Chapter 601: Chapter 437: Stay or Leave
Gu Changbai spoke while observing Gu Chengyuâs expression. Seeing Gu Chengyuâs usual demeanor, he couldnât help but feel uneasy.
"Moreover, your aunt and I have been staying at an inn, which isnât cheap. The cost of the rooms is really high, and our family isnât well-off. If it werenât for your support in recent times, we might have ended up on the streets."
These words brought a flush to Gu Wanfangâs face. As a scholar, openly admitting oneâs familyâs predicament in front of others was somewhat embarrassing for him.
Gu Chengyu put down his teacup and looked at Gu Changbai and them until they both felt a chill in their hearts, then he finally spoke.
"Second Uncle! My father and the others havenât seen you for many years. Donât you want to return to your hometown? The expense in the Capital is high, as you know. Wouldnât it be better to return to Jingyuan Prefecture, where you and First Uncle can look out for each other? Itâs much better than staying in the Capital, isnât it?"
Gu Changbai was momentarily at a loss for words and suddenly remembered he had come to the Capital to find his granddaughter, which prompted a change in topic.
"Wasnât I here to find my granddaughter Juju? By the way, where is Juju now?"
He looked Gu Chengyu up and down, wondering if Juju had some kind of improper relationship with Gu Chengyu. Otherwise, why hasnât he let him see Juju up till now?
"She has changed her identity and started a new life. With her previous identity, returning to the Gu Clan might not be a good thing. Iâve already given her a new household registration, making her an ordinary woman. If you truly care for her, thereâs no need to disturb her peaceful life."
Gu Changbai looked at Gu Chengyu with suspicion. The more Gu Chengyu refused to let him see her, the more he felt something unspeakable might be happening.
Gu Chengyu frowned, wondering if Gu Changbai thought there was anything inappropriate between him and Ji Fuhu.
"Whatâs the matter, Second Uncle? Are you still not reassured by me? I saved Juju because she once did me a favor. Ransoming her was just me repaying the kindness. I am a court official and not married, so thereâs no way I could be involved with a brothel woman."
At this point, Gu Chengyuâs tone turned somewhat cold. Itâs unpleasant for anyone to be suspected of such things.
"So, Second Uncle, have you made up your mind? If you want to return, Iâll arrange for a boat ticket. If you donât, then Iâm afraid I canât financially support you any longer. Iâve just started my position, and my salary hasnât come in yet; I really canât support too many people!"
Gu Chengyu didnât want to keep bearing the cost of Gu Changbaiâs family staying in the Capital; his Silver Coin didnât just fall from the sky.
Moreover, Gu Changbai had approached him with some ulterior motives.
The implication in Gu Chengyuâs words was clear enough: he wouldnât bear the expenses of Gu Changbaiâs family in the Capital from now on.
There was no room left for Gu Changbai. Either return to Jingyuan Prefecture or find your own way in the future.
At those words, Gu Changbaiâs face turned quite sour. They couldnât return to Jingyuan Prefecture yet; Xiao Yao was still in the hands of those people. How could they just leave?
Gu Wanfangâs expression also darkened; this little cousin didnât quite care for them and likely didnât want to get involved with such poor relatives.
He was unaware of other matters involved; otherwise, given that Gu Changbai was his fatherâs second brother, it wouldnât have been possible for Gu Chengyu to be so uncompromising.
"Dear Nephew! You know, we came to the Capital to find Juju and also to allow Fang to pursue his studies. Now, you wonât let me see Juju, nor has Fang entered the school, this..."
The unspoken message from Gu Changbai was clear to Gu Chengyu: they had no intention of leaving the Capital.
"Second Uncle, there is still one matter I donât understand."
Gu Chengyu bore a hint of coldness in his demeanor; he was planning to give Gu Changbai one more chance.
If Gu Changbai refused to leave the Capital, he wouldnât hesitate to use him as bait to catch a bigger fish.
"You claim to have come to find your niece, so why did you bring the whole family along? Wouldnât it have been easier to just bring Fang?"
Gu Chengyu watched Gu Changbaiâs face change dramatically as he continued, "The expenses in the Capital are high; bringing more people only increases those costs, making it truly impractical."
Gu Changbai was shocked internally; could it be that Gu Chengyu had already seen through their intentions? Or had those people given something away?
This was impossible! That person had said discovering a flaw was absolutely impossible.
He steadied his mind and recited the excuse he had prepared earlier.
"Itâs quite shameful to admit, but over the years, Fangâs study expenses have been substantial, and he owes much gratitude to my second son. But my second sonâs family isnât affluent, and his wife complained a lot. This time coming to the Capital, my second sonâs family refused to continue raising another child."
Gu Changbai glanced at Gu Chengyuâs expression, seeing that he remained indifferent without a word, he continued.
"Since my second sonâs family wouldnât agree, I thought it best to bring the children to the Capital. The kids need care, so I brought your aunt as well."
Gu Chengyu nodded, then asked, "Why wouldnât your cousinâs wife agree? Itâs only for a short period of time, or do you plan to settle in the Capital, not returning to Yingnan Mansion? Surely you donât plan to leave the child with brother forever."
Gu Changbai was at a loss for words for a moment before he replied, "Just one child; we wouldnât feel at ease leaving them at home either."
Gu Chengyu thought of saying, would their own uncle and aunt really mistreat the child?
However, he chose not to dwell on this topic with Gu Changbai.
Gu Chengyu cast a glance at Gu Wanfang, noticing some confusion on his face, and guessed that Gu Wanfang might not be aware of the underlying truth.
"Very well! Living in the Capital does require considerable expenses. Why not leave Fang in the Capital where I can find a college for him, and Iâll take care of his future? Second Uncle, youâd be better off returning to Jingyuan Prefecture or Yingnan Mansion; it would save on costs as well."
Gu Chengyu spoke while closely observing Gu Changbaiâs expression, and upon noticing some anxiety, he coldly snorted, "As for Juju, she has her own place to go."
"You need not worry about Fangâs situation. When you return, Iâll give you some travel expenses, and once back, find some work; wouldnât it be better than struggling in the Capital?"
Gu Chengyu had made a commitment that as long as Gu Changbai returned to Jingyuan Prefecture or Yingnan Mansion, he would provide Silver Coin to ensure they wouldnât struggle to make ends meet. Meanwhile, Gu Wanfang would stay in the Capital under his care.
In truth, this condition was quite generous; an ordinary person would hardly refuse. The future of their grandson would be secured, and more benefits for their family; there was no room for complaints.
Gu Wanfang was somewhat excited upon hearing this; his little cousin intended to guide his future? He couldnât help looking towards his grandfather, hoping his grandfather would agree.
He didnât know why his grandfather had given Xiao Yao to others to raise, but he wasnât foolish and knew their trip to the Capital was related to Xiao Yao.
So why not inform his little cousin about it, letting him think of a solution? After all, his little cousin also didnât like supporting such a large group; wouldnât it be better than constantly asking him for sustenance? Moreover, as an official, wouldnât his cousin have more means?