Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1233: What If I Can’t Marry Her?

Brother Cheng: "..."

Caught red-handed, he absolutely couldn't admit it, lest their eldest brother mete out punishment again!

Gu Jin’an then turned his gaze to Gu Jinli. "And you, Brother Cheng learned everything from you. You're already grown and should learn more from our elder sister, adopting a bit more ladylike behavior is always beneficial. Don't be so prone to gossip, or you'll end up like Aunt Da Gui."

Gu Jinli thought: If I were as ladylike as elder sister, you'd likely be exhausted, eldest brother. Nevertheless, she replied obediently, "Yes, eldest brother, I've realized my mistake. Let's hurry inside and see what gifts Third Sister has sent for you."

Gu Jin’an felt a wave of frustration. How could it be that after he had just mentioned it, her gossipy inclination hadn't diminished but rather intensified?

Helpless, he could only instruct Da Tuan, who was carrying the gift, "Da Tuan, take these items to the main hall."

The courtyard belonging to Gu Jin’an and his brothers was structured similarly to Gu Jinli's sisters' dwelling, with the main hall reserved for receiving guests and the side wings serving as living quarters.

"Okay." Da Tuan placed the gifts in the main room, then exited the courtyard and returned the mule cart to the stables.

Gu Jinli and Brother Cheng entered the house, seating themselves around the table, and looked at Gu Jin’an with expectant expressions. "Eldest brother, open them and take a look!"

Gu Jin’an: "..."

Clearly, the gifts were intended for him, so why were the two of them exhibiting such excitement? Furthermore, their gazes were excessively curious, causing him to feel a blush creep up his neck.

Gu Jin’an, in truth, was also brimming with excitement. A gift personally selected by Third Miss for him, even if it was merely a gesture of reconciliation with no ulterior motive, still brought him happiness.

Suppressing the surge of excitement within his heart, he slowly began to unwrap the presents. Upon spotting the Criminal Law, his eyes brightened considerably. He swiftly picked it up and opened it. Noticing the Feng family's seal imprinted at the corner of the preface, he exclaimed with pure joy, "It truly is the Feng family's Criminal Law!"

He had initially assumed it to be a mere transcript from some bookshop, never anticipating it would be the original manuscript. After Mr. Feng was placed under house arrest, many of the Feng family's books became exceedingly scarce. To procure a copy bearing the Feng family's seal was undoubtedly a stroke of immense luck!

"How did Third Miss... know I had an interest in Criminal Law? Was it you who informed her?" Gu Jin’an inquired.

Brother Cheng nodded affirmatively. "Yes, Third Sister and the teacher summoned me to the study and inquired about elder brother's preferences. So, I informed them. Upon hearing my response, Third Sister mentioned she happened to possess a copy of the Criminal Law and decided to send it over for elder brother."

He then pointed towards the Criminal Law. "This is an heirloom from Third Sister's father."

"Mr. Cangyun's heirloom." Gu Jin’an was visibly startled, his grip tightening on the Criminal Law. "If Master Ouyang or Third Miss inquire, simply convey my gratitude; I will undoubtedly treasure and cherish it."

Third Miss's father, though not holding an official post, commanded significant renown among scholars. Known by the courtesy name Zixiao and style name Cangyun, scholars revered him as Mr. Cangyun, and he left behind numerous insightful works. Unfortunately, his untimely passing was a profound loss, a matter of deep regret.

Brother Cheng nodded earnestly. "Yes, yes, I will certainly relay elder brother's sentiments to Third Sister."

With a gentle tap, Brother Cheng received a light rap on his head. "Only mention it if Third Miss asks directly; do not speak unnecessarily," Gu Jin’an advised.

He then proceeded to examine the remaining gifts.

There were four gifts in total. Besides the Criminal Law, the other items included exquisite silver frost paper, a meticulously crafted Plum Blossom Inkstone, and a Jade Pendant originating from the Ouyang family.

With this Jade Pendant, no matter where he ventured, should he encounter any difficulties, he could seek assistance from an Ouyang family establishment.

"This Jade Pendant is even more valuable than the Criminal Law," Gu Jinli remarked to Gu Jin’an. "Perhaps, elder brother's aspirations are not as unattainable as they seem."

