Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1229: Will She Avoid Him?

However, after careful consideration, she thought perhaps she had been overthinking. If Gu Jin’an possessed such cunning strategies, he wouldn't be the sort of petty individual who would retaliate over a mere misunderstanding.

Yet, she couldn't deny that she had indeed caused him pain...

Master Ouyang stroked his beard and nodded, "Hmm, that young man is quite the guardian. Should anyone in his family face ill-treatment, he ensures they are repaid tenfold. This inherent tendency to hold grudges is quite pronounced."

Ouyang Ming listened, a slight furrow in his brow, and inquired, "Grandfather believes this is not a good trait?"

Master Ouyang elaborated, "People generally feel that if one’s family is wronged, forgiveness should be offered once an apology is made. His manner of retaliation will indeed invite criticism. But tell me, who wouldn’t feel angered when their family is mistreated? If it were your grandfather, I too would seek retribution."

Ouyang Ming chuckled, "So, Grandfather approves of Scholar Gu’s actions."

Master Ouyang readily agreed, nodding without hesitation. "Precisely. In my opinion, as long as one isn't intentionally seeking to harm others, there's nothing inherently wrong with repaying a wrong when one's own family is the target."

His lifetime of worldly travels had exposed him to a vast array of experiences, a stark contrast to those bookish scholars engrossed in literary circles and chasing fame.

As the grandfather and grandson were deep in conversation, a gentle rap echoed on the doorframe. Ah Song stood there, announcing, "Second Master, Scholar Gu, Commander Qin, and He Tongsheng have returned and are waiting just outside the courtyard."

As Ah Song spoke, his gaze briefly flickered towards Mrs. Han, who was present in the room.

Previously, they had consistently addressed Master Ouyang as 'Old Master.' However, Mrs. Han and Nanny Li had been insistent on proper etiquette, reprimanding them whenever they heard the outdated address. They argued that the eldest great-grandson in the Capital had long since grown, and the family's generational progression had advanced. Even with their frequent absences, the salutation needed correction to avoid ridicule for disregarding the proper generational hierarchy upon returning to the Capital.

"Ah, Brother An and the others are back! Quickly, let them in." Master Ouyang's face lit up with pleasure. Mrs. Han, however, was discreetly displeased. The Second Master had been away traveling for years, and his manners had clearly become lax. With the Third Miss still present, how could they possibly allow male outsiders to enter?

But the time for departure had passed. Mrs. Han could only say, "Third Miss, please accompany this old servant to the inner chamber to avoid them."

Ouyang Ming understood that Mrs. Han had been assisting Gu Jin’an with the new bank operations in recent days. Mrs. Han was already quite unhappy about this and did not wish to further provoke her. Thus, she offered a smile and agreed, "Very well."

She then led Mrs. Han and the head maid, Shan Ru, into the inner room, effectively excusing themselves from the impending arrivals.

Once they were comfortably settled inside, Ah Song proceeded to usher Gu Jin’an and the rest of the group into the main area.

"Sir." Gu Jin’an and the others respectfully greeted Master Ouyang.

Master Ouyang waved his hand dismissively, "No need for such formalities. I've already heard about your exploits last night, and they were truly commendable."

Merely hearing the account sent a surge of excitement through him, making him eager to have participated in defending the bank against the ruffians.

He then inquired, "And where are the contracts?"

"With the student," Gu Jin’an replied, retrieving a bundle of contracts from his person and presenting them to Master Ouyang.

"Excellent, as long as the contracts are secured," Master Ouyang stated, taking the documents and examining them. "Young Master Dou entrusted them to you for safekeeping, intending for me to guard them."

Given that the bank was already under surveillance, it was deemed unsafe to leave the contracts either at the bank itself or in Young Master Dou's possession. Entrusting them to him offered a greater degree of security.

Gu Jin’an responded, "Young Master Dou did indeed intend for that, but I would like to request, Sir, that the student be permitted to retain the contracts."

"Brother An!" He Jinseng exclaimed, taken aback by the request. It was an incredibly risky proposition. What if the villains discovered this and launched an attack on the village?

Qin San Lang raised an eyebrow, casting a thoughtful glance at Gu Jin’an.

Gu Jin’an elaborated on his reasoning, "Young Master Dou and the Ouyang family are already targets of the villains. Therefore, possessing these contracts puts them at significant risk of being stolen. It would be far more secure if I kept them. The villains would never expect my family to be holding the contracts; they would likely assume they are hidden elsewhere with you or Young Master Dou, thus ensuring everyone’s safety."

