Gu Huiniang's mind was already somewhat confused. Little Yaoniang looked at her aunt, who was so different from usual, feeling worried and afraid, and stood timidly behind her mother.
Gu Huiniang saw her, smiled kindly, as if she had regained her senses for a moment, and waved her forward with a smile.
Xiao Yaoniang walked to Gu Huiniang's bedside, but Gu Huiniang hugged her, crying and laughing at the same time. Finally, she whimpered a few times, "My child," before passing away.
Gu Yaoniang was still young and was so frightened that she cried loudly. It wasn't until much later that she truly understood that she would never see her gentle and beautiful aunt again.
Hearing what she said, Gu Xingzhi felt indignant on behalf of Gu Huiniang and had no other suspicions. His heart calmed down and the panic in his eyes disappeared.
However, because of the recollection of events from many years ago, and the mention of her older sister, she eventually became somewhat downcast.
Gu Yaoniang didn't finish her sentence: "And then there's Aqiu, the Xie family lady who married Qin Yuxiu. Thanks to the new policies, she was able to participate in the imperial examinations. But she's still trapped in the inner quarters, struggling every day, dealing with Qin Da Niang."
And me? If it weren't for the new policies, I would be worrying every day about how to find another suitable husband to avoid gossip. Just so that my family wouldn't have to pay more taxes after I turned twenty-five, I also wanted to get married before I turned twenty-five.
As for Madam Yu, she may still be suffering daily with her former lover.
Gu Xingzhi was clearly moved by Gu Yaoniang's words. He hesitated, thinking about how to comfort his niece, but the words came out awkwardly: "The situation of women is gradually improving now. You don't need to worry too much."
Moreover…
He had never been too harsh on Yao Niang, and in the past, she had always done what she wanted to do without his interference. He had always given Yao Niang plenty of room to make her own decisions.
At this moment, Gu Xingzhi carefully chose his words, trying to keep his tone calm and without a trace of blame: "What does this have to do with your...close relationship with the princess? Yaoyao, the hearts of those above are not something we commoners can comment on. Don't go down the wrong path."
Many things are difficult to explain. Even at home, I don't have the courage to openly discuss the struggle for the throne.
Gu Yaoniang lowered her eyelids, her voice somewhat muffled: "It's different. Second Uncle, the Emperor will implement new policies, and the Princess will also implement new policies. No matter who it is, women all over the world will live better and better lives. But if that person is His Highness Prince Qing, then it won't be the same."
She raised her head: "Second Uncle, it's not because the princess is also a woman that I would do anything. Rather, you should know what His Highness Prince Qing is like, as you have had some contact with him."
"We, the Gu family, are not ordinary commoners. His Highness Prince Qing has repeatedly shown me goodwill, yet today he's putting us in such a difficult position. Do you truly believe we can remain uninvolved?"
Gu Xingzhi was well aware of this. With the Gu family's current wealth, few merchant families in Shuojing could rival them. A tall tree naturally attracts the wind, especially since the Gu family's businesses mainly dealt in rice, flour, and oil, which at first glance seemed insignificant but were crucial to people's livelihoods.
Prince Qing had repeatedly shown his favor to Yao Niang, and he was not unaware of this. He knew that what Yao Niang said was true, and that the Gu family was destined to be drawn into this vortex.
Moreover, the past is shrouded in mystery, making the future even more unpredictable.
All of this seems to suggest that the Gu family is destined to stand on Princess Ruining's side. If the Gu family can truly side with the future ruler, then that would be a great fortune.
However, he was well aware of the risks involved.
As elders, they generally hope to protect and shelter their juniors, ensuring a peaceful and carefree life. If he were all alone, he might also strive to achieve extraordinary wealth and status.
Even when life was difficult, he only wished that all the burdens would fall on his shoulders.
Gu Yaoniang was just a child, how could he bear to see her so insightful in everything? He knew that everything she said made sense.
Even if it weren't for wealth and glory, there would still be reasons to take this step. But he couldn't bear to see her suffer any more hardships. Although he felt gratified and moved, he also felt a bittersweet ache.
Seeing Gu Xingzhi's mixture of sorrow and joy, Gu Yaoniang felt somewhat bewildered. She couldn't help but speak again, earnestly pleading, "Second Uncle, you said that a merchant should not only be skilled in business but also have the world in his heart, not take ill-gotten gains, and neither belittle himself nor be arrogant."
When one is successful, one should help others; when one is unsuccessful, one should cultivate one's own virtue. The Gu family is no longer just a family struggling to survive. Since the Gu family has been swept up in this battle, they have no choice but to make a decision.
Perhaps it's selfish of me, but I'm not thinking of anyone else; I just want a smooth life for myself, for my children to be carefree, and I also hope that the future ruler of the world will be someone who treats women kindly.
Do you know how difficult this is?
Gu Xingzhi remained silent for a long while before slowly speaking. For thousands of years, women have invariably faded into obscurity within the confines of the home. To have a peaceful end is already a great fortune.
The kindness that Yaoyao wants is so far away!
Gu Yaoniang understood Gu Xingzhi's worries, but still spoke solemnly: "Please grant my request, Second Uncle."
Having said that, he actually tried to bow down.
Gu Xingzhi was shocked and with a flick of his sleeve, he pulled Gu Yaoniang up.
"You're absolutely ridiculous!"
However, he did not voice any further objections.
How could he object? Child, he's not wrong.
Gu Xingzhi finally sighed and stroked Gu Yaoniang's head.
The girl's hair was soft yet lush, cool to the touch. Gu Yaoniang was already an adult, and Gu Xingzhi usually avoided such intimacy; the two rarely appeared so close.
At this moment, it all seems even more heartwarming.
"It will be very difficult."
Gu Xingzhi emphasized this again. He really didn't want his niece, whom he had poured his heart and soul into raising as his heir, to get involved in this quagmire.
Gu Yaoniang, wanting to ease the tense atmosphere in the room, deliberately said nonchalantly, "What's there to be afraid of? Second Uncle! We have plenty of money!"
Gu Xingzhi was both amused and exasperated, a low chuckle escaping his lips. Yet, the knot in his heart remained untied.
He said thoughtfully, "In that case, you should be more familiar with the affairs of the household. The Gu family is not an official family, but it still has the necessary protection. Come here, and I will explain everything to you in detail..."
The two entered the study and went to the innermost part. Gu Xingzhi patiently explained to her in detail the current power and arrangements of the Gu family.
By the flickering candlelight, they made detailed arrangements on how to respond to Prince Qing's demand for the pearl.
By the time Gu Yaoniang stepped out of the study, it was already midnight. The dark sky stretched endlessly, with a few scattered stars twinkling across it.
She let out a long sigh of relief.
That's so bold... But bold people are the ones who are truly happy. Isn't that right?
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