novelraw Chapter 1263 - 1262: Private Wealth
Chapter 1263 - 1262: Private Wealth
Old Lady Gu nodded with satisfaction, "I naturally have faith in you. You’ve worked hard all these years. When the time comes, make sure your younger sister thanks you properly!"
The Lady of the Gu Family responded promptly, "Then I’ll be waiting, mother-in-law."
With just a few words exchanged, the matter was settled between them.
They paid no attention to the expressions of the others in the room.
Lady Lou lowered her head, gently holding her belly, her expression unclear.
Lady An, with a bright smile, was simply praising the rouge and powder to Wang Yongzhu.
Gu Zitang twisted the handkerchief in her hand into a spiral, while Gu Zimei kept giving her meaningful glances.
Old Granny Zhang frowned slightly but said nothing, though her face showed displeasure.
After lunch, when Old Lady Gu took her daily nap, everyone returned to their respective rooms.
Old Granny Zhang took Wang Yongzhu back to their room. Seeing no one around, she got straight to the point, "Daughter, the dowry of Old Grand Lady is too hot to handle. I think it’s better not to accept it. What do you say?"
Though she loved wealth, she knew well how to acquire it properly. Initially, Gu Family leaving a separate dowry for her was already generous enough.
If they gave her Old Grand Lady’s dowry as well, peace in this household would surely be over.
Wang Yongzhu, upon entering the residence today, noticed something amiss and understood a lot from Old Granny Zhang’s words.
Being mother and daughter, there was no need to beat around the bush. She asked directly, "Are there any whispers in the house?"
Old Granny Zhang nodded.
Initially, without the mention of Old Grand Lady’s dowry, everyone remained harmonious. Several nieces-in-law and two nieces came every day to accompany and chat happily, passing the time leisurely.
But a few days ago, Old Lady Gu mentioned in front of everyone that now that Zhuzhu had been found, Old Grand Lady’s last wishes were to give the dowry and personal belongings to Zhuzhu.
Now that Zhuzhu has been found, Old Grand Lady’s belongings should be sorted out as well.
Those words startled everyone except Gu Changqing and the Lady of the Gu Family.
Though Old Madam Gu had mentioned this in her last words, years had passed without finding the person, and only Old Lady Gu held on to hope, while the others assumed the person would never be found.
The personal belongings Old Madam Gu left behind, apart from a few heavy pieces of furniture and gold, silver, jewelry, and ornaments kept in the treasury untouched, had been distributed by the Lady of the Gu Family to everyone over the years.
The profits from the shops and a few estates outside had also gone to the household over the years.
Old Madam Gu’s personal possessions included a silver building and a curio shop, both highly profitable. The silver building produced exquisite and beautiful jewelry, and each year, the most fashionable pieces were first offered to the Gu family’s ladies.
The curio shop operated similarly. If a Gu family member liked something, a simple instruction could bring it to their home.
And let’s not forget, Old Madam Gu’s few estates produced various things, most famously, one estate with several small hills growing excellent fruit trees.
Every year’s peaches, watermelons, cherries, and pears were top-notch, and were popular gifts among relatives.
The men were fine with this, having heard of it before. Now that their aunt was back, it seemed only right that these things returned to their original owner, and they didn’t think much of it.
The women had other concerns. These matters were previously considered part of the Gu family, benefiting everyone. If given to the newly returned aunt, no matter how close, it wasn’t their own, making enjoyment inconvenient. Who would be pleased?
Moreover, Old Madam Gu’s personal fortune was indeed substantial.
Though not the first wife, Old Madam Gu managed the household for decades, accumulating many valuable items. The estates and shops alone generated considerable annual income.
Such a windfall given to Old Granny Zhang—who wouldn’t be jealous?
These days, apart from Old Lady Gu and the Lady of the Gu Family, who remained unchanged, the servants treated Old Granny Zhang with more respect, recognizing her imminent wealth, knowing that even a small amount from her could sustain a family.
Lady An fared better, having a rich dowry and looking forward. Knowing the Gu family would eventually belong to Big Brother Gu, and her own husband’s success, meant a comfortable life even if separated.
Moreover, after years of managing the household with the Lady of the Gu Family, she understood her mother-in-law’s capabilities and intentions. If her mother-in-law intended to give, no one could stop her. If not, no one could take it. Any speculation was pointless since above her were her elder sister-in-law and brother, failing which there was the second branch; it would never reach her.
Thus, she remained particularly well-behaved.
Lady Lou wasn’t foolish either, having a mother-in-law above her. If a fuss arose, it wasn’t her place to step in. So, she had written to her in-laws, waiting for their instructions.
Besides, her pregnancy was delicate, and her focus was entirely on her unborn child, leaving no room for other concerns.
Only Gu Zitang, the second daughter of the second branch, whose parents had left her in the Capital City, seemed to harbor hostility towards Old Granny Zhang and Wang Yongzhu since their acknowledgment.
Everyone considered her immature and thus ignored her provocations.
She knew her limits, usually only making a few snide remarks. Being raised in a scholarly environment, even her criticisms were veiled in sophisticated language.
Old Granny Zhang couldn’t comprehend, only feeling her niece spoke too grandiloquently and wasn’t compatible with her temperament, maintaining a respectful distance.
The Lady of the Gu Family apologized privately, explaining the child wasn’t inherently bad but possibly instigated by outside influences. She mentioned writing to her second daughter-in-law to educate Gu Zitang better and advised Old Granny Zhang not to mind a child.
That’s when Old Granny Zhang realized, all along, her niece held a grudge against her? She kept an even greater distance.
Today’s events made Old Granny Zhang increasingly uneasy.
In all honesty, she never expected this much wealth from simply reuniting.
Wang Yongzhu understood that although Old Granny Zhang had a sharp tongue, her mind was clear. She wasn’t greedy.
"Mother, what do you think?"
Old Granny Zhang took Wang Yongzhu’s hand, "Zhuzhu, while I do like silver, I still have my principles. Let’s be honest. When I heard about this reunion and the possibility of getting Old Grand Lady’s personal belongings, I was indeed thrilled. Isn’t it wonderful to gain such wealth without stealing or robbing? Why shouldn’t I, right?"