Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1245: Ouyang Hu Takes Action

Gu Jin’an, with pressing matters on his mind, had no time for outward displays of frustration. He informed Young Master Dou, "I must step out to request something from San Lang."

Young Master Dou's attention immediately snapped to him. He quickly instructed Dou Zhi, "Quickly dispatch someone to summon Commander Qin. Inform him that Good Brother An requires his presence for an urgent discussion."

"Yes, I will send someone immediately," Dou Zhi replied. Knowing his master held Commander Qin in high regard, he promptly turned to delegate the task of finding Qin San Lang.

Gu Jin’an observed Young Master Dou, remarking, "You certainly know how to use me as a means to an end."

Qin San Lang learned that Gu Jin’an and his retinue were heading to Prefecture City that very night, and that Gu Jin’an also had matters to discuss with him. Upon receiving the message from the Dou Family's servant, he made haste.

"Commander Qin!" Young Master Dou personally greeted Qin San Lang, offering him refreshments. "The sun is fierce, Commander Qin. Please, have some tea to alleviate your thirst and a pastry to sustain you."

He continued, his tone shifting, "Word has reached us that Chief Commander Liu, brother to Gao Sanxiong, has defected with his troops. Is this accurate? Will you be the one to apprehend him, Commander Qin?"

Gu Jin’an, equally intrigued by the news, interjected, "Earlier today, Young Master Dou mentioned the garrison soldiers being pressured to pay family taxes, and Vice Magistrate Su's demeanor was peculiar. It brought to mind Chief Commander Liu. It has been half a month, and there has been no word of his punishment. Has he truly absconded?"

Qin San Lang confirmed with a nod, "He has indeed fled. He is a treacherous individual, responsible for more transgressions than Gao Sanxiong. Foreseeing his inevitable downfall, and witnessing the soldiers' distress over taxes, he misled them. He has absconded towards Central State with nearly a hundred soldiers, accompanied by over a hundred ruffians and fighters."

Gu Jin’an exhaled in relief, "It is fortunate he did not flee towards He’an Prefecture."

His concern was that Liu might bring his forces to He’an Prefecture seeking retribution.

However, Qin San Lang had no intention of allowing Chief Commander Liu to escape justice. He had already proposed confiscating Gao Sanxiong’s estate and was resolved that Liu must not be permitted to live. To eliminate future threats, he must be slain, ensuring the safety of Xiao Yu and the others.

"You may proceed to Prefecture City with peace of mind. I remain here. Chief Commander Liu will not survive, nor will he cause further significant trouble amidst the ensuing chaos," Qin San Lang stated, his hand resting on his saber's hilt, his gaze resolute as he reassured Gu Jin’an.

Gu Jin’an understood that Qin San Lang possessed the means to deal with the situation, even without personally leading the troops to eradicate Chief Commander Liu. He could dispatch assassins. Thus, he nodded, replying, "Your assurance eases my mind."

In reality, his apprehension lingered for Third Miss. While she was intelligent and proficient in archery and horseback riding, she was, after all, a young lady. With Master Ouyang absent these few days, there was no one to safeguard her. Should malevolent individuals infiltrate the household, she could be placed in peril.

The more he pondered, the greater his concern became. He discreetly conveyed his worries to Qin San Lang, "Master Ouyang’s household includes female members. Kindly maintain a vigilant watch over them in the coming days to ensure their safety."

Qin San Lang readily agreed, "Understood. I shall assign individuals to keep watch."

Recalling Xiao Yu’s observation that Good Brother An harbored feelings for Miss Ouyang, he added, "Master Ouyang has already deployed a contingent of Shadow Guards, ample enough for their protection. You may rest assured."

Gu Jin’an nodded, produced a letter, and presented it to Qin San Lang. "Please convey this to my family. Let them know they need not concern themselves about me."

"Certainly," Qin San Lang accepted the letter. He then turned, clasping his fists towards Young Master Dou. "Young Master Dou, your benevolence is deeply appreciated. I wish you a safe return from your endeavors."

Oh, his goodness, the Young Marquis initiated conversation with him directly!

Young Master Dou was visibly thrilled, his face lit up despite his fatigued appearance from a sleepless night. He chuckled, "Rest assured, Commander Qin. I have weathered far greater storms. Any scoundrels in Prefecture City who harbor ambitions of taking advantage of me are merely indulging in wishful thinking!"

