CHAPTER 1287: CHAPTER 1286: THE ELDEST BROTHER IS LIKE A FATHER

It was still Wang Yongzhu who, upon seeing Old Lady Gu’s extreme joy and sorrow, noticed that the corners of her mouth were turning blue. Realizing something was wrong, he stepped forward and quickly helped her lie flat, then took out a Heart-Nourishing Pill from his pocket and fed it to her.

While helping her regulate her breath, he also pressed on her acupoints, busying himself until her complexion returned to normal.

By the time the others reacted, Old Lady Gu had already recovered.

The whole family breathed a sigh of relief and dared not speak loudly, communicating only with their eyes looking at Wang Yongzhu.

The pill had a calming and sleep-inducing effect, and coupled with Wang Yongzhu’s massage, Old Lady Gu slowly fell asleep.

Only then did Wang Yongzhu turn around and gesture to everyone to go outside.

Old Granny Zhang, still uneasy, stayed behind to look after Old Lady Gu.

The others moved to the adjacent wing room to discuss the upcoming matters.

Yang Zongbao listened to Gu Changqing’s arrangements about recognizing ancestors, removing Gu Changyin from the family tree, and that everything of the third branch would belong to him. They even talked about arranging a job for him and finding a marriage through the Lady of the Gu Family...

Suddenly, his scalp went numb.

He feared that if Gu Changqing kept arranging things, he’d soon be getting married, and after that, having kids, and even the kids’ upbringing would be fully planned.

"Gu, uh... big brother, I acknowledge the kinship, but can we keep the ancestor thing low-key—can’t it just remain known within our family? There’s no need to make a huge announcement—" Yang Zongbao, considering himself also a hero, instantly caved under Gu Changqing’s calm dark eyes.

He silently recited three times: Big brother is like a father! Big brother is like a father! Big brother is like a father!

"Moreover, with Yongzhu and Chongjin returning home and heading to Chicheng City, I’m not at ease. I have to go with them. How about this: let’s wait until we return before formally acknowledging it?" Yang Zongbao cautiously suggested.

Gu Changqing resolutely declined: "No way!"

"Why—why can’t we?" Yang Zongbao barely raised his voice before lowering it again.

"Chongjin and Yongzhu have the personal soldiers of the Duke Weiguo Residence escorting them, ensuring their safety. Besides, recognizing your descent into the Gu family is urgent!"

Seeing Yang Zongbao still unconvinced, Gu Changqing softened his tone: "Putting aside other matters, think of mother. She has only seen you for the first time in over forty years since giving birth to you. How can she bear your leaving now?"

"You saw it earlier; mother’s age and health are declining day by day. Your younger sister leaving is already enough to sadden her. If you leave too, how would mother cope? The doctor has already advised her to avoid extreme joy or sorrow, as it’s harmful to her health and longevity."

"Do you truly feel no concern for mother? Would you really let her cry day and night?"

What else could Yang Zongbao say? Yet, he was still uneasy about Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin, so after some thought, he said: "Big brother, you’re right, but I’m still worried about Yongzhu!"

"I know, you’d say Yongzhu and Chongjin are protected by the Duke Weiguo’s side, but you don’t know what kind of person the Duke is. How could he have even a bit of a fatherly heart towards Chongjin and Yongzhu?"

"For me, Yongzhu and Chongjin are my children. Yongzhu saved my life; my voice was restored thanks to Yongzhu asking Old Doctor Du to treat it. In my heart, Yongzhu is more important than my life! Big brother, do you understand?"

Gu Changqing looked at Yang Zongbao for half a day before sighing and saying: "I understand! Rest assured, Yongzhu is my niece, Chongjin is my niece’s husband, how could I harm them?"

Yang Zongbao stubbornly said: "That is not enough! I want Yongzhu and Chongjin to go safely and return safely! Otherwise, after we acknowledge the kinship and mother feels better, I will go to Chicheng City later just the same!"

Gu Changqing only felt a headache.

He considered that he had three sons, yet none exasperated him as much as this one brother.

