Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1293: Make a Scene

Qin San Lang foresaw an inevitable major conflict brewing between Young Master Dou and the Dou Meng matriarch, along with the influential Meng Family. Rather than intervening, he offered counsel: "Young Master Dou, as the junior, confronting Madam Dou Meng and the Meng Family places you at a disadvantage due to seniority, which is unfavorable to your cause."

Young Master Dou acknowledged the predicament, "The Meng Family boasts an Imperial Censor adept at manipulating others through rigid etiquette. However, this time, I am resolved to confront them head-on. If I don't make a significant move, I may never realize when my life ends or when an official wife and child are suddenly thrust upon me!"

He turned to Qin San Lang, his gaze filled with a mixture of deep resentment and hurt. "Company Commander Qin, do you not realize how audacious that wicked woman is? Not only is she scheming to arrange marriages for Old Second and Old Third, but she is even attempting to find a wife for me! Ha! Could any woman she finds be considered properly marriageable?"

Qin San Lang observed Young Master Dou, his eyes reflecting the depths of the young master's grievances.

Dou Ke's circumstances were indeed dire; her stepmother's family wielded considerable power, while her own maternal lineage was of humble merchant stock. Compounding this weakness, Dou Ke lacked any maternal uncles. One such uncle, while collecting a debt, met his demise at the hands of mountain bandits. This uncle, barely twenty years old at the time of his death and unmarried, left Dou Ke's maternal family without a male heir to lead them. Dou Ke's grandfather passed away from illness shortly after Dou Ke's first birthday.

Despite the loss of elder kin, Qin San Lang devised a strategy to aid Young Master Dou by leveraging the influence of remaining elders. He discreetly imparted a few words to Young Master Dou.

Young Master Dou was taken aback, his eyes widening as he looked at Company Commander Qin. "Young Marquis, what has become of you? Are you still the same kind-hearted, sincere, and righteous Young Marquis I once knew? Where did you acquire such cunning tactics?"

But I relish it, hahaha!

"This is a brilliant strategy. My sincere thanks to you, Company Commander Qin," Young Master Dou declared, executing a respectful salute. "Tonight, had it not been for your invaluable assistance, how would we have managed to capture Meng Er alive?"

He then turned, delivering several forceful kicks to the captured Meng Er. "Tell me, are Madam Dou Meng and the Meng Family not utter fools? They have already lost Meng Wu, and yet they dispatched you here. Did they not consider that if you were captured, the entire Meng Family would face ruin?"

Meng Er, recognized among the top assassins within the Meng Family's ranks, typically handled assignments directly for the Family Head. His capture alive undeniably confirmed the Meng Family Head's directive to assassinate him.

With a dislocated jaw, extracted teeth, and the poison removed from his mouth, Meng Er's tendons in his hands and feet were severed, leaving him a mere shell of his former self. Nevertheless, he glared fiercely at Qin San Lang. He had never envisioned that such a remote countryside would harbor a Company Commander possessing such formidable skills. Without this young man's intervention, he would not have been apprehended!

With a series of resounding kicks, Young Master Dou continued his assault on Meng Er, sneering, "What are you staring at? Never seen a handsome and valiant Military Officer before? Let me tell you, this Company Commander Qin is no mere country bumpkin; he is destined for greatness as a General!"

Had Meng Er heard these words before his capture, he would have scoffed, dismissing Young Master Dou's claims as empty boasts. However, after his resounding defeat, he found a kernel of truth in the young lord's pronouncement.

Qin San Lang advised, "Young Master Dou, the hour grows late. If you intend to return to the Capital swiftly, it is imperative to depart without delay. This will preempt any reaction from the Meng Family and prevent them from devising a rescue attempt."

His attention then shifted to Meng Er. With a swift, decisive motion of his long saber, accompanied by a sharp "click," Qin San Lang severed one of Meng Er's arms.

Meng Er collapsed onto the ground, stifled screams of agony escaping him as he writhed in pain.

A wave of shock rippled through everyone present. Young Master Dou, suddenly pale and breaking out in a cold sweat, addressed Qin San Lang, "Company Commander Qin?"

Qin San Lang calmly sheathed his sword. "This man possesses considerable strength. Merely severing his tendons may not be sufficient. Severing an arm ensures that even with assistance, his escape will be exceedingly difficult."

