Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1313: He Is Not Worthy to Marry You

Third Grandma declared, "You simply refuse to go, and the old madam will journey alone. You shall remain here and meticulously compile the dowry list for Little Xiao Yu. With the wedding date fast approaching, we must expedite these arrangements."

Mrs. Cui promptly agreed, "Understood."

She then turned to Qin San Lang, inquiring, "San Lang, is the Zong matchmaker likely to attend? She officiated your betrothal, and it would be rather improper should she be absent from the wedding ceremony."

Qin San Lang reassured her, "Please set your mind at ease. General Guo has already dispatched someone to extend an invitation to the Zong matchmaker in anticipation of my wedding with Xiao Yu."

Mrs. Cui expressed her relief, "That is excellent news, truly excellent."

Following a swift deliberation between the two families, they soon parted ways.

"Let us each focus on our preparations. Despite the haste, we must ensure the children's wedding is celebrated with appropriate grandeur," Elder Qin stated.

The Gu Family's acquiescence to not call off the engagement at this juncture and their permission for Xiao Yu to accompany San Lang to the Northwest was an act of immense benevolence. The Qin family felt compelled to ensure Xiao Yu was not mistreated, and thus, the wedding had to be a splendid affair.

The Gu Family offered no objection; as this occasion occurs only once in a lifetime, and all the silver amassed was earned by Xiao Yu herself, it was only fitting to expend it all on her wedding feast.

Both families promptly separated and set about their respective tasks.

Before departing, Qin San Lang imparted to Gu Jinli, "Xiao Yu, do not harbor any worries. I vow to return within three days."

Gu Jinli replied, "There is no need for such haste; simply ensure you are back by our wedding day."

"Absolutely not!" Qin San Lang countered, his tone resolute. After a brief, searching gaze at her, he decisively rode off. He proceeded to the workshop to summon Ah Yu, and together they first visited the Military Office to brief Section Leader Jiang and Zhang Zhong, instructing them to maintain vigilant security, then went to the county government to apprise Magistrate Zheng of the circumstances before embarking on a swift journey to the Prefecture.

...

Gu Jin'an, upon learning of the Emperor's intention to mobilize and enlist a substantial number of troops bound for the Northwest, and foreseeing the imminent onset of turmoil, advised Gu Jinli, "Remain at home for the time being and oversee the division of various businesses. Compile a roster of the servants slated for deployment, and upon my return, we shall deliberate further matters."

He then addressed Brother Cheng, saying, "Assist your Second Sister. I shall grant you leave from your studies; you need not attend school for the foreseeable future."

Faced with such profound family upheaval, Brother Cheng found himself with no inclination for school. He nodded and responded, "Very well. Big Brother, please return swiftly."

Gu Jin'an nodded, procured a carriage from the workshop, and set off towards the Ouyang Family residence to seek out Master Ouyang.

Once he had departed, Brother Cheng suddenly broke into tears, embracing Gu Jinli, and cried out, "Will Second Sister and Brother San Lang perish?"

Ugh, such preposterous talk!

Gu Jinli felt an urge to strike him. Grabbing his ear, she reprimanded him, "Can you not offer blessings for your Second Sister's well-being? Speaking of life and death with such flippancy! Do you truly believe your Second Sister is so fated to an early demise?"

"Allow me to inform you, both Brother Qin and I shall emerge unscathed. We will return safe and sound, bringing back a little nephew for you. You shall remain at home and await our return." Gu Jinli seized the opportunity to impart wisdom: "Brother Cheng, the times are indeed shifting, and observing this trajectory, conditions are poised to become only more tumultuous. In another month, you will attain the age of nine; a young man. After Second Sister departs, you must assist Big Brother in shouldering the family's responsibilities. You cannot afford to dissolve into tears at the slightest provocation."

Brother Cheng immediately ceased his weeping and solemnly vowed, "I, Gu Jincheng, do hereby swear that from this moment forth, I shall emulate Big Brother. I will uphold our family, safeguard its members and enterprises, and never permit any family member to suffer harm or our family business to incur losses. Should I betray this oath, may I be dismembered!"

"Brother Cheng!" Gu Jinxiu exclaimed upon hearing these words, her heart aching to the point of near tears.

Gu Jinli, too, felt a pang of sorrow, yet knowing she was about to depart and could no longer personally shield the family, she was determined to ensure her father, mother, eldest sister, and Brother Cheng could all stand firmly on their own.

Gu Jinli looked at Gu Jinxiu and advised, "Eldest Sister, there is no need to pity Brother Cheng. We are children who have endured hardships, and we understand profoundly that only those possessing capability, a hardened spirit, and not excessive benevolence can truly survive."

