Chapter 1399: Chapter 1399: Guo Qiang and Yuanyuan
Gu Jinâan has a way with words and speaks quite brilliantly.
Gu Jinxiu listened and exclaimed repeatedly, praising Brother Cheng: "Our Brother Cheng is really capable, he can even help the family win a lawsuit, very skilled."
Brother Cheng squinted his eyes with a smile, leaning on the window, said: "Itâs just a small matter; that Hu Dawen has a son and a daughter, which is his weakness. As long as we catch it, we can use it."
He added: "Big Sister, donât worry about getting married, you donât need to worry about me anymore. Iâve grown up, I can take care of myself now, and I can protect you and future little nephew."
Gu Jinxiu blushed at the mention of a little nephew, but hearing Brother Chengâs words, her eyes welled up with comfort as she patted his head and looked at Gu Jinâan: "There are still three hours until the auspicious time, you all should go back to sleep. You came rushing back overnight and must be exhausted."
Gu Jinâan nodded: "Mm, weâll go back first and rise before the auspicious time."
Saying this, he pulled Brother Cheng along and followed Third Grandma and Mrs. Cui to leave.
The two brothers were extremely tired, and after returning to their room, they soon fell asleep.
This sleep was very deep, and it was Gu Dashan who, seeing there was only an hour left to the auspicious time, went to wake them up.
Gu Jinâan had a comfortable sleep, feeling rejuvenated, and after changing into the new clothes prepared by Mrs. Cui, he went out with Gu Dashan to greet guests.
Outside, it was bustling and festive, guests had arrived, and Young Master Dou had also come along with Master Ouyang and Ouyang Ming.
Gu Jinâan couldnât help but look towards Ouyang Ming, his gaze lingering on her... When he arrived in town last night, he went to the Ouyang Family to report his safety, but it was too late, and he didnât see Ouyang Ming, which left him feeling regretful. He didnât expect her to come today, and he was once again joyful.
Ouyang Ming followed beside Master Ouyang, although wearing a veil hat, Gu Jinâan couldnât see her face, but she could feel his gaze constantly on her, her cheeks flushed.
Master Ouyang almost let out a cold snort in anger when seeing this, but Gu Jinâan knew his limits and diverted his gaze before he got angry, greeting him: "The student pays respects to Master Ouyang, itâs Big Sisterâs good fortune that youâre here."
Master Ouyang quite liked Gu Jinâan for he resembled his own older brother, Ouyang Hong, who cared for siblings, so he smiled: "Iâm here to partake in the feast today, no need for excessive courtesy. But the food at the banquet must be tasty, or else Iâll be upset."
Master Ouyang was there to support the Gu Family.
Having just gotten a deputy magistrate into prison, itâs presumed some would hate the Gu Family, having him for support, those people would restrain themselves.
There was also Mai Cong, he didnât expect that kid to take a liking to Good Brother An, wanting to recruit him into the Ming Family party... Party feuds have their pros and cons, he didnât want Good Brother An to pledge allegiance too early, so he came to make Mai Cong understand, Good Brother An is the young talent he wants to protect, Mai Cong shouldnât press too hard.
Gu Jinâan replied with a smile: "Rest assured, sir, the family has specially prepared a table for you, filled with your favorite dishes, youâll surely be pleased."
"No need for a special table, eating the same as everyone else is fine." The Gu Familyâs dishes are all delicious, whatever he eats feels flavorful.
"Sir, do come in." After exchanging a few words with Master Ouyang at the entrance, Gu Jinâan hurriedly invited them inside to personally take care of them.
Ouyang Ming didnât follow Master Ouyang; instead, she brought the nanny, maid, and followed Mrs. Cui to Gu Jinxiuâs room.
Brother Cheng was looking for Guo Qiang, and after not seeing him, asked Young Master Dou: "Didnât Guo Qiang say he would stay and have my big sisterâs wedding feast? Why didnât he come with you?"
Guo Qiang greatly admired Brother San Lang, on the day Brother San Lang and Second Sister married, he said he would stay to accompany Big Sister, support their family, and protect them on behalf of Brother San Lang.
Young Master Dou laughed with a gossiping look: "Ha, that kid acted foolishly and got beaten by Madam Guo badly, was dragged back home by her a few days ago."
Brother Cheng was stunned when he heard this: "What happened? Brother Dou, tell me what happened."
Young Master Dou: "You came back a few hours ago, havenât you heard the servants at home talk about the gossip between Guo Qiang and Shang Yuanyuan?"
"What? Guo Qiang and Yuanyuan? What gossip could be between them?" Brother Cheng was shocked. Yuanyuan and Guo Qiang havenât even met each other, how could gossip arise between strangers?
Young Master Dou clicked his tongue twice, gave him a disdainful look, and called over Dou Zhi: "Explain to him, Iâm busy right now."
With that, he walked away swaggeringly.
Dou Zhi explained how Guo Qiang, not knowing whether Shang Yuanyuan was male or female, went to Shang Family Village to find out, stirred half the village, eventually sparking rumors of a romantic involvement between them. Madam Guo dragged him off to apologize, beat him fiercely, and left early with her son.
Brother Cheng was shocked: "Rumors of Guo Qiang and Yuanyuan having a romantic involvement? Whoever started that must be crazy, Yuanyuan is only eight years old, even younger than me."
Dou Zhi: "Men and women arenât allowed to sit together from seven years old, and General Xiao Guo was too reckless, making a big scene. Itâs now spread through ten miles and eight villages, everyone has been talking about this gossip lately."
Mrs. Chen was most delighted spreading the word.
Brother Cheng was worried: "So how is Uncle Shangâs family doing now? They must be extremely upset."
Uncle Shang and Aunt Shang only have Yuanyuan as a child, with Yuanyuan caught in such damaging rumors, those two must be terribly upset.
Dou Zhi replied: "Scholar Shangâs family went to the Jiang Family in the county city, they plan on staying there for a while until the gossip dies down."
"No wonder I didnât see Uncle Shangâs family today." Brother Cheng was worried after hearing this, he ran to find Gu Jinâan and told him about it.
Gu Jinâan already heard and had been worrying.
Young Master Dou was looking at them with a face of amusement, finally fixing his gaze on Brother Cheng.
Brother Cheng felt uncomfortable being stared at, turned and glared asking: "Brother Dou, what are you looking at?"
Young Master Dou looked around, seeing no one in the small room, pointed at Brother Cheng: "After the gossip about Guo Qiang and Shang Familyâs girl, the reputation of Shang Familyâs girl is damaged and she will be difficult to marry... Your brother is too old for Shang Familyâs girl, but your age fits Shang Familyâs girlâs age well. Scholar Shang is your brotherâs mentor; since your brother canât, only you as the junior can fulfill gratitude. Congratulations, at such a young age you have a wife."
Brother Cheng was dumbfounded, and after understanding Young Master Douâs meaning, was beside himself, exclaimed: "What are you talking about? I donât even like Yuanyuan, how can I marry her? Besides, my whole family sees Yuanyuan as a sister."
"Brother Dou, this concerns Yuanyuanâs reputation, donât say things at random, lest someone hears." Gu Jinâan warned Young Master Dou, but his eyes fell on Brother Cheng, examining his younger brother while pondering: "Actually, itâs not a bad idea."
Considering age, looks, family background, they fit perfectly, a pair of little sweethearts!
Brother Cheng was about to cry: "Big brother, how come even you think so? I donât like Yuanyuan, Second Sister said you should only marry someone you like."