The main gate of the Gu Family was wide open. Gu Dashan, Mrs. Cui followed Third Grandpa and Third Grandma, along with the Qi Family, Luo Family, Tian Family, Gu Dafu, Gu Dagui’s family, and Old Mrs. Yan Family, all stood at the gate waiting for them.
Gu Jinli and Qin San Lang saw the large group of people standing at the gate waiting for them and were startled. It was quite a grand occasion.
The two quickened their pace and ran over, paying their respects to the group.
"We’re not so esteed guests, you all specially standing at the gate to greet us gave us a scare," Gu Jinli said with so amusent.
Third Grandma said, "Returning ho after three days is a big event, it only happens once in a lifeti. Today, you are esteed guests."
"Your Third Grandma is right, a married daughter returning to her parental ho is considered a distinguished guest. Quickly follow mom inside," Mrs. Cui said, holding Gu Jinli’s hand and leading her into the house.
Mrs. Chen chased after them, saying, "Xiao Yu, are you leaving for the Northwest tomorrow?"
Third Grandma grabbed Mrs. Chen, scolding, "You’re always so talkative. The mother and daughter haven’t spoken properly yet. You, old lady, back off. Wait till after the hocoming feast to speak."
Mrs. Chen, having no choice, grudgingly muttered a few words, letting Mrs. Cui talk to Gu Jinli first.
Mrs. Cui took Gu Jinli to the yard where she and Gu Dashan lived, looked her up and down, nodded satisfactorily, "You look good. It seems San Lang really cares for you."
She asked Gu Jinli a few things about her health, shocking Gu Jinli, who looked at Mrs. Cui as if seeing a ghost, hurriedly saying, "Mom, I’m fine, I’ve recovered a lot."
"I’m glad you’ve recovered. I’m just worried San Lang likes you too much and might cause you physical harm, it’s no laughing matter," Mrs. Cui was shy but as a mother, she had to talk to Gu Jinli now that she was married: "Take care of yourself, so you won’t suffer later."
Gu Jinli listened with so embarrassnt but promised, "Don’t worry, Mom, I know."
Only then did Mrs. Cui smile. She worried about her appearance not being safe on the road.
Gu Jinli rolled up her sleeve, showing her hands to Mrs. Cui, "Mom, aren’t these pustules disgusting? I made them on purpose. When I leave tomorrow, I’ll stick them on my face. It’s very safe."
A face covered in pus-filled acne, anyone who saw her would feel nauseous.
Mrs. Cui was reassured, and said, "How much did you make? Save so for your sister... The south isn’t too peaceful, might get chaotic. Keep so for your sister, it’ll be useful for scaring people when running away."
"Qingrong and others will make so for big sister, don’t worry, Mom," Gu Jinli sighed, "Mom, if you can think of these, I’m relieved."
Hearing this, Mrs. Cui started crying, "Xiao Yu, I’m sorry, it’s all my incompetence causing you such worry."
Gu Jinli felt helpless, comforting Mrs. Cui, "Mom, stop crying, it’s a happy day today, don’t cry. You can’t cry tomorrow either. If you do, I won’t feel at ease leaving."
Uh, why does that sound so scary?
Forget it, just cheer up mom first.
Mrs. Cui wiped her tears, asked Aunt Miao to call Gu Jinxiu over, and the three stayed in the room chatting for an hour, after finishing their conversations, they went out.
Just arriving at the flower hall, they saw Luo Huiniang restless, eagerly waiting to talk to Gu Jinli, but Tian Xiaohua got ahead first.
"Sister Xiao Yu, once I’m capable, I’ll co find you in the Northwest!" Tian Xiaohua choked, saying to Gu Jinli, who was like a strong support for her. The family relied on Sister Xiao Yu for a good life. With Sister Xiao Yu leaving, she felt anxious.
Gu Jinli held her hand, chuckling, "Great, I’ll wait for you to co to the Northwest once you’re capable."
