn’t following. However, he still didn’t dare approach Qin San Lang, as this was only their second formal meeting. Being overly forward would indeed arouse suspicion.

Dou Zhi heard the summons and replied, "Young Master, this servant is occupied. Please find someone else to dispatch to Futai Building."

Frustrated by Dou Zhi's response, Young Master Dou considered calling for Dou Meng, but the latter was already positioned at the back door, vigilant against any potential troublemakers. The other Shadow Guards were stationed to protect the silver-storage warehouse and could not be spared for such errands. No one was available.

"Uncle, Uncle~" Li Shuzi, concealed behind a pillar, softly called out to Young Master Dou.

"I’ve told you countless times to call me brother! Do I look that old?" Young Master Dou’s face flushed as he glared at Li Shuzi. "What are you doing here? Weren’t you instructed to remain quietly in the side courtyard and not wander about?"

Tears welled in Li Shuzi’s eyes, threatening to fall, but he held them back. "Brother, I can run errands for you." His mother had impressed upon him that they were now servants of the Dou Family and must contribute through their labor, lest they be cast aside by their young master.

Li Shuzi had no desire to be abandoned; he found contentment here. There was ample food to eat, new clothes to wear, and he was spared any beatings.

Young Master Dou surveyed Li Shuzi and then bellowed towards the end of the corridor, "Madam Zhou, come out here!"

Miss Zhou was startled and nearly dropped to her knees. Hurriedly, she emerged, exclaiming, "Please don't be angry, Young Master. We did not intend to wander off; we merely wished to help."

"Enough with the nonsense. Take this silver note to Futai Building and order ten tables of breakfast. Send them to the soldiers at the Military Office." Young Master Dou, unwilling to engage further with Li Shuzi and his mother, thrust the silver note into Li Shuzi’s hand and departed.

Miss Zhou was overjoyed that the Young Master had finally assigned them a task. She and her son quickly exited through the back door and proceeded to Futai Building to place an order for ten tables of breakfast intended for the soldiers at the Military Office.

Before the breakfast even arrived, the villagers outside had grown restless, their shouts echoing: "Open the door quickly! It’s already late. Have you run out of funds?"

With a creak, the bank’s doors swung open. Young Master Dou, accompanied by Manager Dou, Dou Zhi, and all the bank clerks and accountants, stepped out to face the expectant crowd.

"Who claimed we are out of money? Was it you? Take away his bamboo card and make him queue up again!"

The identified villager panicked and attempted to plead, but Young Master Dou cut him off. "Hush now, I dislike noise and holding grudges. Dare to cause a commotion, and your family had best forget about obtaining any loans from our Dou Ou Bank!"