“Grandfather, what makes you think I can get my godfather to do this for the Gu family? It’s just a nominal relationship. Do you really believe in such a superficial thing? Even if the Zhuang family values me, how could they possibly ruin their reputation built up over many years for the sake of my two adopted brothers?”
Grandpa Gu let out a violent cough, as if he wanted to cough up all the breath in his body.
Gu Qinlan remained calm and simply gestured for the servants to come and check on her.
Grandpa Gu watched, his heart filled with helplessness and frustration. He had long known that his eldest granddaughter was cold-hearted, and now that she had married so grandly, relying on her was even more difficult.
However, at this moment, he had no other choice but to have her.
The Gu family has suffered heavy losses this time, and if they do not find a way out in time, they may never recover.
How could he be content with that?
Therefore, he persisted in persuading her: "Qinlan, please, for the sake of how well I've treated you, help your two younger brothers. The revitalization of the Gu family would be a solid support for you..."
Gu Qinlan gently raised the corners of her mouth, revealing a calm smile: "Grandfather, you are getting older and should not overwork yourself. I will do my best to help, but if it is beyond my ability, I can only sigh helplessly. As for the so-called dependence, I dared not hope for it before I was married, let alone now that I am married, I have no such thoughts."
Old Master Gu was immediately speechless and had no reply.
He knew in his heart that Gu Qinlan's years in the Gu family were not easy. For a long time, she felt like she was walking on a knife's edge, cautious and struggling.
To be honest, if it were him, he probably wouldn't even be able to forgive and forget, and might even seek revenge later.
However, he had to pretend he knew nothing.
"Qinlan, no matter what, you are still a member of the Gu family and the eldest daughter. You have the responsibility and obligation to contribute to the future of the family. Your fate is always intertwined with that of the Gu family."
Gu Qinlan maintained her composure: "Grandfather is absolutely right, but my stance remains unchanged. I will do my best in what I can, and I am powerless to help in what I cannot. Just now, the young master pointed out the direction for Grandfather and expressed his willingness to support his two younger brothers, but how can you bear to let them suffer so much? Is that reasonable?"
"If one wants to enjoy honor and disgrace but is unwilling to endure suffering, how can all the good things in this world belong to the Gu family?"
"As the saying goes, 'No pain, no gain.' If they can't even endure a little hardship, how far can they go in the future? Grandfather, you should think it over carefully. There are still many things at home that I need to take care of, so I won't stay any longer."
After saying that, Gu Qinlan gently pulled Zheng Dinglian and turned to leave.
Grandpa Gu called out repeatedly, "Take care," but Gu Qinlan didn't even turn her head, which made him so angry that he pounded his chest and coughed incessantly.
In the hazy darkness, Gu Qinlian once again silently entered Old Master Gu's bedroom, gracefully sitting down on the round stool beside the bed, her tone filled with unwavering determination: "Grandfather, you should give up now, shouldn't you? I've said it before, Gu Qinlan's heart has already flown out of the Gu family's sphere, and she can't possibly contribute to the Gu family's future."
Old Master Gu lay on the bed, his face as pale as paper, silent.
Gu Qinlian continued to persuade him, "Grandfather, what are you still hesitating about? I have already cleverly established contact with the Fourth Prince's residence. As long as you are willing to provide some silver to support me, I will definitely win the Fourth Prince's trust. At that time, what will you have to worry about?"
"Why bother groveling and begging Gu Qinlan and Zheng Dinglian? Why not broaden your horizons and pledge allegiance to the Fourth Prince?"
Grandpa Gu still had doubts: "How can you be sure that the Fourth Prince will ultimately win? If he doesn't ascend the throne in the end, our whole family will be in danger."
Gu Qinlian answered confidently, "I am fully confident that the Fourth Prince will be the ultimate winner. Grandfather, although the current political situation is complicated, only the Fourth Prince can rival the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince is surrounded by enemies, and he is destined to be overthrown."
“Grandfather, you have worked hard for half your life, all you wanted was for the Gu family to be able to hold their heads high. Now that the opportunity is right in front of you, you are hesitant and timid. If this continues, our Gu family should just honestly guard our small family business.”
“Even my father is trying to establish contact with the Fourth Prince’s residence, so what else do you have to worry about?”
Old Master Gu's mind was in turmoil, and he finally said, "You may leave now. I need to think about this more carefully."
Gu Qinlian stood up helplessly, leaving behind the words: "Then please make a decision as soon as possible. Opportunity knocks but once. Now is the time when the Fourth Prince's faction urgently needs help. As the saying goes, a helping hand in times of need is better than adding flowers to brocade. Only by providing assistance to the Fourth Prince at this critical moment can we obtain the greatest reward."
If she weren't short of money, why would she have to bow and scrape and beg everywhere in a soft voice?
Since setting foot in the bustling capital, she has been single-mindedly searching for a way to get close to the Fourth Prince's residence. After many twists and turns and tireless efforts, she is now finally close to her goal, awaiting only the final breakthrough.
Once this final crucial step is achieved, the Gu family will officially be under the Fourth Prince's command, becoming his staunch supporter. When the Fourth Prince ascends the throne, the Gu family will also rise to prominence and share in his glory.
However, her ambitions go far beyond that.
Her ultimate goal is to become a favorite and trusted confidante of the Fourth Prince!
Once she achieves this goal, the first person she will eliminate is Ji Yinli! Next, it will be Gu Qinlan!
If the old master of the Gu family refused to lend a helping hand, she would have no choice but to use the grain that Gu Xun brought back as a wager to force him to comply.
Several months ago, Gu Xun went to assist Gu Qinlian in purchasing grain, and everything went smoothly. However, on his way back to Jindu, he was besieged by enemy troops. Out of respect for life, Gu Xun dared not risk going forward, so he hid the grain in another place and fled back to the capital for refuge.
Unexpectedly, this decision saved him and the food.
Originally, Gu Qinlian planned to make a fortune from this batch of grain.
But now, in order to curry favor with the Fourth Prince's family, she has to temporarily put aside other ideas.
...
at the same time.
After leaving the Gu family, Gu Qinlan and Zheng Dinglian rode in a carriage and slowly drove home.
Zheng Dinglian said, "Your stepsister and her husband spared no effort when the refugees attacked the Prince Duan's mansion."
Even after the capture of Jindu City, some people were eager to report the matter to him.
Upon hearing this, Gu Qinlan simply smiled and said, "If she had been the one being besieged at the time, I would have taken the same measures without hesitation."
Zheng Dinglian gave her a deep look and said, "It seems there's a deep-seated grudge between you two."
Gu Qinlan's tone was icy: "My mother's death was inextricably linked to the Song family. She was practically the death warrant for my mother. Therefore, it is only natural that I want to get rid of her."
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