Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1292: Dou Ke Heads to the Capital

Third Grandma declared, "It's high time we arranged a marriage. Qingliang isn't young anymore, and as the eldest grandson of the first branch, it's essential to secure his future and continue the family line."

Old Mrs. Yan, delighted by this suggestion, was deep in discussion regarding the marriage arrangements for Gu Qingliang and Gu Qingtian with Gu Damu's wife, Ms. Yan, along with Third Grandma, Mrs. Cui, and Ms. Chu.

"The family background need not be exceptionally prominent, but their values must be righteous. The girl should possess a pleasing appearance, but her character is paramount; she must be virtuous and magnanimous. After all, she will be the eldest grandson's wife, and a measure of patience will be required, lest the younger siblings suffer."

Gu Daya, concerned about the naming of their eldest grandson, inquired of Third Grandma after Old Mrs. Yan and Third Grandma had mostly concluded their discussion, "Third Aunt, since Doctor Wu is here, would you mind taking Brother along to ask him for a name?"

Doctor Wu was held in high esteem due to his age, seniority, reputation, and status. Having him bestow a name upon Brother would be a significant blessing. As for Master Ouyang, Gu Daya did not dare to impose upon him.

Mo Qinzi also gazed at Third Grandma with a face full of earnest pleading.

Third Grandma responded with a smile, "Your Third Uncle has already spoken with Doctor Wu about this, and he likely has a name in mind by now. I shall escort Brother over to see Doctor Wu, express our gratitude, and then return with the chosen name."

With that, she led Brother towards the front yard's guest hall.

Within the guest hall at this moment, Brother Cheng was covering his mouth, on the verge of tears as he looked at his father.

Gu Dashan chuckled upon seeing this, "Did a tooth fall out? Come, let me take a look."

Brother Cheng shook his head, "No, I can manage it myself."

Saying this, he felt a pang of embarrassment and quickly exited the guest hall.

Gu Jin’an set down his chopsticks and announced, "Dad, I'll go check on him."

He picked up a cup of tea and went outside, observing Brother Cheng spitting out a fallen tooth, intending to toss it onto the roof.

Did his lower tooth fall out?

Traditionally, lower teeth are thrown onto the roof, while upper teeth are buried underground, a custom for children when their teeth change.

Gu Jin’an approached, took hold of Brother Cheng's head, and teased him, "Look at you, enjoying a lamb rib and somehow managing to gnaw your tooth out."

Brother Cheng, still covering his mouth, replied, "How was I supposed to know this tooth was so frail? It just bit the lamb rib and snapped right into my mouth."

Gu Jin’an shook his head with a smile, handing him the tea, "Rinse your mouth, spit out the blood, and give me the tooth. I'll throw it for you."

Brother Cheng had sustained a back injury, and throwing the tooth himself might aggravate his wound.

Brother Cheng obediently handed the tooth to Gu Jin’an, accepted the tea, rinsed his mouth, and cleared the blood.

Gu Jin’an flicked his wrist, sending the small tooth sailing onto the roof, then looked down at Brother Cheng, "Open your mouth. Let big brother see the gap."

"Ah—" Brother Cheng opened his mouth, allowing Gu Jin’an to inspect the gap where the tooth had been.

Gu Jin’an nodded, "Ah, a new tooth is beginning to emerge. Refrain from licking it, or it might grow in crooked."

"Understood," Brother Cheng affirmed, then inquired again, "Big brother, will I really continue to change teeth until I reach my teens?"

He had started this process at six years old and it had continued until now. The thought of it lasting for several more years filled him with dread.

Gu Jin’an nodded, "Indeed. Your elder brother here was still changing his molars just a couple of years ago. You'll have to persevere and endure it."

Brother Cheng's face fell, and he walked away dejectedly. However, after only a few steps, he felt dizzy and nearly collapsed.

Gu Jin’an quickly caught him, remarking, "I told you your recovery wasn't complete. I warned you not to exert yourself, and now look at the consequences. Just hold on a little longer. Sit with the elders for thirty minutes, and I'll find an excuse for you to return to your room and rest."

Brother Cheng nodded, "Okay."

Inside, Qi Kangping's son had already been given his name.

