Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1274: Getting Beaten

Gu Jinli heard this, his eyebrows subtly lifted. He cast a glance at Brother Cheng but offered no words.

Hui Niang, however, spoke her mind plainly: "Isn't it just a painting from your elder brother? Is it really that valuable? We've seen plenty of them before. Some that weren't painted well were even torn up and used as wrapping paper for bean dregs cakes for guests."

Brother Cheng's small face flushed with anger, turning as green as jade. He snorted, "But this one is painted exceptionally well, just as Mr. Ouyang said."

After speaking, he gestured towards the table laden with food. "Third Sister, the table is full of dishes, there's no space left for the painting. Let's go to the stone table beneath the kapok tree to view it."

Without awaiting Ouyang Ming's response, he turned and dashed towards the kapok tree nearby.

Ouyang Ming paused in astonishment before breaking into a smile. Turning to the trio, she said, "Let's all go and admire the painting together."

"Third Sister, you go ahead. We've seen our eldest brother's paintings countless times," Gu Jinli remarked, sensing Brother Cheng's underlying concern and choosing not to accompany them.

Luo Huiniang chimed in with agreement, "Yes, we won't go either. Brother Jin'an paints New Year pictures for our families every year, and they're still displayed on the doors of several homes. We've truly seen enough. Third Miss, you go by yourself. We'll stay here and eat. The meat dishes at your household are exceptionally delicious."

'No wonder they're a wealthy family; they're so generous with the meat!'

Ouyang Ming chuckled. She found Miss Luo to be forthright and genuine, enjoying interactions with such individuals. "Then please, continue eating, but do save some appetite for the lunch banquet. The kitchen has prepared many renowned dishes from the Capital, items rarely seen in He'an Prefecture."

"The kitchen has even more delectable dishes!" Luo Huiniang exclaimed enthusiastically, quickly responding, "Alright, I'll eat a little less now to make room for lunch."

Ouyang Ming nodded with a smile and proceeded to the kapok tree. Accepting the scroll that Brother Cheng offered, she prepared to examine Jin's painting.

However, upon unrolling the scroll, she discovered another painting concealed within.

This particular artwork was rather peculiar, depicting two figures, or more accurately, a young woman and a pair of hands... The girl was adorned in attire that seemed familiar, her face obscured, leaving only the majority of her body and her long, flowing black hair visible.

The girl's right hand held a bow, while her left hand was being gently clasped by another pair of hands. The owner of these hands was in the process of adorning her with a bracelet.

The bracelet itself was not crafted from precious materials. Instead, it consisted of small beans strung together, dyed a vibrant red, symbolizing affection... as the ancient poem states, red beans convey longing.

Ouyang Ming was taken aback. Her gaze lingered on the red bean bracelet in the painting and the hands meticulously placing it upon the girl... The fingers were long and slender, with distinct, larger knuckles, unmistakably those of a man. Furthermore, a few bamboo leaves were embroidered onto the man's sleeve.

She recognized such attire; it belonged to the exceptionally talented Qilin Zi.

The memory of that young man surfaced in her mind. She recalled his handsome face, akin to an orchid's delicate beauty, his tall and upright posture like bamboo, his noble character as pure as snow, and a hidden temperament resembling a wolf beneath a placid surface...

"Qilin Zi joining a farming family, what a profound pity,"

Her grandfather's words echoed in Ouyang Ming's mind, yet an undeniable blush crept onto her cheeks.

She was merely sixteen, and to suddenly realize that a young man of similar age and shared interests harbored feelings for her was overwhelming. Even with her composed demeanor, and despite knowing the eventual outcome, she couldn't suppress the blush that bloomed on her face.

Nevertheless, she swiftly put away the painting that should not have been present, setting it aside. She then turned her attention back to the farm's flourishing landscape painting, offering praise, "Jin's artistry is indeed renowned for good reason; it is remarkably lifelike and exquisitely rendered."

Brother Cheng: "..."

"Is that all?!"

"What about the other painting, Third Sister? Aren't you going to comment on it?"

Brother Cheng felt a pang of anxiety. He looked at the painting Ouyang Ming had set aside, his eyes stinging and his nose prickling with unshed tears... Was it truly impossible to surmount the barriers of social class? Was it genuinely impossible for a humble farm boy to win the heart of a noble daughter?

