Chapter 86: Everything Arranged to Perfection

"If there's anything you don't understand, just go to the county town and find Caisheng. He will fill out your records for you."
Dali nodded eagerly in agreement. Then Gou Ye turned to the Guo brothers and said, "You two, go to Heishui Village. This time, I'm heading to the county town. According to Gu Shen, it seems something unjust has happened there. You must use all your wits—whatever means you employ, as long as you don't harm lives or property, you must find out exactly what occurred."
Gou Ye looked at the three and added, "Remember, this matter must not be leaked, not a word to anyone. We are to quietly gather evidence of Magistrate Qin's crimes since he took office. In a few days, officials from above will come; that will be the time to bring Qin down."
Upon hearing this, Guo Bingyin shouted with satisfaction, "Good! At last, we have a chance to deal with that scoundrel. Since Qin became magistrate, he's committed plenty of cruel acts against the people. My brother and I will do our utmost to gather evidence."
Guo Bingjin echoed, "Exactly. We turned to banditry in the woods, all thanks to him. And Village Chief Li died so unjustly. We must clear his name and avenge him."
At this point, Gou Ye suddenly asked, "By the way, while I was gone, did Magistrate Qin send any constables or officials to the village? How are the villagers faring?"
Dali replied, "Master, during your absence, Magistrate Qin hasn't sent anyone to the village. It's been peaceful. Everyone is gradually recovering from their sorrow, and no one is stirred up enough to go cause trouble in the county town. I and the Guo brothers walk around the village daily, just in case someone tries to go on their own. The villagers are doing well; life has returned to normal. Mistress has refunded the money for the tools to everyone. Without their livelihoods, some turned to farming, some went to the county town to make a living, and the rest continue their old trades—hunting, chopping wood, sewing clothes."
Hearing this, Gou Ye finally felt at ease. He glanced at the manuscript on the desk, and thinking of the tragic death of Village Chief Li, he silently clenched his fists, his heart burning with anger. Qin Hui, Zhu Ling, just wait. This time, I will make things clear for you both.
The three discussed for a while longer, going over the details of gathering evidence. Gou Ye then sent them off to their tasks. He looked at the final draft of "The Immortal Eagle and the Heroic Couple" as if it were his own child, gently stroking the pages. Just a little more to go. With that, Gou Ye began grinding ink and picked up his brush, throwing himself into writing. Unnoticed, evening had arrived.
Yun Niang pushed the door open and saw Gou Ye writing with determination. She spoke softly, "Brother Gou Ye, dinner is ready. Come out and eat."
Gou Ye laid down his brush, stretched lazily, and said, "Alright, dinner's ready—let's go fill our bellies."
"Fill our bellies? Fill our bellies?" Yun Niang looked at Gou Ye in confusion.
Gou Ye put his arm around her as they walked and explained, "It means to eat! I read it in a book. Ah, it smells so good. The aroma makes me hungry. No one cooks better than my Yun Niang."
As Gou Ye entered the room, everyone immediately stood up, waiting for him to take his seat. This reminded Gou Ye of the lunch at Gu Shen’s home, which he found irritating. He waved his hand and said in a deep voice, "From now on, meals are just meals. Our family doesn’t have so many rules. Be at ease, everyone. Life is life; there’s no need to be so restrained about everything. Come, take your seats."
At his words, everyone sat down at the table. Dali glanced at those seated, then suddenly said, "Dali, go to Village Chief Li’s house and bring his son here."
Village Chief Li’s death had always been a knot in Gou Ye’s heart, something he felt was deeply connected to himself. After Li’s passing, Gou Ye resolved to care especially for his son. Dali answered and soon returned with Li’s son. Gou Ye looked at the boy, thoughts swirling in his mind. Beneath his frail appearance, he must have had a hard time lately.
Not wanting the atmosphere to grow too heavy, Gou Ye beckoned, "Come, Brother Li Zhi, sit over here."
Li Zhi sat beside the table, a little embarrassed. Gou Ye lifted his wine bowl and stood, saying, "This first bowl is to commemorate our departed Grandpa Li. He gave me much guidance in life. From childhood to now, Grandpa Li has always been there, supporting me without fail. Now he’s gone, and we all mourn him. May his spirit in heaven watch over us and find happiness in the other world."
With that, Gou Ye drained the bowl. The others followed, drinking their wine dry.
Yun Niang, ever considerate, poured him a second bowl. Gou Ye raised it and, grinning, looked at Dali and Xiao Die. "This second bowl, we celebrate something. You’ve all seen it—Dali and Xiao Die have become a couple. This is the happiest thing since I returned. Let’s wish them a speedy marriage and hope for children soon."
When Gou Ye finished, everyone burst out laughing. Dali and Xiao Die raised their bowls in thanks, and after drinking, the mood grew lively.
As Yun Niang reached to pour again, Gou Ye caught her hand, took the wine jar, and poured himself a bowl, turning solemnly to her. "Yun Niang, this third bowl is only for you. Since Mother left, you haven’t had a moment’s rest. I wanted you to live well, but so much has happened. You’ve managed every household affair—refunding the villagers, helping Dali and Xiao Die—you’ve worked so hard. I must thank you for your quiet support, for your meticulous care. The affection you’ve given me shows in every detail, in every moment worthy of pride. With you behind me, I feel secure."
Hearing Gou Ye’s words, Yun Niang’s eyes turned red, almost in tears. She raised her own bowl, gazing at him with deep feeling, "Brother Gou Ye, Yun Niang’s thoughts are simple. I’m happy being with you. When I want to play, you play with me. When I want to laugh, you laugh with me. When I’m sad, you share my sadness. Yun Niang can’t help you much, but you’ve never looked down on me. I see your kindness, remember it always. Only with you can I be like a child. Whenever I go to the county town and see couples, I don’t envy them, because what you’ve given me is already the greatest happiness."