Chapter 440: Zhou Gang
Chapter 440: Chapter 440: Zhou Gang
Zhou Gang drank several cups of water in a row. Just then, a maid brought out some pastries, and he devoured more than half the plate in an instant. In between bites, he didn’t forget to make an excuse for himself. "I left the house in such a hurry this morning that I forgot to eat breakfast. Please forgive me, Mr. Gu."
What else could Gu Baijiang say? He could only have the servants fetch more pastries, afraid of being seen as a poor host.
By the time Zhou Gang finally had his fill, the first plate of pastries was completely empty, and the second plate was missing quite a few pieces.
Zhou Gang patted his stomach comfortably. It had been a long time since he had eaten so freely.
The silver he had was mostly spent on renting a house and buying some land, so his family’s life had become increasingly difficult.
"Mr. Gu, you really live a comfortable life. I’ve never had pastries like these before. Were they sent from the palace?"
Gu Baijiang’s lips twitched slightly. This guy had just stuffed his face and was now mocking him—a classic case of biting the hand that feeds him.
"You must be joking, Mr. Zhou. These pastries can be found everywhere on the streets of Shangjing. Could it be that you’ve never had them before? That shouldn’t be the case."
Zhou Gang was speechless. In the past, he would have scoffed at such sweet, cloying things. Everyone used to know that he preferred fruity flavors and loved eating fresh fruit, but those days were long gone.
"Is that so? Then I truly haven’t paid attention. Next time I see them, I’ll definitely buy some. They taste quite good." After speaking, he felt he could eat a bit more and picked up another piece, popping it into his mouth. He didn’t forget to offer some to his host. "Mr. Gu, you should have some too."
"This is my mansion, so there’s no need for you to play host, Mr. Zhou," Gu Baijiang said grumpily. "Since you like them so much, you can pack up the rest and take them with you when you leave."
"Oh, I couldn’t possibly," Zhou Gang said with a laugh. "But since you insist, please trouble yourself, Mr. Gu, to pack up any other delicious treats you have as well. I’ll take them back for my family to enjoy together."
Gu Baijiang let out an exasperated chuckle. No wonder the man used to be an Imperial Censor. With this level of shamelessness, he couldn’t help but concede defeat.
He figured that if he let Zhou Gang keep talking, who knew what else the man would set his sights on in this house? He was only putting up a wealthy front and absolutely wouldn’t let this guy keep freeloading.
"This was all that was bought. If you find it lacking, Mr. Zhou, then forget it..."
Only then did Zhou Gang stop pushing. He took another sip of tea to moisten his throat before saying, "My purpose for coming today, aside from visiting an old friend, is to ask for your help, Mr. Gu."
Startled, Gu Baijiang waved his hands dismissively. "Mr. Zhou, you think too highly of me. I’m just a man of leisure now. I can barely fend for myself, let alone help others."
"Well, it’s not exactly asking for a favor. I’m here to settle an old debt." Zhou Gang looked at Gu Baijiang with a half-smile. Had this old fellow forgotten? It was entirely possible.
Gu Baijiang’s expression stiffened. He had had so many things on his mind lately that he had indeed forgotten about it. Now that debt collection was brought up, he instantly knew what it was about. Regret swelled in his heart. Why had he ever written that IOU in the first place?
"Seeing your reaction, I assume you’ve remembered. That puts my mind at ease.
"When would it be convenient for you to settle that debt of four thousand taels of silver?"
Gu Baijiang slammed his hand on the table. "Zhou Gang, I advise you not to cross the line! Don’t forget your current status. How dare you try to extort me!"
"Heh. You can say whatever you like, Mr. Gu, but I have the IOU in my hands. If it comes down to it, I’ll take a trip to the magistrate’s office. I believe someone will be willing to uphold justice for me."
"We both know how that IOU came to be! As if your daughter’s dress was actually worth that much! I refuse to believe there’s no justice left in this world!"
Zhou Gang clapped his hands and laughed. "Regardless, you wrote that IOU with your own hands. You and your son both pressed your fingerprints on it. I’m here to collect a debt with the written proof in my hand. No matter how you spin it, I’m in the right.
"I’ve certainly learned something new today. You play the backtracking game quite smoothly, Mr. Gu. If you don’t resolve this today, I’ll have no choice but to take this to the authorities."
Gu Baijiang considered both of their current situations. After all, he had connections to the Third Prince; he naturally didn’t fear a lowly commoner. "Then go! Let’s see if you can order those government officers around."
Zhou Gang knew before coming that this would be a difficult task. He knew all too well how hard it was for a commoner to shake a person with power and influence. Although no one in the Gu family held a position at court, they had the backing of the Third Prince, and their daughter was the Third Prince’s concubine. Just based on this connection alone, the sly old foxes of Shangjing could make his life miserable with a flick of their fingers.
"You’re quite arrogant, Mr. Gu. Everyone knows how I got this IOU. Do you think I should go out and spread the word for you?
"The royal family took in such a malicious and venomous woman. If this matter were to spread, I’m afraid that even if you paid back double the silver, it wouldn’t buy back your precious granddaughter’s good reputation."
Zhou Gang knew exactly where to hit where it hurts, instantly grabbing Gu Baijiang by his Achilles’ heel.
Right now, the Gu family was entirely relying on Gu Antong’s status as a concubine to maintain their facade. Judging by the few times she had returned home to ask for silver, one could easily imagine that she was having a hard time in the inner quarters of the Prince Mansion. If this matter was made public, the higher-ranking women in the inner courtyard would quickly seize the vulnerability to tear her down.
Without this connection, it would be even harder for the Gu family to get by in Shangjing.
Both old foxes weighed their gains and losses. Ultimately, Gu Baijiang sighed and said, "This matter has passed for so long, and it was just a squabble between two kids back then. On that day, I was forced to write that IOU just to pacify the situation and prevent it from escalating.
"We might look like we’re doing well now, but the reality isn’t what you think.
"After our home was raided and we were exiled, our family was left with absolutely nothing. This mansion was arranged for us by the Third Prince out of pity. We’re just scraping by here for three meals a day. We truly can’t produce that much silver, or else I would have already given it to you."
"At the time, you shamelessly boasted that you’d repay the silver double. It’s impossible that you don’t have any hidden wealth." Zhou Gang didn’t buy his excuses for a second. He lowered his voice and asked, "The military funds you intercepted back then were quite a substantial amount. Repaying debts is a matter of course, and I’m sure you don’t want me to blow this out of proportion."
Gu Baijiang narrowed his eyes, then let out a laugh. "So, you’ve been keeping an eye on our family all this time for that very reason.
"I’m afraid your debt collection today is just a front, and your true goal is to fish for information about that silver.
"I’m not afraid to tell you: that silver isn’t in my hands anymore. On the day my granddaughter entered the Third Prince Mansion, it was brought along as her dowry."
Gu Baijiang was completely fearless now. Although Gu Antong hadn’t made a big show of her entry that day, it couldn’t escape the notice of certain observant individuals. After all, it had taken several burly men to carry those massive chests inside.
"How is that possible? You gave all of it?" Zhou Gang felt as if struck by a bolt from the blue. It seemed neither of his goals would be achieved. "Do you trust the Third Prince that much?"