Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1283: The Agreement

Brother Cheng anxiously inquired of Gu Jin’an as soon as Ah Song departed, "Big Brother, have the teacher and Third Sister genuinely forgiven me?"

A wave of fear washed over him, manifesting even in his dreams as the teacher and Third Sister departing, his big brother weeping, his Second Sister berating him for his incompetence, and himself becoming the family’s ultimate disappointment.

Gu Jin’an reassured him, "Third Miss never harbored ill feelings towards you. Once she extends her forgiveness, her anger dissipates."

As for the teacher...

Gu Jin’an’s gaze fell upon the two plates of pastries gracing the table. "The teacher wasn't truly enraged. Had he been, he wouldn't have taken the time to discipline us. The very act of him punishing us signifies his forgiveness and his intent to continue our tutelage."

A genuinely furious individual would cease to concern themselves with your welfare. The effort expended in disciplining the two brothers demonstrated a continued investment in their development.

Gu Jin’an then looked towards Brother Cheng, raising a hand to affectionately pat his head, a smile gracing his lips. "So, Brother Cheng need not fret; the teacher and Third Miss harbor no anger."

This news brought immense joy to Brother Cheng, his face breaking into a wide grin. "Does this mean things between you and Third Sister are resolved? Am I about to gain a sister-in-law?"

He let out another joyful laugh. "If Third Sister becomes my sister-in-law, I’ll finally get to savor delicacies I’ve only dreamed of, and Big Brother won’t dare to scold me anymore."

He cast a sidelong glance at Gu Jin’an, his eyes conveying a silent message: Let’s see if Big Brother dares to withhold sufficient food from me in the future.

Gu Jin’an playfully tugged at a strand of his hair, teasing, "Since our arrival in the south, when has this family ever let you go hungry? It is merely your delicate constitution that concerns me; excessive eating could lead to discomfort, which is why I regulate your intake, preventing you from overindulging. Yet, you still enjoyed ample bean dregs cakes and the assorted snacks, along with the meat pies meticulously prepared by Second Sister."

"Furthermore, it's essential to unlearn the habit of excessive eating cultivated during our escape from famine; you cannot allow your stomach to be full while your eyes remain starved, driven to consume merely because food is present."

Brother Cheng uttered a couple of affirmative hums before eagerly reaching for the double-layered cake beside him, a sense of urgency in his movements, lest he be unable to partake later.

Witnessing this, Gu Jin’an offered no rebuke. Instead, he poured half a bowl of warm water, placing it within easy reach on the table by the bed. "Drink some water to aid digestion and prevent any throat discomfort," he advised.

Brother Cheng nodded in acknowledgment, pausing only after consuming two more pieces of the double-layered cake. He then kindly extended two tiger head cakes to Gu Jin’an. "Big Brother, please have these. Third Sister crafted them with her own hands."

Brother San Lang always relished the treats Second Sister made, so Big Brother, partaking in Third Sister’s creations, must surely be experiencing a similar bubbling delight.

Gu Jin’an accepted the tiger head cake, taking a bite. A burst of fruity aroma filled his mouth, causing his eyes to widen in pleasant surprise... Third Miss truly possessed a considerate nature; these tiger head cakes, brimming with sweet fruit, were perfectly suited for Brother Cheng’s current consumption.

Upon observing his elder brother's eyes light up with evident enjoyment, Brother Cheng beamed, his own eyes curving into crescents of pure happiness.

Seeing his younger brother’s exuberant smile, Gu Jin’an chuckled, patting his head as he offered an apology. "Forgive me, Big Brother should not have struck you. Brother Cheng was merely looking out for Big Brother; it was entirely Big Brother's excessive temper."

He continued, "Brother Cheng, do not be afraid; Big Brother promises not to strike or scold you carelessly again... unless you commit a significant transgression."

Brother Cheng's excitement at the initial part of the statement waned, his face falling with a touch of displeasure. "So, you will still hit me then."

