When Gu Jiu returned to the Gu Mansion, Xie was still making a fuss.
Mrs. Xie scolded Mrs. Hu and her son Gu Cheng.
She said the couple was unfilial and wanted to divorce Hu.
Mrs. Hu cried bitterly and complained about her grievances, but this only irritated Mrs. Xie even more, and she directed all her anger at Mrs. Hu.
It was not until Gu Jiu entered the side door of the Gu Mansion that Lord Gu stepped forward to stop Xie from continuing her outburst.
"Go back to your room. Stay well and don't come out without my order."
Xie's eyes widened. "Master, you're losing face for your daughter-in-law. Do you still have a conscience?"
Master Gu angrily scolded the servants, "What are you all standing there for? Hurry and drag the Madam away. Don't let her leave the courtyard."
The maids no longer hesitated and dragged Xie away.
Xie made a big fuss, so the maid dared to cover her mouth.
This was what Gu Jiu saw.
She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but in the end, she pretended she hadn't seen anything, at least to give Lord Gu and Gu Yan enough face.
Lord Gu was as angry as a giant one moment and as gentle as the warm sunshine the next.
"Xiaojiu is back, come to the flower hall for tea."
"Father, don't be polite to your daughter."
Gu Jiu came back today because the Gu family was going to split up, and she came to be a witness.
Mr. Gu left a will, saying that they would divide the family after the funeral, but they would not live apart.
After the mourning period, it is up to the first and second wives to decide whether to continue living together or move into separate houses.
Because of the incident caused by the Xie family, we were delayed a bit.
Fortunately, the account books were clear, the financial records were consistent with the actual situation, and there was no Xie family to interfere, so the division of the property was carried out quickly.
As a witness, Gu Jiu sat in a row with the old marquis and his wife, as well as several clan members.
A stack of account books was placed on the table.
The old marquis asked Master Gu and the two brothers, "Do you have any questions about these account books?"
Master Gu shook his head, "No doubt about it."
Lord Gu also expressed no doubt.
As early as ten days ago, the eldest wife had taken out the account books and asked Master Gu to check them. Once the accounts were checked and confirmed to be correct, the family business could be divided.
These days, Lord Gu sent out several of his stewards to check all the properties owned by the Gu family in the capital.
The silver and items in the mansion's treasury were also checked against the account books.
It has to be said that Mrs. Zhang is an expert in financial management.
In just 10 to 20 years, the Gu family's assets doubled.
Master Gu was very happy and even joked with Master Gu, "Big brother, you have a good wife. I really envy you, my younger brother."
As a result, Master Gu retorted, "Mother also married a virtuous wife for you, but you didn't cherish her. Later, you were the one who married Mrs. Xie. Regardless of whether she is virtuous or not, you have to accept her.
After all, Xie has been in mourning for your parents and has given birth to your children. For the sake of the children, you should also give her some respect."
Upon hearing this, Lord Gu felt a strong bitter taste in his heart.
He understood the saying that a dumb person cannot express his pain even when eating coptis chinensis.
When he was working in the local area, Xie was good in every way and he loved her very much.
When they returned to the capital, all the shortcomings of the Xie family's insufficient foundation were exposed.
Coupled with her preference for Gu Yue, she caused trouble because of Gu Yue time and time again. Lord Gu was miserable but had nowhere to vent.
After hearing what his elder brother said to him, he was speechless.
"Big brother, please don't laugh at your younger brother."
"It's not a joke, but a serious reminder to you." Master Gu said seriously, it was definitely not a joke.
Lord Gu frowned slightly.
Master Gu couldn't help but say a few more words, "I know you don't like Mrs. Xie, you even hate her. You can restrain her and not let her go out for social events, but you can't divorce her. She is in mourning for her parents, which is one of the three things she is not allowed to do.
You can't allow a concubine to humiliate her. After all, she's the mistress, representing the dignity of several children. In short, you should manage your backyard well. Don't make too much noise, or the censors will find something to hold against you and severely impeach you.
