Are you being too enthusiastic towards my brother-in-law?
If he didnāt occasionally seek the company of women, heād suspect Dou Young Master might fancy San Lang.
Young Master Dou chuckled at this, an unwed bride? If not for the trouble at the Young Marquisā home, could a lowly farmer girl like Gu Jinli be engaged to Young Marquis? Dream on.
But since the Young Marquis is fond of that fish and is here right now, he dare not show any dislike towards Gu Jinli, otherwise, the Young Marquis might be displeased.
"Company Commander Qin, take these snacks. Eat a bite when youāre not too busy to fill your stomach." Young Master Dou handed the food box to Company Commander Qin and worriedly asked, "Do you have awakening pills on you? Iāve just taken them, and the effect was quite good."
Qin San Lang smiled proudly, "Itās made by my wife, naturally I have them."
Young Master Dou was startled, God, the Young Marquis is smiling so tenderly, he really likes that fish.
Young Master Dou was helpless, if the Young Marquis genuinely liked something, he wouldnāt change easily... Since childhood, the Young Marquis has been responsible; his father, the Marquis, was also deeply devoted and loyal to the Marchioness, and probably the Young Marquis is the same with that fish.
What a pity, what a pity that such a good Young Marquis is being taken by Gu Jinli for nothing; Young Master Dou wants to cry!
"I have plenty of awakening pills, and as for food, my brother brought me a bag of snacks last night, made by Xiao Yu, and theyāre delicious." Qin San Lang said two sentences, all praising Gu Jinli, the meaning was clear: telling Young Master Dou that he has acknowledged this person, and no one should disrespect her, lest...
Young Master Dou heard it, laughed, "Little Boss Gu is indeed capable, can make medicine, ham, mix alcohol, and even come up with the idea of lending money to pay taxes, leaving many men in the dust."
Young Master Dou was praising Gu Jinli to the hilt, and Qin San Lang was indeed pleased, his smile widened, almost squinting his eyes.
Young Master Dou: "..."
Young Marquis, youāve changed, you actually like hearing flattering words!
"Are there only these snacks? Any more? There are a lot of brothers outside hungry, if there are more, pick some out to feed the brothers." Qin San Lang didnāt take the food box and asked instead.
He knows Dou Ke wants to interact more with him, to create an image of a good relationship between the two for easier dealings in the future, but being overly enthusiastic isnāt suitable. People in the Capital arenāt fools, Dou Keās stepmother constantly spies on him, knowing who Dou Ke is kind to.
If he walked out carrying this food box, without much thought, fine, but once someone pondered it: Why treat a mere military leader so well? Just a Company Commander, does someone like Dou Ke need to curry favor with a County Company Commander?
The best approach is gradual, if giving food, give to all the soldiers at the Military Office.
"Yes, yes, yes, itās just some food, of course, there is more, Iāll have it prepared right away, and later send it out to the brothers at the Military Office." Young Master Dou responded excitedly, patting his chest.
Qin San Lang nodded, stepping toward the front shop: "Iāll go check on Village Chief He and the others."
"Company Commander Qin, Iām coming too, just right to tell you how our Dou Ou Bank is lending money to the common people." Young Master Dou followed enthusiastically, but hadnāt walked a few steps before his collar was grabbed.
"Gu Jināan, why are you grabbing me, Young Master?" Young Master Dou was annoyed.
Gu Jināan was even angrier, showing a sinister smile with white teeth, "You Dou, are you possessed? Acting strange so early in the morning."
He couldnāt help it, directly pointed it out to Young Master Dou.
Young Master Dou was surprised, was it that obvious? He thought he was subtle, just being a bit sycophantic, yet still got noticed.
"Whatās wrong with it? I was saved by soldiers, thatās why I treat Company Commander Qin..."
Gu Jināan interrupted Young Master Dou: "Here you go again, stop it; such lies might work on Li Shuzi, but you better restrain yourself. If it messes up, donāt blame me for dismantling you."
Young Master Dou sighed, "Alright, alright, got it, why are you so angry?"
He added, "Iām off to instruct Dou Zhi to buy them some food, see you."
Young Master Dou took advantage of Gu Jināanās carelessness to escape, looking back at him, "Rest assured, I know my limits."
After saying that, he quickly ran off, heading toward the front shop, shouting, "Dou Zhi, is Village Chief Heās matter done? If so, find someone to buy ten tables of breakfast from Futai Building for the soldiers at the Military Office; they have worked hard securing the area for us!"
Gu Jināan heard this, snorted coldly, and didnāt chase Young Master Dou, just muttered, "Donāt try to take my Xiao Yuās person, you canāt."
Finished speaking, he entered the room to continue his work, wrapping up some chores.
Young Master Dou was relieved seeing Gu Jināan didnāt follow, but dared not approach Qin San Lang, as they only met formally for the second time, being too enthusiastic would indeed raise suspicion.
Dou Zhi heard the call, answered, "Young Master, the slave is busy, find someone else to go to Futai Building."
Young Master Dou was frustrated hearing this, wanted to call Dou Meng, but he was already watching the back door to prevent troublemakers.
The other Shadow Guards were guarding the silver-storing warehouse, couldnāt leave a step, no one was available for such errands.
"Uncle, Uncle~" Li Shuzi hid behind a pillar, softly calling Young Master Dou.
"Told you countless times, call me brother, do I look so old?" Young Master Dou blushed, glaring at Li Shuzi, "What are you doing here? Werenāt you warned to stay quietly at the side courtyard, not to wander around."
Li Shuzi was about to cry from the scold but held back the tears, "Brother, I can run errands for you."
His mother said they are now servants of the Dou Family, must work for them, otherwise might be discarded by their young master.
Li Shuzi doesnāt want to be thrown away, he likes it here, thereās meat to eat, new clothes to wear, and no beatings.
Young Master Dou looked at Li Shuzi, shouted toward the end of the corridor, "Mrs. Zhou, get out here!"
Miss Zhou was frightened, almost knelt down, hurriedly came out: "Donāt be angry, young master, we didnāt mean to wander off, just wanted to help."
"Stop talking nonsense, take this silver note to Futai Building and order ten tables of breakfast, send them to the soldiers at the Military Office." Young Master Dou couldnāt be bothered with Li Shuzi and his mother, shoved a silver note into Li Shuzi, and left.
Miss Zhou was delighted, finally the young master assigned them tasks, she and her son hurried out the back door, went to Futai Building to order ten tables of breakfast for the soldiers at the Military Office.
The breakfast hadnāt arrived yet, the villagers were already impatient, shouting outside: "Open the door quickly, itās late already, havenāt you run out of money?"
With a creak, the bankās door opened, Young Master Dou led Manager Dou, Dou Zhi, and all bank clerks and accountants to face everyone.
"Who said weāre out of money? Was it you? Take away his bamboo card, make him queue up again!"
The person panicked, wanted to beg, Young Master Dou cut him off: "Donāt shout, I donāt like noise and hold grudges; dare make a scene, your family better forget borrowing from our Dou Ou Bank!"