Chapter 228: Chapter 228: Setting Pen to Paper
Gu Li was stunned for a moment, realizing that there were quite a few without heirs.
After all, among these poor folks, every year some children cannot survive for one reason or another.
However, even children who die young will be removed from the family register, which is quite troublesome.
At the same time, he also felt that Kai Yuan had a deep mind, as if he feared others taking advantage of him.
Truly, he was indeed the seed of Gu Baijiang; no matter how kind he appeared, he still had his fangs.
"I need to think about it, but if I do this, won’t you be left without support?"
"This is what I am thinking: I will first adopt temporarily, just as a transition. Once these matters are settled, I want to establish a new branch."
Gu Li squinted slightly, "Are you saying you look down on the entire Gu Family?"
Kai Yuan understood Gu Li’s displeasure. Indeed, his words had offended people, as no one wants to feel despised.
"Granduncle, it’s not about looking down. Haven’t you realized something through this matter? We can’t bind everyone together in everything, or if something unexpected happens, the bloodline of the Ancestor might be entirely extinguished.
Even if afterwards you can detach from my father, who can guarantee there won’t be another Gu Baijiang in the future?"
For a moment, Gu Li was indeed struck by this; what Kai Yuan said was very reasonable.
Involving the clan at every instance, with so many people, including in-laws, if a few families come demanding accountability, it wouldn’t just be exile, but rather executions and total extinction...
Thinking of this, Gu Li was considering whether he should also divide his own descendants properly...
Gu Li suddenly snapped back to reality. Kai Yuan nearly roped him in, but in their family, none of those kids were book smart, so they probably wouldn’t bring trouble to the family.
"Boy, if you despise us, just say so; no need to drag it so far," Gu Li recalled and indeed thought of a family.
"Speaking of which, there was someone like that. Your grandfather once had a brother who he raised tenderly, but because he was young, he had an accident playing by the river with the older kids and didn’t grow up."
"In the past, when your grandfather was alive, he used to mention that if he had many sons, he would adopt one for his brother."
Kai Yuan didn’t believe in such coincidences, but since Gu Li said it, there must be such a matter.
"My grandfather was truly a good brother, but unfortunately, he only had my father, and so he regretted it all his life!"
Kai Yuan looked regretful, "I suppose before my grandfather passed, he entrusted this matter to you, but concerns about progeny made it difficult for you."
Gu Li moved to Kai Yuan’s grandfather’s page and finally found a little space in the corner, extending his hand toward Kai Yuan, "Bring the ink and brush first."
Kai Yuan was overjoyed, as the matter was settled.
Bai Suihe had already opened a nearby cabinet and took out the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.
Only now did Gu Li realize the usefulness of this carriage; with so many cabinets, no wonder the entire carriage didn’t seem cluttered.
There was even a place specifically for a brazier in the corner, no wonder it felt so warm as soon as one entered.
Indeed, only these nobles know how to enjoy life, no wonder Gu Baijiang and the others are envious. Even though he had just arrived, he didn’t want to leave.
"I need to think carefully, what was that granduncle’s name again?" Gu Li was holding the brush, starting to ponder.
Bai Suihe already guessed that this so-called granduncle was completely fabricated; who said the ancients were rigid? That would be truly foolish.
"Your grandfather was Gu Nan, and it seems your granduncle was called Gu Bei."
Kai Yuan, "Such a nice name."
"By the way, do you know what your grandfather’s name was?" Gu Li was ready to write when he suddenly remembered and asked again.
Kai Yuan shook his head, "How could we directly call our grandfather by name?"
Gu Li looked at Kai Yuan disdainfully, "If you don’t know, you don’t know, what’s there to hide?
It’s obvious, your father’s lost his conscience, abandoning his parents, so naturally he’d raise sons who surpass him."
Bai Suihe looked at Gu Li; couldn’t he say it’s not surprising they’re from the same line? Kai Yuan indeed helped the Gu Family often, so there’s some kindness involved; was it necessary to speak so sharply?
Gu Li also realized the atmosphere had cooled. He almost regretted his words; he was used to having the final say at home, and in the clan, he forgot about this rebellious one.
"I just took a glance, and it seems only your eldest brother is in the family record, which saves trouble. I won’t have to remove you, and since we have the ink ready, I’ll write you down now."
Kai Yuan, "Then I’ll bother you with this, Granduncle, but I have an impertinent request."
Gu Li, "You have another request?"
"It’s not a big issue; I just want to borrow the family record you have."
Gu Li immediately held the family record tightly, "This can’t just be taken lightly; if the day comes when you sit in my place as Clan Leader, only then can you touch this record."
"Granduncle, you see, I’ll eventually establish another branch, and since this record is the only copy, wouldn’t it be unwise? I’m proposing this to borrow it overnight for careful transcription, and it will be returned first thing in the morning."
Gu Li, "... That wouldn’t be impossible, but I’m not comfortable with you holding it alone. If something happens to it, I’d be the clan’s sinner.
This way, if you want to transcribe it, you can come to my place where I can keep an eye on you. I’ll let you copy a version."
Kai Yuan thought for a moment and readily agreed, "That’s no problem, thank you, Granduncle."
Gu Li felt complicated, "Actually, you should know someone is backing your father; why are you so eager to separate from them?
Sometimes, having a father’s and brothers’ support is easier than going it alone."
Sitting quietly, Bai Suihe thought, "... If you’re going to speak, why look at me?"
The image of Kai Yuan living off others these days indeed troubled him; if he hadn’t kept a low profile, he’d probably be labeled a shrew.
"The conflict in our family is irreconcilable; even if I shamelessly return to the capital with them, it likely won’t end well. The familial ties have ended, which might be best for everyone."
Gu Li saw the ink was ready, immediately writing a short note in the corner, "From now on, this will be your grandfather’s last wish, which your father will likely not defy."
Kai Yuan took the brush with both hands, "My father is very filial and always taught us to respect elders and maintain brotherly harmony. He’ll surely set a good example for us."
Bai Suihe observed how these few light words determined their and the Gu Family’s future.
When the Gu Family learns of this, their expressions will likely be remarkably complex, Bai Suihe couldn’t help but anticipate.
