Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1251: Hit by Silver
Previously on Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside...
Master Ouyang sternly reprimanded, "You impudent brat, are you spewing curses at me with those silver-tongued words?"
"Does a distinguished scholar like yourself still cling to such superstitions?" Young Master Dou chuckled, then added with feigned concern, "I am merely worried about your well-being, esteemed sir. We have toiled tirelessly, traveling without rest to reach Prefecture City. Your body is utterly depleted and requires rest, lest you face dire consequences."
Even the potent awakening pill concocted by Gu Jinli offered little respite. Furthermore, the Young Marquis had explicitly stated that the awakening pill was reserved for emergencies and should not be consumed habitually.
Master Ouyang, however, relented, replying, "Very well, I shall meet them."
Magistrate Gu, his face beaming with delight, interjected, "There’s no need for that, you must recuperate. I shall invite them here; all our esteemed colleagues are just in the adjacent chamber."
Having spoken, he cast his gaze upon a few individuals hesitant to depart, first gesturing towards Master Qi. "Master Qi, time is advancing. I shall trouble all of you to take your leave for now. Another day, I shall host a celebratory banquet to express my gratitude for your generous contributions."
After all, his substantial donation of ten thousand taels and his standing as a prominent local family demanded a certain degree of deference.
Master Qi felt a pang of disappointment; his intention was to remain and attend to Master Ouyang, thereby solidifying the bond between their families. Yet, he wisely chose to withdraw, stating, "Lord Magistrate, your words are exceedingly kind. I shall depart with the other gentlemen."
With that, he subtly signaled Boss Fan and Old Master Shi before leading them out himself.
A knot of regret tightened in his chest as he mused that he should have departed earlier with Boss An. Now, leaving alongside Boss Fan and Old Master Shi might inadvertently create the impression of a unified faction.
Boss Fan and Old Master Shi had past affiliations with Shen Si. The recollection of Shi Laoer being forced to consume foul sewage during his poisoning was a truly repulsive thought.
Dwelling on this, Master Qi quickened his pace, but to his chagrin, he was intercepted by Old Master Shi, who inquired, "Brother Qi, since when have you become acquainted with Master Ouyang? Why have you not introduced me?"
Initially perceiving Qi Chengfang as merely a nouveau riche pretending to be an intellectual, he had evidently been skillfully concealing his growing influence and had quietly cultivated a favorable relationship with Master Ouyang.
Master Qi responded, "Brother Shi, it is not that I am unwilling to introduce you to Master Ouyang. It is simply that Master Ouyang’s express wish was to travel south incognito, to experience the life of the common southern farmers, and he desired to keep his presence under wraps. I am unable to facilitate such an introduction."
Master Qi had previously harbored apprehension towards the Shi family, particularly due to Shi Laoer's notorious reputation as a volatile madman in the southern regions. However, with Shi Laoer now incapacitated and his reputation in tatters, coupled with his own elder brother holding a significant official post in the Capital, there was no longer a need to show undue deference to Old Master Shi.
Nevertheless, acknowledging the Shi family’s deep-rooted presence in He’an Prefecture, which predated even the Qi family’s, Master Qi, bound by ingrained habit and seeking to preserve future opportunities for alliance, added a qualifying statement: "I had previously extended a formal invitation to First Place Gu, requesting the presence of Master Ouyang and Young Master Dou, along with himself, for a banquet at the Qi family residence. I shall inform Brother Shi of the date, and you are most welcome to join us for the occasion. What are your thoughts?"
Upon hearing this, Old Master Shi’s countenance brightened considerably, and he offered a cordial smile. "Brother Qi, your reputation as a principled and upright businessman throughout He’an Prefecture is well-deserved. I am most appreciative."
Seizing the opportune moment, Boss Fan promptly chimed in, "Master Qi, a shipment of cloud frost silk has just arrived at my establishment. It is perfectly suited for the sweltering heat of the coming season. I shall have it delivered to your residence tomorrow, so that the Old Madam may commission some new garments. With cloud frost silk, enduring the summer will be considerably more comfortable."
Master Qi, inwardly pleased, maintained an outward show of indifference to material gain, remarking, "As this is an expression of Boss Fan's respect for the elderly, I extend my gratitude on behalf of my mother."
He then added, "On the day of the banquet with First Place Gu and the others, Boss Fan, should your schedule permit, you are also cordially invited to attend."
