I Can Control My Ancestors

Chapter 376 - 1: Kaihuang’s Governance, the Li Family’s Second Son

"Gu Yaozhi? A disciple of the Gu Clan?" He stared intently at Gu Yu, as if he had heard of some renown associated with Gu Yu.

Seeing Gu Yu nod, his face immediately brightened with joy, "Great!"

"I had long heard that you were travelling through my Qi Province, and was thinking about the chance to meet you."

"I never expected to meet like this, and moreover, just in time for my second son’s birth."

"Young Master, please come to my residence for a discussion."

Li Yuan was very enthusiastic towards Gu Yu, a benefit brought to the disciples of the Gu Clan by their heritage.

"Then, I thank Duke Tang." Gu Yu saluted.

He then followed Li Yuan into the residence.

The house was not considered luxurious.

Li Yuan was very welcoming, leading the way while chatting with Gu Yu, expressing his respect for the Gu Clan, and even mentioning his desire to send his offspring to the Gu Clan for studies.

However, due to having only one eldest son, he dared not do so.

To this, Gu Yu naturally did not say much.

He could discern Li Yuan’s attempt at fostering a connection, but it did not align with his path.

Finally.

He wished for Gu Yu to see his newly born second son.

Gu Yu had been quite casual about it, as this was something he would occasionally do.

The moral boundaries of the Gu Clan disciples were highly adaptable, and they were not foolish enough to not leverage the advantages their status brought, avoiding unnecessary trouble for themselves.

Gu Yu stepped on the snow accumulated under the corridor, following Li Yuan through the ornamental gate, and saw the newborn baby.

That child had raven hair clinging with fine sweat droplets, curled into a soft arc.

Just as Gu Yu’s gaze touched the swaddling, the baby’s eyelashes trembled slightly, and his jet-black pupils lit up like cold stars over the Wei River.

The small body wriggled, escaping the brocade blanket, first staring at the canopy then landing on Gu Yu, meeting his gaze, suddenly giggling.

"This..." Gu Yu instinctively stepped forward half a step, a hint of surprise flickering in his eyes.

The first impression this child gave him was extraordinary!

At this moment, Li Yuan took the baby from the nurse’s arms, smiling as he walked towards Gu Yu.

The breeze stirred by his steps made the candle flames flicker.

In the flickering light, the faint blue lines in the baby’s palm were illuminated, criss-crossing to vaguely form the shape of the word ’king,’ mirroring the coiled dragon pattern on Li Yuan’s jade belt buckle.

Although it was only a moment, it still caused Gu Yu’s expression to change unwittingly.

Disciples of the Gu Clan were never particularly superstitious, let alone Gu Yu, one of the most talented in the clan.

But the scene just now caused his long-stilled heart to stir slightly.

"This child is extraordinary." Before the words even fell, Li Yuan stepped forward briskly, his eyes gleaming, "Do you really think so, Young Master?"

Gu Yu’s Adam’s apple moved slightly, his gaze still locked on the baby’s tender palm; after a moment, he said in a deep voice, "Judging by his bearing, he is indeed not an ordinary person."

Li Yuan’s joy was unmistakable, the fragrance carried by his fluttering robes tinged with anticipation, "Then would the young master be willing to stay in my residence and teach my second son?"

Gu Yu lowered his eyes to hide the emotions surging beneath, finally shaking his head, bowing to Li Yuan, "Duke, you flatter me. I am not qualified for such a heavy task due to my limited abilities."

"But if the Duke wishes, you may send this child to Julu at that time."

This was not the path he intended to take.

And he did not believe in the so-called Celestial Mandate; this was the wisdom passed down by the ancestors of the clan.

Li Yuan’s expression darkened. Compared to sending his offspring to Julu, having a disciple of the Gu Clan come to his home was the true honor.

This was what he desired.

At this moment, the baby in his arms suddenly let out a crisp laugh, his lotus-like little hand grabbing the air, surprisingly waving towards Gu Yu.

Gu Yu’s heart trembled, a strange quiver spreading throughout his body from his fingertips.

This was the first time he had experienced such a feeling.

It wasn’t superstition; it was simply that this child felt different from ordinary infants, as if destined to be closely connected to him.

"Has the young lord been named?" His voice unconsciously softened.

Li Yuan observed Gu Yu’s changing expression and couldn’t help but smile again, loudly saying, "To bring peace to the world, therefore named Shimin!"

"My Li family’s second son—Li Shimin!"

"Shimin..." Gu Yu couldn’t help but repeat, watching as the baby in his arms gradually quieted, his expression gradually returning to calmness.

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Ps (After midnight tonight comes double time, don’t forget your monthly votes, brothers, it’s already the end of the month; if unused, they’ll go wasted!!)