Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1266: Face Swollen from Slaps

The county residents have gathered, their voices rising in congratulatory cheers: "Is Scholar Gu headed to the Xu Family to present betrothal gifts? Congratulations, congratulations! We wish Scholar Gu and Miss Xu a long and blissful marriage, a swift wedding, and a son soon after."

The common folk of the county possess limited literacy, and even fewer can recite elaborate blessings. Their pronouncements are typically direct, with only a handful managing phrases like 'may your union be eternally happy.'

Gu Dexing, a man of quiet disposition, found his face flushing under the barrage of well-wishes. He offered clasped hands in a gesture of thanks to the well-wishers.

Mrs. Chen cast a look of disdain his way, inwardly questioning if his tongue had been severed, given his silence.

However, these ordinary folk were beneath her notice; her attention was better placed on the affluent Young Master Dou, a veritable mountain of wealth.

Mrs. Chen urgently instructed Gu Dewang to escort Young Master Dou alongside Gu Dexing into the Xu Family residence. Gu Dexing was to stand with Master Ouyang, the four of them entering together. This would demonstrate to the county populace that Brother Xing was in no way inferior to Brother An, with a nobleman on one side and a king's ransom on the other, enough to make those pretentious wretches green with envy!

Gu Dewang regarded his mother, thinking, dear mother, in all of Tianfu County, who possesses such a covetous gaze?

Yet, he dared not voice his thoughts, fearing retribution. He reassured her, "Rest assured, Mother. Today, I will ensure you present a respectable image and avoid any embarrassment."

Mrs. Chen shot him a sharp glare: "Cease your prattling with your mother! Remember this: if you falter, if our display lacks sufficient grandeur, I shall flay you alive!"

She then hastened away, enlisting Tong Dalai and others to distribute bean-dregs cakes to the crowd: "Golden bean pancakes! These fetch over ten cents apiece at the shop and are relished even by young masters from affluent households. Take one each, and let's share in this good fortune."

Yet, one must not take too many!

Mrs. Chen felt a pang of regret, as each cake represented a portion of their silver.

Young Master Dou lifted the carriage curtain and observed Mrs. Chen, her expression akin to flesh being sliced away. He let out a hearty laugh and said to Dou Zhi, "Much like Liu Eryu, both grasping and stingy. If one truly wishes to feign wealth, one must spend lavishly. If unwilling to do so, then let it be; one cannot even spare a few cakes. Cakes made from bean dregs, deceptively named 'golden bean pancakes' and hawked as if they were pure gold – these Gu family members are indeed shrewd merchants."

Dou Zhi, kneeling within the carriage, reminded Young Master Dou, "The Mrs. Gu you speak of is the wife of Commander Qin."

Recalling the previous encounter where he was nearly severed by her, he cautioned, "Be mindful. Should Little Boss Gu overhear you, Commander Qin need not lift a finger; he will likely confront you with a blade and extort another ten thousand taels of silver."

Young Master Dou's countenance turned ashen, and he glared at Dou Zhi, "If your words cannot be pleasant, then remain silent. You consistently choose to voice sentiments that displease me. Do you wish for your monthly wages to be docked?"

After his reprimand, he inquired, "I wonder if Commander Qin will grace the Xu Family with his presence today? He and Gu Dexing endured famine together; he ought to offer his support, should he not?"

Indeed, in this humble rural region, the rank of Company Commander holds considerable sway.

Dou Zhi responded, "As you command, young master, it is highly probable he will attend."

The tillers from the surrounding four counties have largely incurred debts, and the local ruffians have been brought under control. Commander Qin no longer needs to maintain constant vigilance over the county; he can surely spare the time to visit the Xu Family.

Upon hearing this, Young Master Dou's spirits lifted considerably. "Excellent! This excursion proves to be most worthwhile."

Dou Zhi cast a sidelong glance at his young master and inquired, "Young Master, shall I procure a beautiful companion for you in a few days?"

If you do not indulge yourself a little, I might suspect your preferences have shifted.

Young Master Dou became incensed. "Banish such thoughts! My admiration for Commander Qin is purely platonic!"

How could the Young Marquis harbor such inclinations? Furthermore, Dou Ke unequivocally favors women, and they must be stunning beauties with captivating faces and delicate figures!

Dou Zhi responded deferentially, "Yes, your subordinate erred."

