Chapter 144: Mrs. Gou

Although Gou Ying’s words were somewhat disrespectful, Governor Zhang didn’t mind.

Gou Ying was a lively child, and he liked him very much.

If he had his own child alive, he would hope that the child would be like Gou Ying.

When they arrived at the lantern festival area, it wasn’t dark yet.

But there were already many people here, and the people responsible for lighting the lanterns had already begun to light one lantern after another.

“These lanterns were made by me, and I wrote all the words on them!” Gou Ying boasted to Governor Zhang about everything he had done for the lantern festival.

Governor Zhang smiled and praised him.

Gou Ying continued, “There are many delicious things at this lantern festival. Dinner today was so delicious that I ate too much and can’t eat anymore now, but I’ll be able to eat later.”

It’s great to be young. Governor Zhang chatted with Gou Ying while listening to the people around him.

Most of the people who came to the lantern festival to play were ordinary people from Chongcheng County, many of whom were local farmers.

They talked about this year’s upcoming harvest, the decrease in fertilizer prices this year, and how interesting the lantern festival was. They even talked about “The Record of Injustice”.

“I heard someone reading that book. The people in it are really pitiful!”

“It’s fortunate that Governor Zhang punished County Magistrate Yan.”

“We’re really lucky to be in Chongcheng County!”

…

Governor Zhang particularly liked this lantern festival; it was so lively here!

Mrs. Gou, on the other hand, was different. She really detested this lantern festival in Chongcheng County.

Because of this lantern festival, her husband and son were out all day!

Her husband was a bit better; he didn’t come home late, but her son… he had already left home before the lantern festival began!

Not long ago, she learned from others that the words “peace and safety” on the lanterns at this lantern festival were all written by her son.

Her son was simply crazy!

How could a young master write such things!

Her son also brought home some random things, almost corrupting her daughter.

Mrs. Gou knew that this lantern festival was proposed by Li Qingzhi, and as for helping with the arrangements, it was Zhu Qian.

She became even more displeased with these two.

“Wife, I’m going to see the lantern festival.” After finishing his meal, County Magistrate Gou wiped his mouth with a handkerchief.

Gou Shuyun and Gou Shuyu, the two sisters, looked at their father expectantly.

When they were at the Gou family’s house, they had playmates and many relatives, but since they came here, they had been confined to the house.

God knows how much they wanted to go out and play!

These days, Gou Ying always brought them delicious food, making them even more eager to go out.

County Magistrate Gou noticed the gaze of his two daughters and asked, “Shuyun, Shuyu, do you want to go together?”

Before Gou Shuyun and Gou Shuyu could respond, Mrs. Gou interjected, “My lord, they don’t want to go. That place is too crowded for them; they prefer peace and quiet.”

“In that case, forget it,” County Magistrate Gou said, ready to leave.

These days, he had actually wanted to take his daughters out to play several times.

But his wife always said that their daughters didn’t want to go, so he didn’t say much about it.

Mrs. Gou breathed a sigh of relief, but the youngest daughter, Gou Shuyu, suddenly burst into tears. “I want to go! I want to eat fried dough balls, I want to eat tofu pudding! Waaah…”

These days, Gou Ying would bring them snacks, but not everything was suitable to bring home. At least, he didn’t dare to bring back stinky tofu, which had a strong smell.

Moreover, they didn’t just want to eat the food at the lantern festival; they also wanted to see the lanterns.

While Gou Shuyun could hold back, Gou Shuyu, being younger, couldn’t help it and started sobbing. “Why can big brother go, but I can’t?”

“You can go! Dad will take you.” County Magistrate Gou immediately felt sorry for his daughter when he saw her crying.

His son was always running around and causing trouble, but these two daughters were different, especially obedient!

These days when County Magistrate Gou went to the lantern festival, he often saw people carrying children to play, or even letting them ride on their necks!

His youngest daughter was already six years old, so she couldn’t ride on his neck, but carrying her was no problem.

Thinking so, County Magistrate Gou picked up Gou Shuyu. “Let’s go, Dad will take you to play.”

“Husband…” Mrs. Gou became anxious.

“My lord, if you don’t want to go, you don’t need to stop the children,” County Magistrate Gou said. With that, he had already picked up Gou Shuyu and headed out, with Gou Shuyun following closely behind.

“I’ll go too,” Mrs. Gou hurriedly followed.

County Magistrate Gou smiled and instructed someone to prepare the boat, then gently set down his youngest daughter before getting on the boat.

He couldn’t carry her anymore…

Moreover, carrying a child onto a boat… he didn’t dare!

Previously, Gou Shuyun and Gou Shuyu had been a little afraid of County Magistrate Gou and didn’t dare to talk to him much.

But just now, County Magistrate Gou carried Gou Shuyu!

The two children suddenly weren’t afraid of County Magistrate Gou anymore. “Dad, I want to buy a rabbit lantern.”

“Dad, I want a bamboo dragonfly.”

“Dad, can you take me to eat tofu pudding?”

…

Both of these children wanted inexpensive things, and County Magistrate Gou couldn’t refuse: “Dad will buy everything for you!”

