Gu Qinlan's expression also turned melancholy: "But grandfather, I..."
Old Master Gu interrupted her hesitation and said resolutely, "You don't need to care about their doubts and objections. I have already said that anyone who has doubts will be expelled from the Gu family."
After saying that, his gaze swept coldly over Madam Song: "What do you think?"
Song wanted to say yes, but when she noticed the look in Old Master Gu's eyes, she was immediately terrified.
She was absolutely certain that if she answered yes, the cold-hearted old man would definitely make the decision to divorce her on Gu Dingli's behalf.
After all, she knew perfectly well that the old man had never respected her.
When Gu Dingli brought her back to the prestigious Gu family, the conservative old man bluntly criticized her for her humble origins and low status, saying she was unworthy of integrating into the Gu family, let alone becoming the family's mistress.
However, it was precisely because of the fetus in her womb and other considerations that Gu Dingli managed to temporarily silence the old man's objections.
More than a decade has passed since she stepped into that doorway, and the old man has always treated her coldly. Neither she nor her two children have won his favor, which has made them a laughing stock among Gu Dingli's many concubines in his harem.
She was filled with anger and cursed inwardly: Why is this old man so reluctant to die!
Once he passes away, no one will dare to underestimate her, and the Gu family will completely become her son's possession!
A crazy idea began to take root in Song's mind.
So she suppressed her anger, lowered her head and said meekly, "I dare not be presumptuous. I acted impulsively. Please punish me, Father."
Gu Qinlan glanced at Song Shi with slight surprise, then caught her intention from her eyes, which she couldn't completely hide.
She raised her eyebrows slightly, a hint of anticipation rising in her heart.
If Song dares to take action, it will undoubtedly be a great help to her.
Once Gu Dingli falls, Old Master Gu will undoubtedly regain control and entrust her with managing family affairs. However, this is merely a polite facade. In reality, Old Master Gu intends to use her influence and the reputation of the Duan Prince's Mansion to eliminate rivals who covet the family's resources. For her to truly reach the core of the Gu family will not be easy.
If Song could turn her idea into reality, she would undoubtedly save herself a lot of trouble.
She secretly prayed that Song would not suddenly regain consciousness.
Even if Song regains her senses, it won't be a big problem; it will just require more effort.
Seeing that Madam Song's attitude was still quite proper, Old Master Gu snorted coldly and turned to Gu Qinlan, saying, "Now, what reason do you have to refuse?"
Gu Qinlan sighed and said, "Alright, Grandfather, I have no choice but to accept this task. But I must make it clear beforehand that I will only do my best, and if there are any losses, the Gu family shall not blame me."
With a hint of gentleness in his eyes, Old Master Gu said, "The business world is like a battlefield, where profits and losses coexist. Even I cannot guarantee that every deal will be profitable. Therefore, you have no need to worry."
Gu Qinlan felt much relieved: "With such an enlightened grandfather, I will do my utmost to contribute to the Gu family business."
Just then, a doctor rushed out, his voice urgent, and said, "Master Gu, have you made up your minds? Master Gu's condition is getting worse, I'm afraid..."
Upon hearing this, Master Gu hurriedly tried to get up, but as soon as he stood up, his legs went weak and he almost fell to the ground.
Gu Qinlan reacted quickly and immediately supported him, saying, "Grandfather, please be careful."
Old Master Gu gripped her arm tightly, his voice instantly becoming hoarse: "Take me to visit your father."
Gu Qinlan's eyes reddened, and her voice trembled slightly: "Okay."
Song and the others immediately followed the two and went together to Gu Dingli's bedroom.
At this moment, Gu Dingli had actually regained consciousness, and his eyes were even unusually clear.
However, this situation is not a good omen.
Gu Qinlan could tell at a glance that this was just a final burst of energy before death.
Master Gu was heartbroken. He sat on a chair by the bed and, forcing back his grief, asked, "Dingli, can you speak now?"
Gu Dingli's lips moved, but he couldn't make a sound.
The doctor beside him said, "Master Gu is unable to speak at the moment. If you have anything to say, please do so as soon as possible."
Master Gu held Gu Dingli's hand tightly and said, "I have arranged the family business in an orderly manner. Before Xun'er can stand on his own, Qinlan will assist in the management. She is both intelligent and decisive, and with the support of the Prince Duan's Mansion, no one will dare to make a move against the Gu family at this critical juncture."
Gu Dingli's eyes shifted slightly, his gaze landing on Gu Qinlan.
Gu Qinlan stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Father, please rest assured, your daughter will definitely protect the Gu family."
Suddenly, Madam Song rushed forward, tears streaming down her face, and said, "Master, you can't leave us like this. Please get well soon."
Gu Dingli's affection for Song was evident, and upon hearing her weeping, he appeared increasingly anxious.
Song lay on his chest, sobbing uncontrollably: "Master, don't worry, I will take good care of Xun'er and protect the Gu family. Once everything is back on track, I will come to find you."
Gu Dingli struggled to let out a few "ah" sounds, as if responding to Song Shi. This scene was touching, and Gu Qinlian burst into tears, collapsing into Ji Yinli's arms.
Gu Qinlan watched coldly, a sneer rising in her heart.
These people, who are usually cold and indifferent, are now acting out deep emotions with such realism.
Gu Dingli eventually passed away.
The wives and concubines, led by Song, were devastated and their cries were deafening.
This tragedy happened so suddenly. How can we accept that someone we had dinner with just yesterday has passed away in the blink of an eye?
However, Gu Qinlian was different.
Despite being quite surprised, she was unusually calm, and even faintly revealed a hint of excitement.
In her previous life, when she passed away, Gu Dingli was still living a life of great prestige.
Thanks to Ji Yinli's power, his career flourished and he received much praise. Who wouldn't call him a lucky guy?
However, Gu Dingli's fate was completely different throughout his life.
She originally only instructed Polang to burn down a few of the Gu family's warehouses, causing Gu Dingli to suffer minor losses, but she never expected that Gu Dingli would die in an accident.
Now, the Gu family's businesses are about to fall under her control.
Is there anything more exhilarating than this?
Gu Qinlan was in high spirits, but given that she had just lost her father, she could not show her joy too much, lest she give others an opportunity to take advantage of her.
So, she suppressed her grief, put on a heartbroken appearance, and helped Song with Gu Dingli's funeral arrangements.
This was Mr. Gu's last wish.
The moment Gu Dingli breathed his last, Old Master Gu could no longer hold on and fell ill, ending up in bed. To prevent the Gu family from descending into chaos, he appointed Gu Qinlan to be in full charge of the funeral arrangements.
Song was worried that she would take the opportunity to profit, and she was also afraid that her position in the Gu family would be in jeopardy, so she was determined to get involved.
Gu Qinlan didn't care about this and let her do whatever she wanted.
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