Free Web NovelChapter 275: Chapter 275: Analysis
"Yet you still dared to throw people in jail," Wu Xingshun sneered, "Following you out here, I’m scared out of my wits every single day. Now we’ve offended the Third Prince, and if he really ascends the throne one day, I’ll be in for a tough time because of you."
Even though he was complaining, his eyes were filled with gossip, "Who do you think will eventually take the throne?"
"How would I know? Even our master can’t calculate that precisely."
"That’s true. Until the very last moment, anything could change.
Every succession struggle is a bloodbath, and who knows if our master will come out unscathed this time."
At this point, both showed worry on their faces. They had avoided the worst of it, but their respected master was still caught in the storm.
"Master is a true minister; he shouldn’t face too big of an issue." Xu Zitian said, though he was uncertain in his heart. There are plenty of ways to target someone.
Especially with the Imperial Family’s tricky schemes, it’s almost impossible to guard against them.
"Should we just turn a blind eye to those people?"
"What do they have to do with us? As long as they don’t cause trouble on my turf, I can turn a blind eye. But if they go too far or try to use us as pawns, then they can’t blame me for being impartial."
Wu Xingshun gave him a thumbs up, "Still the same temper. No wonder Master wants to keep you far away to avoid trouble. But you dragged me into this, and who knows how long we’ll stay in this wretched place."
"Shall I write a letter asking Master to assign you to some other senior or junior brother?"
"Please don’t," Wu Xingshun said, waving his hands in fright. Those damn Inner Sect Disciples are no good, each one more unreliable than the last. Seriously, what is our master thinking? Here I am, well-behaved and honest, and he doesn’t take me as a Direct Disciple. Instead, he wants these troublemakers."
"Rarely do I act out of kindness and want to give you some freedom. Are you really not regretting it? I remember Brother Kuang seemed to have gone to the Black Province, and his partner didn’t go because of health reasons. If you have any ideas, I can recommend you."
Wu Xingshun looked at Xu Zitian with a face of sorrow, "You are just bullying me too much. I was already exiled with you to Lingnan, and now you want to send me to Ningguta? Why push me to the brink...?"
Xu Zitian chuckled, sweeping away his previous bad mood. Master was right; unloading your bad mood onto others can bring you joy.
Thinking about all the things yet to be done, his motivation surged once again.
Seeing Xu Zitian leave just like that, Wu Xingshun hurriedly followed, "I’m telling you, I’ve developed feelings for this place anyway..., if you don’t leave, I won’t leave either..."
☆
Gu Baijiang and his family bought a whole cart full of things, and everyone’s face was brimming with a joyous smile. With so much stuff, they finally didn’t have to be so tight-fisted and could enjoy some good days.
"Dad, I’ve already spoken to the mason, and they’ll come to the village to help us build the house tomorrow," Gu Kaichen hurriedly reported his accomplishment.
"Not bad, keep it up in the future."
Gu Baijiang gave a lukewarm compliment and then started talking to Gu Kaiping about the books they just bought, "As a father and uncle, you also have to pay attention to these two kids’ studies. Plan for them to take the imperial exams next year."
As for why he wouldn’t teach them himself, it’s because he knew his limitations. After so many years in the officialdom, he had lost his original heart and couldn’t calm down to study. He might even mislead the children with his views.
"Don’t worry, Dad, I’ll teach them well. They are the future hope of the Gu Family." Gu Kaiping immediately took on the responsibility. In the past, he had no time, but now that he does, he also wants to see how capable his son and nephew are.
As they were chatting and laughing, a long convoy turned the corner, and they thought, in such a remote place, they didn’t expect there to be such a wealthy family. So many carts of things must’ve cost quite a bit of silver.
But when they saw Lin Hua riding alongside the carts, their eyes almost popped out.
"Is this the stuff from the third son?" Gu Kaiping’s tone was a bit bitter. They had previously thought they bought a lot and were treated like big spenders when they went to the county town. But now, how does this compare?
"The Bai Family..." Gu Baijiang spat these words through gritted teeth, it really is great...
Seeing him like this, the Gu Family Brothers didn’t dare to speak, but in their hearts, they tallied another mark against Gu Kaiyuan.
Returning to the village, they learned that Gu Kaiyuan’s side had already started the construction of a house with great enthusiasm. Even before they returned, a large batch of bricks and tiles had been delivered.
"Your third child is really spending a lot. I heard he bought dozens of acres of land. Judging by the size of the house being built, it’s not small." Chen Dafu came over to watch the spectacle, but his body was covered in mud, causing the Gu father and sons to discreetly step away to avoid contact.
Chen Dafu didn’t mind. His family was poor and could only build the house themselves. The entire Chen Family didn’t keep idlers.
Unlike the Gu Family, tsk tsk tsk, having bought so many things, they really fear others won’t know they don’t lack silver.
"How did he manage to buy land?" Gu Kaichen’s voice was a bit sharp, "Did he bribe the village chief?"
This matter won’t end like this. If he weren’t just back, he’d want to head back to the county town immediately. This must be reported to the authorities.
"I’ve looked into this matter for you," Chen Dafu said with malice, looking at them with schadenfreude, "I heard Mrs. Bai bought it, and reportedly even bought the nearby hills. From now on, if we want to gather firewood, we can only go to the hills by the village entrance; the area at the village end has become their private territory."
Once upon a time, it was Chen Dafu’s short-sightedness that underestimated merchants.
What copper’s stench? That’s the brilliance of gold.
"By the way, I heard from your clan people that Gu Kaiyuan is no longer a part of your family; you transferred him out.
I really don’t know what you’re thinking, not holding onto such a golden opportunity. In the future, he could be a small landlord, starting his good life."
"Shut up," Gu Baijiang couldn’t hold back any longer. This Chen fellow was really getting out of hand, mocking him to his face.
"You’re simply not recognizing a good person. I was afraid you didn’t know anything, so I came to inform you. If you don’t appreciate it, fine, but there’s no need for anger.
Mr. Gu, I’m discovering that the Gu Family is really full of hidden depths, not to mention Gu Kaiyuan and his wife, your family’s assets are indeed the richest here.
Look at all the people here, and only you dare to spend silver so freely. If you have a reliable way to make silver, please tell us too, to help us out."
Chen Dafu suddenly took a step closer and whispered, "Mr. Gu, you’re good at hiding things. Teach us your secret..."
