Chapter 309 - 310: Getting on in Years

Chapter 309: Chapter 310: Getting on in Years

The others weren’t as quick on the uptake and stared at the two of them, completely bewildered.

’They were just discussing Gu Dashishi and the widow, so how did the conversation suddenly jump to returning to their ancestral village?’

Gu Wenheng and Gu Yuanshui shared a knowing smile, then stood up and headed for the door. The others, though unsure of their intentions, hurried after them.

Gu Yuanjin caught up to Gu Yuanshui. "What’s this game you and Seventh are playing? We can’t make heads or tails of it."

Gu Yuanshui said, "Weren’t we just saying that Father is too idle? Well, it just so happens there’s a major family affair that needs him to personally handle it. And it’s a grand, impressive task—perfectly suited for him."

Gu Wenheng added, "Truly, he’s the only one for the job."

Gu Yuanhuo instantly caught on. ’They want to send him away! A round trip, even with a carriage, plus the time to relocate the ancestral graves... nearly a year would pass.’

’A lot can happen in a year. As long as the brothers give things a little push, this whole affair with the widow could just fizzle out on its own.’

Gu Yuanhuo quietly paused, making a mental note to himself. ’From now on, I’d better not cross those two. My brain is no match for their scheming.’

Sure enough, as soon as the idea of returning to their ancestral village to relocate the graves and move the ancestral hall was brought up, all the clansmen agreed.

Gu Wenheng and his brothers were not stingy, offering to cover all expenses for the journey. With that, everyone’s worries were gone, and many people clamored for the chance to go back for a visit.

Gu Wenheng looked at the assembled elders with a troubled expression. "It’s just that I must soon depart to take up my post, so I cannot spare the time for the journey. My older brothers also have their hands full with their businesses here and truly cannot get away.

"And we can’t possibly trouble all of you respected uncles and grand-uncles with the matter of our own family’s ancestral graves."

Gu Datian had decided long ago to move his parents’ graves here to make paying respects more convenient. However, he had been putting it off due to the long journey and the significant expense.

Now that the Gu brothers were providing such an opportunity, he was naturally grateful. Understanding their difficulties, he offered a solution. "If you brothers trust me, I can handle the task for you while I’m there."

The others quickly agreed. Since the brothers were fronting so much silver, it was only right that they should lend a hand.

Seeing that no one in the crowd was catching on, Gu Yuanhuo was about to speak up, but Gu Yuanshui gripped his shoulder.

"We appreciate the kind offers from all you elders," Gu Wenheng said, clasping his hands in gratitude. "However, this is ultimately our branch’s affair. Perhaps I should have a few of my nephews accompany you on the journey?"

"What good would a few children be? And after being away for so long, would they even know where their own great-grandfather’s grave is?" The moment he heard they might send some youngsters, Gu Sanbu grew uneasy. Moving the wrong grave by mistake would be a terrible offense to the ancestors.

Then, a thought struck him. Gu Sanbu began scanning the crowd. "Where is Dashishi? Have you not told him about such a momentous event?"

Gu Yuanshui looked at Gu Sanbu, opened his mouth as if to speak, then closed it and simply sighed.

"Spit it out. Don’t play coy with your Third Grand-uncle." Gu Sanbu thumped his cane on the ground. ’If it weren’t for these useless old legs,’ he thought, ’I’d go myself and make sure not a single grave was left behind.’

Gu Yuanshui said, "We sent someone to look for Father before we came. We were told he was seen leaving the village... We don’t know where he went, but we have men searching for him."

(Meanwhile, Gu Dashishi, who was trying to compose himself at the edge of the village, was suddenly overcome by a series of sneezes. "It’s not cold out," he muttered. "Why do I feel a chill?")

Gu Sanbu stroked his beard, a suspicion forming in his mind. ’Looks like he’s still up to his old tricks.’

"In that case," he declared, "there’s no need to talk about sending the children. It seems to me your father is more than hale enough. He’s the perfect one for this journey."

Gu Wenheng began, "But Father is getting on in years..."

"Getting on in years?" Gu Sanbu bellowed. "He has enough energy to be chasing after widows, but you think he can’t handle a task as important as relocating the graves?"

"That settles it. I’ll send someone to inform him. The weather is getting warmer, so it’s a good time to set off. He might even make it back before the New Year."

Once the decision was made, Gu Sanbu’s demeanor changed in a flash. He beamed benevolently at the brothers. "In that case, you boys should arrange for the caravan as soon as you can. The sooner they depart, the sooner they’ll be back."

Realizing the ancestral tablets they brought back would need a new home, Gu Wenheng pulled out two silver notes from his robes. "This is two hundred taels of silver. The clan can use it to begin construction on the new ancestral hall. Please, build it as spacious and grand as you can. After all, this will be our foundation here."

Gu Sanbu was inwardly delighted. This way, the entire clan would truly have roots here, and things were finally starting to take proper shape.

"On behalf of everyone in the clan, young and old, I thank you. We will make sure they all remember your generosity."

Gu Wenheng wasn’t concerned with their gratitude. ’As a former atheist, this whole transmigration business has given me a healthy dose of reverence for the gods.’

’Since I’m living on in Lao Gouqi’s body, doing some good for his clan is the least I can do. I’ll consider it repayment to the original owner of this body for the life he gave me.’

When Gu Dashishi finally got the news, he was stunned into silence for a long moment. "With so many sons at home, why in the world is it my turn to go?

"I can’t possibly go! I’m an old man! I can’t endure such a long and arduous journey."

Gu Sanbu narrowed his eyes. "An old man, are you? Your stamina seems quite robust to me—robust enough to be chasing young widows, anyway.

"Don’t bother denying it. This village is only so big; someone always sees what you’re doing.

"And as for all those sons of yours, you tell me—which one of them has the time?"

Gu Dashishi sputtered, "If Seventh can’t go, what about the eldest and the others?"

"And who would run the tofu shop?" Gu Sanbu shook his head. "Don’t you forget, this comfortable life you’re living was built on their sweat and toil. If that income dried up, could you still live so well?

"As it stands, you’re the idlest person in this whole family. More importantly, those are your own parents’ graves we’re talking about. Don’t you want to be the one to personally move them here?"

Gu Dashishi argued, "Why must we move the graves at all? It’s not right to disturb their eternal rest."

Gu Sanbu raised his cane, and Gu Dashishi flinched, quickly throwing his hands over his head. "I’ll go! I’ll go! Alright, I’ll go!"

"..."

Now with money and connections, Gu Yuanjin and his brothers moved quickly. By the next day, they had already hired an escort agency and secured a road permit from the county government, giving everyone just half a day to get ready.

Preparations were simple, consisting of packing a few changes of clothes. Gu Yuanjin and his brothers had already taken care of all the provisions and expenses for the road.

Gu Dashishi was completely stunned. He had only learned of the plan yesterday, and now he was expected to depart tomorrow.

"Isn’t this all a bit rushed? It wouldn’t hurt to wait a few more days before setting out."

Gu Sanbu replied, "The weather is perfect for travel right now—not too hot, not too cold. If you wait any longer, you’ll run into the sweltering summer heat. Besides, if you leave now, you might make it back before the new year. It’s a good chance to see who is still around in our old home."

Thinking of those who hadn’t fled the famine with them, Gu Sanbu felt a pang of concern.