A husband found in the village? I bought a regent for a penny!

The relatives of Uncle Gu and Uncle Gu's in-laws were angered by all those with the surname Gu and immediately severed ties with them.

Seeing that the two main parties were fighting amongst themselves, these people realized they were out of luck and had no choice but to slink away.

Only Gu family relatives remained present, and the few men who stepped forward were all elderly.

They are all influential figures within the local Gu family and clan, and their apology carries the expectations of everyone present.

So even though Gu Xixi's words sounded sarcastic, the old men blushed with embarrassment, but still maintained their bowed posture, saying, "This time we were misled by the words of a villain, and we are truly sorry."

"Can you... forgive me?"

The relatives must have already discussed it and made a decision.

Everyone stood quietly with their hands at their sides, looking at Gu Xixi with guilt, waiting for her to make a statement.

Seeing that it was completely quiet here, Aunt Zhang called Mu Nanzhao back to see what was going on.

He Jinglan covered her mouth slightly and explained in a low voice, "These people are apologizing to Xixi and asking for her forgiveness!"

Aunt Zhang suddenly realized, and deliberately said loudly, "If apologies were enough, what would the yamen do with those guillotines?"

Gu Xixi silently watched those people.

Only after seeing several gray-haired people bending over so tremblingly did she slowly speak:

"The reason for today's events is indeed that Master Gu and Second Master Gu deceived you."

"I can pretend it never happened."

Several people who were bent over showed expressions of relief and were about to get up.

Gu Xixi then changed the subject, "However, you know your true purpose for trying to attack me just now, and I know it too."

She watched with satisfaction as everyone's expressions changed slightly, and said, "This matter is now settled. You can go back."

Seeing that Gu Xixi was about to leave, the group of people in charge of apologizing became anxious.

"Xixi, please wait!"

"Xixi, since we're all from the same family, could you teach us how to grow crops?"

"Yes, just like this young lady said, you are our only hope."

Gu Xixi seemed not to hear, and led her family further and further away.

Chen Dafu and the others also wisely stopped the Gu family members from giving chase.

Everyone was extremely anxious and urged the capable ones to come up with a solution.

He Jinglan just reminded them that the only way to get by is to follow Gu Xixi.

But they have already offended Gu Xixi badly. If they miss this opportunity today, they may never have another chance.

Someone had a sudden inspiration: "Xixi is a person of importance, we should show her some respect and call her Boss Gu!"

"Mr. Gu, Mr. Gu! Let's talk this out, please don't leave yet."

Gu Xixi walked away without looking back, her steps light and quick.

He Jinglan glanced at her sideways and said, "If this continues, they'll definitely escalate the stakes if we take a few more steps."

Because she was facing away, the group of people surnamed Gu naturally couldn't see Gu Xixi's sly smile.

Yes, she did it on purpose.

Just now, He Jinglan did more than just give the Gu family relatives a way out; she was also paving the way for Gu Xixi.

After all, given Gu Xixi's habits, she had spent time and effort on these people today, and even took risks. She should at least get some benefits in return.

The older men in charge huddled together and discussed the matter for a few minutes.

One of the voices said, "Mr. Gu, please wait!"

"The local Gu family has decided to expel the Gu Da and Gu Er families from the clan in Huachidu Village and never include them in the ancestral hall or genealogy! They and their descendants will have no further connection with the local Gu family!"

The two families, Grandpa Gu and Grandpa Gu Er, who were arguing amongst themselves, stopped in shock.

Grandpa Gu trembled with rage. "Are you all crazy? Going to such lengths to curry favor with a little girl? Aren't you afraid of getting out and losing face for your ancestors?!"

Master Gu roared angrily, his eyes red, "That's right! Although that girl's surname is Gu, she is a woman. A married daughter is like water spilled from a bowl; when she dies, she will be written in someone else's family genealogy!"

In ancient times, clan consciousness was very important, especially in rural areas.

Although we don't interact much normally, as fellow clansmen living in the same area, we are always each other's support.

If we don't have relatives, we will have no one to support us or help us in situations like today.

Therefore, Second Master Gu and First Master Gu share the same interests in this matter, and the two can only temporarily stick together and talk things out.

The Gu family leaders said coldly, "You deceived all the clansmen and instigated infighting within your own family. If it weren't for Xixi's intelligence in exposing your schemes, you two would have truly disgraced our ancestors today!"

"So what if she's a girl? She has the ability to make all the farmers with the surname Gu prosperous. That would be bringing honor to her ancestors and making her a hero of the Gu family!"

Looking further afield, Gu Xixi still hadn't stopped walking.

It's not enough; the bargaining chips Gu Jia has laid out are still insufficient.

The people in charge exchanged glances and gritted their teeth.

The person who had spoken earlier shouted again, "We swear to the heavens with our lives that Gu Xixi is officially written into the family genealogy, establishing her as the head of the Gu family and enrolling her in clan meetings. From this day forward, regardless of whether she is married or not, she will always be the rightful aunt of the Gu family!"

"The Gu family members in Qingtian County all respected and valued him."

The other people in charge turned to the back and said, "Anyone who is of a lower seniority than Boss Gu, kneel down!"

As soon as he said that, a whole group of people knelt down, including the one who threw stones at Gu Xixi.

Grandpa Gu realized that there was no way to salvage the situation, his eyes rolled back, and this time he truly fainted.

Gu Youfu carried his father on his back, glaring fiercely at everyone, but he had no other choice but to go home first.

The Gu family was filled with grief and indignation.

Not only did they not recover the loss of wheat, but they were also expelled from the clan.

And because he had completely offended Gu Xixi, the secret recipe for growing grain was definitely out of the question.

Now that Gu Xixi has the support of local relatives, the Gu family no longer dares to cause trouble for Gu Xixi, and instead turns their attention to recovering their losses against Gu Da Ye and his son.

The two families argued and cursed at each other before leaving together.

The remaining people turned their gaze to the distance.

One step, two steps, and Gu Xixi finally stopped.

As she turned around and walked back, everyone wore expectant and ingratiating smiles.

Gu Xixi walked up slowly and stopped. "Let them get up."

"We're all surnamed Gu, and I never intended to make things difficult for anyone."

"Actually, what I've always wanted to achieve is a win-win situation."

"If I'm better, everyone's better, that's a win-win situation. But there are always people with ulterior motives who want to make things difficult for me through crooked means. Otherwise, why would they go through all this trouble?"

Hearing her say this, everyone knew that their request had a great chance of being fulfilled, and they all nodded in agreement.

He also praised Gu Xixi for being broad-minded and not arguing with such foolish people.

Gu Xixi said, "Since you want to know how to grow grain, I can teach you. As for the specifics of how to teach you, we can discuss it together after the summer harvest when all the clansmen gather for a meeting. How about that?"

Such a result was hard-won, and the Gu family was filled with gratitude. How could they possibly be unwilling?