Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1276: Not Unrequited Love
Previously on Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside...
Gu Jin’an meticulously detailed the gravity of the situation to Brother Cheng, his words causing the young man to tremble and weep. "I-I truly had no intention of disrespecting Third Sister or the Ouyang family. My sole aim was to help Third Sister recognize my elder brother's virtues, thereby fulfilling his wish."
"Hah, do you truly believe your brother is some esteemed gentleman that everyone would naturally be drawn to?" Gu Jin’an retorted with a sneer. "As I've told you before, your personal preferences do not automatically translate to everyone else's. However, you chose not to listen, and now you've plunged us into a significant predicament. I’m at a loss as to how to rectify this!"
Gu Jin’an’s voice softened as he continued, "Given that Third Miss's parents are deceased, Master Ouyang holds her in high regard with immense affection. Should Master Ouyang discover what transpired and be provoked to anger, severing ties with us and abandoning Qingfu Town entirely... it would spell ruin for us."
His chance to foster a connection with Third Miss would be irrevocably lost.
Gu Jinli was taken aback. "Brother, could the consequences truly be that severe?"
Upon further reflection, he acknowledged that within the rigid social structures of their time, such a dire outcome was indeed a tangible possibility.
The Ouyang family was no ordinary lineage, and Third Miss was a lady of noble birth. A young woman of her standing, even if favored by members of the Imperial Family, would still expect to be courted with proper etiquette and a gradual progression of courtship.
Gu Jin’an remained silent.
Anxiously, Brother Cheng wailed, "Brother, I am so sorry! I had no idea it would escalate to this. I only wanted to assist you, wah-wah..."
He genuinely believed his elder brother was the finest man alive. He couldn't bear the thought of his brother living with lifelong regret. Perceiving his brother's difficulty in expressing his affections to Third Sister, he had sought to facilitate their union by dismantling any perceived barriers.
His actions were not born of malice, nor was there any intent to demean Third Sister.
Gu Jinli observed Brother Cheng, then turned her gaze to Gu Jin’an, cautiously proposing, "What if we concealed this matter from Master Ouyang? What if we simply didn't let him know?"
Gu Jin’an shot Gu Jinli a sharp glare. "Don't be absurd! Do you truly believe that's feasible?"
Were the Ouyang family's formidable Shadow Guards merely ornamental? Were the nannies and maids attending Third Miss just for show? As long as Master Ouyang desired to know, this matter was inherently uncontainable.
"Then, what course of action should we take?" Gu Jinli inquired, looking at Brother Cheng and musing, *This kid, your Second Sister has cleared a path for you. If you still can't articulate yourself properly, your brain is truly wasted.*
Displaying surprising astuteness, Brother Cheng, having been subtly guided by Gu Jinli, understood that concealment was impossible. He declared, "Brother, I shall go and offer my sincerest apologies to Master Ouyang immediately. I will confess that the entirety of this was my doing."
Gu Jin’an let out a grunt. "Since you weren't contemplating concealment, there remains a glimmer of hope."
Having spoken, he fell into silence, closing his eyes and remaining immobile.
Gu Jinli understood that he was engrossed in devising a solution, but given the current circumstances, what viable options remained?
"Brother," she stated, "our most prudent course of action now is to face this peril head-on. Regardless of the outcome, we must proceed swiftly to the Ouyang residence to offer our apologies."
Upon hearing this, Gu Jin’an recognized that evasion was no longer an option. He nodded and addressed Brother Cheng, "Can you still move?"
"I can!" Brother Cheng, despite the throbbing pain in his back, could barely register it. He rose and stood respectfully.
Gu Jinli’s gaze fell upon Brother Cheng’s injured back. She frowned, a fleeting urge to offer him some medicinal pills arising. However, considering the current need to leverage his suffering for a favorable resolution, she suppressed her maternal instinct, pocketed the pills, and inquired of Gu Jin’an, "Should we involve our parents? Their presence might convey a greater sense of sincerity."
