CHAPTER 795: CHAPTER 795: LIU BIN AND HER SISTERS

Lord Lai pointed to the chair beside him and said, "Sit."

Gu Youlu obediently sat down.

Lord Lai said, "It’s not surprising that Gu Dashan’s family can come up with some new things. Throughout history, there have always been capable people. But the key is, why has his family been able to hold onto their business? Many families have had their businesses schemed away with just a good recipe. A group of refugees like his family has not only avoided losing their business, but has also been able to conduct it peacefully for three years. Without a big backer, his family would have been swallowed alive by now."

Lord Lai truly cared for Gu Youlu and meticulously explained the dangers involved, eventually saying, "Your family must pretend to be unaware for now, and act only after Old Five finds out who is backing Gu Dashan’s family. Otherwise, I fear you might suffer a loss."

Having listened to Lord Lai’s analysis of the dangers for half an hour, Gu Youlu was so frightened that he broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly said, "I will listen to Uncle Lai. Whatever Uncle Lai says, my family will do."

Lord Lai was very pleased and patted Gu Youlu’s shoulder, saying, "Youlu, you are smart, but too impulsive. Once the matter with Gu Dushan’s family is settled, you should focus on your studies. If you can become a Scholar, an official position will be inevitable for you. Do not get entangled in these mundane matters; you are meant to be an official."

Zhu Wu, who was standing by, frowned upon hearing this. Although Great Chu needed officials everywhere, it was not easy for a Scholar to become one as it involved a lot of money.

However, Gu Youlu was very happy after hearing this and nodded in agreement, "Don’t worry, Uncle Lai. Once the Old Gu Family secures a big business, I will definitely focus on my studies and aim for an official position in the future."

Gu Youlu knew his own limitations; he was certain he couldn’t achieve such a position on merit, but he hoped Lord Lai could help arrange an official post for him, hence he was very obedient to Lord Lai’s words.

"You know your priorities well," Lord Lai said with a smile, nodding in approval at Gu Youlu’s compliance, even though Master Yue often said Gu Youlu wasn’t up to the task and his temper could bring trouble. Yet, he was still willing to give Gu Youlu a chance to lead a wealthy and powerful life.

He instructed further, "Go back and explain the situation to your parents, let them wait for now. Don’t rush to approach Gu Dashan too soon. Otherwise, you might scare them off without securing the business, and could be caught off guard by Gu Dashan’s family’s backers."

Gu Youlu shuddered at the thought and hurriedly said, "Don’t worry, Uncle Lai, I will go back and tell my parents right away, and make sure they don’t act rashly."

Lord Lai nodded, "Go, and let Zhu Wu accompany you back."

"Yes," Gu Youlu complied, and left with Zhu Wu.

While the Old Gu Family was excitedly discussing how to show off their power when Gu Dashan came to kneel before them, Gu Youlu returned and relayed Lord Lai’s message.

"What? We can’t immediately approach Gu Dashan? Why would Lord Lai say that? Delaying even a day means losing a significant amount of silver," Qian Guangzong had long regarded Gu Dashan’s family’s silver as his own, and was eager to call Gu Dashan over to take over everything. He couldn’t wait.

Upon hearing Gu Youlu’s words, he was the first to object, "No, we must send a message to Gu Dashan immediately, and have him come to meet his in-laws. How can there be a son who doesn’t come to pay respects to his parents while they are alive?"

Lord Lai had sent Zhu Wu to prevent the Old Gu Family from causing a scene, and since Qian Guangzong was not favored by Lord Lai, Zhu Wu bluntly said, "The Lord said, Gu Dashan’s family has a strong backing. If you don’t want to die, wait half a month. After the Lord finds out who is behind Gu Dashan’s family, then you can approach him."

Gu Youlu also added, "Yes, father and mother, Uncle Lai said that Gu Dashan’s family being able to sustain such a lucrative business means they have a significant backer. We must first find out clearly, we cannot be too hasty. Otherwise, Gu Dashan’s backer might kill us."

Old Gu Family feared death, upon hearing there was no other choice, they reluctantly agreed.

"Alright, then we won’t see Dashan now. We’ll wait until Lord Lai has figured it out," Granny Gu made the final decision.

Zhu Wu, satisfied upon hearing this, took out a bag of silver and placed it on the table: "Your family are descendants of the benefactor, the lord has said, no matter what, he will help fulfill your wishes."

After speaking, he bowed and then left.

Qian Guangzong quickly grabbed the silver bag on the table and handed it over to Granny Gu with a smile: "Mother-in-law, this is for you."

After finishing, he eagerly watched Granny Gu.

Granny Gu knew what he was scheming, and also felt pity for Gu Dagu, so she divided the bag of silver, with each household receiving a silver ingot.

Granny Gu did not want to give any to Gu Youfort, but Elder Gu was watching her, she had to give Youfu the silver: "Take this, but do not spend it recklessly, you need to save."

"Ah, mother, rest assured, your son will definitely not spend the silver recklessly." Gu Youfu joyfully took it and carefully stowed the silver away.

However, being a hypocrite, he went to the brothel to find a prostitute, and not just any but the lusted-after Bi Niang, within four hours of getting the silver.

Liu Bi Niang initially looked down on Gu Youfu, thinking he was tight-fisted and lack of silver, but this time not only did he have the silver to afford her, but he also divulged some information: "I’ve been keeping it a secret, but actually the Gu Family that makes the flavoring spices is indeed my own family."

Liu Bi Niang was shocked to hear this; she hurriedly asked Gu Youfu: "Is Mr. Fu speaking the truth? You couldn’t possibly be deceiving me, right?"

Gu Youfu got angry, displeased, he revealed everything about Gu Youlu bumping into Dashan, the livelihood of Gu Dashan’s family, and the Old Gu Family planning to invite Dashan for a meeting.

Seeing his confident and sensible explanation, which aligned with some rumors she had heard in the Prefecture, she believed him mostly.

"Mr. Fu looks like a noble, I really didn’t misjudge you - turns out your family not only has high-ranking officials like the Vice Magistrate, but also runs such a big business." Yang Bi Niang said, then sighed about her own misfortune: "I was sold into this brothel years ago, but I’ve always wanted to reform and lead a decent life. If Mr. Fu fancies me, Bi Niang, please remember to bring silver to redeem me after meeting your elder brother; I am willing to serve you for a lifetime."

Liu Bi Niang was beautiful, her body delicate as a serpent, a type that Ms. Zheng could never compare with. Gu Youfu was already deeply infatuated and hastily rolled on top of her, showering her with reckless kisses: "My darling, I am a real man, not like those rascals who deny everything after pulling up their trousers. As long as you serve me well, I will definitely redeem you, and you will live the life of a young madam."

Liu Bi Niang knew exactly how to curry favor, she served Gu Youfu so comfortably that he inadvertently revealed where Gu Dashan’s family lived. After sending Gu Youfu off, she immediately wrote to her younger sister, who lived in Tianfu County, informing her of such a "gold mine" in Qingfu Town, urging her to act quickly before others would seize it.

Liu Bi Niang’s sister was a young widow living in a village on the outskirts of the county, her husband had died the previous year during the Festival of Double Ninth. Currently seeking a new marriage, she was immensely intrigued by the letter from her sister.

The Gu Family that makes flavoring spices, what a tremendously wealthy family; she couldn’t afford to miss this opportunity.