Now that Xiaojiu is the prince's wife, her status is both noble and conspicuous. As the prince's father-in-law, you are equally conspicuous. If you don't keep your mouth shut and start gossiping, not only will you ruin your own reputation, but you will also bring trouble to Xiaojiu and the eldest prince. If that happens, the royal family will be furious and will probably turn their backs on you.
Because Mr. Gu's honest advice was unpleasant to the ear, Mr. Gu has been in a bad mood these days.
Xie was not understanding and made a fuss whenever she got the chance. She even secretly went to the farm to visit Gu Yue.
Lord Gu was furious and naturally would not be polite to Xie.
He was full of anger, but it was not until this moment, when the family was about to split up, that Lord Gu's mood improved.
Seeing that the two had no doubts about the account books, the old marquis discussed with several witnesses how to divide the family.
Mr. Gu actually explained how to divide it specifically in his will.
Everyone just needs to follow the old man's last wishes.
However, before the official division of the family, the old marquis still had to say a few words: "The eldest wife is the eldest son. She should inherit the clan and take care of the clan members. She deserves an additional 30%. Zhili, do you have any objections?"
Master Gu hesitated for a moment and asked, "Excuse me, uncle, how do you split it exactly? Big brother gets 60% and I get 40%? Or maybe big brother gets 70% and I get 30%?"
The old marquis stroked his beard and said, "The first branch will get 65%, and you, the second branch, can get 35%. "
Lord Gu frowned, "That's not what my old man wrote in his suicide note."
The old marquis knew he would have such questions. "Present my brother's suicide note."
The suicide note was presented and placed on the table for anyone to read.
The old marquis said sternly, "My younger brother wrote in his will that you two brothers should separate after the mourning period. The rules of the division can be carried out according to the clan's rules. Zhili, do you know what the rules of the division are?"
Lord Gu lowered his head and said nothing, feeling somewhat unwilling.
The old marquis answered for him, "According to the clan's rules for dividing the family property, the eldest son can receive a maximum of 80% of the estate, and a minimum of 60% to 70%. I consulted your eldest brother beforehand, and he said that since your second branch has more people and a greater burden, we should divide the property based on a minimum of 65%. This was also the way I divided the family property with your father."
Lord Gu felt a little aggrieved, "Just because my eldest brother is the eldest son, he can get an extra 30% of the family fortune."
The old marquis said, "The eldest son didn't get this 30% of the family fortune for nothing. After the family is divided, you only need to take care of your own family and don't worry about other things.
Your eldest brother not only has to take care of his own family, but also the clan members. If there is something wrong with the clan, you have to pay for it and you can't shirk it.
The eldest son has taken on the responsibility of caring for the clan members and deserves a larger share of the family property. Just like me, I have taken care of you two brothers over the years, giving both money and effort without any complaints."
Lord Gu looked at Gu Jiu, hoping that Gu Jiu could come forward and gain more benefits for the second house.
Gu Jiu coughed lightly and asked, "I wonder what the dowries and betrothal gifts for the unmarried brothers and sisters in the mansion are planned to be? Will each family bear the cost, or will the public house cover it?"
The old marquis said, "As for the dowries and betrothal gifts required by the unmarried children, according to the original rules, their share will be set aside when the estate is divided and will be managed by our mansion. When the children need to use this money, just let us know."
Gu Jiu nodded, "That's great. I have no questions anymore."
Lord Gu widened his eyes and stared at Gu Jiu.
that's all?
Is that it?
absurd!
How much does it cost to provide dowry and betrothal gifts for several children?
Why not try to get another 50% to 10% of the family wealth for the second wife?
Gu Jiu ignored Lord Gu's gaze.
Since Old Master Gu left a suicide note specifying that the division of the family should be done according to the clan rules, Gu Jiu had no intention of interfering.
Besides, Mr. Gu sacrificed his life to save Mr. Gu and restore his career. Mr. Gu's sacrifice alone is worth more than 30% of the family fortune.
Lord Gu should not be greedy and try to swallow an elephant.
