Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 601 - 437: Stay or Leave

Gu Changbai spoke while observing Gu Chengyu’s expression. Seeing Gu Chengyu’s usual demeanor, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

"Moreover, your aunt and I have been staying at an inn, which isn’t cheap. The cost of the rooms is really high, and our family isn’t well-off. If it weren’t for your support in recent times, we might have ended up on the streets."

These words brought a flush to Gu Wanfang’s face. As a scholar, openly admitting one’s family’s predicament in front of others was somewhat embarrassing for him.

Gu Chengyu put down his teacup and looked at Gu Changbai and them until they both felt a chill in their hearts, then he finally spoke.

"Second Uncle! My father and the others haven’t seen you for many years. Don’t you want to return to your hometown? The expense in the Capital is high, as you know. Wouldn’t it be better to return to Jingyuan Prefecture, where you and First Uncle can look out for each other? It’s much better than staying in the Capital, isn’t it?"

Gu Changbai was momentarily at a loss for words and suddenly remembered he had come to the Capital to find his granddaughter, which prompted a change in topic.

"Wasn’t I here to find my granddaughter Juju? By the way, where is Juju now?"

He looked Gu Chengyu up and down, wondering if Juju had some kind of improper relationship with Gu Chengyu. Otherwise, why hasn’t he let him see Juju up till now?

"She has changed her identity and started a new life. With her previous identity, returning to the Gu Clan might not be a good thing. I’ve already given her a new household registration, making her an ordinary woman. If you truly care for her, there’s no need to disturb her peaceful life."

Gu Changbai looked at Gu Chengyu with suspicion. The more Gu Chengyu refused to let him see her, the more he felt something unspeakable might be happening.

Gu Chengyu frowned, wondering if Gu Changbai thought there was anything inappropriate between him and Ji Fuhu.

"What’s the matter, Second Uncle? Are you still not reassured by me? I saved Juju because she once did me a favor. Ransoming her was just me repaying the kindness. I am a court official and not married, so there’s no way I could be involved with a brothel woman."

At this point, Gu Chengyu’s tone turned somewhat cold. It’s unpleasant for anyone to be suspected of such things.

"So, Second Uncle, have you made up your mind? If you want to return, I’ll arrange for a boat ticket. If you don’t, then I’m afraid I can’t financially support you any longer. I’ve just started my position, and my salary hasn’t come in yet; I really can’t support too many people!"

Gu Chengyu didn’t want to keep bearing the cost of Gu Changbai’s family staying in the Capital; his Silver Coin didn’t just fall from the sky.

Moreover, Gu Changbai had approached him with some ulterior motives.

The implication in Gu Chengyu’s words was clear enough: he wouldn’t bear the expenses of Gu Changbai’s family in the Capital from now on.

There was no room left for Gu Changbai. Either return to Jingyuan Prefecture or find your own way in the future.

At those words, Gu Changbai’s face turned quite sour. They couldn’t return to Jingyuan Prefecture yet; Xiao Yao was still in the hands of those people. How could they just leave?

Gu Wanfang’s expression also darkened; this little cousin didn’t quite care for them and likely didn’t want to get involved with such poor relatives.

He was unaware of other matters involved; otherwise, given that Gu Changbai was his father’s second brother, it wouldn’t have been possible for Gu Chengyu to be so uncompromising.

"Dear Nephew! You know, we came to the Capital to find Juju and also to allow Fang to pursue his studies. Now, you won’t let me see Juju, nor has Fang entered the school, this..."

The unspoken message from Gu Changbai was clear to Gu Chengyu: they had no intention of leaving the Capital.

"Second Uncle, there is still one matter I don’t understand."

Gu Chengyu bore a hint of coldness in his demeanor; he was planning to give Gu Changbai one more chance.

If Gu Changbai refused to leave the Capital, he wouldn’t hesitate to use him as bait to catch a bigger fish.

"You claim to have come to find your niece, so why did you bring the whole family along? Wouldn’t it have been easier to just bring Fang?"

Gu Chengyu watched Gu Changbai’s face change dramatically as he continued, "The expenses in the Capital are high; bringing more people only increases those costs, making it truly impractical."

Gu Changbai was shocked internally; could it be that Gu Chengyu had already seen through their intentions? Or had those people given something away?

This was impossible! That person had said discovering a flaw was absolutely impossible.

He steadied his mind and recited the excuse he had prepared earlier.

"It’s quite shameful to admit, but over the years, Fang’s study expenses have been substantial, and he owes much gratitude to my second son. But my second son’s family isn’t affluent, and his wife complained a lot. This time coming to the Capital, my second son’s family refused to continue raising another child."

Gu Changbai glanced at Gu Chengyu’s expression, seeing that he remained indifferent without a word, he continued.

"Since my second son’s family wouldn’t agree, I thought it best to bring the children to the Capital. The kids need care, so I brought your aunt as well."

Gu Chengyu nodded, then asked, "Why wouldn’t your cousin’s wife agree? It’s only for a short period of time, or do you plan to settle in the Capital, not returning to Yingnan Mansion? Surely you don’t plan to leave the child with brother forever."

Gu Changbai was at a loss for words for a moment before he replied, "Just one child; we wouldn’t feel at ease leaving them at home either."

Gu Chengyu thought of saying, would their own uncle and aunt really mistreat the child?

However, he chose not to dwell on this topic with Gu Changbai.

Gu Chengyu cast a glance at Gu Wanfang, noticing some confusion on his face, and guessed that Gu Wanfang might not be aware of the underlying truth.

"Very well! Living in the Capital does require considerable expenses. Why not leave Fang in the Capital where I can find a college for him, and I’ll take care of his future? Second Uncle, you’d be better off returning to Jingyuan Prefecture or Yingnan Mansion; it would save on costs as well."

Gu Chengyu spoke while closely observing Gu Changbai’s expression, and upon noticing some anxiety, he coldly snorted, "As for Juju, she has her own place to go."

"You need not worry about Fang’s situation. When you return, I’ll give you some travel expenses, and once back, find some work; wouldn’t it be better than struggling in the Capital?"

Gu Chengyu had made a commitment that as long as Gu Changbai returned to Jingyuan Prefecture or Yingnan Mansion, he would provide Silver Coin to ensure they wouldn’t struggle to make ends meet. Meanwhile, Gu Wanfang would stay in the Capital under his care.

In truth, this condition was quite generous; an ordinary person would hardly refuse. The future of their grandson would be secured, and more benefits for their family; there was no room for complaints.

Gu Wanfang was somewhat excited upon hearing this; his little cousin intended to guide his future? He couldn’t help looking towards his grandfather, hoping his grandfather would agree.

He didn’t know why his grandfather had given Xiao Yao to others to raise, but he wasn’t foolish and knew their trip to the Capital was related to Xiao Yao.

So why not inform his little cousin about it, letting him think of a solution? After all, his little cousin also didn’t like supporting such a large group; wouldn’t it be better than constantly asking him for sustenance? Moreover, as an official, wouldn’t his cousin have more means?