Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside-Chapter 1086: Very Satisfied

In the past two years, Gu Dexing has also attended some literary meetings in the county and Prefecture, making significant progress in social interactions. Although he blushed with embarrassment, he quickly reacted, first stepping back a few steps, then clasping his hands to salute, and said to Xu Zhong: "Greetings, Miss Xu. I offer my respects."

Mrs. Chen felt uncomfortable and said, "What’s with the ’certain someone,’ how is Linglong supposed to know who you are when you say that?"

Then she laughed towards Xu Zhong: "His name is Gu Dexing, the legitimate heir of our family’s eldest branch. His father is the clan leader of the Gu Family, and he will also become the clan leader in the future and will oversee Brother An’s branch."

Gu Jinli: "..."

Hey, if you want to talk, talk, but why step on my brother?

Gu Dexing also felt a bit embarrassed looking at Mrs. Chen’s proud expression, quickly said: "Miss Xu, I sincerely apologize. I didn’t know you were here and accidentally bumped into you."

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhong’s impression of Gu Dexing improved significantly, realizing he knew to apologize, which shows he is courteous.

She still kept her head down, not daring to look at Gu Dexing, but her body turned towards him, bowing: "Greetings, Brother Gu."

Mrs. Chen felt annoyed, originally thinking these young people, at their restless age, would create sparks when they meet. Who knew they stood far apart, greeted politely, without any intimacy—how will they get along in the future?

Thinking about her and Gu Dagui, she would just jump right in.

"Stop calling him Brother Gu. Our families are so familiar, Linglong, you should call him Brother Dexing. All our kids call him that." Mrs. Chen was displeased, and continued speaking to Xu Zhong, then said to Gu Dexing: "This is the eldest girl from the Xu family, her nickname is Linglong, as I just mentioned, we all call her Linglong, you should call her that too."

But Gu Dexing didn’t call her that; a girl’s nickname should not be casually used, especially when they are discussing marriage. It is inappropriate to use her nickname before the engagement is finalized.

Thus, he said to Mrs. Chen: "Second Aunt, please take Miss Xu back to the flower hall. There are many people here, we wouldn’t want to accidentally bump into her, and it’s been a while since we came out—Second Mrs. Xu might worry if she doesn’t see Miss Xu."

This was a reminder to Mrs. Chen that taking someone else’s daughter to meet outside men could anger her mother.

Mrs. Chen also feared blame from Second Mrs. Xu, pondered and said: "Fine, we’ll leave first."

Saying this, she handed two clay bowls to him: "Come over and take the bowls away, we still need to pack food and go back tonight."

Gu Dexing felt like dying; how could she still be concerned about packing food? Miss Xu is a lady of the Fu Family, she doesn’t eat leftovers. If Miss Xu gets offended by this casual remark, what will happen?

To get Mrs. Chen to depart quickly with Xu Zhong, Gu Dexing had to brace himself and take the two clay bowls. After taking them, he stepped aside.

"Look at you." Mrs. Chen disdainfully said, then took Xu Zhong’s hand and walked away, but after just two meters she released Xu Zhong’s hand to run to the kitchen: "I forgot to take the soy milk, it’s got fruit slices in it."

Little Xiao Yu made fruit soy milk, packed with fresh fruit and quite costly. If she doesn’t eat a bit more, she feels it’s a loss.

Gu Dexing was dumbfounded, not expecting Mrs. Chen to leave Xu Zhong in the courtyard to fetch soy milk herself... He felt embarrassed and nervous, holding two clay bowls with sweaty hands, wanting to say something to Xu Zhong but finding it inappropriate.

But he ultimately said: "Sorry, my second aunt is just like this, please don’t be upset."

Xu Zhong was also dumbfounded, her complexion pale with tension. Hearing Gu Dexing’s words, she breathed a sigh of relief and boldly replied: "No problem."

Although her voice was soft, Gu Dexing heard it and was very pleased, intending to say more, when Mrs. Chen emerged carrying a food box, and said to Xu Zhong: "Linglong, let’s go. Let your mother try this fruit soy milk, it tastes great, with a red date flavor that can replenish blood. We women should drink more of it."

Gu Dexing was going insane, wishing to go deaf at that moment; his second aunt was too overbearing, talking about blood replenishment with Miss Xu while he was still standing there.

Xu Zhong’s face turned bright red, following Mrs. Chen away.

After they left, Gu Dexing exhaled in relief—finally, they’d gone; if they stayed any longer, this engagement might have been ruined.

However, he was still delighted about the encounter with Xu Zhong... She must be more nervous than him, yet didn’t run away and politely greeted him, showing she is likely pleased with him.

Gu Dexing also found Xu Zhong very agreeable... He secretly looked at her appearance, although not a great beauty, she was quite charming and had an elegant, gentle demeanor—a fine lady.

"Brother Xing, what are you standing in the courtyard for? The sun is scorching, be careful not to get heatstroke." Zhu Chahua’s mother was helping in the kitchen, saw Gu Dexing standing idly in the courtyard grinning, couldn’t help but ask.

She noticed he held two clay bowls meant for leftovers, took them from him, said: "I’ll take those, you should go to the front courtyard."

Gu Dexing regained his senses, nodded, adjusted his robe, and walked with a little bounce back to the guest hall in the front courtyard.

Gu Jinli and Gui Niu were hiding and watched the drama unfold, shook their heads: "Looking at this, Brother Dexing’s peach blossoms are blooming, and they are true peach blossoms."

Gui Niu, already seven years old, asked with some understanding, "Sister Xiao Yu, what do you mean by true peach blossoms?"

Gu Jinli: "True peach blossoms can lead to marriage; those that end up falling through are called rotten peach blossoms."

Gui Niu’s eyes brightened: "I understand, Sister Xiao Yu is saying Brother Dexing will marry Sister Xu?"

Gu Jinli pressed her little head: "The marriage isn’t settled yet, so don’t say it like that. We should wait until the engagement is confirmed before saying such things."

Although both families showed interest, exchanging subtle hints, the pressure on women during this era is heavy; it’s better not to speak recklessly.

"Come, let’s get some fruit soy milk to drink." Gu Jinli took Gui Niu to the kitchen, not only getting her fruit soy milk but also taking fruit milk and jelly made with water chestnut flour and fruits.

The milk is water buffalo milk, lightly treated and mixed with fresh fruit, making it delectable.

Gui Niu, Jin Niu, and Luo Huiniang all relished it, but fresh fruit and buffalo milk are hard to come by. Gu Jinli can only make it a few times a year, making it a rare treat for them.

"Take these two servings of fruit milk to the Luo Family for your sister Hui Niang." Gu Jinli handed two bowls of milk with peach fruit to Gui Niu for Luo Huiniang.

Luo Huiniang was unfortunate today, as the man’s family was sending betrothal gifts to the woman’s family, according to the rules of Great Chu, she couldn’t come to the Gu Family.

Nonetheless, Gu Jinli sent Xiao Ji to accompany her; both have straightforward personalities and can find endless topics to discuss, ensuring Luo Huiniang doesn’t get too bored.