"And as for you, Eldest Sister," she continued, her gaze fixed upon Gu Jinxiu, "while you have indeed made advancements over the years, it remains insufficient. Your heart is not yet sufficiently hardened. You must be capable of ruthless action!"

Gu Jinxiu appeared startled, her eyes fixed on Gu Jinli as she approached step by step, murmuring softly, "Xiao Yu..."

Gu Jinli stood before her, her gaze fixed. Taking a dagger from her waist, she flicked the blade and declared, "While you carry a knife for self-defense, it has never drawn blood. Eldest Sister, you are still too kind. But in this world, kindness often leads to ruin... Earlier, when Third Grandma and Mother spoke of the Northwest with me, I had Eldest Sister standing by the door. You must have overheard their words. If you do not wish to become mere fish or meat, then let this blade strike!"

She placed the knife into Gu Jinxiu's hand, adding, "Remember this, Eldest Sister. You are soon to be married, soon to be a mother. If you cannot protect yourself, how can you protect your children? In critical moments, you must learn to be ruthless."

Gu Jinxiu was astonished. Xiao Yu had always doted on her, never uttering such stern words.

Understanding that Xiao Yu's intentions were for her own good, Gu Jinxiu's shock subsided, and she immediately responded, "Eldest Sister remembers Xiao Yu's words. Rest assured, Xiao Yu, Eldest Sister will definitely protect herself. If true danger arises, I will fight the opponent with all my might, unafraid of death, nor of causing death."

Xiao Yu had taught her that when facing peril, only by displaying a life-risking resolve could one find a path through desperation!

Gu Jinli felt immense relief. She embraced Gu Jinxiu and said, "Good. I believe in Eldest Sister."

Gu Jinxiu's heart ached, tears threatening to fall. Yet, Xiao Yu had once remarked that crying was only for the weak. She could not weep, nor could she worry Xiao Yu further. "Don't fret, Eldest Sister will certainly do as you say!"

Not long after, Gu Jinli released her from the hug. "Come, Eldest Sister, help me divide the property and personnel."

The family's wealth had all been accumulated by Xiao Yu. Since she was soon to marry and depart for the Northwest, dividing assets, personnel, and arranging the family's future endeavors were essential tasks. Gu Jinxiu nodded in agreement, accepting the responsibility. Together, the two sisters, along with Brother Cheng, Nanny Tao, Aunt Hong, Erqing, and others, gathered in the sisters' courtyard to commence their work.

However, the sheer volume of business and the number of people involved meant that each property and individual had to be meticulously allocated based on ability and necessity. They toiled until dusk, yet the task remained unfinished.

"Xiao Yu!" Luo Huiniang had returned with Father Luo and Mrs. Luo from the escort agency. Upon arriving, she immediately sought out Gu Jinli. Seeing her, tears welled up. "Xiao Yu, you truly intend to return to the Northwest? Please don't go, okay? The Northwest is terrifying!"

Gu Jinli chuckled. "The Northwest is our old home; how could it be terrifying?"

She then addressed Gu Jinxiu and the others. "Eldest Sister, Nanny Tao, let us wrap up for today. I will speak with Hui Niang."

After saying this, she took Luo Huiniang's hand and led her to her room. After offering a few words of comfort, she inquired, "Hui Niang, if I told you that Brother Qin has news about Qin Er Lang, would you want to know?"

Luo Huiniang froze, her face instantly paling as her body began to tremble. She tightly gripped Gu Jinli's hand and stammered, "W-What did you say?"

Gu Jinli repeated her words. Luo Huiniang's suppressed tears began to flow anew as she pleaded, "Tell me. No matter the truth, I need to know!"

Gu Jinli no longer held back. She revealed to Luo Huiniang that Qin Er Lang had faked his death and departed. She also added, "Hui Niang, we all know you truly care for him, but he will not marry you. He has always disdained village girls and is determined to wed a noble lady."

Hearing this, Luo Huiniang let out a bitter smile. "Xiao Yu, thank you for telling me the truth... I know Brother Qin Er looks down on peasant girls, and I am aware his background is not ordinary. However, I never intended to marry him... As long as he is well, that is all that matters."

Gu Jinli frowned. "Then why have you resisted arranged marriages all these years? Why visit his grave year after year, lost in dreams and crying out his name?"

Luo Huiniang remained silent for a moment before replying, "Perhaps because I truly like him... But I will not marry him; I know I am not worthy."

Gu Jinli's heart ached upon hearing this. "You foolish girl, you are not unworthy of him; he is not worthy of marrying you!"