Free Web NovelChapter 1136: Chapter 972: Do You Still Remember What Happened Back Then?
Mr. Gu was full of complaints as well, but he couldn’t stop it. After all, Doctor Li had no sons, so his apprentice would be the one to provide for him in old age.
Gu Wan opened her mouth, then smiled and advised, "Isn’t this just the right opportunity for fourth sister-in-law and her child to go out for a walk? Mother, fourth brother will be back in a few days, and maybe he can catch Fang’s wedding."
She knew the truth, as her embroidery workshop had many distinguished guests, and the news was naturally well-informed. Furthermore, Sun Xian had hinted to her the truth, so Gu Wan has been worried these past two days.
Everyone immediately set aside their emotions and began to talk about things that happened around them over the past two years.
The atmosphere became lively, with smiles on everyone’s faces. Even the second son was sensible today, not making any sarcastic remarks.
The third son, Gu Chenglian, looked at Gu Chengyu, wanting to speak but hesitating. Unlike the joyfully laughing crowd inside the house, his face still carried a hint of melancholy.
Gu Chengyu had noticed that his third brother seemed to have something on his mind, but with so many people around, it was not appropriate to ask more.
Gu Chengyu intended to find an opportunity to ask later. He greeted everyone and planned to return to his yard first.
Since he was back, he couldn’t have a meal while wearing his official uniform, right? He still needed to return and change into his regular clothes.
Seeing Gu Chengyu about to leave the main room, Gu Chenglian quickly got up and followed.
Gu Chengyu stepped out of the main room and walked to the plum tree in front, then stopped under the tree.
"Xiao Bao!" Gu Chenglian hurriedly approached and was relieved to see Gu Chengyu waiting under the plum tree.
There was something he had been struggling with for several days, and he couldn’t make a decision, so he wanted to discuss it with Xiao Bao.
Xiao Bao had a good mind for these matters; listening to him would be the right choice.
"Third brother! Is there something you need from me?" Gu Chengyu smiled at him. Judging from his third brother’s expression, it didn’t seem like a bad matter; rather, there was something causing indecision.
Gu Chenglian glanced around, "Let’s talk in your yard!"
Gu Chengyu nodded, "Alright, I need to return and change into regular clothes anyway!"
The two walked together to Gu Chengyu’s yard. Once they reached the side room, Gu Chenglian plopped down on a chair.
Gu Chengyu didn’t mind him and instructed Wintergreen to bring him his regular clothes.
"Xiao Bao! Do you remember the time I first independently forged a large knife for someone when I was learning to forge iron in the town years ago?"
Seeing that Gu Chengyu seemed uninterested, Gu Chenglian felt somewhat discouraged. Then he couldn’t help himself and began to recount the situation. freewebnoveℓ.com
Gu Chengyu was somewhat surprised; of course, he remembered that incident.
"Of course, I remember! Our family even compensated with ten taels of silver for that incident, back when we hadn’t split up, and it caused quite a commotion at home."
These words made Gu Chenglian quite embarrassed; at that time, he didn’t know what he was thinking.
It was definitely his mistake; he used that piece of iron on his own without his master’s consent.
Gu Chengyu finished changing his clothes, turned and asked, "What is it? Did you meet that person in the Capital?"
Gu Chenglian’s eyes widened, and he nodded vigorously.
Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but laugh silently; the matter was already eleven years ago, and he didn’t expect his third brother to still remember that person’s appearance.
Well, this incident had taught his third brother a significant lesson back then, so it was normal to have a vivid impression.
"Did you ask him for the silver? He took the knife and left back then; this time, he should certainly return it!"
Gu Chengyu laughed and teased his third brother.
Gu Chenglian rolled his eyes at Gu Chengyu, "Of course, I asked."
Gu Chengyu nodded, and then his playful smile disappeared from his face, "Tell me, what else is going on? For just those sixty taels of silver, you wouldn’t be this torn."
"He did return the silver to me, sixty taels, not a penny less. When I grabbed him, he was startled. I saw him in the shop, or else I wouldn’t have encountered him."
Gu Chenglian had a vivid impression of this person; due to that incident, he nearly had to perform labor duty.
"He doesn’t remember me much; he came to the shop wanting to forge weapons. I heard people say my craftsmanship is good, and that’s why he came. Hmph! Fortunately, I recognized him; otherwise, I would’ve never had another chance to reclaim those sixty taels."
Gu Chenglian spoke angrily about this.
"Did he mention the reason?" Gu Chengyu was somewhat curious; he felt the person probably didn’t intentionally evade the payment, but he also didn’t seem to match the masteur he claimed to be.
Gu Chenglian shook his head, "He didn’t clarify, just said he encountered enemies. But, he told me something, which I’ve been considering these past two days."
"What is it? Did he want you to forge more weapons? Are you worried he won’t pay? Or does this person have a special identity and want a favor from you?" Gu Chengyu asked curiously.
Gu Chenglian looked at Gu Chengyu and suddenly asked mysteriously, "What kind of place is the Military Equipment Bureau, do you think?"
Gu Chengyu hesitated for a moment, "Did he say he’s from the Military Equipment Bureau?"
Gu Chenglian nodded, "That’s what he said and even showed me his token."
"What’s his status?" Gu Chengyu picked up a teacup from the table and took a sip, while going over the list of officials from the Ministry of Industry Military Equipment Bureau in his mind.
Unfortunately, he only knew a few of the Military Equipment Bureau officials; the others were unfamiliar.
Moreover, the Military Equipment Bureau didn’t only have officials but also craftsmen making weapons.
"He seems to be a Standard Ninth Rank official; it was written like that on the token. His name is Gu Zhengqi."
Gu Chengyu tapped his fingers on the table; he hadn’t heard of the name Gu Zhengqi before. Besides, the person was only a ninth-rank official, essentially insignificant in the officialdom, thus infrequent contact opportunities.
"Does he want you to go to the Military Equipment Bureau?"
"Yes! He said he admired my craftsmanship. He used that knife for many years back then. When he came to forge a knife last time, he even praised the improvement in my skills. Xiao Bao, does he want to recruit me to work at the Military Equipment Bureau?"
Gu Chenglian curiously looked at Gu Chengyu, and Gu Chengyu noted his interest in the Military Equipment Bureau.
After pondering for a while, Gu Chengyu said, "Third brother! We don’t know if his identity is genuine or not; I think we should be cautious. Did he mention how you could stay in touch?"
"When I was hesitating, he said he would come find me in the shop after ten days." Gu Chenglian couldn’t sleep well these past two days, thinking about this matter.
Although his shop in the Capital had gained a bit of reputation, with locals coming to have iron tools forged and even a few people coming due to reputation.
But he wasn’t comfortable making scissors, kitchen knives, and farm tools every day.
He longed to forge weapons; when making weapons, he felt energized, filled with strength and vitality.
Previously, he had forged several large knives and swords; apart from Xiao Bao taking a few, the rest were left in the shop collecting dust.