Gu Jin’an shook his head in negation. "Let us refrain from involving our parents for the time being. It might inadvertently place Master Ouyang in an awkward position."
While the parents' involvement would indeed underscore their sincerity, Master Ouyang would likely prefer a less conspicuous approach to this delicate matter.
"Very well, I understand. I will assist in ensuring appropriate discretion," Gu Jinli replied. She went into Brother Cheng's room, retrieved an autumn cloak, and draped it over him, effectively concealing the bloodstains on his back. "Remove this once you reach the Ouyang household. Remember, you are growing up now, and you must accept accountability for your missteps. After meeting Master Ouyang, do not succumb to tears. Clearly explain the situation, admit your fault, and whatever Master Ouyang decides, do not argue."
Brother Cheng, holding back his tears, nodded in understanding. "Mm, I understand, Second Sister."
Gu Jinli offered a gentle smile, patting his head. "Do you have any regrets?"
Brother Cheng blinked in surprise, then shook his head. "No regrets."
Gu Jin’an exclaimed in frustration, "Do you wish for another caning?!"
Brother Cheng lowered his head, responding, "Even if Brother were to strike me again, I would still have no regrets... Brother cherishes Third Sister deeply, yet he adheres strictly to propriety, never daring to voice his feelings directly. Our families' standings are vastly different. If no one intervenes to bridge this gap, the matter between Brother and Third Sister will never progress."
Perhaps for a lifetime, Brother would just secretly like Third Sister, but I don’t want that. I want Brother to marry the girl he loves, have a few children, and live happily ever after. Gu Jin’an was startled; it would be a lie to say he wasn’t moved, yet he still maintained a stern expression, scolding, “Stop it. Don’t speak such selfish words. How are you different from the village hooligans who covet good girls?” While feeling moved was one thing, right and wrong were another. “Let’s go. Don’t dawdle,” Gu Jin’an said coldly, leading the way out. Luo Huiniang was having a great time today. She didn’t return home after coming back from the Ouyang residence but went to Gu Jinli’s house. While sorting the return gifts from Third Miss with Gu Jinxiu, she saw Gu Jin’an and called out, “Brother Jin’an! Third Miss gave us so many delicious things. Tonight, you can have a feast that only Capital noble families can afford.” Gu Jinxiu inquired, “Brother An, where are you all going? Why is Brother Cheng wearing a cloak?” Is it that cold? “Brother Cheng is cold,” Gu Jinli replied. “Brother and Brother Cheng are heading to Master Ouyang’s house. They might return late or not at all, so Big Sister doesn’t need to prepare their dinner tonight.” “Ah? Going to Master Ouyang’s so late?” Gu Jinxiu was a bit surprised. Didn’t Brother Cheng just come home from school? But Master Ouyang was different from others. Sometimes, if he acquired a good ancient book or painting, or penned a fine article, he would suddenly summon Brother An to come over and appreciate it. Thus, Gu Jinxiu put away her doubts and said, “Then hurry up and go. Don’t keep Master Ouyang waiting.” Gu Jin’an nodded, taking Brother Cheng with him. Gu Jinli saw them off and looked at Gu Jin’an, finally saying, “Brother, don’t be too pessimistic. Perhaps your feelings aren’t unrequited.” Earlier, when Third Sister returned from viewing the painting, although she appeared calm, with her keen eyes, Gu Jinli noticed a blush on Third Sister’s face, different from before. Third Sister blushed. For a young girl to blush after seeing Brother’s painting meant at least a fifty percent chance that Third Sister also harbored feelings for Brother. Gu Jin’an’s eyes lit up slightly upon hearing this, a surge of joy coursing through his heart, but he quickly shook his head and said, “Don’t say anymore. Speaking one more word now would be disrespectful to them.” By “them,” he was referring to Master Ouyang and Ouyang Ming. However, fearing that others might overhear and spread rumors, he used the pronoun “them” instead of saying “the Ouyang family.”