Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1291: Still Thinking of Qin Er Lang

Young Master Dou may seem a bit simple-minded, but at his core, he is a shrewd businessman. Every action he takes is geared towards profit, and he will not waste time on endeavors that do not yield benefits.

The significant effort and expense he invested in building a connection with Master Ouyang clearly indicates his intention to seek Master Ouyang’s assistance in arranging his marriage from an early stage.

Gu Jinli remarked, "Although Young Master Dou is driven by profit, he possesses a strong sense of loyalty and genuine character. Master Ouyang favors such young men, so if he is willing to engage with Young Master Dou, it signifies his readiness to offer assistance."

Qin San Lang nodded upon hearing this, adding, "Xiao Yu speaks the truth. Furthermore, Mrs. Dou Meng’s two sons are the offspring of an imperial merchant. Mrs. Dou Meng herself is a concubine's daughter from an official's family. Even with favor, she wouldn't be able to secure high-status connections for her sons' marriages; at best, they might marry into the families of minor, greedy officials."

Consequently, there truly is no need to fret over Dou Ke's future.

"Second Sister, Brother San Lang, please proceed slowly." Brother Cheng, clutching a green pomelo, hurried after them, weaving himself between them. "We are nearly home."

A gentle reminder: Exercise a bit more restraint; you are not yet married.

Ah, you are truly concerned; this younger brother is perpetually worried.

Gu Jinli chuckled, "Very well, I shall return with you."

She then released Qin San Lang’s hand, taking Brother Cheng’s instead, and they ran back towards home.

The household was already abuzz with activity, with members from several families gathered, preparing to pay respects to the ancestors before the evening meal.

Erqing, Xiao Ji, Sister Li, Feng Lian, and Da Tuan and Xiao Tuan had either gone home or to the pharmaceutical workshop; tonight, Nanny Tao would bring everyone from the workshop to partake in a reunion dinner.

"San Lang is back, finally! Among the children from the various families, you are the busiest." Third Grandma expressed her delight upon seeing Qin San Lang, handing him a bowl of fish and lamb soup. "You must be hungry; have a bowl of soup to line your stomach. Your Brother Luo Wu prepared it; it tastes excellent."

Qin San Lang, who always held great respect for Third Grandpa and Third Grandma, accepted the bowl and drank, saying, "Thank you, Third Grandma. Brother Luo Wu’s fish and lamb soup is indeed very delicious."

Third Grandma then added, "You are too generous with your praise. After all, it is his first time formally cooking for the families. Just in case it wasn't to your liking, your own cooking is truly more flavorful."

Gu Jinli laughed upon hearing this banter, "Third Grandma, please keep your voice down. If Brother Luo Wu overhears, all your earlier compliments will be in vain."

Third Grandma, having no grandchildren of her own, adored the children from the various families and showered them with praise for even the smallest good deed. Hearing Gu Jinli's words, she quickly made a shushing gesture, "Right, right, we mustn't let Brother Wu hear. That boy is rather sensitive; he would feel disheartened if he knew."

"Old woman, what are you dawdling about? Quickly bring the children to worship the heavens and ancestors; it is time to commence the dinner." Third Grandpa called out to Third Grandma.

Upon hearing his summons, Third Grandma immediately beckoned Qin San Lang and Gu Jinli towards the incense table situated behind the guest hall door, and the group proceeded with everyone to pay respects to the heavens.

The Qin family, Tian family, Luo family, and Qi family joined in venerating the heavens and the fellow villagers who had perished during their escape before they withdrew. The Gu Family, however, exclusively paid homage to their own ancestors.

"Alright, alright, Heaven and the ancestors have finished their feast; let us hasten to the reunion dinner." Third Grandma announced to everyone.

At her call, the attendees divided into two groups: the men proceeded to the guest hall for their reunion dinner, while the women followed Third Grandma to the flower hall.

Mrs. Chen rolled up her sleeves and walked ahead with great enthusiasm. "Tonight, there are quite a few excellent dishes, including braised ham and chicken. Such a delectable dish; not having several bowls would be an injustice to Xiao Yu's ham."

With a sharp clap, Third Grandma struck her and declared, "Eat several bowls? Do you imagine ham is akin to sweet potatoes, allowing you to consume bowl after bowl? Dashan’s wife and Damu’s wife have already portioned it; each person is allotted only one bowl, no more."

Ham is an expensive delicacy; dreaming of devouring it all!