"I have finished my viewing. Brother Cheng, please return this painting to Grandpa," Ouyang Ming said. She rolled up both scrolls, placing them back into the tube, acting as if she had never seen the painting that was not meant to be revealed.

Brother Cheng stood stunned; this outcome was entirely unexpected. He looked up at Ouyang Ming, tears finally beginning to stream from his eyes, and managed to utter, "Third Sister, I am so sorry... My brother had no idea. It was all my doing; please do not blame him."

"He merely liked you and did nothing disrespectful. It's all my fault!"

Ouyang Ming smiled gently, placing a hand on Brother Cheng's head. Lowering her gaze, she said, "Alright, Third Sister forgives you. Let's go now, and please, do not do anything like this again in the future."

Back in the Capital, whispers often followed her, labeling her an orphan, devoid of a father's or brother's protection. In her youth, she too had yearned for the presence of a brother.

Brother Cheng, with his bright and endearing nature, was cherished by both her grandfather and herself. What truly touched her, however, was the sight of the Gu Family siblings who supported one another through thick and thin.

For such a bond, forever out of her reach, she found it within her heart to forgive this young boy who had erred for the sake of his elder brother.

Brother Cheng was taken aback. He had never anticipated that his elder sister would simply overlook his transgressions, especially after such an improper act: "Third Sister..."

Ouyang Ming offered a gentle smile and, without another word, turned to depart.

Brother Cheng remained in a state of bewilderment for a time before also exiting the back courtyard. He proceeded to deliver the painting to Master Ouyang, yet in secret, he retrieved that cherished painting once more.

Gu Jinli observed Ouyang Ming, her suspicions mounting. However, she maintained her composure, refraining from further inquiries and instead regaled Ouyang Ming with amusing tales from the countryside.

Ouyang Ming, intrigued by the nuances of rural life, listened with rapt attention. Noticing Gu Jinxiu's reticence, she steered the conversation toward embroidery, offering high praise for her exceptional craftsmanship.

Once Gu Jinxiu began to speak of embroidery, her demeanor softened, and her conversation with Ouyang Ming flowed with effortless grace.

Meanwhile, Luo Huiniang shared anecdotes of the escort agency's journeys with Ouyang Ming, further expanding the latter's understanding of the world.

During this time, Ouyang Yu made an appearance, her words dripping with sarcasm: "Third Sister, I understand you've instructed the kitchen to prepare honey-glazed crystal pork, a secret recipe meticulously passed down through generations of our Ouyang Family. It is said that if one is not of noble birth, one cannot truly fathom the exquisite taste of this delicacy."

Hah, Gu Jinli let out a laugh, responding, "Is this honey-glazed crystal pork not crafted from pork hocks? Its true essence, I presume, lies in the savory taste of pork itself – a staple we enjoy regularly and can undoubtedly appreciate."

Ouyang Yu stood aghast, clearly enraged, before launching another barb: "Hah, being born into a farming family, you are accustomed to mere pork."

Gu Jinli countered, "Miss Wu, I've heard you have a fondness for ham. Do you perhaps know the primary ingredient of ham?"

Ouyang Yu, naturally aware that ham is derived from pork, found her face contorting in anger upon hearing this. With a resentful huff, she fled the scene.

Ouyang Ming sighed and remarked to Gu Jinli, "Fifth Sister is still young and has been overly indulged by the family. Please do not take her words to heart."

Gu Jinli, enjoying her snacks and tea, replied with a smile, "Rest assured, Third Sister. Our purpose here is to enjoy your company. We shall not be swayed by the attitudes of others."

Ouyang Ming found herself drawn to Gu Jinli's pragmatic approach to conflict resolution, admiring her ability to address issues directly without becoming ensnared in unnecessary entanglements.

Gu Jinli, in turn, held a favorable impression of Ouyang Ming, perceiving her as forthright and articulate, possessing qualities akin to a heroine. In essence, her visit to the Ouyang residence today had been most delightful.

Brother Cheng, however, endured a rather more challenging day. His initial intention to assist his elder brother had been thwarted when Ouyang Ming showed no interest in the painting.

Upon returning home, he attempted to stealthily return the cherished painting to Gu Jin'an's chambers, only to be caught in the act by his own sibling.

A wave of dread washed over Brother Cheng: "I'm finished, I'm surely in for a beating!"