“Thank you, Dad!” the two girls said sweetly.

County Magistrate Gou said, “Dad will buy you some better things later!”

Yesterday, when County Magistrate Gou went to the lantern festival, he saw Jin Xiaoye selling some very cute things suitable for children.

For example, fans with cute patterns, handkerchiefs embroidered with round little rabbits, ponies, and monkeys, and various small animals sewn with cloth and stuffed with cotton that could be used as pillows.

These items were more expensive than bamboo dragonflies, but he could afford them!

Afraid that his wife wouldn’t allow their daughters to play or buy things, Gou Shuyun and Gou Shuyu sat close to County Magistrate Gou and didn’t even look at their mother.

In fact, compared to their father, they were closer to their mother, but at the moment, they just wanted to play.

Mrs. Gou felt even more uncomfortable. If they weren’t in public, she would definitely shed tears.

The group quickly arrived at the new pier.

As soon as their boat docked, they encountered people selling snacks: “Osmanthus cakes, anyone? Osmanthus cakes with red bean filling!”

“Sesame twists, anyone? Deep-fried small sesame twists.”

“Flowers, anyone? Beautiful floral headbands.”

…

County Magistrate Gou put on a mask and also put masks on his two daughters. “We don’t want any.”

Hearing County Magistrate Gou say no, these people left regretfully.

County Magistrate Gou then led his wife and daughters toward the area where the lantern festival was held. “There are more stalls here these days, and many stall owners even hang lanterns they made on their stalls! Shuyun, Shuyu, Dad will take you to your sister-in-law’s stall; she has a lot of fresh things there!”

Indeed, there were many fresh items at Jin Xiaoye’s stall.

Li Qingzhi designed some plush toys, and Jin Xiaoye had them made. The large ones could be cuddled at night or used as pillows, and the small ones could be worn around the waist or on the head; they were all very cute.

In addition, there were various headbands, fans with different patterns, and shawls, among other things. There was everything.

There were many people lingering around her stall. Although most people were reluctant to spend money, she still sold quite a few things.

Next to Jin Xiaoye’s stall was Wu Baichuan’s stall.

Wu Baichuan had brought back many small items from the capital. Originally, he sold them to shops, but now that he was setting up a stall, he brought some out and came to sell them himself with his son.

His main purpose here was not to sell things, but to socialize with Li Qingzhi, so he specifically spent money to choose a stall next to Jin Xiaoye’s.

As for the other side of Jin Xiaoye’s stall, that was Zhu Qian’s stall, selling various books including “The Record of Injustice.”

However, unlike Wu Baichuan, Zhu Qian didn’t constantly watch over his stall; he only came over occasionally.

Managing the stall was a shopkeeper under Zhu Qian.

Li Qingzhi and Magistrate Zhang took a quick stroll and returned to Jin Xiaoye’s stall. “Uncle Zhang, let’s rest here for a while, and when it gets dark, we’ll go around again.”

“Okay,” Magistrate Zhang smiled.

There was some open space behind these stalls. The female workers from the Jin Xiaoye Embroidery Workshop brought over some stools to rest on when they were tired.

Li Qingzhi and his group sat down here.

It was at this moment that County Magistrate Gou, with Mrs. Gou and their two daughters, arrived. “Shuyun, Shuyu, are the things here beautiful? Feel free to choose, Dad will buy them all for you!”

Gou Shuyun and Gou Shuyu’s eyes lit up when they saw the items on Jin Xiaoye’s stall.

Who wouldn’t like little things like rabbits and kittens?

“This little rabbit comes with a hairpin, you can wear it on your head…” Jin Xiaoye smiled at County Magistrate Gou and began to introduce the item to Gou Shuyun.

She knew that County Magistrate Gou didn’t want to reveal his identity, so she didn’t say much.

Mrs. Gou didn’t expect Jin Xiaoye to be selling things here.

Her husband was now a scholar, and yet she was still out here selling things!

“Miss, this little bag can be worn diagonally across the body, and you can put some small items inside…” Jin Xiaoye started to introduce a cross-body bag to Gou Shuyu.

“Dad, Mom,” At this point, Gou Ying, who had been resting behind Jin Xiaoye’s stall, walked out when he saw his mother and sister.

There were no lanterns behind the stall, so Mrs. Gou hadn’t seen Gou Ying before, but now she did, and her expression soured a bit.

What was her son doing sitting behind someone else’s stall?

“Shuyun, Shuyu, you must buy this bag; it looks especially good when worn.” Gou Ying squeezed forward and pointed to the bag in Jin Xiaoye’s hand, saying to his two sisters.

Jin Xiaoye was extremely surprised, “Young Master, are these your parents and sister?”

“Yes!” Gou Ying said.

So this was County Magistrate Gou’s family! Jin Xiaoye looked excitedly at County Magistrate Gou.

Mrs. Gou clenched the handkerchief in her hand.

Mother Yang glanced at her mistress and said to Gou Ying, “Young Master, why are you sitting behind someone else’s stall? This place is all young girls; it’s not good for you to stay here!”