Young Master Dou let out a cold snort. "Hmph, acknowledging your error is commendable. This young master shall take a brief nap. Awaken me upon our arrival."

...

The fanfare accompanying their procession to the Xu Family to present betrothal gifts was so immense that news of it had already swept through half the county before their arrival. Elder Xu was utterly astonished: "What? Not only has Master Ouyang arrived, but Young Master Dou is here as well?!"

My, oh my, this is truly remarkable; the betrothal between Miss Zhong and Brother Xing is indeed a cause for great celebration.

"Housekeeper, swiftly get servants to lay down carpets before the main entrance; we absolutely cannot have our esteemed guests’ feet touching the dusty ground." Elder Xu instructed with haste: "Eldest son, second son, third son, quickly bring your sons and await me at the main door."

"Zhao Ming, remain close by my side today, do not wander off. You must present yourself well, ensuring Master Ouyang and Young Master Dou take notice of you."

The previous occasion, when Zhao Ming was dispatched to deliver silver to Young Master Dou, the latter was preoccupied with a journey to the prefecture and, in his haste, lost his temper, preventing Zhao Ming from meeting him. This time, it is imperative to curry favor with this wealthy patron.

Establishing good connections now promises boundless future advantages.

"Yes, grandfather, do not worry, I will not disappoint you." Xu Zhao Ming, although finding the act of fawning somewhat beneath him, felt it far more comforting to gain the favor of Master Ouyang and Young Master Dou than to associate with unsavory characters.

Elder Xu expressed great satisfaction, nodding in approval, before casting a stern gaze upon Uncle Xu: "Eldest son, return and inform your wife to keep a close watch on Girl Ling. Should she dare to behave foolishly today or utter any unpleasantries concerning Miss Zhong or Mrs. Chen, be prepared to banish her to the countryside manor!"

"Yes, yes, father, rest assured, I shall depart immediately and instruct the Zeng family to keep Girl Ling in check." Young Master Xu wiped away beads of cold sweat and hastened towards the rear courtyard to find the Zeng family.

...

Within the Zeng family's courtyard, Xu Ling was voicing her grievances to Madam Zeng: "Mother, it is not that I hold any dislike for the Gu family, but they are simply too arrogant. Gu Jin’an, does he truly not fancy me? Am I expected to actively pursue him?"

"Furthermore, the matter involving Gu Dexing is not my doing; it is entirely Mrs. Chen’s fault. You would scarcely believe her audacity, grasping my hand and inquiring about an engagement as soon as she saw me. As a respectable young lady, how could I possibly endure such behavior? Thus, I conveyed a slight hint of displeasure, and she immediately began to berate me. I feel so wronged, boo-hoo-hoo..."

Madam Zeng, upon hearing this, felt a surge of profound sorrow and offered comfort to Xu Ling: "My dearest daughter, cease your tears. That Gu family merely fled from famine; their lineage is not particularly distinguished. Even if they have managed to associate with some nobles, what of it? Once we return to Jiangnan, I shall secure a marriage for you into a prominent family there, ensuring Miss Zhong is consumed with envy."

"Bah, Madam Zeng, have you forgotten grandfather’s curse upon us? He declared that if anyone dares to speak ill of the Gu family or show them disrespect again, they shall be cast out!" Young Master Xu, not having yet entered, heard these words and rebuked them angrily, relaying the news that Master Ouyang and Young Master Dou were personally escorting Gu Dexing to deliver betrothal gifts, along with Elder Xu’s stern warning.

"What? Master Ouyang and Young Master Dou are personally accompanying Gu Dexing for betrothal gifts?" Madam Zeng was astonished, rising to her feet and gazing at her husband with wide eyes: "You are not jesting, are you? Would individuals of Master Ouyang and Young Master Dou’s stature accompany them? Does the Gu family possess such standing?"

This is not even Gu Jin’an’s engagement, but Gu Dexing’s.

Young Master Xu let out a cold laugh and stated: "Do not underestimate them; Gu Dexing genuinely possesses such standing."

He then gestured towards Xu Ling: "You looked down upon Gu Dexing and offended Mrs. Chen; now witness your disgrace? Such a promising prospect has been claimed by Miss Zhong."

Xu Ling, already bewildered, felt a potent mix of anger and humiliation, her face burning as if struck.