The Prime Minister's Darling novel Chapter 14

Chapter 14: Repaying Gratitude

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Gu Jiao finally understood why the Host and Gu Xiaoshun could play together. Their intelligence was basically on the same level.

She had made pheasant stew with mushrooms today. Although the taste of the pheasant was delicious, its meat was firmer than poultry. She had to stew it in a big iron pot for four hours before it was cooked enough.

She also made a refreshing salad of fungus and shredded radish, with a staple of white rice and some cornmeal pancakes baked on an iron pot.

Although Xiao Liulang’s score was at the bottom, Gu Jiao still took it earnestly. She had slaughtered the pheasant in order to celebrate Xiao Liulang’s accomplishment; however, she would not say it explicitly.

“Go call your brother-in-law for dinner,” she said to Gu Xiaoshun as she went to take the pancakes she had baked.

“Okay!” Gu Xiaoshun went over eagerly.

Xiao Liulang had just finished copying a book.

When outstanding candidates passed the exams to become scholar-advocates or senior scholars, books with their annotations would be borrowed by bookstores so that they could be copied and sold to other candidates. Such books were more expensive than usual, but aspirants still flocked to buy them.

Xiao Liulang’s handwriting was pleasing to the eye, and the books he copied had the best sales.

“Brother-in-law! Time to eat!” Gu Xiaoshun stuck his head in through the crack in the door.

It was great to be thick-skinned. Despite bullying him half to death several days ago, he was now being so affectionate.

Xiao Liulang’s expression was as chilly as ever. He did not show any surprise at the change in Gu Xiaoshun’s attitude. Of course, neither did he throw a tantrum at Gu Xiaoshun for his past insensibility.

Gu Xiaoshun suddenly felt that he was quite comfortable being with his brother-in-law.

The three of them sat down to eat.

Gu Xiaoshun snagged a piece of mushroom first. In his impression, his sister did not cook, so this was his first time tasting her cooking. However, he did not expect it to be so delicious!

Then, he picked up a piece of meat.

Heavens!

It was so delicious that he was about to weep!

Gu Jiao scooped out two drumsticks—one for Xiao Liulang, one for Gu Xiaoshun.

The drumsticks were stewed through with flavor, while juicy and succulent. With one bite, Gu Xiaoshun felt like he was about to ascend to heaven.

Xiao Liulang was very calm.

However, if Gu Jiao knew about his past appetite, she probably would not think that way.

The two of them quickly finished their bowls of rice. Gu Xiaoshun stood up to scoop more rice; when he saw that Xiao Liulang’s bowl was empty, he said, “Brother-in-law, I’ll get more rice for you too!”

“Okay.” Xiao Liulang did not refuse.

It was unknown if he did not reject his good intentions, or if he did not reject him calling him brother-in-law.

Gu Xiaoshun quickly went to get more rice.

This was the most comfortable meal Gu Xiaoshun had ever eaten. It tasted good, and the atmosphere at the dining table was good. Although his sister and brother-in-law did not speak much, he could! The three of them were eating happily!

After dinner, Xiao Liulang helped Gu Jiao with the dishes, while Gu Xiaoshun went to the backyard to chop firewood.

After entering the kitchen, Xiao Liulang suddenly placed a money bag beside Gu Jiao’s hand.

Gu Jiao looked at him strangely.

“Household fees,” he said.

Two taels of silver, which he earned from copying books for more than a month. He only had about ten copper coins left on him. However, he was about to finish copying the book on hand; in two days, he should be able to bring it to town to exchange for money.

Gu Jiao raised her eyebrows at the money bag on the stove. She took it and accepted it.

After they cleaned up the kitchen, Gu Jiao went to the village entrance to get water. Gu Xiaoshun snatched her shoulder pole over. “Sister, go rest. I’ll handle this kind of rough work!”

He picked up the shoulder pole and left. Gu Jiao could not stop him even if she wanted to.

At this moment, everyone was eating in their homes, so no one was out to fetch water. He occupied the old well alone and was fetching water when two formidable men rode over and stopped beside Gu Xiaoshun without a word.

The two of them dismounted.

Gu Xiaoshun felt a chilling killing intent.

He was but a little rascal from the village; with a glance, he immediately realized that they were martial arts practitioners. All the rascals in the surrounding villages combined were no match for either of them.

“Are you from this village?” one of the burly men asked.

“Uh… Yes, what’s the matter?” Gu Xiaoshun asked in a daze.

“We’re looking for someone!” The burly man flashed a broken umbrella and asked fiercely, “Have you ever seen this umbrella?”

Why wouldn’t I have seen it before? That’s my sister’s umbrella!

Gu Xiaoshun was beside himself.

“You’ve seen it before, haven’t you?” The burly man narrowed his eyes menacingly.

“I… I, I, I…” Gu Xiaoshun stuttered.?What did Sister do? Why are there such terrifying people looking for her?

This person’s so strong, I can’t even move my body!

Gu Xiaoshun’s legs were already starting to go weak, but he obstinately said, “It’s my own umbrella, of course I’m sure! There’s a mark on the handle of the umbrella with the word ‘Xiao’, I carved it myself!” _{free𝑤ebnovel.com}

Gu Xiaoshun almost stumbled and fell.?Dearest sister of mine, why are you going around stabbing people’s butts for no reason?!