novelraw Chapter 1271: 1270: Arrangements for Jinhoo
Chapter 1271: 1270: Arrangements for Jinhoo
Chapter 1271: Chapter 1270: Arrangements for Jinhoo
Why is there an outsider here?
Gu Changqing knew that today his sister’s grandson was coming, but considering his age, he was just a teenager. Yet the person sitting here was a grown man.
However, he quickly spotted Jinhu in the middle of the room, gesticulating enthusiastically.
Despite the confusion in his heart, his deep-seated composure prevailed. He merely glanced at Yang Zongbao once before withdrawing his gaze and stepped forward to greet Old Lady Gu.
The people behind him hurriedly joined in, following closely to greet her.
Once greetings were exchanged, Song Chongjin bowed to Yang Zongbao: “Uncle, you’ve come too?”
Upon hearing this, Gu Changqing’s eyes flickered, realizing who this person was.
After his sister returned to the Gu Family, she had recounted her past experiences, mentioning that someone had saved her life, and later, by coincidence, Yongzhu had saved that person. Sympathizing with his tragic background, she had accepted him as a symbolic sibling.
Yang Zongbao accompanied them to the Capital City this time to assist her niece’s husband with external affairs. Presumably, this person was indeed Yang Zongbao.
Yang Zongbao had already stood aside when Gu Changqing and the others entered the room.
Once all the formalities were done, Old Lady Gu smiled, saying, “This is Niuniu’s symbolic younger brother. I see him as an earnest and kind child and even considered adopting him.”
She then introduced Yang Zongbao: “This is my eldest son, and those are my grandsons.”
Yang Zongbao tactfully paid his respects without saying much.
Except for Gu Zikai, the other Gu brothers took a few more glances at Yang Zongbao.
Gu Zikai took the initiative to nod and greet Yang Zongbao.
Soon, hosts and guests were seated, and Jinhu proceeded with the customary bow to Gu Changqing.
Jinhu felt comfortable with the two Madams of the Gu Family, but upon seeing Gu Changqing, despite his gentleness and friendliness, he felt a sudden apprehension.
He didn’t dare to speak, only bowing fervently.
Gu Changqing signaled for Jinhu to rise, then inquired if he could read or write?
Jinhu stumbled over his words: “I only know a few characters and can, can do accounting…”
Gu Changqing frowned at Jinhu’s frightened demeanor but softened his tone, saying: “Since you know some words and are still young, there’s still time. Since you’re already in the Capital City, just stay here. In a few days, I’ll arrange for you to attend the family school for a few years of training. Regardless, it’s good to aim for becoming a Scholar.”
“Business is ultimately not a proper path; it cannot last long. Pursuing the imperial exams is better! After all, the Wang Family needs someone to uphold its reputation!” This was his sincere concern for Old Granny Zhang and the Wang Family.
Though he knew that Old Granny Zhang’s true reliance was Wang Yongzhu and their Gu Family.
In the eyes of the world, the Wang Family was truly Old Granny Zhang’s foundation.
If his sister wanted to obtain a Grant in the future, she would have to rely on the Wang Family. Otherwise, no matter how prosperous, she’d just be a regular wealthy old lady and wouldn’t fare well outside.
If the Wang Family members showed some drive and achieved some academic honors, his sister would feel more assured.
Gu Changqing also heard that among the Wang Family’s four sons, only the second son had some talent and managed to become a Scholar. But alas, his character was flawed, severing ties with the Wang Family altogether.
Among the remaining three sons, relying on the business earned by their niece for sustenance, they managed to live comfortably.
Not to mention, they were already getting older, really couldn’t be relied upon anymore.
The only hope left was to pick from the third generation with some effort.
Outside, based on Jinhu’s aptitude, Gu Changqing wouldn’t have given him a second glance. But now, for his sister’s sake, he couldn’t help but grit his teeth and make arrangements.
This kind of arrangement for scholars was simply a rebirth grace.
But upon hearing this, Jinhu’s face turned ashen with fear, hastily shaking his head and waving his hands: “I, I can’t do it! I don’t like studying, knowing a few characters is good enough. I enjoy doing business, being with trade caravans outside—”
Seeing Gu Changqing’s eyes darken, Jinhu shuddered, his mind clearer than ever: “Grand-uncle, among our generation, five of us siblings exist, and my eldest brother and I lack talent for studying. We’re too old; even if I continued studying, it wouldn’t amount to much!”
“But Third Uncle’s Jinpan and Jinshao are still young. Starting from primary school, they’re definitely better than us! If worse comes to worst, if worse comes to worst, Fourth Uncle would surely have more siblings in the future—”
Pushing hard to sell the idea, as long as it wasn’t him, any of his brothers would do!
The room was frighteningly silent, Gu Zikai covered his face speechlessly. This nephew, his courage truly amazed him!
No one else dared speak, knowing that Gu Changqing, the man was most compassionate towards talent and appreciated those who strive. Someone like Jinhu, who is content with the status quo, resigned to being a merchant without aiming for imperial exams, surely violates Gu Changqing’s taboo.
Unexpectedly, Wang Yongzhu chuckled aloud: “Don’t make it hard for Jinhu, grand-uncle. This child indeed has some talent for business. His interests truly don’t lie in studying.”
“Though our family’s situation might not be wealthy, our parents ensured each child learned literacy. Only in our generation, besides Wang Yongan, the other three brothers lacked academic talent.”
“Among the younger generation, I also paid attention, and Jinpan and Jinhu are both already too old without academic talent. Indeed, as he mentioned, Third Brother’s two children seem somewhat promising. Jinshao is still young, while Jinpan is already sent to a private school. If they’re truly suited for academics, the family would ensure their education.”
“As for Jinhu and the others, people have different aspirations and talents, and can’t be forced. The path of business isn’t bad; as long as one relies on oneself, supporting family without dependency, it’s enough.”
After hearing Wang Yongzhu’s words, Gu Changqing relaxed his expression, acknowledging Jinhu’s talent, probably struggling to become a Scholar. His intention to help the Wang Family was evident.
Since the Wang Family had plans, he could support them when needed, rather than force each other.
Thus, he shook his head: “Fine, fine!”
Jinhu finally exhaled in relief, wishing to leave the Gu Family immediately, realizing the heavy meeting gift surely hid something less than pleasant—forcing him to study was a life sentence! Thankfully, his aunt stepped in, saving him from disaster!
Old Lady Gu, seeing the matter settled, checked the time and said: “Alright, this child is still young and visiting for the first time, let’s not scare him! It’s getting late, you should take them to the front. We ladies will chat here.”
Gu Changqing and the others stood up, bid farewell to Old Lady Gu, and led Yang Zongbao and Jinhu to the front yard.
Yang Zongbao had no choice but to follow. At the front, Gu Changqing instructed Gu Zikai and the others to accompany Song Chongjin and Jinhu.
He invited Yang Zongbao to the study, ordered tea to be served, and they sat as guests and hosts.
After asking a few questions, Yang Zongbao responded without humility or arrogance.
Gu Changqing had long known about Yang Zongbao’s identity, having investigated once after Old Granny Zhang’s recount.
Before this, concerning Yang Zongbao’s half-wandering status, he would merely meet, give thanks formally, and leave it at that.
If needed in the future, he would offer a friendly gesture if possible, without intending further engagement.
Yet somehow, upon seeing Yang Zongbao, he felt a familiarity, even though the half-wandering status didn’t cause aversion.
Despite knowing from records about Yang Zongbao’s tragic life, seeing him in person, Gu Changqing couldn’t help but sympathize.
His tone became even warmer in conversation.