Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1272: Visiting the Ouyang Family

With utmost care, Xu Zhao Ming laid out all the explanations for Xu Ling. In the end, he inquired, "Do you grasp what your elder brother is conveying?"

He elaborated, "To put it plainly, if you desire retribution, you may pursue it. However, direct physical confrontation with an elder in public is not the way. Such actions only reveal your lack of self-control and invite harsh criticism. You must stand firm on principles and adhere to established rules. This way, you can exact revenge while preserving your esteemed reputation."

Throughout this period, Xu Zhao Ming had been diligently learning under Elder Xu's guidance. He wasn't about to demand Xu Ling endure every slight without recourse. Instead, he aimed to teach her how to retaliate strategically when justified.

Naturally, if Xu Ling was in the wrong, she was not to instigate trouble without cause.

Elder Xu observed the exchange with considerable satisfaction. Zhao Ming had indeed made remarkable strides; his devoted efforts were clearly yielding fruit.

Xu Ling remained in a state of profound contemplation for a considerable duration before finally nodding and stating, "I understand."

"Since you comprehend, the family has decided to send you to the manor for a period of time. Do you consent to this proposal?" Xu Zhao Ming inquired further.

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Zeng became distressed. "Zhao Ming, your sister has acknowledged her error. Why must you insist on sending her to the manor? Is this truly how a brother behaves?"

The underlying implication was that dispatching Young Miss Ling to the manor was a ploy to drive her to madness.

Xu Zhao Ming offered no immediate reply. Instead, he fixed his gaze upon Xu Ling and repeated his question, "Sister Ling, your brother wishes to send you to the manor for a spell. Do you agree to this arrangement?"

Xu Ling lifted her eyes to meet Xu Zhao Ming's, then cast a timid glance toward Elder Xu. Finally, she gave a small nod, responding, "Yes, I agree~"

The final syllable was tinged with a sob, betraying her profound sense of being wronged.

A sense of profound satisfaction settled upon Xu Zhao Ming. He offered her a reassuring look and declared, "Sister Ling, harbor no fear. I shall personally escort you to the manor in Hukang County and ensure that the less desirable individuals are removed, so no one will dare to offend you carelessly."

He continued, adding, "You have indeed stirred up trouble, and the esteemed ladies of the county will undoubtedly engage in gossip about this matter for some time. If our family does not impose a punishment, the entire Xu clan will face ridicule for lacking discipline. However, if they witness you being sent to the manor as a consequence, they will perceive you as someone still capable of reform and learning. Consequently, their slander will not be excessively harsh. Upon your return, offer your apologies to Mrs. Jiang, the County Magistrate's wife, and Aunt Da Gui. Your reputation will then be restored, and this unfortunate affair will be concluded."

"Must I also apologize to Mrs. Chen?" Xu Ling still harbored a strong dislike for Mrs. Chen and was reluctant to offer her an apology.

Xu Zhao Ming nodded in affirmation. "Indeed. This entire predicament originated due to Mrs. Chen. As a junior, the only way to project an image of tolerance and magnanimity is by extending an apology to her. This apology is not truly for Mrs. Chen's benefit, but rather a strategic move to bolster your own reputation. Do you comprehend?"

Though Xu Ling's intellect was not her strongest suit, she grasped the essence of Xu Zhao Ming's elaborate explanation after a moment of quiet reflection. She then declared, "I understand. I shall heed my brother's counsel."

"Young Miss Ling!" Mrs. Zeng cried out, her heart wrung with anguish. She rushed forward, imploring, "Do not go! Let us forgo this trip to the manor. Return with your mother to Jiangnan! Mother shall secure a prosperous and honorable marriage for you!"

Xu Ling offered a wry laugh. "Mother, you have been uttering this very same promise since I was ten years old, and several years have since elapsed. Pray tell, where is this esteemed marriage you speak of? You need not attempt to deceive me any longer. Do you truly believe that any genuinely noble families would even cast a glance in the direction of a family like ours? Should I resign myself to becoming a concubine? Yet, even accepting such a position within a prominent household is fraught with its own difficulties."