Gou Ying was taken aback. Although there were indeed only young girls here, he was sitting behind Li Qingzhi and the others!

Mother Yang continued, “Young ladies, you have maids waiting on you, and you don’t need to bring anything when you go out. Why buy this bag?”

“And this hairpin on the little rabbit, although the eyes are red and the ears are black, the body is all white. Who wears white on their head for no reason? It’s not auspicious!”

“And this fan doesn’t even have embroidery on it, just a few pieces of fabric pieced together with silly pictures. What’s the point of buying it?”

Mother Yang spoke quickly.

County Magistrate Gou scolded, “Mother Yang, what nonsense are you talking about?” This person was an old lady from his wife’s family, and because her family was more prestigious than his, County Magistrate Gou usually tolerated her.

But he didn’t expect her to be so unruly and say such things in public.

“Sir, I’m just speaking the truth,” Mother Yang said, looking wronged.

“You may be speaking the truth, but if you look down on the things here, then leave. Don’t obstruct my business,” Jin Xiaoye said impatiently.

Previously, at County Magistrate Gou’s house, she didn’t want to cause trouble, so she endured a few words. But this was her territory!

“Mrs. Li, I don’t mean to offend you, but Mr. Li is a scholar after all. You showing your face outside embarrasses him,” Mother Yang said with a serious expression.

“You don’t need to worry about that. I think my wife is quite good,” Li Qingzhi also came out from behind.

County Magistrate Gou was extremely embarrassed. “Zixiao, she just likes to act like an elder. Don’t mind her.”

After saying that, County Magistrate Gou looked at Mother Yang. “If you say that again, don’t stay in my Gou family anymore!”

Unable to stay at Jin Xiaoye’s place any longer, County Magistrate Gou pulled Mrs. Gou away and left.

Li Qingzhi felt quite helpless. He had wanted County Magistrate Gou and Magistrate Zhang to meet…

“What kind of eyesight does that old lady have? The things from Shopkeeper Jin are even praised by the palace’s concubines!” Wu Baichuan commented.

Just now, with County Magistrate Gou present, Wu Baichuan didn’t say much. But now that County Magistrate Gou has left, he’s definitely going to say a few good words.

“Shopkeeper Jin, you don’t know, the things from Jin Xiaoye Embroidery sell very well in the capital, they’re in high demand…” Wu Baichuan talked about some things in the capital.

“You just came back from the capital?” Magistrate Zhang asked Wu Baichuan.

“Uncle Zhang, it’s thanks to Shopkeeper Wu that we were able to send those books to the capital,” Li Qingzhi said.

“So it’s Shopkeeper Wu.” Magistrate Zhang asked about the situation in the capital.

Wu Baichuan immediately started talking. As he spoke, he asked, “Sir, what should I call you?”

Li Qingzhi whispered, “This is Magistrate Zhang.”

Wu Baichuan: “!!!”

Wu Baichuan almost knelt down to Magistrate Zhang.

Then he thought, Li Qingzhi was really formidable, much more formidable than he had thought.

Magistrate Zhang was actually sitting behind Shopkeeper Jin’s stall!

After chatting with Wu Baichuan, Magistrate Zhang planned to go around the lantern festival again.

Li Qingzhi led his two children and continued to stroll around with him and Gou Ying.

Magistrate Zhang enjoyed the lively scene but didn’t like to be crowded among the crowd… After a stroll, he and Li Qingzhi came to the restaurant opened by Zhu Qian.

Coincidentally, they met Mrs. Gou again.

The restaurant wasn’t open at night, and there weren’t many people inside, just some who were familiar with Zhu Qian resting here.

County Magistrate Gou took his two daughters to buy things, and Mrs. Gou didn’t want to go, so she waited here.

“Mother.” Gou Ying called out.

Previously, Li Qingzhi hadn’t given Mother Yang any face, which was equivalent to not giving her face at all. Surprisingly, Gou Ying was still with Li Qingzhi… Mrs. Gou usually didn’t say much, but now she couldn’t help it, her voice soft: “Aying, you don’t come home all day and just stay with these people? Your father is a county magistrate. Even if you don’t like to study, you shouldn’t hang out with merchants.”

As she spoke, Mrs. Gou also looked at Magistrate Zhang.

Mrs. Gou had never seen Zhu Qian before, and now it was dark outside. She mistook Magistrate Zhang for Zhu Qian: “Some people are just trying to flatter you.”

Li Qingzhi: “…”

Coincidentally, County Magistrate Gou brought Zhu Qian over.

County Magistrate Gou immediately recognized Magistrate Zhang: “Mr. Zhang?”

Mrs. Gou was a bit confused: “What Mr. Zhang?”

“Mr. Zhang, when did you come to Chongcheng County? Why didn’t you tell me?” County Magistrate Gou didn’t even notice what Mrs. Gou had said, and looked excitedly at Magistrate Zhang.

He has been wanting to meet Magistrate Zhang lately! It’s well known that he’s one of Magistrate Zhang’s people!