Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1265: Stealing the Spotlight

The Xu Family held significant influence within the county, boasting a network of well-connected relatives and friends. Despite their son achieving scholar status, their humble origins as migrants meant that presenting betrothal gifts to a family of such standing, especially in the presence of their distinguished guests, could still be an intimidating affair.

Upon encountering Ms. Xu Wang, Gu Dafu was momentarily startled and promptly stepped aside. Ms. Xu Wang, noticing his action, also moved away, both parties seemingly wary of precipitating another awkward situation.

Gu Dexing, following his father, Gu Dafu, and witnessing this interaction, recalled the past misunderstanding between Gu Dafu and Ms. Xu Wang from years prior. A sense of guilt washed over him, and an idea suddenly sparked in his mind.

He mused that his mother had been a good woman, and his father still harbored feelings for her, even though she had passed away several years ago. His father was not excessively old, and given Gu Dexing's future aspirations for an official career, he might find himself away from home for extended periods, potentially for years without returning.

If his father were to have a companion, their future life might be considerably more pleasant.

With these reflections, Gu Dexing, for the very first time, took the initiative to greet Ms. Xu Wang, saying, "Aunt Xu."

Ms. Xu Wang was taken aback by this unexpected address, freezing in place as she struggled to comprehend why Gu Dexing was speaking to her.

However, being a perceptive woman, Ms. Xu Wang quickly regained her composure. She performed a curtsy to Gu Dexing and inquired, "Young Master Xing, do you require anything from a mere servant like myself?"

Gu Dexing was speechless.

Young Master? Servant? That was certainly not the impression he intended to convey.

With a sigh of helplessness, Gu Dexing replied, "It is nothing. You have worked hard; please continue with your tasks."

Ms. Xu Wang appeared surprised, nodded her head, and departed with Ms. Wang Ma.

Gu Dewang, carrying two meat pies in one hand and a bowl of soy milk in the other, was approaching from the kitchen. Observing the scene, he took a bite of a meat pie and stealthily sidled up to Gu Dexing, asking in a low voice, "Brother Dexing, are you perhaps hoping for a new mother?"

Casting a glance towards the retreating figure of Ms. Xu Wang, he continued, "Hmm, Aunt Xu is quite a pleasant woman, and Xu Qing is very well-behaved. If they were to join our family, it wouldn't present much of a burden."

This, he thought, would be far preferable to finding a widow who was temperamental, ill-tempered, and already had several children.

Gu Dexing's face paled, and he glared at Gu Dewang, protesting, "Don't speak such nonsense! When did I ever entertain such thoughts?"

Ever since Sister Mei's passing, he had re-evaluated his past actions and recognized his own considerable scoundrel-like behavior. Later, after heeding the advice of his good friend An, he had resolved to follow his guidance on self-improvement.

He had learned a great deal since then and understood that careless talk could lead to significant trouble. Therefore, he sternly admonished Gu Dewang, forbidding him from uttering any more foolish remarks.

"I understand, I understand; that's precisely why I'm asking so discreetly," Gu Dewang winked at him and pressed further, "Brother Dexing, am I correct? Did I guess right?"

"Right about what? If you dare to babble further, be wary of Auntie's wrath," Gu Dexing adamantly refused to admit his intentions. However, upon seeing Xu Qing, he then instructed Gu Dewang, "Xu Qing is young and cannot handle strenuous labor; just let him take it easy. If there's anything he cannot read, you should teach him."

Hahaha, me teaching Xu Qing? Brother, are you jesting? With my own aversion to studying, instructing Xu Qing would surely lead to his ruin.

Nevertheless, if Aunt Xu were to marry Uncle, then Xu Qing would become his brother, and teaching him would indeed be fitting.

"Very well then," Gu Dewang agreed. He went off to find Xu Qing, generously shared one of his meat pies with him, and posed the question, "Xu Qing, would you like a brother?"

He mused about the cleverness of his question, asking only if Xu Qing desired a brother and not a father, thereby sidestepping any potential suspicion.

Xu Qing was momentarily speechless.

......Gu Jin’an awoke near the end of the Mao hour. His sleep had been restless, leaving his mind feeling heavy and sluggish. After rising, he took an awakening pill, and only once his thoughts had cleared did he proceed to brush his teeth and wash his face.

