Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside-Chapter 1040: Terrifying

Village Chief He was moved to tears, wiping his eyes as he received the booklet, saying, "Good Brother An, your Gu Family is truly the blessing of Da Feng Village. Since you arrived here, our days have gotten better and better, and now you’re even building a village school, allowing the young ones to study for free. This, this..."

Having lived a lifetime, Village Chief He knew the importance of education. Anyone literate could go to the county to find work and become a shop assistant, while those illiterate could only carry sacks as porters. Those who achieved an official position could bring benefits to their whole clan and village.

In the surrounding ten miles and eight villages, aside from the Shang Family having a clan school, only Xu Tongsheng’s family in Songzi Gully had a private school; other villages had no schools. Therefore, hearing that Gu Jin’an was not only building a village school but also buying public fields for the village was heartwarming enough to make him cry aloud.

Upon hearing this, other villagers were also overjoyed. If a village school was built, their descendants could study for free, which was a generational benefit for posterity.

They said to Gu Jin’an, "Good Brother An, you’re someone who thinks of the village. Just after passing your student exams, you’ve decided to build a village school. We won’t say much more; as long as the Qin and Gu families of Luotian say the word, we’ll shed our hot blood for you!"

Village Chief He was happily crying but stopped abruptly upon hearing this, swinging his cane at the He family members: "A bunch of nonsense; it should be ’shed your head and spill your hot blood’!"

Reading is indeed necessary. Without education, the men in the village wouldn’t be able to utter a learned phrase. Outside the village, even if fortunate enough to meet a noble, they’d likely be looked down upon for not being articulate. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Gu Jin’an wanted to laugh at this but restrained himself, saying to Village Chief He: "Village Chief, our village days will indeed improve, but first, we need to clear out those harmful to the village. As one bad apple can spoil the whole pot."

Village Chief He felt a chill hearing this, immediately promising, "Don’t worry, Good Brother An. Village Chief Grandpa won’t be lenient with them anymore; it’s been three years without improvement, so I won’t take blame for this."

Lu Gen Sheng responded, "Don’t worry, Good Brother An; the elder will also clear out those with malicious intent from the Lu Family clan."

With a village school, the Lu Family children could also attend, which was advantageous. He wouldn’t let the Lu Family people seek death and ruin the clan’s blessing.

Secretary Shang was full of admiration for Gu Jin’an upon hearing these words, marveling at how just a few sentences led Village Chief He and the Lu Family Patriarch to willingly help him clean out the evil from their clans, and the matter of the village school could greatly enhance his reputation.

Once today’s events were known, whenever Tianfu County residents mentioned Mrs. Niu and her group, they’d also mention that Gu Jin’an established the village school for Da Feng Village. He could already imagine how many would angrily condemn Mrs. Niu and praise Gu Jin’an.

Even Lord County Magistrate Lian and Lord Magistrate would highly commend Gu Jin’an upon hearing of this.

Secretary Shang was unsure how many birds this stone hit. Mrs. Niu’s group created chaos and faced punishment, and yet all the benefits were harnessed by Gu Jin’an.

Looking at the gentle and refined Gu Jin’an, as elegant as bamboo, Secretary Shang broke into a cold sweat... One must not offend such a person. If offended, he could quietly ruin you while bestowing himself with a good reputation.

Terrifying, better to slip away!

Secretary Shang hurried away with his servant.

Gu Jin’an noticed but wasn’t concerned, smiling slightly... Actually, many scholars have a misconception about the officials, thinking they all favor highly educated and talented people. Unfortunately, that’s incorrect. Officials who’ve navigated their careers for years are most annoyed by those who only quote classics and most appreciate loyal individuals who can help them achieve accomplishments.

You’re there to work, what’s the use of only writing poems?

"Village Chief, we still have to go visit our mentor, so we’ll be leaving now," said Gu Jin’an, cupping his hands in farewell.

Village Chief He replied with some concern, "Are you still leaving the village today? Can’t you stay? What if you’re blocked again?"

Gu Jin’an replied, "If nobody reveals our appearances and traits outside, those people who’ve never seen us wouldn’t block us so easily; they’d more likely chase after the Gu Family’s mule cart."

The visit to the mentor and Master Ouyang was long planned, not something to be delayed due to minor issues.

Upon hearing about keeping their appearances unknown, Village Chief He flushed and said, "Then go ahead, but be careful."

He also said, "Don’t worry about matters with He Daqian. The elder will ensure justice is served for you."

For the sake of the He family’s descendants, he wouldn’t be lenient this time, determined to deal firmly with He Daqian and his group.

Satisfied, Gu Jin’an thanked him with a smile, "Thank you, Village Chief."

He addressed Gu Dashan and the others, saying, "Third Grandpa, Third Grandma, Father and Mother, don’t worry about us. You can return home."

Gu Dashan replied, "Hey, you go ahead. Things at home are in our hands. Relax."

Mrs. Cui also advised cautiously, "Be careful on the road. If anything seems wrong, run quickly; don’t let anyone catch you, or it’ll be hard to explain."

She instructed Brother Cheng, "You’re young; protect your brother if anything happens."

Given Brother Cheng’s age, he was unafraid even if embraced by a teenage girl. The girl wouldn’t wait for Brother Cheng to grow up, surely.

Brother Cheng nodded sincerely, "Okay, Mom, rest assured. I will protect Brother well!"

Gu Jin’an felt resigned; were they treating him like a delicate girl, worried he’d be taken advantage of? If he didn’t consent, who could approach him?

But he didn’t say much more, understanding it was family love and concern.

Mrs. Chen also advised Gu Dexing, "Brother Xing, likewise, don’t let any impoverished village girls get close... But if you see young ladies adorned with gold and silver, feel free."

Cold sweat formed on Gu Dexing’s forehead as he quickly responded, "Second Aunt, please stop; I understand."

With so many people around, these comments could embarrass him deeply if spread.

Mrs. Chen pursed her lips, "You’re ungrateful; I’m just considering your well-being!"

Gu Dexing dared not speak further, knowing that if he did, Second Aunt would continue at length, which would be even more humiliating.

Gu Dagui tugged at Mrs. Chen and said, "Alright, you’re the most talkative. Brother Xing, hurry and go. We’ve already squandered an hour; don’t keep Scholar Shang and Master Ouyang waiting."

Without these two talents, Brother Xing wouldn’t have succeeded in his student examinations.

"Go on, go on," Mrs. Chen urged them with a dismissive wave.

Afterwards, Gu Jin’an and his companions respectfully bowed to the crowd and continued forward.

Once they circled past the village, Erqing was already waiting with a mule cart in a stretch of woodland. Seeing them, he shouted, "Masters, the slave is here."

"Ha, Big Brother, it’s Erqing." Brother Cheng quickly ran to Erqing, looking up to ask, "Erqing, did Second Sister send you?"