The Qi father and son stood to express their gratitude to Doctor Wu.

Third Grandma smiled, "Qi Ning, Brother Ning, that's a fine name. He need not achieve great things in life; may he simply live peacefully, unlike the hardships we have endured."

Doctor Wu shared the same sentiment. With the recent unrest caused by tax disputes, Doctor Wu wished for greater tranquility in Great Chu and thus chose the name 'Ning' for Qi Kangping's son, signifying peace.

Little Qi Ning, having received his name, obligingly urinated all over Doctor Wu. After this, he even bit the doctor's little hand and giggled.

"Hahaha, this little one is truly destined to meet me, bestowing a golden shower upon me at our first encounter." Doctor Wu was not offended, holding little Qi Ning and playing with him affectionately.

A burst of laughter filled the guest hall for a moment.

Qin San Lang gazed at little Qi Ning with a touch of envy, contemplating when he and Xiao Yu might also have a child. If they were blessed with offspring, he vowed to cherish them with all his heart.

Following this moment of wistful reflection, Qin San Lang had a brief conversation with Elder Qin, crafted a grapefruit lamp as a gift for Gu Jinli, and then took his leave.

Brother Cheng, feeling rather put out, hurried to the flower hall in the back garden with a throbbing head, intending to prompt Gu Jinli. He whispered, "Second Sister, your Brother Qin is departing; you should see him off."

Gu Jinli quickly fabricated a pretext to slip away to the Qin family. She presented Qin San Lang with grilled fish, mooncakes, fried crispy pork, and two hams she had meticulously prepared. "Take these," she urged, "and share them with the soldiers at the Military Office."

A strong alliance meant standing together against any common foe.

Qin San Lang demurred, "There's no need for the ham; keep it to sell."

Gu Jinli gently shook her head. "These items are considered quite valuable elsewhere. Let the soldiers experience something new, so they may remember your kindness."

When it came to brothers who shared life and death, one ought not to be parsimonious, lest it backfire.

"Very well," Qin San Lang accepted the provisions, adding, "Xiao Yu, next time, refrain from bringing such fine things. As I am responsible for the soldiers, I am capable of managing them appropriately."

"I trust you. Now, hurry along, lest anyone from the Meng family gain an advantage," Gu Jinli pressed. She added, "And remember to send word back to let me know you are safe."

She mused, frowning slightly, since when had she begun to worry about Brother Qin's safety?

Having stowed his gifts, Qin San Lang mounted his horse. He looked down at her and declared, "I shall not send anyone else; I will return myself... because I miss you."

He was thinking of her constantly, even before he reached the village upon his return.

A blush spread across Gu Jinli's cheeks at his declaration. She shot him a mock glare. "Stop saying such things and just go."

Qin San Lang chuckled. Although the torchlight was dim, he could sense the blush that had surely bloomed on her face.

Considering the lateness of the hour and the possibility that the Meng family might already be making their moves, he stated, "Xiao Yu, head home first. I will depart once you are inside."

"You are so long-winded," Gu Jinli playfully complained, though a smile played on her lips. Clutching the grapefruit lamp he had given her, she turned and headed home.

Only after she had safely entered her residence did Qin San Lang set off towards the Military Office.

As anticipated, a conflict had already broken out at the Military Office. A contingent of approximately thirty assassins was engaged in an assault on the prison cells. Fortunately, the competent efforts of You An, You Xi, and You Ping, bolstered by the shadow guards of the Dou Family and the Ouyang Family, resulted in the apprehension of all thirty-plus assassins from the Meng Family within the span of an hour.

The leader of the attackers was revealed to be Meng Er.

Young Master Dou erupted in joyous laughter. "Hahaha! Heaven truly favors me! To send Meng Er directly into my hands and allow Company Commander Qin to capture him alive! It will be exceedingly difficult for Madam Dou Meng to escape accountability now."

Young Master Dou rubbed his hands together in anticipation. "I can scarcely wait! This young master shall depart for the capital this very night, dragging every last one of these assassins and Meng Wu to the Jingzhao Mansion for swift execution, thereby dismantling the Meng family!"

If the Meng family wished to avoid complete annihilation, they would have no choice but to personally execute Madam Dou Meng.