She recalled the daughter of the bookstore owner neighboring their shop. This individual had become a concubine to the master of a noble family, yet she wasn't even afforded the status of a legitimate concubine. She had been compelled to sign an indenture agreement to be formally accepted.

It may have appeared glamorous from the outside, and her family often boasted of their connections to some esteemed lineage whenever they ventured out. However, had the government or the noble family ever truly acknowledged them with respect?

At best, their pretenses could only deceive the ignorant townsfolk.

Mrs. Zeng found herself utterly speechless. She was acutely aware that, in the eyes of the truly noble houses, the Xu family, merely a wealthy household at the county level, amounted to nothing. Nevertheless, what parent could genuinely suppress the desire to find an illustrious match for their offspring?

"Husband, please say something," Mrs. Zeng pleaded, still unwilling to concede and turning to Uncle Xu for support.

Young Master Xu merely waved his hand dismissively. "Let us defer to Father's and Zhao Ming's judgment on this matter."

Witnessing her husband's agreement, Mrs. Zeng's heartbreak intensified. She clasped Xu Ling in a tight embrace, weeping, "My poor Child, Girl Ling."

After Mrs. Zeng had concluded her tearful lament, Xu Zhao Ming spoke. "Mother, please rise. Proceed with packing Sister Ling's belongings. I shall accompany her to the manor this very afternoon."

With no viable alternative, Mrs. Zeng tearfully began preparing Xu Ling's things.

She intended to accompany Xu Ling to the manor, but Elder Xu intercepted her. "Hmph, you favor Girl Ling far too much! If you accompany her to the manor, won't you continue to indulge her there? How can she learn from her mistakes and change her ways?"

Girl Ling's obstinate disposition requires some hardship to improve.

Mrs. Zeng could only watch Xu Ling depart tearfully, assigning her nanny to accompany her, fearful that she might endure any slight or hardship.

News of Xu Ling's dispatch to the manor swiftly circulated throughout the county, drawing mockery from some, yet certain discerning ladies commended the Xu family's decision.

The pampered daughters of affluent families often possess a stubborn temperament; however, as long as they acknowledge their errors and exhibit a capacity for change, they can still be considered desirable.

Xu Zhong also learned of Xu Ling being sent to the manor. She considered seeing Xu Ling off but ultimately refrained... the elder sister-in-law and Xu Ling were still displeased. If she were to appear now, even with the best intentions, it would only incur further resentment from the elder sister-in-law and the others. Therefore, she concluded it was wiser to maintain her distance.

Ms. Lu also opted not to see Xu Ling off. She merely remarked to Xu Zhong, "Girl Ling has been held back by them. It is my hope that this experience allows her to correct her temper. Otherwise, if she faces future difficulties, you sisters will also be implicated."

Sharing the same paternal grandfather and with no division of family wealth, one's fortune is shared, as is one's misfortune.

...

Gu Jinli had no time for the gossip concerning Xu Ling. At present, they were traveling by mule cart on their way to the Ouyang family's residence.

"Third Sister has selected an ideal date for the banquet – August 12th. It falls between Brother Dexing's engagement celebration and the Mid-Autumn Festival, granting us sufficient time to attend the banquet and deliver a festival gift to Master Ouyang," Gu Jinli informed Gu Jinxiu, the invitation held in her hand.

This invitation had arrived shortly after the establishment of Dou Ou Bank, but the banquet itself was scheduled for the present day.

Gu Jinxiu nodded with a smile, "Indeed, the chosen date is quite opportune."

Luo Huiniang, who had also accompanied them, chimed in upon hearing their conversation, "Are the two Ouyang young ladies truly so bound by rules, hailing from the Capital? I heard from Brother Wang that even the number of times they chew their food is dictated. Should we also chew dozens of times when dining with them later?"

She added with a grimace, "Heavens, chewing dozens of times before swallowing – how can one possibly eat like that?"

It sounds akin to feeding pureed food to an infant; the mere thought is revolting.

Gu Jinli let out a laugh, "You're merely listening to Brother Wang's baseless tales. That fellow always exaggerates; who truly counts their chews? If one chews a dozen times before swallowing, how can anyone possibly keep track?"

Who possesses that kind of leisure time?