This invitation was precisely what Boss Fan had been hoping for, and he joyfully conveyed his sincere thanks to Master Qi.
Old Master Shi inquired, "I had heard that First Place Gu maintained close ties with Master Ouyang, Young Master Dou, the Zheng family, and the legitimate heir of the Shangguan family. However, observing Master Ouyang today, he did not appear to engage significantly with First Place Gu. Might these rumors be unfounded?"
The thought of his second son, that reprobate, having once dispatched individuals to harm Gu Jin’an, sent a shiver of unease through him. The prospect of Gu Jin’an enjoying a favorable relationship with Master Ouyang was a cause for significant concern.
Master Qi’s brow furrowed as he replied, "...Their relationship should be adequate, but Master Ouyang, being from a distinguished lineage, likely recognizes First Place Gu's innate talent. However, the Gu family's social standing is regrettably too humble."
Based on my observations today, Master Ouyang clearly did not afford Gu Jin’an much regard. Gu Jin’an functioned almost as an attendant, tailing Master Ouyang discreetly, occasionally tasked with serving tea or fetching writing implements. Master Ouyang’s actions were deliberate. He had specifically informed Gu Jin’an beforehand that many influential families, supported by the Ying and Zongzheng lineages, were present with the intent to disrupt financial avenues. These individuals were bound to harbor resentment. While they wouldn't dare openly challenge the Ouyang family, the Gu family might become an unfortunate target. Master Ouyang’s counsel to Gu Jin’an was to remain inconspicuous and avoid drawing any notice. Master Ouyang’s objective was met. Hardly anyone paid Gu Jin’an any mind throughout the day; all gazes were fixed upon Master Ouyang and Young Master Dou. Should any form of reprisal materialize, Dou Ke would be the primary focus, with no expectation of the Gu family’s involvement. Old Master Shi felt a surge of relief upon hearing this. His worries of Master Ouyang aiding Gu Jin’an against their clan evaporated. Ha, Gu Jin’an aspired to contend with families of their standing? He ought to wait for several more lifetimes. Merely an upstart fleeing destitution, delusional enough to believe becoming a scholar would propel him to greatness? It is a widely held belief that the heavens are beyond the reach of mere farmers. Only lineages possessing generational wealth and status possess the true means to ascend. ... In the adjacent chamber, the Magistrate of Hushan Prefecture nearly leaped from his seat, his voice laced with disbelief as he queried Master Ouyang, "Sir, you genuinely intend to establish a bank within Hushan Prefecture?!" The Magistrate of Hushan Prefecture was so overcome with elation that he nearly lost consciousness. The sensation of being inundated by wealth was truly intoxicating! Master Ouyang affirmed with a nod, "Indeed, it is true." Young Master Dou interjected for clarification, "We are not establishing a bank in Hushan Prefecture’s Prefecture City, but rather inaugurating a new branch in Bagu County of Hushan Prefecture. The personnel for the bank’s opening have already been dispatched to Bagu County, and the funds are currently en route." "The funds are all on the way!" The Magistrate of Hushan Prefecture exclaimed, his joy momentarily giving way to a frown as he pressed, "Young Master Dou, what is the reason for opening the bank in Bagu County? Why not establish it in the Prefecture City? With my administration’s oversight, no one would dare create disturbances at the bank, and the Prefecture City encompasses all counties within Hushan Prefecture, capable of supporting all the region’s farmers." Young Master Dou chuckled softly, "Magistrate Xie, you hold the position of Magistrate for Hushan Prefecture. Given your ascent to this role, you must comprehend our rationale for opening the bank in Bagu County." Magistrate Xie was indeed aware of the reasons, yet he felt it inequitable for only Bagu County within his jurisdiction to host a Dou Ou Bank. He turned to Master Ouyang, pleading, "Sir, Hushan Prefecture has experienced considerable unrest recently. A Chief Commander deserted with his soldiers, leaving numerous farmers unable to meet their tax obligations. They are in dire need of a new banking institution for their survival. Might we consider opening another new bank in Hushan Prefecture’s own Prefecture City to offer assistance to these farmers?" "Ha, Brother Xie, your words imply that farmers in other Prefectures are readily capable of paying their taxes." The Magistrate of Changhuai Prefecture uttered a cold sneer, seething with unspoken reprimand towards Magistrate Xie.