Chapter 009: The Fragrance of Meat

The only flaw was her figure—if she could slim down, she might have long lost her title as the most beautiful woman in the surrounding villages! But she admitted that was impossible.

Yang Xiuqing snorted with jealousy. “A fool, a fatso, and a darkie—are you planning to form a troupe and put on a show?”

Hearing her harsh words, Gu Qinghe grew angry. “Yang Xiuqing, are you out of your mind? You come over here barking nonsense for no reason. Get lost!”

Seeing her anger, Yang Xiuqing pushed further, “I’m laughing because your Gu family has become the village joke. Your third brother’s an idiot who married a fat pig. And you still expect to marry into a good family? Honestly, you might as well shave your head and become a nun at the temple.” She then covered her mouth, laughing uproariously.

Just as she was enjoying herself, Gu Tingzhi strode toward her. She tidied her hair and prepared an arrogant smile, confident it was her best look. Before she could react, Gu Tingzhi grabbed her collar with one hand and hoisted her up.

Before she could even respond, her body was suddenly airborne, tracing a parabolic arc through the air.

Gu Tingzhi threw her a full three meters away! Yang Xiuqing was lucky to land on a pile of hay; otherwise, she would have been searching the ground for teeth.

Gu Tingzhi actually dared to throw her! She was supposed to be the most beautiful woman in all the nearby villages!

Zhen Mier and Gu Qinghe looked on in disbelief. Their husband/brother’s strength was enormous!

Gu Tingzhi bowed his head, feeling awkward. He thought they were scolding him for recklessly throwing someone, but that woman was just too annoying, making strange faces and cursing.

Zhen Mier thought to herself: I’ve watched my husband for so many years and never knew he had martial skills! I’m not a competent wife!

Gu Qinghe thought: Why does third brother know martial arts? To be able to throw someone so far, he must know martial arts, right? Why didn’t I know? I’m not a competent sister!

The three of them continued walking back. Zhen Mier finally caught on. She only seemed fat, but her strength was never great. Yet, how did she manage to lift such a huge wild boar without feeling tired?

Also, on the mountain, though the boar was injured, it was still a fierce beast. Their husband killed it with just two strikes! Could any adult man do that?

Before she could think it through, her sister-in-law reminded them, “Third sister-in-law, let’s head back quickly. If we’re late, mother will worry.”

Zhen Mier nodded.

Watching their retreating backs, Yang Xiuqing was both angry and upset, but now completely intimidated by Gu Tingzhi and dared not chase after them.

---

Gu Qinghe glanced at Su Ruan with some concern and explained, “Third sister-in-law, actually, when mother arranged the marriage for third brother, he had no idea. After he found out, he immediately asked mother to cancel the betrothal! But before it could be undone, third brother had his accident, and everyone forgot about it. Later, Yang Xiuqing’s family took advantage of the situation.”

Zhen Mier hadn’t expected that even if Gu Tingzhi hadn’t had his accident, he would have ended the engagement.

Her heart lifted with joy, and her smile became unstoppable.

Seeing her happiness, Gu Qinghe continued, “Third sister-in-law, you see how much my third brother likes you. He’s never been so clingy to anyone before; you’re the first. Besides, you’re beautiful, much more so than Yang Xiuqing!”

Zhen Mier was a bit shy, thinking it was merely comfort.

At home, although Mrs. Zhou had heard from the villagers about the three of them hunting the wild boar, seeing its massive size in person was still shocking. Lin Huiniang and Su Hehua put down their embroidery and circled the boar several times.

“Go to the kitchen and boil some hot water. We’ll use it to scald the bristles.”

“Yes, mother.”

The whole family worked together and soon processed the boar, cleaning the innards and chopping the meat into pieces, placing them in wooden tubs.

Tonight’s dinner was like a festival feast. Mrs. Zhou stewed her signature steamed pork, Su Hehua prepared stir-fried pig liver and cabbage, and Lin Huiniang baked golden, crispy sweet potato cakes that filled the air with fragrance for miles.

Zhen Mier had wanted to help with the cooking, but Mrs. Zhou thought she had exerted herself enough today and told her and Gu Tingzhi to rest before dinner.

As the sun set, the men carried hoes on their way home. From afar, the rich aroma of meat wafted from their house, quickening their steps.

Once the whole family gathered around the Eight Immortals table, happiness was etched on every face. How could they not be joyful? Since the third son’s accident, the family’s money had all been spent. They hadn’t eaten meat, and sometimes not even enough rice. Tonight, with such a large boar, they could not only eat meat but also sell some. This eased their immediate hardship.

They ate while asking about their adventure on the mountain. After hearing everything, they thought it was just fortunate luck to have encountered an injured wild boar.

Mrs. Zhou doted on Gu Tingzhi, noticing he ate little and constantly offering him meat, which no one found unusual.

Gu Tingzhi also offered many dishes to Zhen Mier. Seeing her eat slowly, he took a piece of meat and offered it to her, “Eat, Manman!”

Zhen Mier opened her mouth and ate it, feeling it sweeter than honey. She then picked a piece of tender pork for him and fed it to him.

Mrs. Zhou watched their interaction with a heavy heart.

Others were surprised to see that the seemingly foolish third brother was actually considerate to his wife.

Gu Qingsong recalled scolding his wife a few days ago and now offered her a piece of meat. Lin Huiniang, eyes brimming with tears, quickly lowered her head and savored the meat, cherishing it deeply.

She had been irrational before, saying hurtful things, but she vowed never to bring it up again. If her brother-in-law never recovered, she would raise the child well and hope the child would honor and care for him in the future.

Gu Qingbai was focused on his meal when he felt a sharp pinch on his waist fat. Looking up to see his wife’s forced smile, he hurriedly offered her a piece of meat, and Su Hehua finally relaxed.

Gu Lizong, witnessing the brotherly camaraderie and family unity, felt his eyes blur and also offered Mrs. Zhou a piece of meat.

Gu Qinghe glanced quietly at her own bowl: “...”

There was plenty of meat today; everyone ate to their heart’s content.

After dinner, Zhen Mier helped clear the dishes while Gu Tingzhi was pulled aside by Gu Qingsong.

Mrs. Zhou entrusted them with a difficult task: to teach their third brother how to consummate his marriage. Neither man wanted to broach the subject, so they resorted to rock-paper-scissors, which Gu Tingzhi lost.

“Have you consummated with your wife yet?”

Gu Tingzhi blinked, not understanding.

Gu Qingsong’s face flushed as he bluntly asked, “When you sleep together, do you take off your clothes?”

Gu Tingzhi thought for a moment and nodded.