Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1230: I Like You

Witnessing his grandfather in a predicament, Ouyang Ming suggested, "Why not consult Brother Cheng? As his elder brother, he would surely know the answer."

Brother Cheng was promptly brought into the study. Upon hearing Ouyang Ming's words, the young boy's eyes brightened, exclaiming, "I know what my elder brother fancies!"

He fancied you, Third Sister.

Brother Cheng had been quite content since uncovering this secret. He found Third Sister to possess a gentle temperament and proficiency in both riding and archery, a stark contrast to other gentry daughters who spoke in perplexing riddles, often leaving people bewildered and exhibiting disdain towards common folk like themselves.

"You truly do know," Ouyang Ming chuckled, looking down at the boy. "Then tell Third Sister what your elder brother likes... I thought I had saved him previously, but now I realize it was an act of meddling. Your elder brother has provided considerable assistance to our new bank, and I intended to present him with a gift as a formal apology and token of gratitude."

Brother Cheng glanced at Ouyang Ming, his eyes blinking. If he revealed the truth, he was certain his elder brother would mete out severe punishment, and under no circumstances could Third Sister offer herself to his elder brother.

Consequently, Brother Cheng remained silent.

With a snap, Master Ouyang seized a book and lightly struck Brother Cheng on the back of his head. "Did you not just claim to know what your elder brother desires? Why are you withholding your words? Are you attempting to deceive us?"

Brother Cheng turned, his gaze falling upon the book atop his head. He replied, "Certainly not. I was raised by my elder brother and even shared a bed with him until I was eight years old. How could I possibly be unaware of his preferences? However, his current desires are rather difficult to satisfy."

He then elaborated, "Master, you are aware of the Feng Family’s treatises on Criminal Law, are you not? My elder brother is quite interested in them. However, I overheard that the Feng Family has fallen on hard times; not only was Minister Feng dismissed from his post, but numerous scriptures were also confiscated. These can no longer be purchased at any bookstore."

"Good Brother An has an affinity for Criminal Law," Master Ouyang remarked, a hint of surprise in his tone. Reflecting further, he recalled that the young man had indeed brought up several topics pertaining to Great Chu’s criminal jurisprudence. Moreover, the Gu Family habitually lodged official complaints, making an interest in Criminal Law quite understandable."

Ouyang Ming's laughter echoed. "What a fortunate coincidence! I happen to possess a copy of Criminal Law, inherited from my father."

Ouyang Ming's father had held deep admiration for Minister Feng and Old Master Feng, amassing a considerable collection of their calligraphy and literary works. Upon his passing, these treasures were bequeathed to Ouyang Ming.

"Miss, this is a relic from the late master," Mrs. Han expressed her strong reservations about her lady bestowing the old master’s possessions upon another.

Master Ouyang dismissed her concerns. "It signifies no matter; I recall the second son having preserved several volumes of Criminal Law. Presenting one is hardly a significant loss."

Furthermore, if Good Brother An were to peruse the Criminal Law and compose a remarkable essay, it would surely bring contentment to the second son, even in his eternal rest.

He then turned his gaze back to Mrs. Han. "Proceed with the preparations, Madam. Assemble a four-cornered gift set to be dispatched to the Gu Family for the esteemed Good Brother An."

Mrs. Han, observing Master Ouyang’s decisive command, could only comply despite her reluctance. "Yes, sir."

Brother Cheng interjected, "Master, there is no need for you to trouble yourself. Simply entrust the gift to me, and I shall deliver it to my elder brother. The circumstances have been quite chaotic lately, with the village gates secured, preventing free entry and exit."

Master Ouyang readily agreed upon hearing this. "Very well. You shall be granted leave from your studies one hour early today, enabling you to convey the gift back to Good Brother An."

Brother Cheng’s delight was palpable. His eyes crinkled in a joyful smile as he exclaimed, "Thank you, Master!"

The young boy happily returned to his studies, while Ouyang Ming accompanied Mrs. Han back to the inner courtyard to prepare the gift.

