Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Gu Chengrui saw right through his worries. He turned his head and assured him, âDonât fret. Iâll ensure they receive a share of the familyâs assets. Besides, Iâm simply entrusting you with its management, not ownership. Thereâs no need to be concerned.â
Gu Chenglin nodded in understanding.
Niu Fuguiâs eyes flickered upon hearing this. He silently hoped there wouldnât be any trouble brewing over there. After all, with Gu Chenglinâs current status and abilities, any issues would necessitate seeking help from the Emperor.
Once Gu Chengrui received confirmation from everyone, he reiterated the instructions before letting them leave.
After they departed, Gu Chengrui handed over the deeds for the three people and the shopkeeper to Gu Chenglin. âHold onto these securely,â he advised. âThereâs a saying, âStill waters run deep.â Always be on guard and donât let yourself be deceived.â
âDonât worry, Cousin,â Gu Chenglin replied gratefully. âAfter years of your teachings, I wonât let you down.â
A thought seemed to strike him as he looked up at them. âCousin, Sister-in- law,â he began, âhave you two been planning this day for a long time? Otherwise, why would you have insisted on teaching me about business?â
âPerhaps,â Gu Chengrui admitted thoughtfully. âBesides, it never hurts to have more knowledge.â
He continued in a serious tone, âThe Emperorâs arrangement for this marriage holds great significance. However, the Qin family wields considerable power, a double-edged sword. Remember, should they ever overstep the boundaries of peaceful coexistence, you must remain vigilant. If push comes to shove, seek help from the Emperor immediately. Do you understand?â n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
âIf youâre so worried about us, Cousin, why are you so determined to leave?â Gu Chenglin questioned. âCouldnât you delay your departure for a few years?â âEveryone has their own aspirations,â Gu Chengrui explained. âThe court life doesnât suit me. Once youâre married, youâll officially become part of the officialdom. Iâm entrusting the family fortune to you. I hope youâll become an honest official who serves the people, understand?â
âAbsolutely,â Gu Chenglin pledged solemnly, nodding his head.
After Gu Chenglin left, Zhou Ying turned to Gu Chengrui and inquired, âWhat are your plans for the Gu family? It would be best to address it beforehand.â
âI will,â Gu Chengrui confirmed. âIâll be with them shortly.â With that, he retrieved a copy of the agreement.
He then proceeded directly to Second Uncle Guâs residence, where they found Mr. Gu.
Once everyone was seated, Gu Chengrui presented the agreement to them. âFather, Second Uncle,â he addressed them, âyouâre both highly knowledgeable. The future of the clan rests heavily on your shoulders.â
After they finished reviewing the agreement, he explained his distribution plan to them.
After reading the agreement, Mr. Gu and Second Uncle Gu harbored a complex mix of emotions. They were disgruntled at losing a substantial sum of money but also a tad apprehensive.
Previously, their primary method of contacting the Empress had been through Gu Chengrui. With his departure, they would have to rely solely on Gu Chenglin. âMust you leave? The sea is a dangerous place,â Second Uncle Gu questioned after a moment of silence.
âI simply have a yearning to explore,â Gu Chengrui replied.
âThen let Zhou Ying and the others stay behind,â Mr. Gu suggested. âTheyâ¦â
âI canât bear to separate the children from their parents,â Gu Chengrui countered. âBesides, I also want to bring the children along for the experience.â Seeing his unwavering resolve, the two men didnât attempt to persuade him further.
Gu Chengrui then freely distributed a million taels of silver. âThereâs no end to the well of wealth,â he advised them. âYouâre not young anymore. Avoid venturing out and fighting as much as possible in the future.â
With that, he excused himself and went to find Gu Chengxi alone, presenting him with two hundred thousand taels of silver.
Upon returning home, he sent Lin Yitian and Lin Yifan to deliver two hundred thousand taels each to Gu Chengsi and Gu Chenglin.