Free Web NovelChapter 450: Buying Peace and Quiet
"That makes sense, but I still feel uneasy. I’ve toiled my whole life, only to see my beloved grandson end up with nothing, and not even a great-granddaughter to my name. It pains me deeply."
"Great-Grandfather, if you truly want Boss Gu to return to the family, then do as I say. Otherwise, there will be even more trouble in the future. If you make a clean break now, whether they can run the business well will depend on their own abilities. Even if they fail, they’ll have no cause for complaint."
Old Master Gu lowered his eyes, deep in thought.
"Boss Gu has a good head for business. Even if he starts from scratch, he can build something great. You don’t have to worry at all." Seeing him waver, Ye Qianning pressed her advantage.
Old Master Gu nodded slightly. "Gu Shuo’s abilities are the most outstanding among all the children in the Gu family. He may seem cold and harsh when he speaks, but he’s actually very soft-hearted."
’Those sons of mine have little ability, yet they think the world of themselves.’
’If Gu Shuo wanted to make a move, not a single one of them could stand against him.’
"That’s why you must completely separate the Gu family’s assets from him. Otherwise, no matter how much he achieves in the future, the rest of the Gu family will just say he succeeded by inheriting the family fortune. He could argue until he’s blue in the face and it wouldn’t make a difference."
’The third and fourth branches of the Gu family have vicious tongues.’
"Alright." Old Master Gu nodded.
"A clean break now for a peaceful future. Once the Gu family’s affairs are settled, you can live out your golden years in peace, Great-Grandfather. Tending to flowers, going fishing... wouldn’t that be lovely?"
"You’re right. I’ve toiled my whole life, I should enjoy my old age. I’ll go back right now to sort out the account books, and tomorrow I’ll summon those old coots from the clan." Old Master Gu stood up.
Ye Qianning reached out to stop him. "One more day won’t make a difference. You’ve come all this way, at least stay for a meal before you leave."
"I won’t stay to eat. The sooner I clean up this mess, the sooner I can have some peace of mind. Once it’s all resolved, I’ll come live in your manor and never leave." Old Master Gu was in a hurry.
"...Alright, then. But Great-Grandfather, you must be clear-headed about this. No second thoughts or clever tricks. Just give them all the material possessions."
"I know, I know. I’m just paying for some peace and quiet." Old Master Gu had finally come around.
Gu Shuo had a real talent for business, as evidenced by the rapid rise of his Imperial Merchant enterprise. Once he fully divested from that and started a new venture, none of the other young men in the Gu family would be able to hold a candle to him.
Having his own hard work dismissed as freeloading off the family would just be adding to his troubles.
Ye Qianning saw Old Master Gu out of the manor. The Gu family’s enterprise was vast, and for several years, the third branch had been clamoring to split it. Of the four brothers, only the second was relatively unconcerned; the other three were constantly at each other’s throats, with none willing to yield to another.
The fact that the heir’s branch was set to inherit caused widespread resentment, and the issue of splitting the family assets had been debated again and again.
Old Master Gu had intended for Gu Shuo to take charge, which was why he had consistently refused to split the family, leading to all these troubles.
’It’s not too late for Old Master Gu to understand now. A truly capable person doesn’t need the family fortune; they can build their own empire.’
"Old Master Gu left?" Qian Fanji asked, walking toward the main gate.
"Mhm." Ye Qianning turned around. Seeing that he looked like he was about to go out, she asked, "Where are you going?"
"To deliver a letter for someone."
"She wants to contact Xi Yan to get out of the Capital City. Now isn’t the right time."
"She won’t be able to leave," Qian Fanji said.
Ye Qianning hadn’t heard what he and Xi Fengying had discussed, but she could hazard a guess. The Capital City only appeared to have loosened its restrictions; in reality, there were more spies lurking in the shadows now than during the lockdown.
Not a single move made in the Capital City could escape the notice of the one on high. Even they had to choose their words with extreme care.
"Let me go." Ye Qianning held out her hand for the letter.
Qian Fanji was somewhat surprised.
"I haven’t been out in days. I want to go out and see what’s happening."
The corners of Qian Fanji’s lips curved up slightly. "Let’s go together, then."