Lord Gu failed to ask Gu Jiu for help and felt very depressed.
He looked at his sons again.
However, in such an occasion, the younger generation had no right to speak. They could only watch, learn, and accumulate experience.
It can be said that the brothers’ say in the Gu family is not as strong as that of Gu Jiu, the daughter who married out.
After all, Gu Jiu is the prince's wife and has a noble status.
After the division ratio is determined, the division will officially begin.
First, the farms were divided, then the shops, then the houses, and finally the gold, silver, antiques, calligraphy and paintings, and various collections in the warehouse. After these were divided, the servants were divided.
Although the old marquis speaks slowly, he is very efficient in his work.
In less than two hours, all the property of the Gu family was divided up.
The accountant wrote the bills and redid the account books, and the clerk of the yamen prepared the documents for the division of the family property, which were signed and sealed by Mr. Gu and Lord Gu respectively.
As the elder and witness, the old marquis also signed and sealed the document.
Several other clan members also signed and sealed the document.
Gu Jiu didn’t.
Gu Jiu has a special identity, and her seal is not suitable to appear on the documents of family division.
The clerk completed the registration and said, "I'll take my leave. I'll send someone to deliver it to the two gentlemen tomorrow after I've completed the formalities."
"Thanks for your hard work."
“It’s not hard.”
The separation was completed and everyone felt relieved.
Master Gu came to Master Gu and patted him on the shoulder. "We are brothers. If you have any difficulties in the future, just come to me. As long as I can help, I will never refuse."
Master Gu was upset, but he couldn't get angry at Master Gu. "Thank you for your kindness, big brother. I hope that the day will never come when I need your help."
Master Gu nodded and didn't argue with Lord Gu.
As a close brother, he knew Master Gu's temper too well. Arguing with Master Gu would only make things difficult for himself.
Master Gu didn't want to embarrass himself, so he was generous and didn't care.
"Your second branch can continue to live in the mansion. Don't be restrained. We can spend time together and separate slowly. There's no need to rush now."
Master Gu didn't appreciate it. "Don't worry, big brother. I'll have Gu Cheng's wife tear the inner courtyard clean. Now that we've divided the family, all expenses will naturally be borne by each of us."
Master Gu smiled and said, "Well, whatever you want, it's all up to you."
Master Gu was unhappy again. What did it mean to follow his wishes? Big Brother's family couldn't help but understand.
My eldest brother is a good person, but he is the bad guy. It’s really infuriating.
In front of his elder brother, Master Gu subconsciously acted like a spoiled brat, without even realizing it.
The more Master Gu ignored him, the more he would throw tantrums. He was spoiled!
The old marquis waved his hand and called Gu Jiu to come over to talk.
"Your Highnesses are all living in the palace. Wouldn't that be too difficult?"
Gu Ji pursed her lips and smiled, "It's my niece's fault that the old marquis and the old lady have to worry about it. Now, apart from the change in status, there is actually not much difference from the past. Everyone still lives in their own courtyard, and all expenses are covered by the public office. Each steward performs his duties, and the Lord of the Household coordinates them properly. Compared to the past, I feel a little more at ease."
Old Madam Wei laughed. "I've always said that Xiaojiu can manage his life well no matter the circumstances. Without the elders keeping an eye on you, you'll naturally feel more at ease. But don't get too comfortable. Beware of impeachment by the censors. Those censors love to impeach the princes the most."
Gu Jiu smiled and nodded, "My niece will remember the old lady's teachings and will always keep a good balance in everything."
Old Madam Wei said cheerfully to the old marquis, "I've said it before, among the girls of our Gu family, Xiaojiu is the most capable and the most intelligent. Don't you agree?"
The old marquis hummed a few times, but couldn't get by, so he said, "If Xiaojiu were a man, our Gu family might be able to make further progress."
Gu Jiu waved her hand, "Old Marquis, you are embarrassing me. Your granddaughter doesn't have that ability."
