Chapter 1314: Chaos Again

Luo Huiniang shook her head and said, "Even though he’s fallen on hard times, he still carries a certain air about him... We used to think that was just his fierceness, but now it seems more like a natural aura, which shows his high-born background."

Luo Huiniang paused, listening closely to the sounds outside. Once the footsteps faded away, she continued, "Marriage has always considered family status. Since he is from a high-class family, it is only right for him to marry a noble lady. Xiao Yu, don’t say such things about him. If we talk about who is worthy, I am the one who is unworthy."

Gu Jinli was shocked. She knew Luo Huiniang had feelings for Qin Er Lang, but she had never realized her love was so humble.

Feeling both sympathy and frustration, Gu Jinli said, "Hui Niang, you don’t owe him anything. You shouldn’t see yourself so lowly."

Luo Huiniang shook her head, "No, I owe him my life. It was he who saved me. If not for him, I would have been dead by now."

Gu Jinli was left speechless, unable to rebut. Suppressing her anger, she held Luo Huiniang’s hand, sat her down, and asked, "What do you plan to do now? Just keep waiting for him?"

Hearing this, Luo Huiniang looked up at her, "Xiao Yu, do you think I could set up an independent household as a spinster and adopt children in the future?"

Gu Jinli said, "If you don’t want to marry, you could live independently. But don’t do it just because you’re waiting for Qin Er Lang... Hui Niang, if he liked you, it would be different. But we all know he doesn’t have you in his heart. Is it worth it?"

Luo Huiniang lowered her head, and soon sobbing sounds filled the air. "I don’t know... but I can’t bear the thought of marrying someone else. Just the idea of spending my life with another man, sharing a bed... I’d rather it had been me who died back then."

Gu Jinli understood her pain, for she loved Qin San Lang. She agreed to marry because it was Qin San Lang. Had it been anyone else, she would have chosen to live alone with Silver.

Knowing this pain, she comforted Luo Huiniang, "Don’t cry... but remember this: Don’t destroy your life for a man who doesn’t love you."

Fearing that Luo Huiniang hadn’t understood, she repeated herself and finally asked, "Hui Niang, did you hear me?"

Crying, Luo Huiniang nodded, "I heard you. I know you mean well for me..."

But she still liked Brother Qin Er.

Hearing this, Gu Jinli let her cry it out. Once her tears had stopped, she said, "It’s chaotic now, so even if you don’t want to marry, don’t establish an independent household yet. My big sister is your sister-in-law; you know her temperament well. She’d have no issue supporting you for a lifetime. Rest assured, stay in your own home. My big sister, your brother, your parents—all of us won’t abandon you and are willing to support you for life."

"Xiao Yu..." Overcome with emotion, Luo Huiniang burst into tears again and embraced Gu Jinli. "Wuuu, Xiao Yu, you all treat me so well."

Gu Jinli laughed, "It’s nothing. This is just reciprocation. Back in our hometown, you saved us many times."

Whenever someone from the Old Gu Family beat them, Hui Niang would rush to their aid whenever she saw or heard. She even fought Madam Gu with a stick and protected Big Sister and Brother Cheng with a hatchet during a famine.

"Alright, stop crying now. If your eyes swell, your mother will scold you again," Gu Jinli got up, washed a towel in cool water, and handed it to Luo Huiniang to soothe her eyes.

Luo Huiniang placed the cool towel over her face, leaned back in her chair, and asked, "... Xiao Yu, is Brother Qin Er well? Is he married now? What’s he doing?"

Afraid of angering Gu Jinli, she quickly added, "I’m not asking to cause any trouble, just want to know if he’s doing well."

Gu Jinli replied, "This is his chosen path, so naturally, he’s living more comfortably than he was in Da Feng Village. As to whether he’s married or what he’s doing—I don’t know. It’s been years since he contacted Brother Qin. We only know he’s still alive."

Upon hearing this, Luo Huiniang’s voice mixed with both sobs and relief, "As long as he’s alive, it’s all good."

All she hoped for was that Brother Qin Er was still alive.

A moment later, Luo Huiniang removed the towel and asked Gu Jinli, "Is it better?"

Gu Jinli nodded, "Much better. Tomorrow, when you wake up, massage your upper eyelids for a bit, for around a quarter of an hour, and the swelling will go down."

After a good cry, one’s eyes tend to swell, but a little massage on the upper eyelids will help reduce the puffiness.

Luo Huiniang nodded in agreement, "Alright."

"Let’s go; it’s about time for dinner. If we wait any longer, someone will come calling us to eat." Gu Jinli got up, took Luo Huiniang’s hand, and led her out of the room.

Upon stepping outside, they saw Gu Jinxiu standing across the door.

Gu Jinxiu was worried about Luo Huiniang, but knowing Xiao Yu wanted some private time with her, she didn’t intrude, waiting at her door instead.

"Sister-in-law!" Luo Huiniang called out, rushing over to hug Gu Jinxiu, "If I stay home forever, will you look down on me?"

Gu Jinxiu laughed, hugging her back and gently patting her, "This is your home, Hui Niang. You can stay here all your life, and no one can say anything. We won’t ever look down on you."

Upon hearing this, Luo Huiniang felt tears welling up again, but Gu Jinli quickly advised, "Stop crying, or when we get to the dining hall, Third Grandma, my mom, and your mom will all take turns asking questions."

"Yes, yes, no more crying, or it’ll be such a bother. Let’s go, let’s eat. I came back starving," Luo Huiniang smiled, wiping her tears, and linked her arms with Gu Jinxiu and Gu Jinli, heading to the dining hall.

In the dining hall, the food was already laid out. Seeing them enter hand in hand, Ms. Chu and Mrs. Cui were very pleased.

Mrs. Cui called them over, "Come, eat."

Noticing Gu Jin’an’s absence, Gu Jinli asked, "Mom, hasn’t Big Brother come back yet?"

Mrs. Cui nodded, "Yeah, he sent Feng Lian back with a message. He’s gone to the county. With the military draft order now issued, trouble is brewing. He and Master Ouyang have gone to see Lord County Magistrate to discuss some defense arrangements. I’m not sure about the details, but he won’t be back tonight."

Luo Wu had been watching Gu Jinxiu and added, after Mrs. Cui spoke, "Once the news of the draft spreads, families with more than one male member will protest. I’ll need to rush back to the government office tomorrow morning too."

Luo Wu already knew the draft’s details; the Emperor had made it akin to forced labor, requiring every household to provide a male for the military. Those unwilling to serve had to pay five taels of silver.

Five taels of silver!

This year, taxes have already doubled, including the Kangrong tax. With the year’s end approaching, where can a typical farming family find five taels of surplus silver?

Once this news spreads, chaos is unavoidable.

Gu Jinxiu understood and said, "I see. Go ahead, Brother Luo Wu. I’ll take good care of myself at home."

Relieved, Luo Wu smiled and helped set the table.

Just as expected, even before Luo Wu could leave for the county the next day, news of the draft order had spread, and the village was in chaos.