Master Ouyang considered Gu Jin’an’s explanation and nodded approvingly. "That is indeed a sound strategy. Let us proceed as you suggest."

"Gu Jin’an is someone who handles matters with great steadiness. With the contracts in his possession, I feel considerably more at ease."

Qin San Lang let out a gentle chuckle, grasping the wisdom in the statement while also seeing through the hidden agenda. "Beyond these agreements, Young Master Dou also presented a contingent of captured Meng Family assassins to Master Ouyang. However, Brother An harbored concerns about the presence of women within the Ouyang household, fearing these ruffians might attempt to harm or unsettle Master Ouyang’s granddaughter. Thus, he entrusted me with relocating those individuals to a secure location elsewhere."

Gu Jin’an’s eyes widened in surprise, perceiving that the young San Lang had deliberately conveyed this information. He felt a twinge of annoyance that San Lang had brought the contracts home, thereby putting Xiao Yu in peril.

For the preceding several years, Gu Jin’an had dedicated himself to practicing martial arts, and San Lang, even more so, had been immersed in rigorous training since his formative years. Their olfactory senses, far surpassing those of ordinary individuals, had already detected a faint yet distinct fragrance. They knew with certainty that a lady was present within the inner study—the sole occupant being the Third Miss.

She surely must have overheard, and upon profound contemplation, would comprehend the depth of his sentiments for her.

Gu Jin’an found himself in a state of helplessness, yet the circumstances prevented him from directing anger towards San Lang, as he, too, harbored affection for Xiao Yu and was exasperated by the reckless act of bringing hazardous items into their abode.

Within the confines of the inner chamber, Ouyang Ming was taken aback. Could Scholar Gu genuinely be concerned for her well-being?

Master Ouyang reflected upon his granddaughters, his heart swelling with gratitude for Gu Jin’an’s considerate actions. "Very well," he declared, "I shall assign a detachment of Shadow Guards to discreetly reside within the village, ensuring the protection of your family. It is not equitable for your household to bear all the inherent risks alone."

Gu Jin’an, however, gently shook his head. "There is no necessity for such measures; employing overt methods would only serve to alert our adversaries."

Master Ouyang, after considering Gu Jin’an’s perspective, found merit in his reasoning and elected not to pursue the matter further.

Gu Jin’an did not prolong his stay. Having meticulously explained the situation, he took his leave.

Aware that they had remained awake throughout the entire night, Master Ouyang did not detain them and instructed Ah Song to escort them out.

Upon exiting the courtyard of the study, Gu Jin’an cast a backward glance towards it… If Miss Ouyang were to hear San Lang’s words and infer his hidden affections, would she deliberately distance herself from him?

After all, their worlds were vastly different, and it was merely his own secret admiration for her. Once revealed, any discerning lady would naturally seek to avoid him, ensuring they never crossed paths again.

Gu Jin’an was gripped by a profound sense of disquiet.

Nevertheless, his anxieties were ultimately unfounded. Ouyang Ming, despite her intelligence, was not an immortal being. How could she possibly decipher Gu Jin’an’s burgeoning affection based on a single remark?

She possessed no such conceit as to believe herself so captivating that every individual would fall prey to her charms.

A wave of guilt washed over Ouyang Ming as she considered that, despite her having struck Gu Jin’an, he continued to prioritize the safety of the Ouyang family, truly embodying the spirit of a righteous and benevolent young man.

For such an admirable young man, a token of apology, a formal gift, was certainly in order.

Consequently, she shared her evolving thoughts with Master Ouyang.

Master Ouyang erupted in laughter upon hearing her words. "You are still dwelling on the incident where you struck him? It is perfectly appropriate to formally extend a gift as an apology, particularly since our good Brother An has rendered us such substantial assistance this time. However, one must inquire, what are his preferences?"

The Second Daughter of the Gu Family has a penchant for wealth; any form of silver, gold, or items readily convertible to currency would suffice.

But what does Gu Jin’an fancy… esteemed ancient texts, exquisite paintings, melodic musical instruments, expansive land properties, or perhaps opulent gold and silver adornments?

He appears to favor a broad spectrum of items, yet without excessive devotion to any single one; he never overindulges, consuming only until approximately eighty percent satiated.