Chapter 1266: Face Swollen from Slaps

People from the county are flocking over, following along and congratulating: "Is Scholar Gu going to the Xu Family to deliver engagement gifts? Congratulations, congratulations, wishing Scholar Gu and Miss Xu a harmonious and beautiful union, get married soon, and have a son early."

The folks in the county aren’t very literate, and even fewer can say auspicious words. Mostly, they speak straightforwardly, and occasionally there are a dozen or so who can say things like ’may you live happily ever after.’

Gu Dexing has a somewhat introverted personality, and with everyone saying this, his face turned red. He clasped his hands in a salute to respond to those congratulating him.

Mrs. Chen shot him a disdainful look, wondering if his mouth had been sawed off, why couldn’t he speak?

But these are all poor souls, not worth talking to, yet she had better speak more with Young Master Dou, the mighty gold mountain.

Mrs. Chen hurriedly asked Gu Dewang to tell Gu Dexing to later lead Young Master Dou together into the Xu Family’s doorway. He should stand aside with Master Ouyang; the four of them should go in together. Let the people in the county see that Brother Xing is not inferior to Brother An, on one side a noble, on the other a gold mountain, making those snobs die of envy!

Gu Dewang looked at his mother and wanted to say, dear mother, in all of Tianfu County, who has your snobbish eyes?

But he didn’t dare say anything, fearing a beating, and assured her, "Don’t worry, today I’ll make sure you look good, won’t lose face."

Mrs. Chen glared at him: "Stop chattering with your mother, remember this, if you mess it up, if we don’t make a big enough splash, I’ll skin you!"

Then she hurriedly ran off, calling Tong Dalai and the others to distribute bean dregs cakes to the onlookers: "Golden bean pancakes, golden bean pancakes! They sell for over ten cents each at the shop, even young masters from wealthy families love them. Everyone gets one, let’s spread some good fortune."

But don’t take too many!

Mrs. Chen was quite pained, as these are all silver.

Young Master Dou lifted the carriage curtain and looked out, seeing Mrs. Chen with a look like someone was slicing her flesh, he laughed heartily and said to Dou Zhi: "Just like Liu Eryu, both fierce and stingy. If you really want to pretend to be rich, just throw money around. If you’re unwilling to do that, then let it be, can’t even spare a few cakes. Stuff made from bean dregs, named ’golden bean pancake’ and sold like gold, those Gu folks are indeed crafty merchants."

Dou Zhi knelt inside the carriage, reminding Young Master Dou: "The one you’re talking about, surnamed Gu, is the wife of Company Commander Qin."

Last time you were almost hacked to death by her, so be careful. If Little Boss Gu hears you, Company Commander Qin wouldn’t even have to act; he’d come at you with a knife and extort another ten thousand taels of silver from you.

Young Master Dou’s face turned green, glaring at Dou Zhi: "If you can’t speak pleasantly, then shut up. Always choosing to say what this young master dislikes hearing. Do you want your monthly salary docked?"

After scolding, he asked: "I wonder if Company Commander Qin will come to the Xu Family today? He and Gu Dexing also fled famine together, he should show his support, right?"

Well, Lord Company Commander in this shabby rural area is quite a big official.

Dou Zhi: "As per the young master’s words, it’s likely he will come."

The farmers from the nearby four counties have mostly borrowed silver, and the county’s unruly folks have been dealt with. Company Commander Qin doesn’t need to guard the county all day, certainly can spare the time to visit the Xu Family.

Young Master Dou heard this and was quite happy: "That’s great, this trip is proving worthwhile."

Dou Zhi glanced at her young master, asking: "Young master, should I find a beauty for you in a few days?"

If you don’t indulge a little, I’d suspect your preferences have changed.

Young Master Dou was furious: "Put away those thoughts! This young master purely respects Company Commander Qin!"

How could the Young Marquis have such ideas? And Dou Ke only likes women, plus they must be big beauties with a pretty face and petite body!

Dou Zhi obediently responded: "Yes, this slave was wrong."

