Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1228: He Bears Grudges

However...

Qin San Lang observed Gu Jin’an, recognizing that Xiao Yu had been correct; Good Brother An held affections for the Third Miss of the Ouyang Family. Dou Ke’s mere intention to dispatch a few wounded assassins to Master Ouyang’s residence for detention had evidently stirred Gu Jin’an’s strong reaction.

"What are you staring at?" Gu Jin’an felt a prickle of unease under Qin San Lang’s scrutiny. "Don't read too much into it. I'm not doing this for anyone in particular; I simply believe it's more secure to have the Meng Family assassins held at the Military Office."

Qin San Lang chuckled. Such an obvious statement, and he claimed it wasn't for someone? It was hard not to infer a deeper motive.

"Would you like me to lend you a hand?" Qin San Lang inquired.

He recalled Xiao Yu mentioning that with their elder brother’s reserved disposition, finding a wife would prove challenging. She had emphasized the need for timely assistance at critical junctures.

Gu Jin’an’s composed demeanor fractured instantly, and he hastily rebuffed the offer: "No need, and you must abandon any reckless notions!"

That girl, Xiao Yu, indeed seemed to favor outsiders. Even before marrying San Lang, she had already divulged everything to him.

Qin San Lang responded, "Don't worry, we won't act recklessly."

The pronoun "we" conspicuously included Gu Jinli.

"What are you two whispering about? Are you finished? Once you are, come over here; it's time to depart," Young Master Dou called out impatiently, a sense of displeasure evident in his voice. What crucial matters were being discussed that he couldn't be privy to? Gu Jin’an’s secretive nature was palpable. Despite collaborating for days and even establishing a bank together, Gu Jin’an still kept him at arm's length in conversations, indicating a lack of complete trust.

Young Master Dou was thoroughly vexed!

Gu Jin’an cast a glance at Young Master Dou, then tilted his chin upwards, projecting an air of arrogance and disdain. This gesture successfully amplified Young Master Dou’s anger before Gu Jin’an declared, "Let’s depart, but do not inform them of their hiding place; let him remain anxious."

Qin San Lang readily concurred: "Very well, but I can only assist in concealing this for three days."

Dou Ke placed considerable trust in him, and he couldn't proceed too far, lest he cause Dou Ke undue distress.

He continued, "Feng Jin, You An, and the others cannot be withdrawn. I will dispatch You Ping and You Xi to the Military Office for oversight."

Good Brother An's desire to protect the one he cherished from danger mirrored his own. You An and the rest were still needed to safeguard Xiao Yu within the village. Only after this period of turmoil subsided could they be relocated safely.

Gu Jin’an smiled, readily accepting the arrangement: "Understood."

With their discussion concluded, they rejoined the others.

"Company Commander Qin, what did he say to you?" Young Master Dou inquired, directing a hostile gaze towards Gu Jin’an.

Gu Jin’an pointed at the eyes fixed on him and retorted, "Young Master Dou, do you still require my assistance with the bank? If so, you would do well to be more agreeable towards me. Otherwise, all the bank's operational duties might fall solely upon your shoulders."

The Ouyang Family was slated for further expansion, with plans to open a bank in the Prefecture and subsequently in Luchang County. Young Master Dou immediately relented, adopting a placating smile: "Look at you, I was merely asking out of casual curiosity; I meant no distrust."

He added, "Time is advancing, let us return swiftly. Be sure to come back tonight. More villagers sought loans today than yesterday, and the influx from other counties will only escalate the chaos."

Curses! He shouldn't expect a night of restful sleep and then a leisurely return! They needed to depart quickly and come back promptly; tonight would still demand late-night work!

Gu Jin’an offered no verbal response, instead turning his attention to Luo Wu: "Brother Luo Wu, exercise caution and do not get injured."

Elder Sister harbored significant concern for Brother Luo Wu, and his skills, truth be told, did not quite match San Lang’s. Hence, the reminder was necessary.

Luo Wu nodded reassuringly: "Fear not, with the support of the Escort Master from the agency and San Lang’s men, I shall manage fine; there's no need for your concern."

He leaned in closer to Gu Jin’an and murmured, "Convey to Sister Xiu that I am well... abstain from mentioning the dangers encountered in the county last night; it would only alarm her."

Gu Jin’an did not consent to this final request.

