bayedsolid Chapter 418 The Rongguo Duke's Family Banquet 2
Chapter 418 The Rongguo Duke's Family Banquet 2
The warm sunlight streamed through the carved window lattices, casting dappled shadows on the blue brick floor.
Just as Cang Nanxi settled comfortably into the carved mahogany chair, a commotion erupted outside the door.
Not long after, his brother-in-law and his wife hurriedly entered the mansion, followed by their two sons, who were tall and distinguished.
At the same time, Gu Yunxi's husband, along with their two sons, followed closely behind into the Rongguo Duke's Mansion.
Gu Mingxiu, along with his younger brother, happily pulled Chu Junfan and his brother to help out in the garden.
Gu Yunxiao smiled like a spring breeze, raised his hand and gently patted Gu Chenglin's shoulder, the warmth of his palm carrying a hint of intimacy.
Immediately afterwards, he led Gu Chenglin to the front of the group, slightly turned his body to the side, and raised his hand to introduce him to the distinguished Duke of Fuguo: "Chenglin, come here."
You've probably met this person before; he's an important elder in our Rongguo Duke's Mansion. By seniority, you should call him "Great-Uncle."
Gu Chenglin stepped forward with a solemn expression and respectfully performed a junior's salute, his voice clear and melodious: "Uncle-in-law."
The Duke of Fuguo's eyes were full of satisfaction. He nodded repeatedly, his smile deepening: "Good, look at this child, he is both polite and spirited."
From now on, you can call him uncle or maternal uncle as you please.
I saw you once when you were planting rice seedlings in the experimental field at Huangzhuang."
Gu Chenglin froze, remembering that he had been wearing a human skin mask at the time.
How did your uncle find out?
Gu Yunxiao seemed to have seen through his younger brother's thoughts, leaned closer, and whispered, "The imperial court."
After being reminded by his elder brother, Gu Chenglin suddenly remembered that he had indeed seen him in the Imperial Study when he went to the palace with his elder brother.
Cang Nanxi, standing to the side, smiled and teased, "It doesn't matter what you call them, these two children won't be staying in the capital often in the future."
"Don't try to pull these little tricks on me."
Don't think he doesn't know; his brother-in-law wants his daughter to take over the family business.
However, my father-in-law used to dislike businessmen.
Their Dongfang family is a long-established scholarly family in the capital.
Back then, my father-in-law echoed the mission of these scholars: "To establish a heart for heaven and earth, and to establish a destiny for the people."
Furthermore, with his vast knowledge and learning, he assisted his father and brought benefits to the people.
It's just a pity that he disappointed his father later on.
Even so, he looked down on businessmen to the core. In his eyes, businessmen were nothing more than people who schemed and profited in the marketplace.
After hearing his brother-in-law's words, the Duke of Fuguo knew that the matter would not succeed today, but he did not give up.
Several of the younger members of my own family all follow the Dragon Guard under His Majesty's command.
He also learned from His Majesty that the "strategist" behind Lingyun Pavilion in the Empress's hands was none other than Cang Nanxi's youngest daughter, Dongfang Jin.
Moreover, everything that has happened in the capital over the past year has been because of that girl.
Gathering her thoughts, she feigned reproach and glanced at Cang Nanxi: "I know you dote on your daughter, treating her like she's the most precious thing in the world."
We won't compete with you, after all, she has the surname..."
"Alright, no matter what her surname is, she is my daughter, Cang Nanxi's biological daughter," Cang Nanxi was extremely aggrieved, but he couldn't disobey Master Jingkong's words.
He said that his daughter's surname in her previous life was "Dongfang," and that if she changed her surname, it might bring bad luck to his nephew.
He can't gamble on this, nor can he afford to.
"Dongfang" is also his wife's surname. His daughter also said that in some places, children can take their mother's surname.
He also knew this, for example, some small tribes in the Southern Qiang Kingdom still preserve their traditions.
Those ancient small tribes were ruled by women, and the children born to them all took their mothers' surnames.
"Yes, yes, Xiao Jin is your daughter. Alright, this is the Rongguo Duke's Mansion."
In fact, he had heard his father say earlier that His Majesty, out of concern for the safety of Gu Chenglin and his wife, would not allow them to stay in the capital for long.
