novelraw Chapter 1269: 1268: Would You Like to Be My Adopted Son?
Chapter 1269: 1268: Would You Like to Be My Adopted Son?
Chapter 1269: Chapter 1268: Would You Like to Be My Adopted Son?
To ease Jinhoo’s nerves, Wang Yongzhu asked about any fun or interesting things Jinhoo encountered on his journey.
Upon mentioning this, Jinhoo immediately forgot everything else and began to enthusiastically recount his stories.
He animatedly described the various strange events throughout his journey, even captivating Wang Yongzhu.
Until Song Chongjin returned home from work, the whole family gathered around Jinhoo, listening intently to his tales.
After greeting Song Chongjin and exchanging a few pleasantries, Jinhoo sat down for a meal. It was arranged for him to stay at the residence, and any needs he had were to be addressed with Yang Zongbao.
Jinhoo had always been somewhat wary of Song Chongjin, and now, seeing him in his official robe, emanating an aura of authority without anger, he nodded in agreement even more earnestly than when he listened to Old Granny Zhang.
The plan to visit the Gu Family the next day was settled after dinner, and Old Granny Zhang was escorted home. Only then did Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu return to the Duke’s Mansion.
In recent days, the aura surrounding Song Chongjin seemed more peaceful, not as unapproachable as before.
Seeing that Wang Yongzhu appeared to have something on his mind, after they washed up, switched off the lights, and lay down to rest, Song Chongjin asked, “Is there something you wish to discuss? Is it about Jinhoo or related to Mother?”
Wang Yongzhu smiled, as she understood Song Chongjin very well, and Song Chongjin also had a good grasp of her nature.
While others might not notice any changes, with just one glance, these two could guess quite a bit.
Without holding back, Wang Yongzhu began by sharing the events at the Gu Residence yesterday, adding, “I used to think the Gu Family was peaceful, and Mother was better off there than at the Song Family. Now it seems even the Gu Family isn’t entirely tranquil. They say wealth stirs the heart; when Mother was acknowledged there, the Third Branch initially caused trouble because they were resented and suppressed.”
“But those remaining likely have their grievances. Suddenly having someone emerge to share in what should have been theirs, who would be content in their hearts? After all, it’s the Gu Family, and should displeasure arise, secretly targeting Mother would be a risk she couldn’t defend against.”
“Thus, leaving behind Old Madam Gu’s personal possessions is sensible for Mother, sacrificing wealth for peace and quiet.”
Song Chongjin pondered for a moment and then said, “Once the situation is settled and Mother doesn’t accept Old Madam Gu’s personal possessions, naturally, the Gu Family members won’t say anything. Despite any opinions, I believe Uncle and Aunt, along with Grandmother, are reasonable people and will surely hold back.”
“However, I feel that Mother isn’t as happy in the Gu Family as we thought she would be.”
Wang Yongzhu nodded in agreement, “Previously, I didn’t realize it until today when I saw Jinhoo. I then noticed that although Mother is with family at the Gu Residence, with blood relations, the Gu Family’s customs, speech, and conduct might not be to her liking.”
“Looking back, it seems we overlooked something. Initially, we worried our issues might implicate Mother, fearing someone might harm her. Despite apparent safety in the Gu Family and the ability to fulfill filial piety near Grandmother, Mother’s long life spent freely in the countryside now feels constrained in such a traditionally steeped family, with excessive rules, where she must suppress her nature, living unhappily!”
“Hence I thought whether, if it comes to going abroad, we should bring Mother along, but with her advanced age, I’m afraid her health might not withstand the distance.”
Song Chongjin responded, “No matter how much we think, we cannot decide for Mother. You know her temperament well, don’t you? You’re her everything, and now she’s only temporarily staying at the Gu Family. You frequently visit her, coupled with the need to fulfill familial duties—I believe she can bear it.”
“But if she knew we were going abroad and didn’t take her along, Mother might very well come charging here!”
