Chapter 85: The Plan

Gu Shen was both amused and exasperated, casting an awkward glance at Gou Ye. “Brother Gou Ye, don’t be startled. My seventh sister has always been like this—childish and curious about everything, wanting to study whatever she lays her hands on. These objects are her usual playthings; my family is used to it, so you needn’t mind.”

As he spoke, Gu Man came running over, clutching the battered kite. “Look—it’s already like this. Can you fix it?”

Gou Ye hesitated, shaking his head. “Miss Gu, perhaps I should make you a new one.”

Gu Man pouted adorably. “No, I want this one!”

Gou Ye didn’t understand her reasoning, but couldn’t resist her stubbornness. He could only agree, asking Gu Man to prepare paste and fine string. Taking a seat by the table, he began repairing the kite with utmost care, while Gu Man sat beside him, her chin resting on her hands, patiently watching him work. Before long, her gaze shifted from the kite to Gou Ye himself, staring at him for a good while. Gu Shen, observing the scene from the side, could not help but sigh.

Soon, the kite was mended. Though still somewhat shabby in appearance, at least it would fly. Gou Ye surveyed it with satisfaction, confirmed there were no problems, and handed it to Gu Man.

Gu Man seemed lost in thought; Gou Ye had to call her twice before she returned to herself. She took the kite, full of joy, bouncing around the room. “Thank you, Gou Ye!”

“No need for thanks, Miss Gu—it was nothing. But I truly don’t understand: why insist on this tattered kite instead of letting me make a new one for you?”

Gu Man responded mischievously, “I won’t tell you!” With that, she dashed out, kite in hand.

Gou Ye scratched his head, while Gu Shen grinned. Gou Ye, puzzled, asked, “Brother Gu Shen, what’s so funny?”

“Nothing, nothing. Come on, it’s almost noon. Let’s head to the dining hall and wait.” With those words, he didn’t give Gou Ye a chance to react, simply slinging an arm over his shoulder and leading him out.

At noon, everyone gathered in the dining hall. For the first time, Gou Ye formally attended a Gu family banquet and felt somewhat out of place. Not a word was spoken; the atmosphere was unusually quiet. Even the mischievous Gu Man had to behave herself in such an environment. Only when the Duke picked up his chopsticks did everyone begin to eat. Truly, these wealthy households had so many rules—mealtime was strictly for eating, not lively or cheerful at all. Gou Ye couldn’t help but recall the joyful scenes of meals in his own home and found himself missing it, wondering how Yun Niang was doing after so many days apart.

After lunch, Gou Ye packed his belongings and bid farewell to Gu Shen, leisurely riding a carriage back to the village. The familiar cooking smoke, the familiar sound of hammering—seeing his own house, Gou Ye eagerly jumped off the carriage. Before he even entered, Yun Niang ran out from inside and threw herself into his arms.

“Brother Gou Ye, I missed you so much! Why did you take so long to come home? If you hadn’t returned tomorrow, I was going to the county to find you.”

Gou Ye stroked Yun Niang’s hair, comforting her. “Silly Yun Niang, haven’t I returned now? I told you not to worry about me. Brother Gou Ye missed you too—come here, let me see.” Gou Ye cupped her chin in both hands. “Look at you, I’ve only been gone a few days and you’ve already lost weight.” Unable to help himself, he kissed her on the forehead.

Yun Niang’s cheeks instantly flushed red; she lowered her head, embarrassed. “Brother Gou Ye, you’re awful—people are watching.”

Gou Ye looked around, calling out, “Who? Who’s watching?” Just then, Da Li and Xiao Die appeared at the doorway, one after the other.

Gou Ye suddenly understood and laughed heartily. Xiao Die, standing beside Da Li, shyly hid behind him. Seeing this, Gou Ye knew the matter he had entrusted to Yun Niang was accomplished. Walking up to Da Li, he patted his shoulder. “Well done, boy. I was gone only a few days, and you moved fast.”

Da Li solemnly bowed to Gou Ye. “Thank you for allowing this, Master.”

Gou Ye glanced at Yun Niang and laughed. “How many times have I told you, don’t call me ‘Master.’ Why can’t you change that? Whether you two are in love, or simply fond of each other, Da Li, now that you have Xiao Die, you must treat her well, understand? When you decide to hold your wedding, let me know. I might not be able to help much, but I can at least give you some silver so you can celebrate your wedding day properly.”

“You’ve helped me enough, Master. The wedding is my responsibility; you needn’t worry. But I’ll certainly save you some wedding wine!”

“You’re still formal with me, after all this time. The silver isn’t just for you—it’s so you’ll have more to ensure Xiao Die has a good life, not to be neglected.” Gou Ye turned to Xiao Die. “Xiao Die, if Da Li ever bullies you, tell me or Yun Niang. We’ll stand up for you and teach him a lesson.”

Xiao Die bowed slightly in thanks. “Thank you, Young Master and Young Madam, for your care and concern for my affairs. I’m truly grateful.”

Yun Niang came up to Xiao Die, linking arms with her and laughing. “I’ve told you before, from now on we’re sisters—you, me, all one family, friends. Why keep calling us Young Master and Young Madam? Da Li’s taught you badly! Now Gou Ye’s home, you act so distant. From now on, speak freely—our family doesn’t stand on ceremony.”

Xiao Die laughed, echoing her. Everyone entered the house together, filled with laughter. Hearing Gou Ye was back, the Guo brothers hurried over. Seeing their robust figures, Gou Ye felt his trip to the county had made no impact—they still ate and drank as usual.

Though it was still early for dinner, Yun Niang and Xiao Die started preparing dishes in the kitchen. Gou Ye brought Da Li and the Guo brothers to the study.

“Close the door.” Seeing Gou Ye’s serious expression, the Guo brothers stopped fooling around. Once the door was shut, Gou Ye spoke, “I’ve been to the county these past few days and finished my business. Now, I have an important plan for you all. First, this must be handled with utmost caution—no one else must know. Da Li, go to the county and gather information on Magistrate Qin’s deeds since his arrival. The more detailed, the better. Record everything, big or small, even if it’s just drawing circles; you must understand what those circles mean.”