Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1308: Let’s Go Together!

The families relished their meal, concluding with a convivial session of roasting pine nuts for a shared snack.

While the adults engaged in conversation, a silent agreement prevailed to steer clear of any mention of Great Chu's recent crushing defeat and the tragic loss of hundreds of thousands of soldiers.

Given the hardships already faced this year, it would be folly to dwell on dispiriting subjects during a festival.

Nevertheless, Qin San Lang and Elder Qin kept a vigilant watch on the escalating snowfall. By the time the families prepared to depart, the courtyard outside was already blanketed in a thick layer of snow.

Stepping outside, Qin San Lang measured the snow's depth with his fingers, which surprisingly exceeded the second joint of his index finger. In just over an hour, nearly two inches of snow had fallen.

A sense of foreboding washed over Qin San Lang, though he kept his composure. He cautioned the departing families, "The snow is quite thick, close to two inches. Upon returning home, be sure to light a fire promptly. Rise early tomorrow to clear the snow; this will prevent your roofs from collapsing."

Gu Damu exclaimed in astonishment, "It's already this deep? We should hurry back and get a fire going. Otherwise, we'll be up half the night before we can even think about sleeping."

Ms. Yan stated, "You go on and get things ready. I'll help finish dividing the food and then bring the children back."

"Very well," Gu Damu agreed. He departed first with Gu Qingliang, while Gu Qingtian remained to escort Old Mrs. Yan home later.

The other men from the families also made their swift exits.

The women efficiently portioned out the dishes and headed home with their children.

Third Grandma offered her lambskin coat to Old Mrs. Yan, saying, "It's far too cold, dear sister-in-law. You must not catch a chill."

The implication was clear: if she were to fall ill, it would cause considerable trouble for the children.

Old Mrs. Yan, bundled up like a tightly wrapped ball, was then carried home by Gu Qingtian.

After the guests had departed, Gu Dashan and Gu Jin’an busied themselves with lighting fires. Gu Jin’an called Brother Cheng over to assist, remarking, "You're growing up now; it's time you learned what men ought to do."

While working, he imparted essential knowledge about indoor heating and the methods for clearing snow.

Mrs. Cui and Gu Jinxiu presented quilts that had been prepared in advance. Now that they had funds, they had crafted a ten-pound quilt. Gu Jinli, in particular, received three of these, which, despite her resilience, nearly smothered her.

...

At the Qin family residence, Qin San Lang and Elder Qin conducted another measurement of the snow's thickness at dawn. They discovered it had accumulated beyond the height of their wrists.

Elder Qin expressed deep concern, "It would be best if the Emperor refrains from attacking the Rong again. If he raises troops to wage war on them, another devastating defeat is highly probable."

Newly recruited soldiers, especially those from the South, lacking experience and combat training, and unable to withstand the harsh cold, were being hastily dispatched to the battlefield. It was akin to sending them directly to their demise!

However...

"That is exceedingly unlikely," Qin San Lang observed the falling snow, stating, "The Emperor is immensely proud. With tens of thousands of his soldiers already dead, if he fails to dispatch forces to exact retribution, his grip on the throne will soon crumble."

Elder Qin possessed a more profound understanding of Emperor Jingyuan than Qin San Lang. Knowing Emperor Jingyuan's temperament, he was certain the Emperor would inevitably resort to extensive recruitment and launch a renewed assault on the Rong.

Tears welled in the old man's eyes. This time, it was quite possible that all the men of Great Chu would become mere fodder on the battlefield against the Rong.

"This unfortunate situation need not have occurred. Had he not hastily invaded the Rong, none of this would have transpired!" Elder Qin, who had once aided Old Duke Wei and Emperor Jingwu in conquering the realm, remained steadfastly loyal to Great Chu despite the current calamities. He choked back tears, lamenting, "How could he have become this way? He was once so much like Emperor Jingwu..."