He further inquired, "Commander Qin, have you partaken in a meal? Shall I arrange for delivery from Futai Building? A few tables of delicacies for you?"

Gu Jin’an thought with mild exasperation, 'Why is he perpetually concerned that San Lang hasn't eaten? Every time he sees him, he immediately demands food.'

In truth, Young Master Dou felt that the Young Marquis had endured significant hardship, fleeing southward from calamity. The mere thought stirred his compassion, and encountering him now, how could he not offer him a feast?

Qin San Lang politely declined, "No need. The government office provides sustenance."

Gu Jin’an voiced his agreement, "San Lang speaks the truth. You need not fret over their sustenance. Continuing to send food will only further entangle your relationship with Li Shuzi, making it difficult to explain."

The residents of Tianfu County were notorious for their love of gossip and the rapid spread of rumors. When they witnessed Mrs. Zhou and Li Shuzi delivering provisions with the bank's servants to the soldiers at the Military Office, inquiries into the connections between Li Shuzi, Mrs. Zhou, and Young Master Dou inevitably began.

Upon learning that Li Shuzi and his mother had been rescued by Young Master Dou, the townsfolk became exceptionally animated, even propagating tales that Li Shuzi was, in fact, Young Master Dou's illegitimate offspring.

Mrs. Zhou, too, was subjected to rumors of having previously been in Young Master Dou's service, but due to fleeing hardship, their contact was severed. It was said that she had to submit to Li Kuihu, becoming a tragic figure to protect Young Master Dou's son.

The fabricated narrative concluded with Young Master Dou heroically intervening to save the mother and son, thus reuniting the trio.

As for Mrs. Zhou, a maiden from the Northwest, and Young Master Dou, a young master from the Capital, the populace asserted that their acquaintance was forged when Young Master Dou traveled to the Northwest on business, which was why they met!

Astonishingly, the tale was concocted with such conviction that even Young Master Dou himself was nearly convinced... Yet, he seethed, knowing that despite his past liaisons with women, he had always administered fertility-inhibiting soup afterward, rendering conception an utter impossibility.

A furious Young Master Dou berated Dou Zhi and Li Shuzi's mother and son vehemently, commanding them to cease the rumors immediately. He vowed to never forgive them if his reputation was tarnished, jeopardizing his prospects of marrying a respectable young lady.

Dou Zhi and the mother-son pair, utterly chastened by the severe scolding, rushed out to set the record straight. However, upon observing Dou Zhi, the gossips spun yet another yarn: that Dou Zhi, harboring affections for Young Master Dou, was consumed by jealousy of Mrs. Zhou's ability to bear a son for him. This envy, they claimed, led Dou Zhi to plot against Mrs. Zhou, intending to keep the child for herself while discarding the mother.

What? She harbored feelings for Young Master Dou? This revelation was entirely new to Dou Zhi!

Enraged, Dou Zhi ordered Dou Meng to administer a severe beating to the slanderers, resulting in four individuals suffering broken limbs and two dislocated jaws, which finally served to quell the rampant rumors.

Ugh, a pack of scoundrels who only understood the language of violence to silence them!

From that point forward, Young Master Dou’s disdain for Li Shuzi and his mother intensified. He relegated them to a separate dwelling within the county, instructing them to remain confined unless absolutely necessary and warning that any further trouble would result in their expulsion.

Nevertheless, Young Master Dou was aware of Dou Zhi's continued desire to look after Li Shuzi. Consequently, he did not mistreat them, ensuring they received ample food and drink, but he kept them at arm's length, viewing both as useless and troublesome.

"Gu Jin’an, your eloquence is remarkable. Would you wither away if you didn't bring this matter up?" Young Master Dou's countenance soured as the memory resurfaced.

Qin San Lang chuckled at the sight and, not wishing to prolong his stay, made his departure.

Master Ouyang arrived in the county near dusk. His initial visit was to the bank, where he ascertained that Young Master Dou and the others had finalized all arrangements. Following this, he accompanied them to the county magistrate's office.

Vice Magistrate Su, who had grown exceedingly impatient while waiting, had dispatched numerous envoys to the bank to urge their arrival. However, upon witnessing Young Master Dou and his companions escorting Master Ouyang, all his irritation dissipated instantly.