"You may be a woman, but you are as capable as any man. If you were born a man, you would surely achieve immortal achievements and bring honor to your family."
Gu Jiu lowered his head and smiled, saying modestly, "Old Marquis, you are too kind. I just think more than others."
"You're too modest!"
Old Madam Wei said, "Xiao Jiu's status is not ordinary now, so it's better to be humble. Being humble will prevent you from being envied and hated by others."
The old marquis went on to say, "Xiao Jiu is so outstanding that even if she is modest, she will inevitably be envied. It is better to show her strength and make people fear her. Xiao Jiu, you must remember that it is better to be feared than to be envied. Women's soft tactics are not suitable for you. Don't give in when you need to be tough."
Gu Jiu smiled.
The old marquis' words really touched her heart.
"I will listen to the old marquis and never give in outside. I will not bring shame to the Gu family."
"Don't embarrass His Highness."
"Of course."
…
In the past, the Shaofu Household Director always believed that rich people were the masters and ancestors, and everyone had to worship them.
But over the past year, reality has taught him how to be a human being.
What do you mean the rich are the boss? It’s obvious that the one who owes money is the boss.
Especially those who owe millions and continue to borrow money, they are the uncles among uncles. They have to worship them like ancestors.
At this moment, Gu Jiu was sitting in a quiet room in the Shaofu Yamen, drinking tea face to face with the Shaofu's Household Chief.
Since they met, the Shaofu Household Manager has been puffing his beard and glaring.
Gu Jiu drank half a cup of tea and praised it, "The tea is good, this year's new tea."
"You know how to drink."
Gu Jiu laughed, "As the atmosphere changes with the environment, so does the body. After being married to His Highness for so many years, I have at least developed some royal demeanor."
"There is no one like you in the royal family."
Gu Jiu pursed his lips and smiled, "Grandfather, tell me, what kind of person am I?"
"They eat people without leaving any bones behind." The Shaofu's household official complained loudly with grief and indignation.
Gu Jiu nodded, "I reluctantly accept this. The old ancestor is so angry, isn't it just to borrow money from you? The people I borrow money from are not worried, so why should you worry?"
The Shaofu's steward shook his beard and said, "You have already borrowed several million taels. Pay it back immediately, including the principal and interest."
Gu Jiu sighed, "I have no money, what can I give you back?"
The blood rushed to the head of the Shaofu family. "When you borrowed the money, that's not what you said. You swore solemnly that you would repay the money on time."
Gu Jiu spread his hands, "So I've come to borrow money from my ancestors. If you lend me the money, the project will continue. When the first payment is due next month, I will repay you with interest as promised."
The Shaofu family official snorted, "No money, no loan!"
Gu Jiu sighed, "If the ancestors don't lend me money, the project outside the South City Gate will be stopped. Once the construction is stopped, the refugees will have no money to eat, and no one will buy houses. The entire South City Gate will become a stagnant pool in the blink of an eye.
I owe the Shaofu Bank over four million taels, including principal and interest. I'm afraid I'll never be able to pay it back in this lifetime. It won't be long before I find someone to take over. How about I sell Liu Zhao to the Shaofu to pay off the debt?
The Shaofu family commander was furious, "You are blackmailing me!"
Gu Jiu looked innocent, "I was just telling the truth. The old ancestor insisted on thinking that I was blackmailing him, so I had no choice but to accept it."
The Shaofu's housekeeper pointed at Gu Jiu and said, "You, you, you are actually playing rogue with me. You owe the Shaofu money, and you are so confident. This is outrageous."
Gu Jiu said with a smile: "Grandpa, please approve the note and lend me the money. Only with the money can the project continue, and I can repay the money I borrowed last year."
The Shaofu family official spat out a mouthful of blood.
He finally realized that he had been completely kidnapped by Gu Jiu and tied up on her big ship called the South City Gate Project.
If he doesn't lend the money, the ship will sink.
The Shaofu household steward shed bitter tears, regretting his past actions.
Why did he believe Gu Jiu's lies and get on her bandwagon?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