Mrs. Chen, feeling disgruntled, increased her pace, intending to select the largest bowl containing the most ham.

Witnessing this, Third Grandma became quite exasperated and remarked to Gu Jinli, "Xiao Yu, please ask Nanny Tao to discipline Mrs. Chen at some point. She is excessively embarrassing and does not conduct herself as a senior member of the family. If Sister Xu from the Xu family were to enter and observe such an aunt, she would undoubtedly mock her inwardly."

Gu Jinli responded, "Third Grandma, Aunt Da Gui’s temperament is unlikely to change. Only she can feign politeness. Sister Xu need not concern herself for the first few years after her arrival."

In a few more years, who knows? Because Mrs. Chen cannot maintain such pretense for an extended period.

Third Grandma let out a sigh, stating, "Fine, let her be. After being ridiculed by the juniors, she’ll then learn to change."

"Elder Grandmother, may we commence our meal?" Mrs. Chen, with her attention fixed on a bowl of ham stewed with chicken soup, addressed Old Mrs. Yan at the head seat.

"Eat, eat," Old Mrs. Yan, the most senior among the female elders, gestured with her chopsticks, signaling everyone to begin.

The reunion dinner was a delightful affair. Luo Huiniang, particularly fond of the ham stewed chicken, finished her bowl and then cast a glance at Gu Jinli’s untouched portion.

It had not been touched, and Luo Huiniang wondered if Xiao Yu disliked it.

Gu Jinli offered a smile and passed her bowl to Luo Huiniang, saying, "Sister Hui Niang, please enjoy this. I still have ham in my room; if you wish, you can slice some and have it whenever you like."

Luo Huiniang’s spirits lifted upon hearing this, and with a joyful look, she accepted Gu Jinli’s bowl of ham stewed chicken.

Witnessing her delight, Gu Jinxiu generously scooped two pieces of ham from her own bowl and offered them to Luo Huiniang.

Luo Huiniang’s happiness grew, and she exclaimed, "Thank you, Sister-in-law!"

Gu Jinxiu chuckled, responding, "What gratitude is needed? Eat quickly."

Recently, Aunt Luo had been actively seeking a match for Hui Niang, a situation that had caused Hui Niang considerable unhappiness and a prolonged period of gloom. Perhaps today's festival had finally lifted her spirits.

Gu Jinli and Luo Huiniang shared a close bond, so Gu Jinli was well aware of Luo Huiniang's recent unhappiness, feeling pressured by Ms. Chu. Hui Niang had even come to sleep with her, at times calling out "Brother Qin Er!" in her dreams.

Gu Jinli grew fearful, never anticipating that after all these years, Hui Niang still harbored thoughts of Qin Er Lang. After all, every year on the anniversary of Qin Er Lang's death, Hui Niang would visit his empty grave to pay her respects.

Far from forgetting Qin Er Lang due to his demise, Hui Niang's feelings for him seemed to intensify instead.

Oh, dear!

Gu Jinli found it hard to comprehend Hui Niang's unwavering devotion to Qin Er Lang, her inability to forget him after such a long time.

Gu Jinli felt torn, contemplating whether she ought to reveal to Luo Huiniang that Qin Er Lang had faked his death. If she remained silent, would Hui Niang eventually blame her? Yet, if she disclosed the truth, considering Hui Niang's steadfast resolve concerning Qin Er Lang, she might end up waiting for him her entire life.

Gu Jinli inwardly cursed, her appetite vanishing as the food suddenly lost its savor. What should she do? Tell her or not?

"Sister Xiao Yu, why aren't you eating? Are you troubled by something?" Tian Xiaohua noticed her idol wasn't eating and quickly inquired.

Hearing this, Gu Jinli offered a laugh, responding, "No, I was just thinking that since there’s no river nearby, we can’t release lanterns tonight."

Tian Xiaohua suggested, "There's a large river pond in the center of the village, but it's too crowded with boys, making it unsuitable for us. We can hang lanterns and grapefruit lamps under the eaves as usual; the Moon Palace Lady will still be able to see them."

Gu Jinli nodded in agreement, setting aside her anxieties about Luo Huiniang and Qin Er Lang, and proceeded to savor her meal.

Following the dinner, Old Mrs. Yan brought up the topic of marriages for the Gu Qingliang and Gu Qingtian brothers. "Brother Xing is already engaged," she stated. "Both boys are of marrying age, and I, being of a certain age myself, wish to arrange marriages for them, especially since there are fewer eligible individuals to consider within the families in recent years."