Wang Yongzhu couldn’t help but laugh; this indeed was characteristic of Old Granny Zhang.
The couple exchanged a few jokes before retiring for the night.
The next day, Yang Zongbao escorted Jinhoo to the gate of the Duke Weiguo Residence. Shortly after, Wang Yongzhu emerged, and the group gathered to head toward the Gu Family.
Yesterday, upon her return, Old Granny Zhang had mentioned seeing Jinhoo and informed them of his visit the following day.
Gu Changqing headed to court, leaving instructions for Jinhoo to stay and have a meal, meeting him upon his return.
The Gu Family was thoroughly familiar with Wang Yongzhu’s carriage, saying nothing, simply allowing the carriage to enter through the side gate to the second entrance.
The maids beside Lady of the Gu Family were already waiting, and upon seeing Wang Yongzhu and Jinhoo, they quickly approached to greet them.
Yang Zongbao, after delivering the people, intended to leave, but Wang Yongzhu stopped him, saying: “Today, Uncle should also meet Grandmother; Mother has already mentioned you to her. If not for Uncle saving Mother, I might not exist! Grandmother long wished to thank Uncle, but Uncle has always been away, and now you’re here at the Gu Family; it’s out of the question to let Uncle leave.”
Saying this, Wang Yongzhu grasped Yang Zongbao’s sleeve, refusing to let go.
How could Yang Zongbao resist? He was always indulgent toward Wang Yongzhu, so he consented.
However, as he was an outside man visiting the Old Grand Lady, the younger female members had to avoid his presence.
Upon hearing Wang Yongzhu’s words, someone promptly informed the inside.
As they walked along, indeed, they saw only young servants and several maids, while younger waiting maids all avoided them.
Although Jinhoo had gained some worldly experience, he had never witnessed such official family’s dignified air. Entering the Gu Residence, he struggled to maintain his composure, but his trembling sleeves betrayed him.
He dared not breathe loudly, keeping his gaze fixed on the ground and avoiding glancing around.
Yang Zongbao fared better, having previously experienced even greater luxury during his wanderings in prestigious households’ back gardens, thus maintaining his steadiness.
Being an experienced veteran, Yang Zongbao knew every gesture was under scrutiny. Any mistake might bring shame to Old Granny Zhang and Wang Yongzhu, prompting him to be particularly cautious, neither glancing around nor speaking unnecessarily.
Wang Yongzhu understood their concern, so she chatted about her initial experience entering the mansion with Old Granny Zhang, easing their tension.
Upon reaching the estate of the Old Lady Gu, someone promptly informed them of their arrival.
As they ascended the steps, a maid drew aside the curtain.
Inside, naturally, the Old Lady Gu sat at the head, with Lady of the Gu Family and Old Granny Zhang seated on either side.
Inside, Old Granny Zhang rose first to greet them, nodding at Yang Zongbao before turning to say, “Mother, this is the brother from the Yang Family who once saved my life, and later we became sworn kin.”
“He faced family turmoil early in life, leaving him alone, but he’s efficient and dearly cares for our Yongzhu. This time, coming to the Capital City, he was concerned for us and accompanied us here to aid Chongjin and Yongzhu in handling external affairs. Our family affairs rely heavily on him.”
Then she continued, “Brother Zongbao, this is my mother, and this is my sister-in-law.”
The maid already prepared a cushion, so Yang Zongbao stepped forward to kowtow to the Old Lady Gu, saying, “Little Ren Yang Zongbao pays respect to the Old Madam, Madam!”
The Old Lady Gu had heard of how Yang Zongbao saved her Niuniu’s life and held him in high regard.
Upon seeing him, she felt a great fondness, finding him amiable, well-featured, and clear-eyed, embodying reliability.
Instantly warming up to him, she hurriedly said, “Please rise! You’re a great benefactor to my family for saving Niuniu! Since Niuniu considers you a younger brother, if you don’t mind, I’d be honored to accept you as my godson!”