Gu Jin’an paused, taken aback, before attempting to reason with Brother Cheng. "You are young and prone to mischief, acting impulsively. Before you attain maturity, you are bound to err. Big Brother is simply concerned you might make mistakes, which is why I stipulated that."

He added, "However, Big Brother guarantees you, I will not be as severe as I was this time. I shall show leniency and refrain from inflicting further injury upon Brother Cheng... Should Big Brother's hand again fall heavily upon you, you have my permission to call out my words today to check Big Brother's actions."

"Hahaha, truly?" Brother Cheng’s spirits soared. He felt he had finally secured a partial exemption card.

Gu Jin’an frowned, a sense of being outmaneuvered dawning upon him. Yet, he reflected on Brother Cheng’s recent ordeal and considered that as the young boy matured, he would likely become more composed, mitigating the likelihood of repeating yesterday’s serious transgressions.

Ah, Gu Jin’an, you are overthinking. Your entire family cherishes this young brother; he will only grow more impudent and audacious. Do you truly expect him to conduct himself with the solemnity of an elder scholar?

Brother Cheng's momentary elation subsided as he posed another question, "Big Brother, what truly transpired between you and Third Sister? Did the teacher grant his approval? When can we finally anticipate the arrival of a sister-in-law?"

"The village women and town aunties constantly tease Big Brother, questioning his unmarried status and wondering if something is amiss with him. Their words are so harsh, and they laugh afterward, which makes me incredibly angry. Big Brother, I hope you achieve your wish soon so you can silence them and stop their teasing."

"You talk too much, your throat must be sore." Gu Jin’an chided gently before rising to get some herbal medicine.

Brother Cheng’s heart sank. Was Big Brother trying to avoid the subject? Had he nearly been beaten to death without any success? Boohoo, that would be a terrible outcome.

Gu Jin’an cooled the herbal medicine by blowing on it until it was drinkable and then offered it to Brother Cheng. "Drink this first."

Brother Cheng quickly took the bowl and downed the medicine, barely registering the ache in his throat, and anxiously pressed, "Big Brother, tell me quickly."

It was driving him mad; as his younger brother, he was practically acting as a matchmaker.

Gu Jin'an replied, "The teacher didn't give me a definitive answer last night, but he hinted at a possibility. He inquired if males in our family truly remain unmarried for life."

"That’s all?" Brother Cheng’s spirits plummeted. Everyone knew Big Brother had declared he would never take a concubine in this lifetime, even if it meant remaining childless. Yet, the teacher still asked; was he unsure about entrusting Third Miss to Big Brother, or did he genuinely look down on our family?"

Brother Cheng lowered his head, a sense of despair washing over him. He realized his brother's earlier words were correct; the chasm between social classes was indeed a barrier in marriage. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't bridge it.

As he was lost in his gloom, Ah Song returned, announcing to Gu Jin’an, "Good Brother An, the Second Master is looking for you."

Gu Jin’an was momentarily surprised, then quickly recovered, telling Brother Cheng, "You continue resting; Big Brother needs to see the teacher."

Ah Song reassured him, "Good Brother An, go with peace of mind; I will take good care of Brother Cheng."

Gu Jin’an nodded, gently detached Brother Cheng’s hand from his arm, and departed to meet Master Ouyang.

Brother Cheng remained on the bed, quite troubled. Ah Song urged him to sleep for his well-being, but even as sleepiness began to claim him, he shook his head. "I’m not sleeping; I want to wait for Big Brother to return."

He then asked Ah Song again, "Brother Song, is it truly impossible for people from different social strata to marry?"

Ah Song nodded. "Yes, for the most part, it is impossible. It's similar to how the law prohibits slaves from marrying women who are registered as free. However, there are exceptions."

Brother Cheng felt tears welling up. Was that last sentence merely meant to comfort him?

Nevertheless, Brother Cheng remained steadfast, waiting persistently to question Gu Jin’an about the exact details of his conversation with the teacher. What was the teacher's stance this time; were there any signs of willingness?

This time, Gu Jin’an did not take long, returning in about half an hour with significant news for Brother Cheng, or rather, a promise.