My ears are finally quiet.
Gu Jiu smiled at everyone and said, "What are you all looking at me for? Drink!"
“Drink, drink!”
Everyone raised their glasses to hide their inner nervousness.
Gu Cheng apologized quietly, "I didn't expect my father to make a scene today, in front of everyone. It's my fault for not making good arrangements. If you're angry, come at me."
Gu Jiu said softly, "Brother, what are you doing? You are not yet qualified to be the head of this family. This is not your fault. Besides, my father has a grudge against me. If it's not today, it will be tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and one day he will vent his anger in front of me.
The good thing about today is that we're all family here. Even if we're embarrassed, it's in front of our family. If it happened in any other situation, it would be embarrassing in public, which would be even more embarrassing.
"Thank you for your understanding, second sister."
Gu Jiu asked Gu Cheng to sit down and drink. She then asked, "Is father always complaining?"
Gu Cheng whispered, "Ever since my third cousin was promoted to the position of Junior Official in the Imperial Household, my father has been complaining every few days. A while ago, two nephews were granted titles because my second sister presented them with sweet potato seeds, and my father complained a lot again. He always complained that my second sister wouldn't help him get promoted, wouldn't give him any benefits, and only cared about outsiders."
Gu Jiu sneered, "He doesn't even think about it. Can he afford such a huge benefit alone?"
If one's virtue does not match his position, how can he hold a high position?
Even if one has good character but lacks ability, he cannot hold a high position.
However, Lord Gu has a very high opinion of himself and always believes that since he is in a high position, he will definitely be able to accomplish amazing political achievements.
However, he had served as the Minister of Revenue for many years without achieving any political achievements. Instead, he was implicated in a corruption case.
If it weren't for Mr. Gu sacrificing himself to save him, who knows where Lord Gu would be now.
Gu Jiu drank the wine in the glass.
Ever since she learned the truth about Mr. Gu's death, she has been extremely disappointed with Mr. Gu.
However, Lord Gu did not feel that he was wrong.
Gu Jiu said, "Call Gu Quan and ask him to wait in the study. I have something to ask him later."
Gu Cheng hesitated, "What does Second Sister want to do? Do you need my help?"
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "If you want to sit in on the class, come along."
She stood up, said goodbye to everyone, and went to the study with Gu Yan.
As soon as she left, the discussion at the banquet began.
It’s just that everyone just stopped talking at that point and didn’t have any in-depth communication.
Gu Jiu is no longer the same person as before. Even if they are sisters or brothers, they should be careful about what they say so as not to offend others.
Gu Quan was invited to the study to meet Gu Jiu.
His forehead was sweating and he felt more nervous and uneasy than ever before.
I always feel that if I give a wrong answer, the eunuchs around Gu Jiu will take his life.
Before, when those eunuchs tried to silence Master Gu, they were merciless. Their technique was skillful and precise, clearly a product of frequent practice.
Who to practice on?
Gu Quan didn't dare to think too much.
Gu Jiu bent his fingers and tapped the table lightly, instantly attracting Gu Quan's full attention.
Gu Jiu asked him, "Besides complaining that I didn't do anything good for him, does the master have any other complaints?"
Gu Quan licked his lips and said cautiously, "The eldest young master has been promoted to the same rank as the old master, the fourth rank. The old master felt a little uncomfortable and complained a little."
Gu Jiu scoffed, "Anything else?"
"Coming to the point, the master said a few inappropriate words. It was on the day when the palace awarded money and goods that he said some inappropriate words. He didn't say anything at any other time." Gu Quan became more cautious.
Gu Jiu raised his eyelids. "He even dared to complain about that person. Is he tired of living? Is there anyone instigating these complaints?"
Although Gu Quan did not say it explicitly, Gu Jiu knew that the inappropriate words said by Lord Gu involved the current emperor, Emperor Wende.
It is not an exaggeration to say that he is a traitor.
Gu Quan waved his hands repeatedly, "I would never dare to instigate this master. I have been persuading him to be more open-minded. The madam's dignity is the dignity of the Gu family. But the master would not listen to these words and insisted on having his own way."
Gu Jiu asked again, "Is there anyone else in the mansion instigating this? Has the master's advisor said anything inappropriate?"
Since the disappearance of Master Ma, Lord Gu has hired two more masters.