Brother Cheng had already brought breakfast to the main house in the courtyard for him and called out, "Eldest Brother, hurry for breakfast! Once we eat, we must head to Brother Dexing's residence. We should depart for the county at a quarter past Chen hour, aiming to arrive at the Xu Family's gates by the middle of the Si hour."

The auspicious timing had been meticulously calculated and could not be deviated from, lest it invite misfortune.

Gu Jin’an nodded, finished his breakfast swiftly, and exchanged a meaningful glance with Brother Cheng, intending to remind him to refrain from speaking carelessly during their meeting with Master Ouyang that day. However, upon further consideration, he realized this would likely just bring up the matter concerning the Third Miss again, so he decided against it.

"Let's go. Change into your new clothes, and then we'll proceed to Brother Dexing's house," Gu Jin'an declared after finishing his meal and washing his hands, urging Brother Cheng to return to his room to don his new attire.

When presenting betrothal gifts, it is essential not to appear too casual in one's attire.

Brother Cheng promptly retreated to his chambers, donning the fresh garments prepared by Mrs. Cui. Then, with Gu Jin'an assisting him in retying his hair, the two brothers proceeded together to the residence of Gu Dafu.

"Ah, you've finally arrived! Did you manage to bring the carriage?" Mrs. Chen inquired, craning her neck as she spotted them.

The Xu Family held a position of wealth within the county. Mrs. Chen was keen to avoid any appearance of being looked down upon by the Xu Family. Aware that Gu Jin'an's family possessed a carriage, she had pre-arranged for its use in transporting the betrothal gifts, intending to elevate Gu Dexing's standing.

Gu Jin'an responded, "Indeed, it is parked just by the roadside."

Mrs. Chen felt a surge of pleasure upon hearing this. Observing that the assembly was now complete, she urged, "Elder Brother, let us depart without delay. Once we reach the town, we must first collect Master Ouyang. Should we tarry too long, we risk missing the auspicious timing for the ceremony."

She then turned her attention to Aunt Tong, the matchmaker procured from Linhe Prefecture, stating, "Aunt Tong, we are relying on your expertise today. You must ensure this occasion is magnificent; such events are truly once in a lifetime."

Mrs. Chen, being rather proud, recalled that during the betrothal of Qin San Lang and Gu Jinli, they had secured the services of a distinguished Zong matchmaker from Great Chu. She had therefore instructed Gu Jinli to arrange for her again, hoping to impress the Xu Family.

However, securing the Zong matchmaker's presence proved to be no simple feat. It was only through the intervention of General Guo that Qin San Lang and Gu Jinli were able to invite her.

Gu Jinli indicated that this was not feasible.

Left with no other viable options, Mrs. Chen searched throughout He'an Prefecture's main city, but found no matchmakers of sufficient caliber. Ultimately, she incurred a significant expense, dispatching Ah Ling to Linhe Prefecture to solicit Aunt Tong's participation.

Aunt Tong, a highly regarded matchmaker from Linhe Prefecture, also possessed considerable renown within He'an Prefecture. Upon receiving the payment, she arrived promptly and now assured them with confidence, "Have no concerns, my dear, I shall undoubtedly ensure today's ceremony is splendid, bringing great honor to your esteemed family!"

This assurance was precisely what Mrs. Chen had hoped to hear, and she responded with evident delight.

Third Grandma interjected, urging, "Cease the chatter. Time is advancing. Let us make haste and set off. The betrothal is a significant undertaking; we cannot afford to be late."

"Yes, yes, yes, we are departing presently." Mrs. Chen replied, immediately ushering Aunt Tong and the betrothal gifts toward the exit.

The entire party embarked together into the carriage, setting a course for the county town.

Upon their arrival in town, they proceeded to collect Master Ouyang.

Master Ouyang had been awaiting their arrival since the early morning. As soon as they appeared, he boarded the carriage, and they continued their journey toward the county.

Young Master Dou demonstrated great regard for Gu Dexing by waiting at the city gates. Upon observing the approach of the Gu family's entourage, he directed Dou Meng to drive and follow suit, proceeding together toward the Xu Family's estate.

Mrs. Chen was utterly jubilant, her mouth agape with laughter, quite taken aback that even Young Master Dou, a benefactor of such standing, had deigned to offer his support. This brought her a measure of self-satisfaction.

A substantial and lively procession made its way toward the Xu Family, effectively capturing everyone's attention along the route.