CHAPTER 761: CHAPTER 761: GU YA’S SECRET

Qian Chengcai said, "Mother need not worry, since Mrs. Zhou is infertile, I will make arrangements with Pipa and the others tonight."

Pipa and the other maids are all broad-hipped, which makes them appear to be prolific bearers.

Qian Chengcai, like a brute, boasted until he felt ablaze with excitement, leaving Qian Guangzong and Gu Dagu behind to seek out those four maids.

...

Lord Lai brought many people with him, including his own family, the Old Gu Family, Steward Yue and his staff along with their families, and dozens of servants and Protectors, being busy until midnight before they could settle down.

The Old Gu Family was arranged to stay in several guesthouses to the right of the Vice Magistrate.

These guesthouses, previously used by the former Vice Magistrate to accommodate guests, were quite decent.

However, Little Sister Gu still complained, "These houses are not as good as the ones we stayed in at the Capital. After the new year, I must have Housekeeper Lai arrange for some repairs; otherwise, I refuse to stay."

Gu Ya heard this and sneered inwardly, her little aunt was really pampered, still playing the virtuous maiden even at her age?

Disgusted by Little Sister Gu’s vulgarity, Gu Rong spoke to Gu Ya, "I’ll take up my things and head back to the room."

With a tissue in hand, Gu Ya walked elegantly into the left wing room, and immediately ordered Gu Rong, "Layout the bedding and fetch me some hot water from the kitchen. I want to wash my face before having dinner."

Having said that, her body relaxed as she leaned against the soft couch.

"Alright, I will do it," Gu Rong obediently responded, acting like a slave while performing the tasks assigned by Gu Ya.

But Gu Ya was dissatisfied with her actions, complaining that shaking the blanket was too vigorous and created a draught, making her cold: "What’s wrong with you? Can’t you even handle such a small task? I’m freezing. Go ask Steward Huang for some charcoal blocks to light a fire."

Gu Rong quickly apologized, "Cousin, it’s my fault, don’t be angry, I’ll go get the charcoal blocks to start the fire."

Hearing this, Gu Ya calmed down slightly and nodded, "Yes, go ahead, but remember to ask for silver frost charcoal, not those stifling black ones."

Then, fearing that others might criticize her for being improper, she added, "Just say it’s for our grandmother. She caught a cold and needs the silver frost charcoal to sleep peacefully."

"Alright." Gu Rong mechanically complied with whatever Gu Ya said. She smiled as she exited the room, but as soon as she left the courtyard, her expression darkened.

Pah, what an insufferable lot, silver frost charcoal indeed, do you think you really are some precious lady, Miss Gu Ya?

And dreaming of marrying into an official family to become a Young Madam, you think just because you know how to read?

Almost the entire town has been in your bed, yet you still dream of playing the innocent maiden to deceive others!

The more Gu Rong thought, the angrier she became; she just could not comprehend why Granny would favor such a rotten figure like Gu Ya, just because she could read?

But now, she could read too.

After much contemplation, Gu Rong surmised that Granny’s favoritism towards Gu Ya was because of her brothers.

Gu Youwen had become an official, and Gu Chengxian was about to enter the exams...

Ha!

Gu Rong sneered. This must be them taking advantage of her elder brother’s death and her second brother’s disability obtained while fleeing famine, thinking she had no support left and so they could bully her to no end.

But...

Gu Rong silently declared to herself: Even without my brothers to back me, I, Gu Rong, can crush you, Gu Ya, with my own capabilities! Don’t forget, it was your lies that almost had Gu Jinxiu captured by Fatty Ding.

Gu Rong hid the hatred in her eyes, acting like an obedient little sheep, preparing charcoal and hot water for Gu Ya, serving her comfortably before finally taking a moment for herself.

As it was too late, after the restaurant delivered the food, the Old Gu Family merely rushed through their New Year’s Eve dinner and then went to bed.

The next day was the first day of the New Year. The Old Gu Family got up early, dressed afresh, ready to be led by Gu Youwen to pay a New Year’s visit to Lord Lai.

However, Gu Youfu and his family were kept back by Granny Gu: "Although we’re staying in the Vice Magistrate’s quarters, these courts are still our home. It’s not good to leave them so empty during the New Year. Youfu, you take Ms. Zhang and the two children to decorate the courts with red paper and hang red cloths to make it festive."

In her heart, Gu Rong sneered coldly. Ha, not allowing their family to visit Lord Lai again, her granny’s heart is indeed unfairly biased.

Upon hearing this, Gu Youfu also looked displeased. He worked so hard and obediently, hoping to get permission to visit Lord Lai during festivals and secure a future for his children.

Yet his mother wouldn’t even give him that chance. Unable to hold back, Gu Youfu asked Elder Gu, "Father, what do you think?"

Before Elder Gu could speak, Granny Gu said, "Youwen has now become an official, and Cheng Xian is also preparing for the exam. You will soon be in charge of household affairs. I kept your family here to work for your own good, to avoid future chaos when you manage the family affairs."

Granny Gu’s words sounded nice, but who would believe them?

Ms. Zhang secretly pinched Gu Chengli.

Although Gu Chengli was lame, he resembled Elder Gu the most among his cousins. Starting a fuss, Elder Gu would never bear to punish him.

Gu Chengli immediately challenged loudly, "Granny, why are you so biased? Except for the first year, you haven’t allowed our family to visit Lord Lai for the past two years. What are you planning?"

He also turned to Elder Gu, "Grandfather, we had to walk while everyone else rode mule carts. Granny is treating us so harshly, won’t you say something?"

Granny Gu was so angry she burst into tears, pointing at Gu Youfu: "Oh, my life is so miserable! I gave you my heart and soul, raised you with so much hardship. Now that you have sons and daughters and life is going well for you, you let your grandson insult this old woman, wuwuwu..."

When it came to claiming injustice, Granny Gu had never feared anyone. She challenged Gu Youfu: "Youfu, ask yourself, has your mother ever treated you poorly? I shared the best things with you whenever I had them. If there’s abuse, it’s only ever been toward Gu Dashan’s family, but that’s because he was the wolf cub who wanted to harm his stepmother."

"You are my own son; how could I possibly abuse you? Are you forcing these words out of Chengli’s mouth to drive me to death?" Granny Gu was beating her chest in despair, her sobs suppressing Gu Chengli’s momentum instantly.

Gu Chengli, only fifteen this year and facing his biological granny, even if he dared to pose those initial questions, was now completely subdued by Granny Gu’s fierce outburst, helplessly looking towards Elder Gu: "Grandfather."

Elder Gu was also uncomfortable, his wife was becoming more and more excessive towards Youfu’s family, he simply stated, "Either everyone goes, or no one goes."

Gu Rong smiled silently. Did Granny think her father was Gu Dashan? Grandfather did not protect the Gu Dashan family because Granny hinted that Dashan might not be his biological son, creating a doubt in his heart and thus he coldly watched Granny mistreat the Gu Dashan family.

But her father is undoubtedly Grandfather’s own son. Granny’s old tricks won’t work anymore.