However, having learned from his previous experience, Lord Gu was not close to the two advisors. He would only call them over for advice when he had something to ask.
Gu Quan said, "The two advisors are very tactful and have never discussed Madam's affairs. Even the eldest young master rarely mentions them. As for the people in the mansion..."
Gu Quan frowned and thought deeply.
Gu Jiu raised his eyebrows, "Why, did you remember anything?"
Gu Quan pondered and said, "I'm not sure. But every time the master goes to visit Aunt Tan, he always complains loudly the next day."
"Anything else?"
Gu Quan shook his head, "I can't remember anything else."
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Go to the backyard and bring Aunt Tan here. Don't let go of any of the maids and servants around her. You know what to do, right?"
Gu Quan nodded repeatedly, "Don't worry, Madam. I will definitely get it done."
He hurriedly took his people to the backyard to do some work.
Gu Cheng asked, "Second sister, do you suspect Aunt Tan of instigating father?"
"If it was Aunt Tan who instigated it, we'll know if we ask. I heard that Aunt Tan's family has been getting more and more prosperous in recent years thanks to the Gu Mansion. Even her gangster brother has found a job as a yamen runner."
"It is true. Father dotes on Aunt Tan and takes good care of the Tan family. We have no right to interfere."
Lord Gu couldn't handle his own job, but he could easily handle the job of being the concubine's brother.
Gu Jiu sneered, "Xu Yousi, have someone investigate the Tan family. If there's any evidence of crime, collect it and hand it over to the government office for punishment according to the law."
Xu Yousi bowed and accepted the order. This is a simple matter.
The Tan family is just an ordinary family. It is easy to investigate and even easier to deal with.
Even if Lord Gu supported the Tan family, it would be useless.
Aunt Tan was invited.
Gu Jiu's impression of Aunt Tan was still that this woman was just a pretty country girl when she first entered the mansion.
However, today Aunt Tan is dressed in gold and silver and is rich and prosperous.
Her face was very pretty, especially her eyes, which looked as if she was gazing at everyone with deep affection. No wonder Lord Gu was so fascinated by her.
"I pay my respects to Madam Zhao!"
Gu Jiu looked at her with a smile, but did not call out.
Aunt Tan was half-squatting, neither standing up nor sitting down.
After squatting for a while, she felt very uncomfortable. She felt like her legs and feet were not her own.
She gritted her teeth, overcame the physical discomfort, and said again: "My concubine greets Madam Zhao!"
Gu Jiu raised his eyelids and said, "Please show Aunt Tan a seat."
A small stool fell in front of Aunt Tan.
Aunt Tan had no choice but to sit down on the small stool.
As a result, she could only look up at people, feeling particularly aggrieved.
Lord Gu was not in the study, and she felt inexplicably nervous.
"I wonder what advice Madam Zhao has for calling me here?"
Gu Jiu was playing with a jade wine glass without saying a word.
Gu Cheng, led by Gu Jiu, also remained silent.
As time went on, Aunt Tan began to feel immense pressure, especially with the eunuchs watching closely from all sides.
She was so restless that she changed her sitting position four times in just a cup of tea.
My palms have started to sweat.
She was no longer as confident and complacent as she was at the beginning.
She asked nervously, "Madam, please let me know what you want to say."
Gu Jiu pulled the corners of his mouth and forced a smile, "Aunt, why are you so anxious? Wait a little longer."
"Waiting for what?"
No one could answer her question.
Wait and wait until Gu Quan arrives.
Gu Quan bowed and said, "Madam, everything has been concluded. It was indeed Aunt Tan who instigated Master."
Aunt Tan suddenly jumped up from the small stool and pointed at Gu Quan and cursed, "Butler Gu, what nonsense are you talking about? When did I ever instigate the master? Where is the master? I want to see the master, I want..."
"You're so noisy! Open your mouth!"
Gu Jiu looked disgusted.
Immediately, a eunuch stepped forward, grabbed Aunt Tan, picked up the ruler, and slapped her directly in the face.
“Ahhh…”
Aunt Tan screamed in shock and pain, and couldn't believe it.
She opened her mouth to speak, "How dare you hit me in the face?"
As a result, he was beaten even harder.
Only when she shut her mouth and Gu Jiu raised his hand did the eunuch let her go.
Aunt Tan fell directly to the ground, with both sides of her cheeks swollen like steamed buns made of leavened dough.
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