Chapter 238: Chapter 238: Settling Accounts
Although everyone had just been attacked by wolves, the enthusiasm for gossip remained as lively as ever.
Looking at the Gu Family, although things seemed to have settled down, the crowd’s gaze kept darting in their direction.
"Bai Jiang, what do you think we should do about this?" As soon as Fan Mei Bao recovered, Xu Shuanghong immediately questioned.
"My daughter and I sought refuge with your family to find a safe haven. I hoped to find a suitable husband for my daughter, but with your family’s situation..."
Gu Baijiang sneered inwardly but kept a warm expression on his face as he said, "It was an accident, and if we don’t speak of it, who would know?
Also, you saw how my son Kaichen protected your girl the moment he fell from the carriage. Otherwise, she would have been more severely injured.
This was a misunderstanding, an accident. I will have my son and daughter-in-law apologize earnestly to your daughter later."
"But because of your daughter-in-law and your son’s actions, my poor daughter’s reputation has been ruined."
"You think a simple apology will smooth things over, but my daughter may never find a good match because of this."
"Ah, this matter is indeed difficult to handle," Gu Baijiang spoke with a troubled expression, "Over the years, I’ve set many rules, including one that the men of the Gu Family are not allowed to take concubines. Otherwise, this would have been a happy situation."
"Then just divorce your daughter-in-law; after all, it was she who caused this turmoil," Xu Shuanghong said with a grim look, covering herself with a handkerchief, "She ruined my daughter."
"That’s not necessary; it was just an accidental mistake by the child, and besides, the second son’s daughter-in-law was personally chosen by my wife, who is her niece. I can’t betray my wife."
Xu Shuanghong looked at Gu Baijiang, her eyes brimming with tears, "But are you doing right by me? Back then..."
"I promise to compensate in the future if I have the opportunity," Gu Baijiang interrupted, stopping her from saying more, "Aside from divorcing the wife, whatever you suggest, I will agree to."
"You said it," she affirmed.
An ominous feeling surged in Gu Baijiang’s heart, but having already spoken, he could only nod, "A man of honor must keep his word."
"That’s good. My carefully nurtured daughter cannot become a concubine, and since your daughter-in-law cannot be divorced, let her be an equal wife."
Gu Baijiang clenched his fist. The concept of equal wives was something concocted by merchant families, neither wives nor concubines. If they proceeded, it would only become a joke, "No, an equal wife is still a concubine at the end of the day, disrupting the social order.
See if this would work: I can offer more silver as compensation in the future."
Even if taking a concubine was necessary, it couldn’t come from his mouth; otherwise, it would be like slapping himself.
"That’s not acceptable. So many people have already seen it, and the public’s opinion can’t be silenced. Today, you must give my daughter a title no matter what."
"Mother, I don’t want to marry Gu Kaichen," by now, Fan Mei Bao had come to her senses, and the memory of Gu Kaichen’s oily demeanor still made her sick.
How could such a scoundrel deserve her?
Besides, why should she become someone’s concubine? Why settle for such a person?
With neither talent nor martial prowess, coupled with his sleazy appearance, he was simply annoying.
Having to spend a lifetime with someone like that, she’d rather be carried off by wolves—at least it would be quick.
"You foolish girl," Xu Shuanghong walked over, somewhat heartbroken, supporting Fan Mei Bao, "So many people saw you huddle together just now; your reputation is already ruined."
"Mother, let’s leave. As long as we depart from their group, who would recognize us and know our story?"
Xu Shuanghong lowered her eyes and whispered in her ear, "Have you forgotten why we’re here? If we leave just like this, do you think we three will survive?"
"But..."
"But what?" Xu Shuanghong’s voice was severe, "With our status, do you think you or your sisters could marry well?
Eventually, marriage is inevitable, so what does it matter whom you marry?
The Gu Family has a good chance of returning to the capital. Even as a concubine to Gu Kaichen, it’s better than marrying a peddler, especially with me and your sister supporting you. Becoming the main wife isn’t impossible."
Xu Shuanghong’s words made Fan Mei Bao feel quite desolate. She didn’t oppose becoming a concubine, but the issue was to whom she would become one. Considering what Gu Kaichen was like, did he deserve it?
But now, there was no choice; her mother and sister had already decided for her...
Gu Antong was somewhat worried; he stayed quietly by Liu Yun’s side, knowing what mother was worried about, but now, he was also powerless.
As soon as the Gu Family allowed concubinage, even if father wasn’t considering it now, who knew what might happen in the future?
This disaster had truly scarred every member of their family.
Second Aunt, who was usually so strong, was currently sitting in the corner, quietly wiping her tears.
"Why are you crying?" Gu Kaichen spoke impatiently, "It’s just taking a concubine. It’s not like you’ll be bypassed."
Xu Yulan glanced at him; just seeing his current attitude, she knew this man couldn’t be trusted.
"I miss my mother," Xu Yulan thought of her aunt who always defended her, and tears fell even harder, "If Aunt were here, she wouldn’t let me be bullied."
Hearing Xu Yulan mention his mother, Gu Kaichen also felt a pang of guilt. He remembered promising his mother when he married Xu Yulan that he would care for her and never let her be sad, but how long had it been since his mother had passed...
Xu Yulan, "In the future, you’ll be the Gu Family’s disgrace. Because of your actions, you’ve broken the rules father set down. If everything continues smoothly in the family, with peace in the household, it won’t have much to do with you, but if there’s unrest, you’ll bear all the blame, all the infamy."
Gu Kaichen, "..."
He initially thought Xu Yulan was worrying too much, trying to stop him from taking a concubine, but seeing his sister-in-law’s dark face in the distance, he swallowed his words; perhaps Xu Yulan’s worries were not unfounded.
As a man, he understood too well: his father had a mistress outside, who knew if his brother had anyone secretly...
But if he broke this rule, the entire Gu Family might become unruly, and he could already imagine how complicated the Gu Family’s inner chambers would become.
"Do you think keeping mistresses is cheap? Let me tell you, it’s much more expensive than keeping a main wife," Xu Yulan started calculating with her fingers, "With concubines, you’ll desire more, and by then, there will be several concubines. Add in chambermaids, and they’ll all bear children. While it may seem prosperous, you’ll have to provide them with monthly silver, everything from golden jewelry to small clothing and food expenses, plus the costs of raising and educating the children."
Seeing Gu Kaichen’s expression grow heavy, Xu Yulan knew she had hit the mark, "If the family isn’t divided, the public funds can cover everything, but what if the family splits? Does husband have the means to support so many people?"