She added, "I’ve told you everything before I got married. After I’m gone, keep focusing on growing dicinal herbs and managing the town shop. If you want to learn accounting, managent, ask Aunt Hong. Train with Sister Li for martial arts. Don’t rush searching for your sister, once you’re skilled, with our businesses expanded throughout Great Chu, finding them will be much easier."
Tian Xiaohua worked hard, even better than Luo Huiniang, always wanting to find Tian Erhua.
Ms. Yan and Old Mrs. Yan were stunned upon hearing. A mont later, Old Mrs. Yan waved her over, "Xiao Yu, co here."
"Coming," Gu Jinli responded, walking over, calling, "Granny Yan."
Old Mrs. Yan nodded, her eyes slightly teary, "You also know about your Aunt Dalin and her sisters... On the road to the Northwest, help inquire about them."
Everyone present was surprised. Old Mrs. Yan seldom brought up Mrs. Xie. She was displeased with Gu Dalin’s years of searching for Mrs. Xie, but now actively asked Gu Jinli to help find news of Mrs. Xie, a real surprise.
Gu Jinli agreed, "No worries, Granny Yan. They’re clan sisters; I’ll send soone to find their whereabouts. If there’s news, it’ll be sent back."
Then she beckoned to Luo Huiniang for a private talk.
Luo Huiniang was anxious, fearing she’d be left with no one to talk to once Gu Jinli left.
Gu Jinli comforted her, "I know you’re worried about marriage prospects, but don’t panic. Aunt Luo loves you dearly; she wouldn’t push you harshly. Talk openly with her; she’s your mother, understands you, or confide in my sister. She is your sister-in-law raised together, loves you dearly."
Luo Huiniang teared up but quickly wiped them, embracing Gu Jinli, "Don’t worry, Xiao Yu. I’ll be fine. You need to take care too, and we’ll reunite one day!"
Gu Jinli felt relieved hearing this. Huiniang was always resilient. She believed she could lead a good life.
...
Gu Jinli returned ho today; the house was lively indeed. Before dinner, Qi Kangle and Chang Errui returned, bringing good news: Qi Kangle was pregnant, nearly two months!
The families were thrilled by the news, even Little Qin Ning cheered, seemingly knowing he had a little cousin coming.
"Xiao Yu, we returned especially to thank you. Without you, I wouldn’t have dared to take this step," Qi Kangle said, hand gently on her belly, eyes full of gratitude.
Gu Jinli replied, "Cousin, living well is all thanks to you and cousin-in-law. I was rely half a matchmaker. Let’s not get into that. Better days are ahead. Let’s just enjoy our al today, with plenty of ham, eat your fill!"
All families happily enjoyed their al. Afterward, Mrs. Chen finally couldn’t hold back, asking Gu Jinli, "Xiao Yu, after you leave for the Northwest, who will oversee the accounts for the Prefecture City Workshop?"
Laughing, she continued, "You see, Aunt has been doing well, helping all our families earn a lot of Silver. Since you’re going Northwest, shouldn’t Aunt manage the Prefecture City Workshop exclusively?"
Gu Jinli chuckled, giving Mrs. Chen a dreaming look, "Though I’m leaving for the Northwest, my brother is still here. Gu’s Workshop operations remain unchanged, the main accounts are reviewed by my brother, major decisions are made by him. He’s very capable, will surely lead our families to prosperity, Aunt Da Gui needs not worry."
If she handed the Prefecture City Workshop over to Mrs. Chen entirely, disaster wouldn’t be far. Only a fool would agree.
Mrs. Chen saw Gu Jinli wouldn’t relent, grew upset but dared not act out, seeing it’s Gu Jinli’s hocoming feast, first married girl among the families, quite skilled, bringing them prosperity, not sothing to cause discord over.
Seeing Mrs. Chen held back, Gu Jinli nodded with satisfaction, spoke with the families, then returned ho with Qin San Lang, preparing for tomorrow’s departure to the Northwest.
On entering, Qin San Lang said, "Xiao Yu, I need to go out for a while, eting so people with Brother Luo Wu."
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