Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1287: Dividing the Silver

Wiping her aching hand, Mrs. Chen remarked, "Third Aunt, you’re far too stingy. They’re merely a few mooncakes. My White Jade Mooncakes are incredibly popular. Do you truly believe those mooncakes from the Capital could possibly rival the deliciousness of White Jade Mooncakes?"

She then turned to Mrs. Cui with a smile, saying, "Sister-in-law Dashan, be sure to share a couple with Brother Wang and Brother Fa from our household. Let them experience a taste of the Capital’s luxury."

Having said her piece, she quickly departed to settle accounts with Brother Wang, lest Third Grandma strike her again.

Mrs. Cui chuckled, lifting the lid of the box. She let out a gasp of amazement at the sight of the two distinct types of mooncakes within: "These mooncakes are truly exquisite, blossoming like delicate flowers."

Upon hearing this, Gu Jinli leaned closer, her gaze falling upon the two varieties of mooncakes presented in the box. One was perfectly spherical and translucent, revealing a vibrant red filling within, truly mirroring the radiant moon suspended in the night sky.

The other mooncake was a rich golden yellow, artfully shaped like a blooming flower, remarkably similar to the renowned Lotus Puff, a specialty originating from Suzhou in modern times.

However, this particular mooncake was notably larger and more intricately crafted. When fried to perfection, it resembled a magnificent Peony Yao Huang, exuding an aura of opulent grandeur.

"They are indeed very pretty," Gu Jinli conceded, her eyes shifting to Gu Jin’an. She silently urged her elder brother, *'Tone down that smile, it’s practically reaching your ears.'*

Noticing Gu Jinli’s evident admiration, Mrs. Cui promptly handed the entire box over to her. "Here, take them. Arrange them on a plate. After you’ve set aside portions for your Third Grandpa and Third Grandma, you may then distribute and enjoy the remainder."

"Thank you, Mom!" Gu Jinli exclaimed, a wave of delight washing over her. Though she wasn't particularly fond of mooncakes herself, seeing her elder brother's evident excitement brought her genuine joy.

Gu Jin’an interjected, "Mom, these were prepared by Third Miss specifically for you and Third Grandma. You absolutely must try one."

He intended for his parents to savor the culinary skills of Third Miss.

Mrs. Cui laughed heartily. "Very well, have Sister Xiao Yu set aside one for your Dad and me. We shall indulge after dinner."

Third Miss had been quite generous, gifting nine of each type of mooncake. She and Dashan would partake in one each, leaving the rest for the children. Even with numerous children from several families, each would still receive a generous half.

Not entirely satisfied, Gu Jin’an took out two of each variety of mooncake. He carefully repackaged them, stating, "I shall set these aside for Third Grandpa, Third Grandma, Dad, and Mom first, just in case Sister Xiao Yu consumes them all."

Gu Jinli playfully protested, "Brother, are you truly underestimating me? Do I appear to be such a glutton?"

The moment the words left her lips, all eyes turned towards Gu Jinli, each expression conveying a silent sentiment: *'How dare you utter such a thing!'*

Brother Cheng immediately piped up with a hearty laugh, "Haha, isn't Second Sister precisely that, a glutton? Didn't she insist that everyone should consume at least one meat-based meal daily, and a minimum of two rice meals each day? She also declared that autumn and winter are prime seasons for nourishment, preparing chicken soup every three days, often enriched with costly herbs. It seems nearly all the chickens raised by Third Grandma at Songzi Manor have been consumed by Second Sister."

Gu Jinli’s face flushed with indignation. She grabbed Brother Cheng’s collar and retorted, "And what about you? Are you not a glutton yourself? You devour the most delectable food at home, and so does Brother."

Gu Jinli pointed a finger at Gu Jin’an, continuing, "Brother has been experiencing rapid growth these past few years. He claims to eat only until eighty percent full each time, yet your eighty percent is equivalent to two full meals for Big Sister. You start with two bowls of chicken soup and then have the audacity to criticize me? Have you no shame?"

Even if she consumed significantly, it still didn't match her older brother's intake.

Gu Jin’an's cheeks tinged with red at this accusation, and he shot back, "I am a man. Naturally, my appetite surpasses that of the girls, so eating more is entirely normal."

Mrs. Cui watched their playful bickering with amusement. She then inquired of Gu Jin’an, "Did you manage to bring Brother Cheng’s medicine back? Hand it over to me, and I shall head to the kitchen to prepare it. Your brother can then drink it after dinner."

