The atmosphere froze. Mr. Gu paused, seemingly considering his words, but ultimately just said dryly, "It doesn't sound good."
Gu Yaoniang hated her father's harsh words and refused to speak further, keeping her lips pursed in silence. Knowing she couldn't persuade her stubborn father, she remained silent.
Madam Gu had always revered her husband, and although she cherished him deeply, she was unwilling to disobey him in front of the younger generation. The hall fell silent instantly, the family facing each other in silence.
Later that night, after Mr. and Mrs. Gu had gone to bed, Mrs. Gu finally told her husband about her thoughts.
She knew that Yao Niang was not a frivolous woman, and what her husband had said today was truly harsh. The young girl was probably feeling wronged and unable to express it. Moreover, Yao Niang was determined and would do her best to do what she believed was "right." Constantly trying to dissuade her would only backfire and force Yao Niang to secretly plan her actions behind her parents' backs.
Since things have come to this, it would be better to agree to let her go to Shuojing, but with three rules: she must keep in touch with her family frequently and must not act rashly. Only in this way can we ensure both sides are protected and prevent the child from being completely left unattended.
Unexpectedly, Mr. Gu became furious upon hearing this. He was extremely principled and rigid, insisting that Yao Niang should not leave home, and that all other matters could be discussed later. He berated Madam Gu for being short-sighted and malicious, saying that she was not close to Yao Niang in the first place, and now that Yao Niang was in trouble, she wanted nothing more than to throw Yao Niang out.
Mrs. Gu was completely bewildered by the scolding; she glared angrily at Mr. Gu through her tears—
"Fine, fine! Yao Niang is my daughter now, how could I harm her! You uphold your three obediences and four virtues every day, and you've driven her to the point of madness at home, just like Hui Niang, and then you're happy!"
After saying that, he turned over, put on his outer robe, made a clattering noise in the room, and then slammed the door and left.
Mr. Gu had never seen his wife so furious and was quite surprised. The Hui Niang his wife spoke of was his own younger sister, who, in her childhood, had been as opinionated as Yao Niang. However, after that incident, out of concern for Hui Niang's reputation, he had kept her confined at home every day, and she had died of depression many years ago.
He felt ashamed for his two inappropriate remarks today, but he couldn't bring himself to apologize.
Seeing his wife smash her makeup box and storm out in a huff, he felt guilty and said nothing.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
