Chapter 609: Chapter 611: The Idea

If someone else had done this, Gu Wenheng wouldn’t have been so furious.

But He Gaofei had known him for years. That he would entertain such a notion was something Gu Wenheng simply couldn’t wrap his head around.

"They’re trying to forge a closer bond between our families," Jin Qianqian said, seeing right through his thoughts. "For some people, marriage is the most solid tie.

Right now, our families are all on good terms, but as we scatter to different places and time goes on, some friendships are bound to fade.

You just watch. There will be plenty more of this in the future."

Gu Wenheng could tell his wife’s tone was growing sharper as she spoke. Although he was angry too, placating his wife was a task that couldn’t be delayed.

"When we get back, I’ll have Ming Feng and the lads spread the word. It’s high time we properly publicized our clan and family rules.

I imagine the other wives will be delighted to hear such news."

Jin Qianqian recalled the looks on the other ladies’ faces when they left and let out a mischievous laugh. "When I get back, I’ll have Lichun get together with the other head maids. Since we’re all about to part ways, the girls can have a good chat."

The couple exchanged a smile, though it was tinged with a bit of regret. "It’s a shame we won’t be there to see it. It’s bound to be more dramatic than any opera."

...

"Dramatic" didn’t even begin to cover it. After the first night of trouble, He Gaofei and the others had thought the matter was over.

But they didn’t expect to return from the government office the next day to the thunderous expressions of their wives.

The biting sarcasm in their words, coupled with their dismissive actions, left the men completely baffled.

They sent their attendants to find out the reason, and only then did they learn—from their attendants’ stammering explanations—about the news Ming Feng and his men had been spreading.

"So this is all because Mr. Gu refuses to take a concubine?" Lu Shenggen asked, blinking as he double-checked with his attendant.

After receiving a firm nod, he looked utterly perplexed. "So what if Mr. Gu won’t take a concubine? What does that have to do with us?

Isn’t my wife going too far, using this against me?"

’Taking a concubine or not... it’s always been this way. We’ve been married for years, so why is she kicking up a fuss now?’

He Gaofei, however, knew exactly what was going on. This was Gu Wenheng’s retaliation.

He glanced up at his two baffled colleagues, then silently lowered his head, saying nothing.

’But is Gu Wenheng really against taking a concubine,’ he wondered, ’or is it just because of those clan rules?’

He had only meant well by trying to introduce his cousin to Gu Wenheng.

His cousin’s family wasn’t prominent, but she was stunningly beautiful, even more so than Jin Qianqian.

It fit the old adage of taking a concubine for her beauty. If it had worked out, his cousin would have served as a bond, tying their families together for life—a connection they could never escape.

For men of their time, it was a win-win situation. He truly couldn’t understand why Gu Wenheng would refuse such a good offer and even spread such a rumor in retaliation.

In his heart, he was sure the rumor couldn’t possibly be true.

What family would establish such a laughable rule? It would only hinder the continuation of the family line.

Wu Yichen glanced at the pensive He Gaofei. He had a strong suspicion that their current predicament was entirely this man’s fault.

"Mr. He," Wu Yichen began, "Why would Mr. Gu and his wife release this information for no apparent reason?"

"...How should I know?" He Gaofei knew he couldn’t admit the truth. "Perhaps one of the servants let it slip by accident."

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"..." ’Yeah, right,’ Wu Yichen thought.

"Women are so superficial. Haven’t I been good enough to her all these years? And now she’s getting competitive over things like this." He Gaofei’s face was dark as he turned to leave. "You can’t spoil them. Give her the cold shoulder for a few days, and she’ll come around."

Wu Yichen muttered, "I’d bet a copper coin that old fox started all this."

Lu Shenggen suddenly said, "I just remembered I have some unfinished business at the government office to take care of. You head back first, I’m going to go double-check everything."

Wu Yichen glanced back at the door leading to the back office. "...You’re right. We should check everything thoroughly. Can’t have any loose ends we can’t tie up later."

’The women in the back office are on the warpath,’ Wu Yichen thought. ’Going back now would just be asking for trouble. If we’re going to flee, we flee together.’

Jin Qianqian, however, didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Had the women currently blocking her doorway come to the wrong person?

"Mrs. Gu, you have to be the judge for us..."

"Mrs. Gu, what’s your take on this..."

&

At last, the transfer orders arrived. Gu Wenheng and his staff had already completed the handover of their duties, entrusting all official business to the new Magistrate.

"Brother Gu, it looks like I’ll have to break our promise this time. The general succeeding me hasn’t arrived yet, so I have no choice but to stay behind and wait," Zhou Shixiong said, his expression apologetic. "It seems we brothers will have to wait until we’re in Shangjing to meet again."

Gu Wenheng replied, "Brother Zhou, of course your duties come first. Besides, we have plenty of time. There will be other opportunities to meet.

Perhaps we’ll travel slowly enough that you’ll be able to catch up in a few days, Brother Zhou."

"Now that you mention it, that’s entirely possible!" Zhou Shixiong said. "In that case, Brother Gu, don’t travel too quickly. Take your time and enjoy the sights along the way. Wait for me to catch up and join you."

As he spoke, he patted the little heads of the children standing beside him. "You two have to be good on the road, understand? Don’t wander off on your own. The child-snatchers out there are very nasty these days.

In a little while, your uncle will definitely catch up, and I’ll take you riding."

Gu Benluo piped up, "Then you’d better be quick, Uncle! I’ve already promised Seventh Uncle Qi he could teach my brother and me. If you’re too late, I’m afraid we’ll have learned it all already!"

Zhou Shixiong gently patted their little shoulders, his smile full of warmth. Unfortunately, the fierce scar on his face made the expression look somewhat strained. "Don’t you worry! Qi’s horsemanship is no match for mine. He can teach you the basics, but you have to wait for me to teach you how to really ride."

Gu Wenheng thanked Tang Liping and the others who had come to see them off, then turned and ushered his children into the carriage.

As the carriage began to move, Gu Wenheng gently squeezed Jin Qianqian’s hand, a flicker of reluctance in his eyes.

"I thought I’d be able to leave without a second thought," he murmured. "I didn’t expect to feel this sentimental when the moment finally came."

Jin Qianqian squeezed his hand in return and patted it gently, offering silent comfort.

It wasn’t just about the contributions and effort Gu Wenheng had poured into this city; this place had also brought them a great deal of joy.

At that moment, she didn’t dare lift the curtain to look out at the familiar streets.

’It’ll be better once we’re out of the city,’ Jin Qianqian told herself. ’Let’s think about our next stop. We can take the children sightseeing for a bit.’

Gu Wenheng rummaged through a standing cabinet and pulled out several travelogues. "Have a look. There are some scenic spots along the way back that are worth a visit.

We were in such a rush on the way here. Now that I’ve finally unloaded my burdens, I can take some time to travel with you and the children."

Jin Qianqian casually picked up a book and began to flip through it, trying to lose herself in its pages.

But she had only read a few pages when the carriage came to a halt.

"What’s going on?" Gu Wenheng called out. They had barely started moving and hadn’t even reached the city gates yet. The convoy had no reason to stop now.

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