Gu Jin’an replied, "I have it right here; both the raw herbs and the pre-brewed medicinal soup. There's no need for you to rush the brewing process; simply warm the soup for Brother Cheng."

Initially, he had intended to keep the brewed soup a secret from the family, planning to have Brother Cheng consume it at night and then arrange for new medicine to be brewed at Master Ouyang’s residence. However, with this opportune moment, there was no longer a need for concealment. He instructed Zezi to deliver the herbs and soup to Mrs. Cui.

Mrs. Cui stated, "Mother will head to the kitchen now. You may rest; just anticipate dinner."

Taking the medicinal bag and soup, Mrs. Cui proceeded to the kitchen. She instructed Gu Jinxiu to momentarily halt her current activities and join Xiao Yu and the others for playtime... As the children grow with each passing year, opportunities for such gatherings and leisurely conversations will diminish in the future. Mrs. Cui desired for them to cherish these moments together.

Arriving at the front yard guest hall with Sister Li and an additional food container, Gu Jinxiu greeted Gu Jin’an and Brother Cheng with a smile. "You must be hungry after just returning, so I brought you some fish and mutton soup to fill your stomachs."

Brother Cheng eagerly scurried over, exclaiming, "Thank you, big sister, you’re the best! I like big sister the most!"

Gu Jinxiu chuckled, gently pinching his cheek. "You only speak such sweet words to coax your big sister; everyone knows you like Brother An the most."

She then added, "You’re on medication, so you shouldn’t have fish and mutton soup; I brought chicken soup for you instead."

Gu Jinxiu presented a bowl of chicken soup with the oil skimmed off, also offering him icy mooncakes. "They have red bean filling and aren’t too sweet, just right for you."

Brother Cheng pouted, protesting, "One bowl of fish and mutton soup won’t hurt, I’m all better now."

Gu Jinxiu shook her head resolutely. "No way. If indulging worsens your condition, it’s not worth the risk. However, you can have two pieces of lamb spine bone tonight."

A delighted grin spread across Brother Cheng’s face as he chuckled, "Okay!"

He happily accepted the bowl of chicken soup, taking a comforting sip. Then, turning to Gu Jinli, he inquired, "Second Sister, has Brother San Lang returned yet?"

Normally, the fish and mutton soup at home was prepared by Brother San Lang.

Gu Jinli glanced at Gu Jinxiu and chuckled. "Not yet. Today’s fish and mutton soup was made by Brother Luo Wu, who has been busy since early this morning."

Watching her big sister and Brother Luo Wu working busily in the kitchen from the side filled her heart with a sweet warmth.

Gu Jinxiu’s cheeks flushed as she spoke in defense of Brother Luo Wu. "Brother Luo Wu is always very busy. Today, he finally had some free time and wanted to prepare a good meal for a few families. He recently learned how to make the fish and mutton soup from Brother San Lang and decided to try it himself. It tastes truly delicious."

Gu Jin’an, after savoring a few mouthfuls of the fish and mutton soup, looked at Gu Jinxiu and smiled. "Yes, it tastes exceptionally good."

He then offered a mooncake to Gu Jinxiu. "Big sister, please try this. It was made by Third Miss."

Upon seeing the mooncake, Gu Jinxiu’s eyes widened in pleasant surprise. "This mooncake is truly beautiful, blooming like a flower."

Gu Jin’an’s smile deepened. "Indeed, it’s remarkably pretty. They say it follows the style of the Capital, favored not only by noble families but also by the elites in the palace."

Gu Jinli rested her chin on her hand, observing Gu Jin’an. *Big brother, are you planning to share all the compliments about Third Miss with the entire family?*

She had previously praised Third Miss; her words had nearly earned her a glare from Gu Jin’an.

"Sister Xiao Yu, the accounts are finalized; come over and let’s divide the Silver!" Gu Dewang, having concluded the calculations for the icy mooncakes, handed the ledger to Gu Jinli. "The gross profit is 1,232 taels. After deducting the costs, we have 669 taels remaining. Sister Xiao Yu receives fifty percent, which amounts to 334 taels and 500 copper coins. Xiao Hua gets ten percent, totaling 66 taels and 900 copper coins. The remaining 267 taels and 600 copper coins are for our family."

Gu Dewang, being fond of money and somewhat frugal, meticulously calculated down to the last copper coin, thus presenting the accounts with great precision.