Chapter 331: The Banquet
Chapter 331: Chapter 331: The Banquet
As for the other two, Gu Kaiyuan didn’t mention them, and fortunately, they didn’t have the face to stay for a meal, so they left promptly.
Gu Kaiyuan saw that the ink seemed to have dried by now, holding a copy in each hand, he followed behind.
When they exited the main door, he handed the items to Gu Kaiping and Gu Baihe, who were waiting outside, saying, "Everything’s resolved, take care, we won’t see you off."
With that, he waved his hand and returned to the mansion with his people; the door closed mercilessly before them.
"This..."
Seeing the terms written, Gu Kaiping and the others were stunned, "Really let Gu Kaiyuan marry into the family in the future?"
Everyone wore an awkward expression; this set a precedent.
"Just like it says above, let’s go back. In the future, he has nothing to do with us anymore." Gu Baijiang left without even looking up.
He felt that the place related to Gu Kaiyuan clashed with him; the first time he came, he lost half his life, the second, he lost a son.
Gu Kaiping didn’t feel too bothered. With Gu Kaiyuan doing this, it also eased his concerns; no matter how much he regretted later, with this contract, Gu Kaiyuan had nothing to do with the Gu Family anymore.
Even if his father still had fatherly affection for him, even if he reluctantly forgave him in the end, there would always be a knot in his heart, and he wouldn’t be a threat to himself.
All credit goes to the second brother, who has been catering to Xu Shuanghong and her daughter recently. That Ms. Xu even acted decently, often speaking well of him in front of their father. Of late, many matters at home have been handled by Gu Kaichen; if it continues like this, he will become a major threat.
Gu Kaichen turned back in envy at the mansion. Although the third brother had no scholarly title, nor had he studied much, his luck was quite impressive; he found such a strong support in the Bai Family, and would never fear hardship for the rest of his life.
As for marrying into the family, Gu Kaichen scoffed, as long as there’s money to spend and a life to enjoy, it’s just a title.
Look at how people rushed to serve them just now, having a glance, there were more than 20 in attendance; he and Ms. Bai alone enjoyed more than at the Gu Mansion in the capital.
"Is this settled?" Gu Baihu still found it unbelievable, thinking it was a rumor before; after all, no decent man would want to marry into the family.
"Gu Kaiyuan is really stubborn, he doesn’t care for himself at all." Gu Li felt that all the humiliation of his life converged on today. He had once despised Gu Baijiang’s ingratitude, yet today, he had done the same.
Gu Baihe signaled his two younger brothers to stop talking.
He had opposed his father’s decision earlier. Since they had already made an agreement with Gu Kaiyuan and benefited from him, they shouldn’t have gone back on their word.
Who knew Gu Baijiang would be swayed by vague promises.
He understood that the old man had suffered all his life and wanted to pave a way for his descendants. But one must have personal principles.
Now, unable to fulfill the promise, they repay kindness with vengeance; this sets a bad example.
Would the family have any credibility in the future? Likely no one would step up to be kind or help the clan anymore.
The other clansmen also showed complex expressions. The help Gu Kaiyuan provided remained in their hearts, yet they had shattered this goodwill.
Liu Fengyu saw their dejection upon returning and knew the matter was irretrievable, so she led her sisters-in-law back to the fields.
Since the family made this decision, it wasn’t for women like them to question it.
Although she was an illiterate farmwoman, she also felt her father-in-law had gone too far this time.
Baihe had advised before, yet to no avail.
"Mom," Gu Kaixi and Gu Kailiang arrived beside her, starting to dig.
"Why have you come too?" Liu Fengyu asked while continuing her work.
"It’s too oppressive at home. Grandfather and father aren’t speaking, just sitting there. We didn’t feel comfortable staying, so came to do something." Gu Kaishan said in a low tone.
"I think Grandfather made a mistake this time and will definitely regret it later." Although Gu Kailiang didn’t like Gu Kaiyuan, this time, he sympathized with him.
"Gu Kaiyuan did help us a lot, all with real gold and silver. Had it not been for his help, our few youngsters might not have made it this far."
Liu Fengyu sighed. "We wronged Gu Kaiyuan and his wife in this matter.
In the future, the two families might have no more connection, but if possible, lend them a hand."
Gu Kaishan said, "That’s one way to say it, but do they really need our help?
Mom, you don’t know, when I entered Grandfather’s room just now and saw that kang, I felt uneasy all over.
Gu Kaiyuan specifically brought people to set it up, fearing Grandfather would be cold.
Sometimes I feel Gu Kaiyuan is more filial than we, his grandchildren, only to receive such a return for his efforts."
Liu Fengyu quickly stood up to look around, "Mind your words, such things shouldn’t spread outside."
Family shame shouldn’t be made public. The Gu Family was wrong in this, but it shouldn’t be said by Kaishan and them.
"Of course I know, I’m just expressing a bit here. I just wonder if Grandfather will regret lying on that kang every day."
Liu Fengyu, "..." Regret? Perhaps, but probably not much.
Such conversations occurred in many places. Some believed Gu Kaiyuan had only given some silver, not done much for them.
After all, silver was very important to them, but to the Bai Family, it was the least precious.
Some even cursed Gu Kaiyuan in secret, calling him ungrateful.
Gu Kaiyuan was unaware of these things, busy entertaining Chen Dafu and Zhu Ziqiang at the moment.
Bai Suihe had been involved earlier, thinking there’d be a hefty debate with the Gu Family, not expecting her husband to handle everything so well, leaving her no chance to speak, and now attending to guests, she quietly slipped away.
"Mr. Chen, apologies for troubling you today, let me toast to you." Gu Kaiyuan raised his cup, "I also wish you a successful career, rising steadily."
Zhu Ziqiang glanced at Chen Dafu, thinking Gu Kaiyuan was really clueless, teasing a demoted man, wasn’t he asking for trouble?
Unexpectedly, Chen Dafu cheerfully raised his glass, and said delightedly, "Thanks for your well wishes, but wealth alongside career success would also be great."
Then, showing a love for money, "Kaiyuan, if there’s any way to wealth, remember to help us old ones."
Gu Kaiyuan almost couldn’t hold it together; Chen Dafu was shamelessly brazen. "Mr. Chen, if you achieved great wealth, you wouldn’t be facing exile."
Chen Dafu, "Young man, don’t be so tense; wealth doesn’t have to come from corruption; if I can do some honest business and accumulate a bit of family wealth, it’s feasible too.
If the Bai Family’s businesses could lend a hand, they’d be a great benefactor to the Chen Family."