Listening to this, if it were his own sons, he would’ve surely given them a good thrashing.

Even on the court, Gu Changqing had never been pushed to this point before. Helplessly, he said: "I promise you, they will certainly go and return safely! Not to mention, my younger sister is also going along. Plus, Yongzhu is there; for their sake, I must ensure their safety. I can’t possibly let my niece become a widow, can I?"

After speaking, he glanced at Song Chongjin, who had been unluckily caught in the situation, with a side-eye.

Song Chongjin...

"Pfft—"

Gu Zikai, who was standing by, couldn’t help but stifle a laugh, surprised that even his father had such a day. This was a story he could laugh about for a year.

With Yang Zongbao’s round of "threats," Gu Changqing had no choice but to take Song Chongjin and several of his sons and nephews into the study room. In front of Yang Zongbao, he gave them another "guidance" session, recovering all the grievances he’d suffered from Yang Zongbao.

Outside, Wang Yongzhu was requesting the Lady of the Gu Family to take over the management of the shops and farms from Old Granny Zhang’s dowry, as well as the farms and shops included in her wedding gifts.

The Lady of the Gu Family readily agreed, as she had been managing them all along anyway.

Having concluded business, the Lady of the Gu Family looked around at Wang Yongzhu, leaving her perplexed: "Aunt, is there something wrong with me?"

The Lady of the Gu Family smiled and said: "I was just thinking, Yongzhu is really a lucky star for our Gu family! If it weren’t for you, your mother might never have reconciled with us. If you hadn’t saved the third brother’s life, we would still consider that family as kin. If our Gu family’s ancestors had spirits, they should thank you indeed!"

Wang Yongzhu was feeling embarrassed by her words: "Well, perhaps it’s destiny, a bond of blood. It shows that even Heaven couldn’t bear to see Grandmother, my mother, and uncle separated for a lifetime, which is why it allowed us to reunite. There’s no need to thank me!"

Thinking of it, if the Gu family’s ancestors truly had spirits and appeared in her dreams at night to thank her, Wang Yongzhu shivered, deciding she’d rather not.

Meanwhile, when Gu Changqing finally released Song Chongjin and the Gu siblings, they all appeared dazed, as if they had lost all their zest for life.

Especially Gu Zikai, who suffered only a little less attention from his father in the study due to failing to suppress a laugh; it was sheer luck he came out alive.

Wang Yongzhu and the Lady of the Gu Family stifled their laughter and, seeing it wasn’t early, instructed everyone to have lunch.

After having lunch, Old Lady Gu awoke slowly. After a doctor took her pulse and confirmed she was fine, everyone finally relaxed.

Old Granny Zhang’s luggage had already been packed. She was about to take her leave, but Old Lady Gu earnestly asked her to stay a few more days for a family reunion.

They could only allow Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin to take back their luggage first, while Old Granny Zhang stayed a few more days, leaving the capital together afterward.

The days of parting flew by quickly.

Their luggage had long been loaded onto the carriage, and Song Wu had arranged for people to escort them first to the Zhili Jetty.

This time they were still traveling by boat, on an official ship that Song Wu had already handled properly.

The rare chance for the whole family to have breakfast together made the meal tasteless; even the usually composed Song Chongjun wore a melancholy look appropriate to the occasion.

Song Hong and Lady Gao personally escorted them to the door; the second and third branches, along with the younger generation, naturally followed behind them, creating an impressive scene.

At the doorstep, it was time to bid farewell. Song Hong pulled Song Chongjin aside, seemingly with more to say.

Lady Yu from the second branch and Lady Chiang from the third branch exchanged some pleasantries and then stepped aside.

Lady Gao personally escorted them to the carriage and whispered: "Rest assured, with me here, the residence cannot stir up any waves!"

She then stepped back with a smile: "Be careful on your journey. If anything happens, write back, and if you lack anything, just send word back—"

Though Wang Yongzhu did not understand why Lady Gao made such assurances, under the watchful eyes at that moment, it wasn’t the time for questions. She could only keep her doubts to herself and responded with a few courteous words, smiling.