Master Ouyang bestowing this Jade Pendant upon elder brother indicated a profound level of affection towards him. Moreover, she had heard that Third Miss was without parents or brothers, making it exceedingly difficult for a young lady like her to secure a reputable match in the Capital...

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin’an shook his head, gazing at them earnestly. "I understand that you've discerned my inner thoughts and wish to assist me, but the social and familial disparity between our family and the Ouyang family is far too great... You must not engage in any actions that could potentially harm others in your effort to help me."

Alternative avenues existed for him to pursue Miss Ouyang, but those methods were not entirely without flaws, and he harbored no desire to employ them, nor did he look down upon them.

Gu Jinli nodded in understanding. "Rest assured, elder brother, we comprehend."

It was just that they felt a pang of sympathy for their elder brother.

Good heavens, his elder brother was nearly twenty years of age. Boys his age in the village already had two children, yet his elder brother had only just begun to experience romantic feelings; it truly wasn't easy.

Given elder brother's temperament, falling for Miss Ouyang could mean he'd never hold another in his heart for the remainder of his life. Securing her hand would lead to a household filled with descendants, but failing to do so might condemn him to a lifetime of bachelorhood.

Gu Jinli genuinely believed it would be far too cruel for her noble-minded elder brother to remain unmarried forever.

"Elder brother, if, after you've given your all, you still cannot achieve what you desire, what will you do?" Gu Jinli inquired, her gaze fixed intently on Gu Jin'an, scrutinizing every flicker of emotion on his face.

Gu Jin'an's eyes darted away for a fleeting moment before swiftly regaining their composure. Facing her directly, he replied, "What else could I do? Naturally, I shall continue on my predetermined course: passing the imperial examinations, entering the ranks of officialdom, safeguarding the family, undertaking duties for the populace, and ultimately retiring as a wealthy man enjoying unrestrained freedom."

Gu Jinli: "Elder brother, your answer is far too dismissive."

Gu Jin'an offered no further words. Instead, he scooped up Brother Cheng, sniffed him, and remarked with disdain, "What have you been doing all day? You're starting to smell rather pungent! Go take a bath and wash your hair."

Brother Cheng: "Do I smell pungent? No way! Elder brother, you're telling tales; I smell perfectly delightful!"

Gu Jin'an scoffed, "Delightful? Why should a boy smell delightful? It's July, hotter than a furnace, you perspire easily, and when that mingles with any fragrance, just imagine the unpleasant aroma. Hurry now, go get cleaned up."

Without allowing Brother Cheng the slightest opportunity to protest, he lifted the boy and headed towards the bathing area in the courtyard.

Observing this, Gu Jinli understood that Gu Jin'an wished to avoid further discussion. Acting wisely, she rose and departed, calling out towards the now-closed door of the bathhouse, "Make haste, dinner will be served shortly." With that, she turned and walked away.

Sigh, the situation between elder brother and Third Miss is truly vexing, this accursed disparity in social standing! Yet, the world dictates such realities. Even if elder brother harbors growing affection for Miss Ouyang and possesses exceptional qualities, the gulf between their families is akin to the distance between heaven and earth. Without some monumental shift, their lives could never truly intertwine.

Inside the bathhouse, Gu Jin'an was instructing Brother Cheng, "Ensure you wash yourself thoroughly." Yet, in the quiet confines of his mind, he was contemplating Gu Jinli's question: If he were truly unable to attain his heart's desire, what then would he do?

He mulled over this for a considerable duration, even until Brother Cheng had finished his bath, dressed, and came running back to him, "Elder brother, I'm finished; please help wring out my hair." Wringing his hair out was a bit of a chore; every time he bathed, it was elder brother who assisted him.

Gu Jin'an led Brother Cheng to the courtyard, settled onto a stone bench, and commenced to wring out the boy's damp hair with a dry cotton cloth. "Elder brother," Brother Cheng asked, looking up at Gu Jin'an, "if you truly cannot marry Third Sister, will you weep?" He then added, "Third Sister is exceedingly kind; I wish for her to become my elder sister-in-law."