The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1713 - 1707: A Man’s Words Are Full of Lies
Gu Zikai glanced at Wang Yongzhu’s face, which gave away no emotion, and felt his life might end today.
He had witnessed the martial prowess of his cousin, and even Song Chongjin, her husband, likely couldn’t withstand it, much less his own frail frame.
Oh Father, you’re going to be the death of your son!
Gu Zikai lamented internally.
The strong desire for survival forced him to squeeze out a smile: "Well, Cousin Yongzhu, I truly didn’t know about this beforehand! I swear! I absolutely didn’t mean anything by it! Cousin, you—"
He didn’t have a chance to plead for mercy before—
he heard a burst of laughter from inside, though he couldn’t tell what exactly the two were talking about.
Wang Yongzhu and Gu Zikai looked into the room, seeing Old Granny Zhang beaming, with Master Yi also smiling gently at her.
These past years, Old Granny Zhang had lived in comfort, with Wang Yongzhu tending to her health, using special skin care products, not having to work or worry about family finances.
Old Granny Zhang had good facial foundation, and under such care, she appeared younger than she did in previous years.
Her skin became fairer, wrinkles didn’t increase, and although her hair showed signs of white, with the black hair balm Wang Yongzhu made, it couldn’t regrow black hair but could cover it up.
Moreover, Old Granny Zhang’s cheerful personality, her insights and demeanor outshone those of most household matriarchs.
Although Master Yi aged slightly, his well-maintained appearance and scholarly aura made them an endearing pair when they sat together, both smiling, with a bit of that certain vibe.
Wang Yongzhu watched on with discomfort.
Suddenly, she understood the feeling of witnessing one’s prized possession being targeted by a boar from nowhere.
Now, her mother was that prized possession, and Master Yi was the boar!
Blame it on that pig for causing trouble! Delivering a mountain boar, of all things!
Master Yi seemed refined before, but now to Wang Yongzhu, he appeared insincere, like a weasel paying respects to a chicken with ill intentions!
Wang Yongzhu angrily glared at Gu Zikai, making his heart race with fear, his legs weak.
Despite feeling annoyed, Wang Yongzhu forced a smile, quickly entering the room again.
She sat beside Old Granny Zhang, deliberately blocking Master Yi’s view, then smilingly asked: "Mom, what were you and Master Yi discussing that’s so joyful?"
Previously, Wang Yongzhu didn’t know Master Yi harbored such intentions, but went along with calling him Uncle with Gu Zikai. Although displeased, she kept her composure.
Old Granny Zhang held Wang Yongzhu’s hand: "I was just listening to your Uncle Yi. We intend to raise pigs; thanks to your Uncle Yi, who has been running around not only finding piglets but also inquiring how those families raise them. He even compiled the feeding methods into a booklet! How considerate!"
"We were just talking about the fun of raising mountain boars! It’s said that these wild boars aren’t easily confined and require no attention. When piglets are bought, they are tossed into the mountains where they fend for themselves, grazing on herbs when hungry, drinking spring water when thirsty, and finding places to rest at night. I joked that raising pigs this way is easy, with no need for feeding or building pens—no worries at all! When it’s time for New Year’s slaughter, just find one in the mountains and drag it out to slaughter! It’s quite worry-free!"
Master Yi smoothly continued: "What the Gu Family sister says makes sense. They don’t truly need attention. The mountain folks don’t manage them, though their tales may be exaggerated, it’s likely not far off. If the Gu Family sister wishes to raise them, you might select several hilltops, place the piglets in the forests, and have someone guard the mountain base to make sure no one easily goes up."
"In a year or two, you can bring people to find wild boars all over the mountains."
This remark made Old Granny Zhang laugh again.
Wang Yongzhu scolded Master Yi internally for being slick, but outwardly, she joined in the laughter and chatter.
Gu Zikai, who followed in behind, sensed something was wrong, seeing Master Yi dressed so finely today—uncharacteristically shabby normally—when asked, he claimed it was to avoid rudeness before Lady Dingguo!
Bah! Men’s words are deceitful! ’Avoid being rude to Lady Dingguo,’ my foot! Clearly trying to make an impression on Aunt!
Post-fact wise Gu Zikai felt an eye twitch. Master Yi, perhaps you should restrain yourself a bit? You don’t know the prowess of this little lady here. If you upset her, your small build wouldn’t stand a single kick from her. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚
Nonetheless, it’s his master, and his father instructed him, Gu Zikai couldn’t watch Master Yi hover on the edge of doom without taking action.
Reluctantly, he said: "It’s getting late, Aunt and Cousin came a long way, must be tired, so we won’t disturb you, Aunt and Cousin, please rest well. The maids and servants in this house are newly bought by me; if they’re inadequate, bear with them. If you need anything, just send someone to inform me at the County Yamen—no need to be formal."
"I’ll visit tomorrow to greet Aunt properly, but for now, excuse me as duty at the Yamen calls; please forgive me, Aunt and Cousin, for my absence!"
Old Granny Zhang immediately valued business, urging: "If you have work, then go ahead! Don’t worry, I’m not an outsider, won’t be formal with you! Don’t be formal with Aunt either; whatever I have going on is trivial, just focus on your responsibilities outside, your Cousin brought plenty of helpers, they don’t eat for nothing?"
"Moreover, with your Uncle Yi buying piglets and selecting a mountain, what else would you need to do? Just focus on your work; come by when you get free."
Master Yi glanced pointedly at Gu Zikai, hinting: What business could there be at the Yamen? Why wasn’t I aware?
Gu Zikai ignored what Master Yi thought and stood to take his leave.
With Gu Zikai about to leave, Master Yi naturally couldn’t stay behind, so he too rose, especially addressing Old Granny Zhang: "Gu Family sister, if there’s anything unclear, just send someone to fetch me—"
Old Granny Zhang thanked him promptly.
Master Yi had more to say, but was dragged away by Gu Zikai, who saw the situation turning sour; any longer, no one would leave today.
Outside, Master Yi was puzzled: "What happened today with Dong Weng? Wasn’t the plan to accompany Lady Dingguo and her daughter for a meal?"
Gu Zikai looked at Master Yi with pity, slowly responding: "Had I not hurried Uncle Yi out, this meal might be your and my last in this world!"
Master Yi was startled but chuckled: "Did you and Lady Dingguo see through it? Is Lady Dingguo unhappy?"
Gu Zikai answered with a question instead: "Uncle, you... about my Aunt... my father..." Being unmarried, he felt shy discussing it, even his inquiry was vague.
Master Yi was straightforward: "You’re asking whether your father plans to matchmake me and your Aunt? And whether I’m genuinely interested in your Aunt?"
