Chapter 39: Eighty-Eight Thousand and Eight Hundred Taels for Good Fortune
Gu Si 'er was startled.
"Even now, you remain stubborn! Apologize to your older sister!"
Gu Si 'er couldn't understand what was happening. Why was everyone siding with Gu Qingluan?
Wasn't her mother the one who despised Gu Qingluan the most?
And why was Fifth Sister speaking up for Gu Qingluan?
In an instant, she felt isolated and abandoned, as everyone around her became unfamiliar.
Gu Qin'er stepped forward, taking hold of her arm. "Xiao Qi, please listen to Mother and apologize to your older sister."
Gu Si 'er tried to pull her arm away, feeling a slight pinch, and heard Gu Qin'er whisper in a low voice, "Apologize."
It was a tone that left no room for argument.
Normally, Gu Si 'er would obediently follow Gu Qin'er's words, but in her clouded mind, fueled by anger, she suddenly regained her clarity. Although she didn't understand why Gu Qin'er was acting this way, she suppressed her pent-up frustration and reluctantly offered an apology.
Gu Qin'er pleaded with Gu Qingluan and Wang Shi.
Wang Shi pondered, "Little Seven is still young and naive. Qingluan, how about we let this matter go?"
After all, both Gu Qin'er and Gu Si 'er were like pawns in her hands. If she were to discard one so quickly, she would have to deal with the headache of finding another.
Gu Qingluan glanced at the injury on Gu Si 'er's face.
Today, she had endured enough of all unwelcome events.
In the game of cat and mouse, one must always play with the prey a few more times.
Killing it off with just one strike was not nearly as amusing.
"I won't hold it against the young girl, as per Madam Gu's wishes," Gu Qingluan said.
Wang Shi displayed a satisfied smile.
Gu Qingluan disliked seeing her smile. She raised an eyebrow, revealing a hint of wicked amusement. "There's something I'd like to say to Madam Gu."
"What is it?" Wang Shi asked.
"Parents are responsible for their children's behavior. Xiao Qi calling you 'Mother' is a reflection of the upbringing you provided. If a young girl like her is already capable of falsely accusing others, people might assume it's because you, as her mother, failed to properly teach her. If word were to spread..."
Wang Shi's expression immediately turned dark. "Are you threatening me?"
Gu Qingluan smiled lightly. "How could you call it a threat? I'm just kindly giving you a reminder."
Wang Shi's voice turned cold. "As long as you don't speak, they won't speak either!"
Her gaze swept over the people present with an icy coldness.
Those who met her gaze lowered their heads, trembling.
"Well, I'll do my best, but I can't guarantee that I can control my own mouth," Gu Qingluan replied.
Wang Shi looked at her with a sinister gaze. "What do you want?"
Gu Qingluan suddenly turned to her maid and asked, "Qianxi, have you ever heard a saying?"
Qianxi asked, "Master, which saying are you referring to?"
"Money makes the world go round."
Qianxi chuckled, "Of course, I've heard that! Money makes everything easier. Most things in this world can be solved with money. If it can be solved with money, then it's no big deal!"
Then, both the master and servant looked at Wang Shi.
Had they gone mad with money?
Wang Shi stared at Gu Qingluan in disbelief.
Gu Qingluan calmly observed her, without a hint of embarrassment on her face.
"How much do you want?" Wang Shi suppressed her anger and asked.
"For good fortune, eighty-eight thousand and eight hundred taels of gold," Gu Qingluan replied.
Wang Shi's eyes widened. "Say it again!"
"Madam, our master said a total of eighty-eight thousand and eight hundred taels, all in gold. Will you be providing the gold, or shall it be in silver notes?" Qianxi said with a smirk.
Granny Zhao, who stood by Lady Wang's side, exclaimed angrily, "Eighty-eight thousand and eight hundred taels? That's daylight robbery!"
"Master, didn't they say that the Gu family has swallowed up the fortune of the former wealthiest family in Tianjing? If they can't even produce eighty-eight thousand and eight hundred taels, they are being too stingy, aren't they?" Qianxi whispered in surprise to Gu Qingluan.
Though her voice was low, everyone could hear her words loud and clear!
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