"Brilliant!" Young Master Dou exclaimed, his face lighting up with immense satisfaction. He surveyed the surroundings, then pointed to two particularly ferocious-looking assassins. "Dou Meng, come here and sever their arms as well."

Dou Meng's lips twitched momentarily, but he dutifully complied, chopping off an arm from each of the two captured assassins.

The two men promptly fainted from the excruciating pain.

"Old Dou, come and tend to their wounds. Do not allow them to perish," Young Master Dou instructed, gesturing towards the two doctors he maintained at his side, one of whom had been brought along specifically for medical emergencies.

"Understood." Doctor Dou approached, medicine chest in hand, ready to staunch the bleeding and bandage the injuries of Meng Er and the others.

Both Qin San Lang and Dou Meng displayed impressive martial prowess, their movements precise, allowing Doctor Dou to swiftly tend to their injuries with minimal difficulty.

Nonetheless, dismembered limbs represent severe damage, and it required Doctor Dou close to an hour to meticulously bandage the wounds. He reported, "Master, all bandaging is complete; they will survive."

"Good. Prepare for our departure," the young Master Dou instructed. He had utilized the intervening hour to pack all necessary items, eager to leave without delay.

Despite a touch of reluctance, Young Master Dou eventually offered a clasped-hand salute to Qin San Lang, bidding him, "Company Commander Qin, stay well!"

With his farewell spoken, he entered his carriage and departed, accompanied by the Ouyang Family's Shadow Guards, along with Meng Er, Meng Wu, and the apprehended assassins.

Unbeknownst to Young Master Dou, Qin San Lang had secretly dispatched You Xi and his contingent towards the capital. They were to shadow Young Master Dou's entourage, tasked with both their protection and the acquisition of intelligence within the capital.

Following You Xi and his men's departure, Qin San Lang made his way back to the village.

He was committed to fulfilling his promise to Xiao Yu – to personally return and reassure her of his well-being.

The horse moved with great speed, and within an hour, he was home. After a thorough bath and cleansing that removed all traces of blood, he approached her, feeling refreshed and immaculate.

Gu Jinli had remained awake, awaiting his return. Upon hearing a distinctive birdcall, she promptly opened her window. Seeing him, a smile bloomed on her face as she beckoned him inside, inquiring, "Were the Meng Family members apprehended?"

Qin San Lang confirmed with a nod, "Indeed, they have been captured. Dou Ke is already escorting them to the capital; this will surely cause quite a stir."

He gracefully entered the room, secured the window, and then commented on the grapefruit-scented lamp she had placed on the table, "Exquisite."

Gu Jinli observed him, remarking, "To call something you fashioned yourself beautiful truly shows your thick skin."

Qin San Lang offered a silent smile; in her presence, what need had he for pretense?

Taking her hand, he led her into the inner chamber. After removing their shoes, he climbed into bed and murmured to her, "I am weary; I shall rest here tonight. I'll depart before dawn."

Anticipating her potential objection, he added, "Tomorrow afternoon, I must visit the Prefecture garrison. General Guo, through Zhong Yu, sent word some time ago requesting my presence."

Gu Jinli playfully glared at him, "Why feign such hardship? This isn't your first time resting here... any discomfort is yours to bear, not mine."

At this exchange, both their faces flushed with embarrassment.

Qin San Lang remained silent for a moment before taking her hand once more, stating, "It is acceptable; I can endure this minor hardship."

After all, she was destined to be his, and though his eagerness was palpable, he would never do anything to jeopardize their future.

Gu Jinli, aware of his strong adherence to propriety, felt reassured by his words. She climbed into bed, pulling the covers up, and drifted off to sleep.

Some time later, he gently drew her close through the blankets, and they slept soundly, together.

...

Back in the capital, an official from the Jingzhao Mansion burst into the residence, his face ashen. He found the Junior Prefect and stammered, "My Lord Junior Prefect, disaster has struck! The eldest son of the Imperial Merchant Dou Family, clad in mourning attire and holding the memorial tablets of his maternal grandfather and birth mother, has arrived at our Jingzhao Mansion with a coffin to plead his case! Judging by his demeanor, he intends to create a significant disturbance!"