Chapter 973: Attending the Banquet

"Only half? That’s still more than double what it used to be." Brother Cheng pleaded, "Big Brother, if I can guess it within three days, can I skip all my lessons?"

Gu Jin’an was agreeable and laughed, "Sure."

Sure?

"You agreed so easily?" Brother Cheng was surprised, feeling there was some trap.

Gu Jin’an tapped his head, "How did you get so silly? Of course, I agreed easily. If you don’t guess the answer, your workload is triple, and you’ll still have to endure hardship."

Brother Cheng’s face fell; he knew Big Brother wouldn’t let him off so easily.

Seeing the little one’s dejected face made Gu Jin’an’s smile widen. He glanced at Lv Bai by the government gate, assured he wouldn’t run away again, and said to Zezi, "Let’s head back."

He had come here early to prevent Lv Bai from escaping. Now that Lv Bai had been taught a lesson, he could return to prepare for receiving the scholarship documents and attending the banquet.

Brother Cheng wanted to stay and watch the commotion, but staying would make Big Brother late. After some thought, he could only nod, "Alright."

Seeing he was a bit uneasy, Gu Jin’an suddenly offered, "Brother Cheng, do you want to come with Big Brother to the Prefecture Government Office banquet?"

Brother Cheng’s eyes widened, "Can I go? Won’t I be kicked out?"

This was a banquet hosted by Lord Magistrate for the students. Could a little boy like him really go?

Gu Jin’an nodded, "There’s no rule against bringing someone. Plus, taking you would be good for our family."

Today was the day the Old Gu Family was to be executed. The old grudges between their family and the Old Gu Family would surely be brought up again. Some outdated folks would definitely criticize their family for being unfilial to Elder Gu, saying things like their family isn’t worth associating with.

Since showing their filial piety to the Old Gu Family was impossible, they might as well show everyone the harmony between brothers.

Recently, he also heard a rumor that Brother Cheng had been beaten so much since childhood that there was something wrong with his head, calling him foolish. The source of this rumor was traced to the teacher’s family.

Xiao Yu had already arranged for people to deal with the Shi family, but concerning Brother Cheng, he had to let others see the smart side of his younger brother. He absolutely couldn’t let him carry the reputation of a fool!

"Alright, I’ll go with Big Brother!" Brother Cheng was happy and returned home with Gu Jin’an.

Upon returning home, Brother Cheng ran to find Gu Jinli, telling her about Lv Bai: "Second Sister, you were right. That Lv Bai really deserved a beating. He ran away, got battered by Big Brother’s people, and came back crying. Now he’s at the government gate shouting, claiming he’s of common origin, that his family are street vendors."

Then he shared some gossip from the government gate with Gu Jinli, noticing her lack of enthusiasm, he asked, "Second Sister, I’m telling you gossip, why aren’t you excited?"

In the past, Second Sister used to get excited whenever she heard gossip.

"Oh, you’re thinking about Brother San Lang, aren’t you?" Brother Cheng said, feeling wronged, "Big Brother said you girls are unreliable. While we’re busy watching the vegetable fields, you all never think of us, just others’ men."

Brother San Lang had duties to attend to. He left before Big Brother had sat for the Prefecture Examination, saying he’d return after it was over, but they hadn’t seen him yet.

Thunk, Gu Jinli gave Brother Cheng a flick on the forehead, "Watch your mouth. Say such nonsense again, and I’ll poison you."

Brother Cheng’s face turned pale in anger, "Second Sister, you’ve gotten worse. You used to just beat me, now you’re threatening to poison me. I’m your brother! If I end up poisoned, you won’t have a brother anymore."

Gu Jinli chuckled, "Big Sister is getting married soon. She’ll have a little nephew, and when I have a nephew, why would I need you as a brother? A little nephew will be so cute, much more fun than you."

Brother Cheng was stunned silent, staring at Gu Jinli.

Gu Jinli froze, thinking he might be frightened by Big Sister’s impending marriage and childbearing, and explained, "After girls marry, they’ll get pregnant and have children. It’s normal, so don’t be shocked."

Brother Cheng snorted, lifting his chin, "I’m not a kid. I know Big Sister will have a nephew after marrying. Without a nephew, how can I be an uncle?"

He glanced at Gu Jinli, "I was just thinking if Second Sister marries and has a nephew, that nephew would be so pitiful, poisoned whenever he fusses."

With that, he spun on his heel and dashed to the door, flashing a cheeky grin at Gu Jinli.

Too bad he celebrated too soon. Gu Jinli gave a slight smile and called, "Erqing, catch him."

With a swoosh, Erqing appeared from nowhere, firmly seizing Brother Cheng, though careful not to hurt him since he was the Young Master’s brother.

Brother Cheng was furious, accusing, "Second Sister, you’re cheating! I managed to escape on my own, yet you had Erqing grab me, ambushing me!"

Erqing was already well-known on the main roster, like Xiao Ji, officially a maid under Gu Jinli, known to all the family.

Gu Jinli laughed, "You could call Da Tuan and Xiao Tuan to help you."

Brother Cheng was bewildered, "How could Second Sister say such a thing? Da Tuan and Xiao Tuan are in Da Feng Village, how could they fly over to save me?"

Gu Jinxiu heard the commotion and stepped out from the other room, asking, "Xiao Yu, Brother Cheng, what are you both up to now?"

Brother Cheng saw Gu Jinxiu and quickly sought rescue, "Big Sister, save me! Second Sister wants to poison me."

Gu Jinxiu chuckled, "Did you provoke your Second Sister again? I’ve told you, you can’t win against her, don’t provoke her unless you want to suffer."

Leading Sister Li over, Gu Jinxiu said, "Erqing, let go. Brother Cheng’s hand must hurt."

Erqing obeyed, looking to Gu Jinli, releasing Brother Cheng upon her nod.

Gu Jinli said, "I was thinking of poisoning you just a little, but since Big Sister pleaded for you, I’ll let you off this time."

Upon hearing this, Gu Jinxiu nudged Brother Cheng, "Hurry up and thank your Second Sister."

Brother Cheng obediently said, "Thank you, Second Sister."

Gu Jinxiu laughed, tidying Brother Cheng’s ruffled clothing, "It’s time to start packing your things; we’ll return to the village in a few days."

Due to the Old Gu Family’s affairs, their family had stayed in the Prefecture for over a month; it’s time to return home.

Brother Cheng said, "My belongings are already packed, always in the box, I can just grab the box and go."

Though he had more boxes than when they came, having hurried with only one set of clothes, later buying more outfits and shoes, and fun things from the Prefecture, now the boxes multiplied.

Brother Cheng knew his Big Sister rarely goes out and felt cooped up at home, so he recounted the story of Lv Bai to Gu Jinxiu, making her laugh.

Gu Jinxiu said, "If he can reform, good. Lv Tongsheng isn’t a bad person."

Brother Cheng nodded earnestly, "That’s what Big Brother says too, just deserves a beating."