Young Master Dou snorted coldly: "Hmph, knowing your mistake is good. This young master will nap for a while, wake me up when we arrive."

...

The commotion of them delivering engagement gifts to the Xu Family was so great, even before arriving at the Xu Family, it spread through half the county. Elder Xu was utterly shocked: "What? Not only did Master Ouyang come, but Young Master Dou came too?!"

Wow, wow, this is quite remarkable; the marriage between Miss Zhong and Brother Xing is truly worth it.

"Housekeeper, quickly have the servants lay down carpets in front of the main door; can’t let the noble guests’ feet touch the dust on the ground." Elder Xu hurriedly instructed: "Oldest, second, third, quickly bring your sons and come wait with me at the main door."

"Zhao Ming, don’t go anywhere today, just stick close to grandpa. You must show yourself well, let Master Ouyang and Young Master Dou remember you."

Last time, Zhao Ming went to deliver silver to Young Master Dou, but Young Master Dou was busy heading to Prefecture and lost his temper, did not get to meet Zhao Ming. This time must make sure to get in good with this big spender.

If connections are made well, future benefits will be endless.

"Yes, grandpa, don’t worry, I won’t let you down." Xu Zhao Ming, though feeling it demeaning to hobnob, much preferred getting on the good side of Master Ouyang and Young Master Dou instead of evil men, it was much more comforting.

Elder Xu was very pleased, nodding appreciatively, before glaring at Uncle Xu: "Oldest, go back and tell your wife to keep an eye on Girl Ling. If she dares to act foolish today or says anything unpleasant about Miss Zhong or Mrs. Chen, prepare to send her to the countryside manor!"

"Yes, yes, father, rest assured, I’ll go right away and tell the Zeng Family to keep an eye on Girl Ling." Young Master Xu wiped his cold sweat and hurried to the backyard to find the Zeng Family.

...

In Zeng Family’s courtyard, Xu Ling was complaining to Zeng Family: "Mother, it’s not that I dislike the Gu Family, but that Gu Family is too arrogant, and Gu Jin’an simply doesn’t fancy me? Am I supposed to throw myself at him?"

"And Gu Dexing’s matter isn’t my fault, it’s all Mrs. Chen’s fault. You wouldn’t believe how shameless she can be, grabbing my hand and asking about engagement as soon as she sees me. As a proper young lady, how could I tolerate such behavior, so I showed a little dissatisfaction, and she started scolding me. I’m so aggrieved, boo-hoo-hoo..."

Zeng Family, hearing this, felt immensely sorrowful and comforted Xu Ling: "My dear daughter, don’t cry anymore. That Gu Family merely fled famine, their clan isn’t that big. Even if they’ve gotten on with some nobles, what does it matter? Once we return to Jiangnan, I’ll find you a match with a prominent family there, let Miss Zhong envy you."

"Pish, Zeng Family, have you forgotten how father cursed us? Father said if anyone dares to speak ill of Gu Family or give them attitude again, they’ll be kicked out!" Young Master Xu hadn’t even entered before hearing this, angrily scolding while relaying that Master Ouyang and Young Master Dou personally accompany Gu Dexing to deliver engagement gifts, along with Elder Xu’s words, to them.

"What? Master Ouyang and Young Master Dou personally accompanying Gu Dexing for engagement gifts?" The Zeng Family was shocked, standing up and looking wide-eyed at her husband: "You’re not joking, are you? Would people like Master Ouyang and Young Master Dou accompany them? Does Gu Dexing’s family have such standing?"

It’s not even Gu Jin’an’s engagement, it’s Gu Dexing’s.

Young Master Xu, with a cold laugh, said: "Don’t underestimate them, Gu Dexing really has such standing."

Then pointed at Xu Ling: "You looked down on Gu Dexing and offended Mrs. Chen, now see the shame? Such a good match has been snatched by Miss Zhong."

Xu Ling was already baffled, feeling angry and aggrieved, only feeling her face had been slapped swollen.