Not long from now, Elder Sister would wed Brother Luo Wu and, in the future, become a mother raising her own children. Acquiring knowledge of such events was essential for her growth and development. Shielding her perpetually from reality and leaving her ignorant could ultimately prove detrimental.

Furthermore, based on Elder Sister's adept handling of affairs over the years, she was hardly a fragile individual; she possessed the capacity to bear responsibilities.

"Let's proceed." Gu Jin’an accepted the handwritten letter presented by the Lord County Magistrate and boarded the mule cart with He Jinseng.

After ensuring their departure, Zezi cracked his whip, setting the mule cart in motion. Two mule carts from the Dou Family and the shadow guards, disguised as Dou Meng's servants, followed closely behind.

"I will see them off." Qin San Lang mounted his horse, motioning to the hidden guards. Siping, who had been lurking in the shadows to relay messages, immediately dashed off to inform You Ping and You Xi to gather their men and follow.

"Company Commander Qin, are you returning as well?" Young Master Dou furrowed his brow as Qin San Lang departed, yet he felt a measure of reassurance with Qin San Lang accompanying him.

After all, Young Marquis Qin had always been dependable since childhood!

...

Once Gu Jin’an and his retinue had exited the city, their course was set directly for the Military Office's encampment.

Qin San Lang personally escorted Meng Wu and his contingent to the Death Prison. He then instructed Section Leader Zhong, who was on duty at the Military Office, saying, "Brother Zhong, these individuals are the principal culprits responsible for the disturbance within the county last night. Keep a close watch on them, ensure they receive their rations and medicine punctually. See that they do not perish, and simultaneously, prevent any unauthorized individuals from entering to stage a rescue."

"Understood!" Section Leader Zhong, whose given name was Zhong Xu, was the son of Old Zhong.

Following Old Zhong's retirement from service due to his injuries, Section Leader Zhong stepped into his father's role at the Military Office. His commendable martial skills, unwavering loyalty, and his lineage as Old Zhong's son paved the way for his promotion to Section Leader after just two years as a soldier.

Having completed his instructions to Zhong Xu, Qin San Lang departed the Death Prison.

You Ping, You Xi, and their associates also arrived. However, they did not emerge to bid Qin San Lang farewell; instead, they took up concealed positions outside the Military Office's Death Prison, preparing an ambush.

After ensuring Meng Wu and the other assassins were securely detained, Qin San Lang did not immediately return to the county. He continued to escort Gu Jin’an to the Ouyang Family residence, understanding the critical importance of the contract he carried and the need to avert any potential mishaps.

Master Ouyang and Ouyang Ming had already been apprised of the previous night's events in the county by their shadow guards.

"Excellent! That young man from the Qin family truly possesses the attributes of a general. His actions were decisive, his arrangements were meticulously executed without a single flaw, and he apprehended all of the Meng Family's assassins in one swift operation," Master Ouyang commented, commending Qin San Lang after receiving the report from their shadow guards.

His praise also extended to Gu Jin’an: "That young An is remarkably astute, demonstrating strategic brilliance of the highest order. He shrewdly recognized that the thieves' true objective was not the Treasury silver but the contract itself. Had it not been for his timely counsel to conceal the contract within the county government's jail, the Meng clan might have achieved their nefarious goal."

Ouyang Ming nodded in agreement upon hearing this. Her own interactions with Gu Jin’an over time had fostered a deep sense of admiration and respect within her. "Even the tactical maneuvers involving archers positioned overhead and the arson at the bank were his brainchild. I understand he is proficient in martial arts, a rather uncommon skill for scholars in these times."

As she spoke, a memory surfaced of the incident where she had led the shadow guards to Gu Jin'an's aid. Reflecting on it now brought a blush to her cheeks; given Gu Jin'an's demonstrated capabilities and intellect, he hadn't required her intervention at all.

She had mistakenly believed him to be a frail scholar, fearing that bandits might harm him and impede his progress towards the college examinations. In her haste to assist, she had inadvertently struck him with the hilt of her saber in a moment of panic!

Master Ouyang remarked, "An, unlike many scholars, possesses a formidable capacity for holding grudges, despite his outwardly charming and gentle demeanor. He is quite adept at employing various schemes."

Was that so?

"He holds grudges?" Ouyang Ming expressed a touch of surprise, wondering if he might harbor resentment for her actions and seek retribution.