The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1714 - 1708: The Thick-Skinned Old Man

Gu Zikai didn’t expect that Master Yi would be so open about it. Indeed, isn’t the old man’s face rather thick?

But even if he complained inwardly, gossip must still be heard and shared; otherwise, how could he obtain firsthand news to clarify his own innocence and stance in front of his cousin?

Gu Zikai’s mind was clear; his position had always been firm, that is, to stand by his cousin’s side.

At this moment, there was no one around. Since Master Yi knew that Lady Dingguo was aware, and seemed somewhat displeased, he naturally had to use Gu Zikai to express his own feelings.

He spoke frankly: "You should know, ever since I returned to the Capital City to serve my parents, I’ve retired. I originally planned to lead a leisurely life in the Capital City, to enjoy grandchildren’s company in the future, and live as a wealthy idler. If bored, maybe open a study hall and take in a couple of young children for enlightenment, which is also fulfilling."

"Your father sought me out because you were taking office in Yunzhong County. Although he appears stern, he truly loves you brothers dearly. How could he let you travel a thousand miles from the Capital City to be an official alone? I was moved by your father’s tender heart, and also because I owed him several favors in the past that I never had the chance to repay. I’ve never liked owing people favors my entire life, and most debts are settled, except those with your father, which never seem to find an opportunity. Owing him leaves me with an uncomfortable feeling."

"After so many years, even if your father asked me to do something as perilous as climbing hills of swords or through seas of flames, I would accomplish it, wouldn’t I? Let alone merely aiding you for a few years, once you succeed, it will be time for me to retire."

Gu Zikai understood well, knowing that someone like Master Yi, how many prominent officials had made repeated pleas to invite him out of retirement, yet he had refused.

Coming to be a Master for a mere magistrate of Yunzhong County was truly overqualified for him.

At once, he respectfully bowed: "Thank you, Uncle!"

Master Yi waved his hand: "You shouldn’t thank me! If you want to thank someone, thank your father. If it weren’t for his regard, I naturally wouldn’t have come."

Gu Zikai could only smile in acceptance.

It was then that Master Yi explained why he developed thoughts about Old Granny Zhang.

It turned out that after Master Yi returned home to serve his parents, later his son took a wife and moved away, his daughter married, and the family’s servants gradually followed his son, some became his daughter’s dowry, leaving only two or three old servants and a concubine to guard the old residence.

Since Master Yi declined visits from others and rejected guests, these few people sufficed for service.

It happened that Gu Changqing came when Master Yi’s concubine had been sick for days. The old servants were already aged and struggled to move, needing to care for the concubine, thus neglecting this place.

Gu Changqing arrived at the Yi Family and sat for half a day without even getting a sip of hot tea.

Looking outside the courtyard, weeds were unpulled, fallen leaves unswept, making it seem desolate.

Inside the study, dust piled thick in corners, with yesterday’s leftover tea and pastries not cleared.

As for Master Yi, once such a charming figure, even though a hand injury dimmed his vitality, he kept himself clean and neat.

But now, his beard was unkempt, clothes had not been changed for days, wrinkled like old pickled vegetables, even showing traces of food and oil stains, clearly indicating the laundry maid was just making do.

Gu Changqing couldn’t help but persuade Master Yi then, at such an age, he should take good care of himself, how could he endure hardship like this?

His children were not by his side, even the concubine was frail and needed care rather than providing it, wasn’t this suffering?

He added that there should be a mistress at home, for if there were one, even if the concubine fell ill, things wouldn’t be such a mess, the head of the household would at least get a warm meal.

Even if he treasured the memory of the original Madam, it had been over ten years since she passed, the children now grown and settled, he himself was aging, shouldn’t he find a confidante who understands him, for companionship in old age?

In today’s society, if a widowed man doesn’t remarry, even with a dozen concubines, he’s deemed single and without care.

Moreover, the concubine by Master Yi’s side was indeed just a decorative figure.

Gu Changqing’s advice made perfect sense.

Master Yi casually replied, stating that at his age, practically with one foot in the grave, marrying a young girl would ruin her life, wouldn’t it?

Besides, at his stature, young girls without worldly experience wouldn’t catch his eye.

If seeking one with experience, wisdom, and older age, they would be their family’s Madam.

Even if there were widows wanting to remarry, it involves the children, family, and endless complications.

At such an advanced age, his children have established themselves, needing no worry.

If truly seeking a wife, naturally hoping for peace and quiet together, instead of constant quarreling, he’s no young man anymore, couldn’t endure such hassle.

Rather, being alone is serene and comfortable.

This comment stirred Gu Changqing’s thoughts.

Gu Changqing knew his friend’s integrity, despite having shrewd methods in official affairs, he was genuinely affectionate and devoted regarding personal matters.

Not to mention, back then his original Madam reportedly wasn’t a match made in heaven, it was mere coincidence and he had to marry.

However, after marriage, he respected her greatly.

She willingly offered her own maid as a concubine.

Once the Madam passed away, leaving a will to take good care of their children to prevent future mistreatment, indeed, he remained unmarried, raising both children to adulthood responsibly.

Judging men as men, someone like Master Yi is exceedingly rare.

Originally, Gu Changqing didn’t consider this possibility, but recent days, Old Lady Gu lamented.

Remarking on her children, even the youngest, Gu Changque, whom she worried about most, is now married, and all families full of harmony and happiness.

Except when recalling her unfortunate daughter, lamenting her plight, a noble daughter reduced to marrying a rural man as a second wife, now widow.

Her son is incompetent, living with the daughter and son-in-law.

Other families enjoy complete couples, but she relies on her daughter only.

Speaking of this daughter, though not old, capable and refreshing in temperament, yet fate is cruel, without anyone to understand or care for her.

Gu Changqing was also moved, considering his sister’s unfortunate destiny.

If not for happenings back then, had she stayed with the Gu Family, today she might also be the mistress of a grand household, venerated as an ancestor.

Unlike now, among four siblings, his three brothers enjoy loving marriages, only this sister is solitary.