He had clearly possessed the potential to usher in an era of flourishing prosperity; how had he devolved into this state?

Elder Qin, like many other veteran ministers, was utterly bewildered.

Qin San Lang had encountered Emperor Jingyuan during his childhood and had frequently heard tales about him from his father. Nearly everyone had commented on how remarkably similar Emperor Jingyuan was to Emperor Jingwu – a figure of rare talent and martial prowess. It was widely anticipated that upon ascending the throne, he would undoubtedly bring great fortune to Great Chu.

But the present reality was starkly different...

Yet, amidst the elders' discussions, he discerned a common thread: "Grandfather, what precisely did Emperor Jingyuan endure before he reached the age of eighteen?"

Elder Qin paused before responding, "What experiences could he possibly have had? Great Chu was stable during that time, and those imperial grandsons grew up in circumstances of privilege and high spirits, particularly him. Resembling Emperor Jingwu, he was favored by him from a young age, displaying evident talent as he matured, and was Emperor Jingwu's chosen heir – the object of everyone's envy."

After further consideration, he added, "If there was an ordeal, it would be that his eagerness for merit led to his disappearance in Rong Territory. However, the old master and the Princely Heir clearly explained that he merely vanished and begged among the Rong commoners for months without suffering significant wrongs... perhaps he was simply too spoiled to endure the indignity of begging."

Qin San Lang's brow furrowed, sensing the matter was more complex than presented; even a normal person subjected to months of begging shouldn't have their personality transform into that of a madman!

Unfortunately, Grandfather seemed to only know up to this point, and further inquiry would yield nothing... perhaps the Old Duke Wei and his son held the true answer, but regrettably, they were no longer alive.

"If he attacks Rong again, apart from large-scale recruitment, he will likely mobilize people from the Southern Military Office. As a Company Commander, you might need to head to the battlefield. Consider how you will arrange for Xiao Yu then," Elder Qin advised before retiring to his room for the night.

Qin San Lang remained sleepless throughout the night, and only as dawn broke did he finally drift into an exhausted sleep, plagued by nightmares.

He dreamt of his reluctance for Xiao Yu to suffer, leaving her in the South, yet not returning for two decades. When he finally did, Xiao Yu had moved on, remarried, and had five children, the eldest of whom was already on the verge of marriage.

Furthermore, he dreamt of his reluctance for Xiao Yu, taking her to the Northwest, but due to the inherent dangers, they were unable to defend the city. The Rong forces breached their defenses, leading to the demise of Xiao Yu and their children.

A profound sadness overcame Qin San Lang. Amidst his grief, a sudden slap jolted him awake.

Opening his eyes, he saw Xiao Yu glaring at him with pure fury, demanding, "How dare you curse me and our child! Tell me, did you take a concubine in your dream, wishing for me and our child to die?!"

Qin San Lang was momentarily stunned, then he embraced her, laughing, "So, it was merely a dream. Xiao Yu, I am immensely relieved."

"Relieved for what? How can you be relieved when I and the child died?" Gu Jinli asked indignantly, pushing him away and crossing her arms. She sneered, "Tell me, how did that concubine ensnare you, making you abandon your wife and child?"

Qin San Lang was bewildered, then chuckled, "Nonsense again. What concubine? That didn't happen, not even in dreams."

Gu Jinli, knowing full well he hadn't dreamt of such a disloyal scenario, was simply teasing him, wanting to lighten his mood.

"Good then, I warn you, if you dare abandon me, I will marry another man, bear him ten or eight children, and flaunt them before you, making you cry yourself to death!"

Upon hearing this, Qin San Lang vividly imagined the scene, his heart aching with sorrow. "No, you cannot do that!"

Gu Jinli scoffed, "If that's not what you want, then don't abandon me, right?"

"Boy, I've been awake for quite some time, and I heard all your dream mutterings clearly. You're still thinking of leaving me and running off to the Northwest alone? Can't we go together?"