Chapter 78: Chapter 5: Refusing Doctor Li
"Brother Li, what are you saying? If it werenāt for your introduction, I definitely couldnāt have sold this ginseng for so much Silver. I came here just to thank you." Mr. Gu said as he pulled out two ten-tael silver ingots from his bosom, "Brother Li, this twenty taels of silver is a token of my gratitude, please donāt find it too little."
When Gu Chengyu rose in the morning, he saw his father take some silver to his mother, who was muttering unhappily. He knew this silver was meant for Doctor Li. His father was indeed exemplary in handling social relations. Truly, mastering human relationships is a form of knowledge! He hadnāt realized it before; it seems he needs to learn well from his father.
"Brother Gu, please put it away. I wonāt say any polite words; the ginseng was dug and sold by you, I just spoke a few words, how can I accept your silver?" Doctor Li marveled at Mr. Guās ability to handle people, but he resolutely would not accept the twenty taels. Although life had been a bit tough since moving to Shangling Village, he wasnāt a broker by profession. He couldnāt take the silver, but he could seize the opportunity to bring up another matter.
"Xiao Baoās father, take the silver back! The master will definitely not accept your silver, please donāt insist. If you truly want to thank him, why not invite him for a meal instead?" Mrs. Yao quickly stopped Mr. Gu from insisting on giving the silver.
"Quickly, put it away!"
Gu Chengyu knew that, given Doctor Liās character, he would never accept the silver. If he were silver-greedy, he wouldnāt have stayed in Shangling Village for so many years.
Mr. Gu had no choice but to put it away, "Then Iāll invite you for a drink in a couple of days, you must not refuse."
"Iāll be waiting then. However, there is one more thing, and Iād like you, Brother, to consider it and give me an answer."
"Brother Li, just say it, as long as itās something I can help with, I wonāt refuse."
"Itās like this. As you know, I have only one daughter whoās already married and left, so itās just my wife and me at home, quite lonely. I see your Xiao Bao is smart and sensible, we both like him very much. I want to..." Doctor Li had not finished speaking when Mr. Gu interrupted him.
"This...this cannot be! Xiao Bao is the apple of our eye for me and his mother; she would never agree. Iām sorry, Brother Li!" How could Mr. Gu agree to have Gu Chengyu adopted by Doctor Li? When there was no silver at home, he would never have accepted, not to mention now that life is more comfortable. Just thinking about Xiao Bao being adopted, calling someone else father, was like having his heart ripped out; he would never agree, not even if it were Doctor Li.
"Brother Gu, why do you say this? Donāt you know well about my character, Li Yuanfeng? I sincerely want to take Xiao Bao as my apprentice. I have no son and will treat Xiao Bao as my own in the future. Is there a misunderstanding, or do you have other plans for Xiao Bao?" Doctor Li was puzzled. Even before he finished speaking, Gu Changqing reacted so strongly, leaving him at a loss. Did he have some other medical scriptures in mind, feeling unworthy to be Xiao Baoās teacher?
"What? Apprentice? I thought Elder Brother wanted to adopt my Xiao Bao, itās a misunderstanding, misunderstanding! Please donāt mind, Elder Brother." Mr. Gu felt himself too rash, he should have waited for Brother Li to finish.
Gu Chengyu, after hearing Doctor Liās words, was relieved. His father overreacted; he really thought Doctor Li wanted to adopt him!
"Indeed, it was a misunderstanding. How could I engage in such acts of taking foster sons? It was just a deep admiration for his talent. I wished to have Xiao Bao inherit my trade!" With the misunderstanding cleared, Doctor Li was confident Gu Changqing would agree, but to his surprise, it wasnāt as he anticipated.
"Alas! Itās fortunate Elder Brother considered Xiao Bao, a blessing indeed, but my wife and I decided yesterday to send Xiao Bao to study! Iām really sorry! Itās Xiao Bao who lacks that good fortune." Mr. Gu also felt regret, but having already made the decision, it wouldnāt change. Mrs. Lv wouldnāt agree to let Xiao Bao study medicine.
Gu Chengyu suddenly understood, no wonder he found Mrs. Yaoās gaze so peculiar; even if he was charming, that loving gaze was clearly toward oneās own child. Unfortunately, it would likely disappoint them.
Hearing this, Doctor Li exchanged a glance with Mrs. Yao. She had guessed correctly; the Gu Family had different plans. How had he overlooked it?
Meanwhile, Mrs. Yao also felt a sense of loss; she was fond of Xiao Bao but understood this wouldnāt work out. Nonetheless, she cherished this child and regretted their lack of destiny.
"No, no, all trades are inferior, only studying holds merit. Having such aspirations is admirable. Xiao Bao has good memory, patience, and a mind for thinking critically. Heās a good candidate for study, and I honestly cherish him, so I certainly canāt block his path. Itās just that we lack the master-apprentice destiny. If heās free in the future, heās welcome to play at our house. If he encounters any difficulties in his studies, he can come ask me. Although Iāve never taken any exams, I studied for several years, I can still read." Doctor Li was consoled to hear Xiao Bao would pursue studies, as passing the imperial exams was the right path.
"Xiao Bao, you must study diligently in the future and not disappoint your fatherās expectations!" Doctor Li earnestly advised Gu Chengyu.
Gu Chengyu didnāt expect Doctor Li to want to take him as an apprentice, since he had other thoughts about Doctor Li!
"Uncle Li, I know this opportunity to study doesnāt come easily. I will definitely cherish it and not let my father and mother down. Nonetheless, to earn Uncle Liās regard is an honor. Unfortunately, I have already promised my mother I would pursue studies." Gu Chengyu thought of recommending his Fourth Brother, but then wondered if his Fourth Brother might prefer studying and the imperial exams himself. This matter needed consulting his Fourth Brother first. His Fourth Brother was meticulous and not fond of expressing himself; he seemed quite suitable for becoming a doctor, but it was ultimately up to his Fourth Brotherās consent.
"No, as long as you can study diligently in the future, that is enough."
After this, Gu Chengyu and Mr. Gu stood up to take their leave, intending to visit Gu Changsongās home.
Gu Changsongās house was located closer to the village center. As Gu Chengyu and his father walked back, they reached the courtyard gate of Gu Changsongās house. Looking through the wide gap in the gate, Gu Chengyu saw that his Uncleās house had a layout similar to theirsāa main room with east and west wings, enclosed like a courtyard. However, their main building had two rooms, with the kitchen built on the right-rear side of the main room, and the main house roof was tiled. This indicated the Clan Leaderās family was certainly more substantial than theirs, not to mention they had Changsun Hua currently studying.
"Eldest Brother? Are you home?" Calling out, Mr. Gu was already opening the gate and entering. In general, village families wouldnāt close the courtyard gate during the day if someone was home, with Doctor Liās home being an exception.
"Is that Changqing? Iām here, come in and sit!" Gu Changsong was curious why his younger brother was visiting today, wondering if something was up.
Gu Chengyu followed his father into the main room and saw Uncle Gu sitting by the edge of the kang, conversing with Aunt Gu Yang. When the two entered, they stopped. "Changqing, is there something you need?" The brothers lived in the same village and often saw each other, so there was no need for formalities.
"Eldest Brother, Iām planning to send Xiao Bao to study. Didnāt your Hua just return? I wanted to ask which private school in town is the best, and how Huaās private school is?"