Ouyang Yu, having learned of the matter, arrived with a maidservant, intending to mock. "Third Sister, had you heeded my counsel previously and refrained from interfering to save them, you would not find yourself compelled to prepare a gift as an act of apology now."

She continued her lament, protesting, "A lady of noble standing extending apologies to mere farmers – do you not feel any shame, Third Sister!"

Ouyang Ming remained unfazed by Ouyang Yu’s barbed remarks, responding simply, "The offering of an apology received Grandfather’s approval. Scholar Gu rendered significant assistance to the Ouyang Family during this recent affair; it is only proper that we extend a gesture of appreciation."

Ouyang Yu’s displeasure was evident upon hearing this. She let out a cold snort. "You merely rely on Grandfather to keep me in check. Were it not for his sanction, do you imagine I would limit my criticisms to these few sentences?"

I would have long ago denounced you as utterly shameless, a voluntary entanglement with a peasant!

However...

"Ha! Third Sister, allow me to offer a word of caution: it is most prudent to avoid excessive familiarity with those commoners. Lest you become entangled with them, tarnish your reputation, and subsequently find yourself unable to secure a suitable marriage prospect in the future."

As an orphan with no siblings to offer support, should her reputation also suffer, her life would be utterly ruined.

Ouyang Ming replied, "Fifth Sister’s concerns are misplaced. I am well-versed in the proprieties expected of a young lady, and your worry is unnecessary."

Mrs. Han hastily asserted, "Rest assured, Miss Wu, sending a gift to Scholar Gu received approval from Second Old Master. Third Miss has done nothing improper; I urge you to choose your words carefully."

With a resounding thud, Ouyang Yu slammed her hand on the table and addressed Ouyang Ming, "Third Sister, is this how you permit servants to contradict their masters?"

Ouyang Ming's brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of displeasure crossing her features. She handed the retrieved Criminal Law book to Shan Ru, then turned to Ouyang Yu, stating with firm resolve, "Fifth Sister, Mrs. Han is one of the trusted nannies within the mansion. As the masters, we ought to show respect to the nanny, to prevent outsiders from labeling us as ill-mannered."

Ouyang Yu was rendered speechless by this, and just as she was about to formulate a retort, Ouyang Ming cut her off. "Fifth Sister, I am occupied at the moment. You should return to your own quarters and come back once I am finished."

"You!" Ouyang Yu seethed with fury. "Ungrateful wretch, one day you will surely regret this!"

A person with a clouded mind, choosing to associate with commoners when she could be a lady of status.

Ouyang Yu stormed off in a huff, her maid trailing behind her.

Mrs. Han watched Ouyang Yu's retreating back before turning to Ouyang Ming and remarking, "Third Miss, Fifth Miss does not speak without cause."

Although Second Old Master sanctioned the gift, as a lady of noble birth, you should maintain a certain distance from the sons of such peasant families.

Ouyang Ming offered a gentle smile and replied, "Do not fret, nanny, I am aware of where the boundaries lie."

Is marrying a noble scion from the capital truly the ideal path?

Ouyang Ming's heart privately answered no. Influenced by her parents' ideals, she had always believed that mutual admiration and unwavering loyalty between spouses constituted the finest partnership. Yet, casting her gaze across the entirety of the capital, such families were simply non-existent.

Noble sons were often characterized by their pride and selfishness; they acted according to their whims, content as long as they bestowed sufficient face upon their official wives, never truly dedicating their hearts.

Notions of steadfast loyalty were, in their eyes, merely a sign of sickness.

In those days, her father had faced ridicule for not remarrying, even after a period when his devotion was praised.

She recalled hearing those mocking words directed at her father and, distressed, had run to him. "Father, living with Mother's memory and not taking other women as wives, is that truly a sickness?"

Her father had chuckled, then fallen into a long silence. Finally, he had articulated, "Perhaps it is sickness, but what consequence does that bear? So long as it brings oneself contentment, there is no need to heed the opinions of others... We live but once, and life's myriad trivialities are already burdensome enough. If we can find even a single moment of carefree ease, then that is the greatest fortune."