Chapter 807 - 809: Plans

Chapter 807: Chapter 809: Plans

Jin Qianqian snapped out of her daze only to find her son’s face magnified right in front of her. She raised a hand and patted him on the head. It was rare for this boy to bend down to eye level with her, letting her relive the feeling of when he was still little.

"Mother, didn’t you tell me before that a man’s head and a woman’s waist are strictly off-limits? How could you pat my head?" Gu Ben Can hurriedly stood up straight, covering his head with his hands.

"You certainly remember my casual remarks clearly enough," Jin Qianqian said. "If you took everything your parents said to heart like this, you wouldn’t be stuck here copying texts as punishment.

"Alright, hurry up and get back to your work. I just remembered I need to discuss something important with your father."

Hearing this, a sense of foreboding washed over Gu Ben Can. He quickly sidestepped to block her path. "Mother, what’s this important matter? Why don’t you tell me first? You know how busy Father is these days. Maybe I can help."

Jin Qianqian reached up and patted his shoulder. "This is something you definitely can’t decide for us. Anyway, I won’t bother you any longer. Get back to your studies. By the way, do you want me to have the kitchen send your meals over later?"

Gu Ben Can turned to look at the paper and brushes on his desk. He hung his head, his tone listless. "Please do. And make sure it’s something easy to eat."

Back in their room, Jin Qianqian found Gu Wenheng resting against the heated brick bed.

Hearing her enter, he immediately opened his eyes. "Checking on that brat again?"

Catching the faint scent of alcohol in the air, Jin Qianqian stepped back in disgust to put some distance between them. "Wasn’t your punishment a bit too harsh this time?"

"I knew your heart would ache for him." Gu Wenheng sat up cross-legged. "But the boy brought it upon himself. He’s always looking for shortcuts. Did he really think I’d let him off the hook just because he brought his grandmother in to pressure me?"

Jin Qianqian rolled her eyes at him. "Well, it didn’t work, did it? Even he didn’t expect the old lady to side with you so unconditionally. After this ordeal, I’m sure he’s learned his lesson.

"But you assigned him far too much work today. He’ll probably have to stay up all night. Reading and copying texts by candlelight isn’t good for the eyes."

"Are you pleading on his behalf?"

"Your mother dotes on her son, and I dote on mine," Jin Qianqian countered. "What’s wrong with that? Am I not allowed to show a little favoritism?"

Gu Wenheng looked at her with a smile. "They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but familiarity breeds contempt. The old saying truly doesn’t lie. Are you holding a grudge because your mother-in-law isn’t doting on her grandson?"

"People always claim grandparents dote on their grandchildren, but I don’t see it," Jin Qianqian said. "She barely fussed over her precious eldest grandson before immediately playing favorites with you again."

"Well, we won’t be staying at home for too long anyway," Gu Wenheng replied. "If you enjoy their company, spend more time with them; if not, just keep your distance."

After all, the two of them had taken the place of the original Gu the Seventh and his wife, and they had done more than enough to fulfill their duties over the years. This karmic debt could be considered settled. From now on, they would just take things as they came.

Jin Qianqian understood what he meant. She was just venting; she didn’t truly take it to heart.

But that wasn’t the main topic at hand. Taking a seat on the couch in the room, she said, "Since you look like you’re in high spirits, I actually have something to discuss with you."

Gu Wenheng straightened his back, ready to listen attentively.

"Since they were little, the two boys have traveled all over the place with us, but they’ve always been kept close by our side," Jin Qianqian began. "They say experiencing the world is better than reading a thousand books. By keeping them so sheltered, we’ve limited their horizons.

"I think it’s time we let them go out on their own to experience the realities of life. It’s a good opportunity for them to learn how the real world works."

"Didn’t we already have our eldest son’s teacher take him on a study tour?" Gu Wenheng asked. "I was actually planning to arrange the same for our second son once we’re settled in here."

"I know about those plans," Jin Qianqian said. "But every time they go out, it’s with a massive entourage. What can they truly see or learn like that?"

Whenever the boys traveled, they were accompanied not only by their teachers but also by a retinue of servants and guards. With such a grand display, anyone could tell they were from a prominent family. Who would dare cross them?

However, with Gu Wenheng holding a high position and her controlling so much wealth, they hadn’t dared to take any real risks before.

Gu Wenheng raised an eyebrow at her. "So, what are you suggesting?"

Jin Qianqian leaned forward slightly, her expression serious. "I want him to shed his fine clothes, put on coarse garments, and travel with only a few taels of Silver."

Gu Wenheng blinked at his wife, taking a moment to ensure she hadn’t been replaced by an impostor before asking, "Are you sure?"

He shifted his posture, sitting on the edge of the brick bed. "Aren’t you afraid he’ll suffer out there?"

Hardship was one thing, but if he encountered real danger, it would be too late for regrets. Gu Wenheng naturally knew that sending a child out alone was the best way for them to grow. However, as a father, he had to consider the long-term implications and risks.

What surprised him most was that in the past, whenever the boys had so much as a minor headache or fever, Jin Qianqian would be more anxious than anyone. Yet now, she was the one suggesting they be sent off to live in hardship.

"Of course I’ve thought of that," Jin Qianqian said. "We wouldn’t send people to protect him openly, but we can arrange for guards in the shadows. They just wouldn’t be allowed to intervene unless it’s a matter of life and death."

"Your idea is incredibly bold," Gu Wenheng murmured. "I need some time to think this through."

In his heart, he agreed with Jin Qianqian, but putting it into practice would be difficult.

"Take your time," Jin Qianqian said. "There are still a few days left before your leave ends anyway."

Meanwhile, scribbling furiously in his study, Gu Ben Can remained blissfully unaware of all this.

Li Cuicui, who had inadvertently thrown her grandson under the bus earlier, felt quite guilty. Not only had she failed to help him, but she had also caused his punishment to be doubled. To make amends, she specifically ordered the kitchen to prepare some soup and had it sent over to him.

Gu Ben Can wept tears of despair in his heart. His trust had been misplaced after all. It seemed his grandmother was more than willing to let her precious grandson suffer if it meant sparing her own son from any grief.

With a bitter expression, he gestured for the servant to set the soup aside. "Just leave it there. I’ll eat it later when I’m hungry.

"Go back and thank Grandmother for me. Tell her I appreciate her keeping me in her thoughts."

Granny Song did as she was told. Before leaving, she couldn’t help but add, "Young Master, the old Madam went to the kitchen and simmered this soup herself. If it gets cold, remember to have the kitchen heat it up for you."

Right now, Gu Ben Can only wanted to rush through his work. He gave a perfunctory nod and immediately buried his head back in his books.

Jin Qianqian never expected that after all these years, the next time she saw He Nan and Yang Wenlan would be right here in her own village.

The two families had exchanged letters frequently over the years. But while Gu Wenheng’s career had steadily climbed, He Nan hadn’t been blessed with the same fortune.

After spending years stuck in the position of Vice Prefect of Dao City, he had finally been promoted to acting Prefect earlier this year. If the higher-ups didn’t send a new Magistrate to take over, He Nan would officially secure the position by the end of the year.

He Nan stood to the side, looking somewhat reserved. Although the two families had maintained their customary visits over the years, the gap in their social standing had gradually widened. He Nan feared that Gu Wenheng might look down on him now.

Gu Wenheng smiled and teased, "It’s only been a few years since we last saw each other. Are we already acting like strangers?"