Ultimately, it was about protecting Cang Nanxi's youngest daughter.
Thinking of this, the image of Cang Nanxi's mischievous little daughter came to mind.
After all, she still bears the surname Dongfang, not Cang, and that alone gives the Dongfang family the upper hand.
Moreover, His Majesty and Master Jingkong have said that it's good that the girl's surname is Dongfang.
This way, the Cang family can develop peacefully, and no one will want to go there.
If Cang Nanxi publicly acknowledges his daughter, wouldn't that expose the child to the public?
Gu Yunxiao shook his head helplessly as he watched the two people in front of him locked in a fierce and confrontational standoff.
A smile appeared on his face, and he pointed lightly to Gu Chenglin beside him, saying, "Little brother, do you see that lady who is having a lively conversation with your mother-in-law?"
She is our eldest aunt, and also our younger brother and sister-in-law's maternal aunt.
Gu Chenglin nodded calmly.
He had already learned about the intricate relationships between various factions in the capital from his maternal uncle.
He did a quick mental calculation and was surprised to find that he and his wife were actually cousins.
At this moment, Dongfang Qingyun approached with a warm smile and light steps, casually extending her hand to Gu Chenglin.
His smile was practically overflowing: "Cousin! I'm your older cousin, Dongfang Qingyun. If you need anything in the capital, just come to me!"
Gu Chenglin remained calm, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, and said, "Big Cousin."
In fact, Gu Chenglin had already met these relatives yesterday at his brother-in-law's wedding.
He later heard that his two cousins usually hung out with Long Er.
Long Er now holds management rights over several kilns in the suburbs of Beijing, a highly coveted position.
The day before yesterday, I heard Guo Yuming complaining to him that the craftsmen that Long Er borrowed from several of their families have not been returned to this day.
Just as I was thinking about this, a hearty laugh rang out, and Dongfang Lingyun strode in.
He raised his hand and patted Gu Chenglin's shoulder hard, a warm smile on his face: "Cousin! I am your third cousin, Dongfang Lingyun."
Gu Chenglin's shoulders tensed instinctively, then he quickly composed himself and looked up at Dongfang Lingyun.
Dongfang Lingyun was completely unaware of Gu Chenglin's subtle reaction and continued, "The third and fourth brothers have been staying in the camp on the outskirts of Beijing for most of the year."
They're very busy there, and rarely come home. It's difficult for us to even see them on a regular basis.
Gu Chenglin nodded politely, a perfectly timed smile playing on his lips: "Third cousin."
He silently memorized this information, thinking it might come in handy someday.
Next, following Gu Yunxiao's direction, Gu Chenglin saw a dignified man in military uniform walk through the gate.
This old man was none other than General Weiyuan—Gu Qiguo.
Although he is over seventy years old, time has not diminished his sharpness.
He was tall and upright, with a back as straight as a pine tree, showing no sign of hunching.
His face had strong, angular features, as if carved by a knife and axe, and his bronze skin was weathered and worn.
It is etched with deep and shallow wrinkles, each crease telling the story of bygone days of war and battle.
His forehead was broad, with several horizontal lines resembling the veins of mountains and rivers, revealing the weight and weight of time.
Beneath his sword-like eyebrows, his eyes were deep and sharp, like stars twinkling in the cold night, exuding an imposing aura without anger.
It inspires awe, as if it can see through people's hearts and understand all things in the world at a glance.
His bronze face bore the marks of years of battle, and his eyes were deep and unfathomable.
After scanning the room, a loud laugh instantly echoed in the spacious hall: "Looks like I'm late!"
With a respectful and friendly smile on his face, Gu Yunxiao strode forward, stood ramrod straight, and bowed respectfully: "Greetings, Grandpa."
As he spoke, the respect in his eyes grew even stronger.
The brothers Dongfang Lingyun and Dongfang Qingyun exchanged a glance, then quickly stepped forward, their faces full of reverence.
With agile movements and perfect synchronization, they clasped their hands in salute, their voices loud and clear: "General!"
Their eyes were filled with admiration, as if expressing their boundless respect for Gu Qiguo's past illustrious military achievements.
This man was the Duke of Zhenguo's right-hand man, and his military achievements were earned through hard-won battles.