Chapter 991: Chapter 991 Giving Silver

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

As the banquet drew to a close, Gu Chengrui pulled out a thousand taels of silver and presented it to Gu Chengen. “I believe the ancestral hall is overdue for renovations. Perhaps we can tackle that project next year.

“Any leftover funds could be used to renovate our clan’s school and cultivate more promising talent.”

“Hmm,” Gu Chengen murmured, his gaze instinctively flitting towards the old patriarch upon hearing this suggestion.

The old patriarch responded with a smile and a nod. “If he says take it, then take it, Chengen. The ancestral hall could certainly use a refresh. It’s a worthy cause.”

“Yes, Father,” Gu Chengen acknowledged, then turned back to Gu Chengrui. “On behalf of everyone, I thank you.”

“I’m a member of the Gu Clan as well,” Gu Chengrui replied. “It’s simply my duty.”

Witnessing this exchange, Mr. Gu and Second Uncle Gu each retrieved five hundred taels of silver and offered them to Gu Chengen.

“Let’s consider building additional schools and recruiting more students from neighboring villages,” Mr. Gu proposed. “This will not only benefit our clan’s education system but also serve to bolster our reputation in the surrounding communities.”

“Agreed,” Gu Chengen said, accepting the money and bowing respectfully to the two men. The others present followed suit, expressing their gratitude with bows of their own.

New Year’s celebrations commenced, and Gu Chengrui’s family journeyed to their hometown to ring in the festivities with Father Gu, Second Uncle Gu, and the others.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, Gu Chengrui brought his two older children along on their New Year’s visits, paying respects to the clan elders and those who had offered them assistance from the Qian clan. He extended an invitation for them to gather at their hometown residence that evening.

He kept his instructions brief, simply urging them to maintain a low profile to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

Upon returning home, Gu Chengrui sought out Big Brother Tian. “How have you been these past few days, Big Brother Tian?” he inquired.

“Quite well,” Big Brother Tian replied. “With that job at the restaurant, life is pretty comfortable.”

“That’s a relief,” Gu Chengrui said. “Thankyou for keeping an eye on the house for us all these years.”

“It was my pleasure, truly,” Big Brother Tian assured him. “Just a few houses, no trouble at all.”

Gu Chengrui smiled, patting Big Brother Tian on the shoulder before offering him a dagger. “I’m unsure when I’ll be back next,” he explained. “Please accept this as a token of appreciation.”

“This is… far too valuable,” Big Brother Tian stammered, his eyes landing on the gemstone adorning the dagger’s sheath.

“Take it,” Gu Chengrui insisted. “We’ve shared life-and-death situations together. Surely a dagger isn’t too extravagant a show of gratitude?”

“Thankyou, Brother Gu,” Big Brother Tian said gratefully.

“One more thing,” Gu Chengrui continued. “I actually plan to return the house to the Qian family. Once we leave, you won’t have to worry about tending to it anymore.”

“You’re not planning on coming back?” Big Brother Tian asked, surprised.

“We may return, but we intend to purchase a larger house in town. Anyone visiting in the future can stay there directly.”

“True enough,” Big Brother Tian agreed. “This small courtyard is definitely a bit cramped for your family.”

The second day of the new year saw the return of Gu Ziqiu and Gu Zishan. The family of five then reunited once more at their hometown for a gathering.

The two sisters seemed practically inseparable, and it was evident they hadn’t endured any hardships.

The moment they laid eyes on Guoguo and the other two children, the sisters immediately called out greetings and showered them with silver lockets as gifts.

Witnessing this exchange, Zhou Ying called over their seven children. She handed each of them a red packet containing one hundred taels of silver. “For the boys,” she explained, “this is for your studies. For the girls, consider it a starting point for your dowries in the future. Take good care of them.”

Gu Zishan, upon hearing the substantial sum, understood the significant gesture. She quickly interjected, “Third Sister-in-Law, you’re spending far too much! We can’t possibly accept this.”

“There’s no need to return it. We really don’t know when we’ll meet again in the future. Let them keep it.”

“If she gives it, just take it. Their family doesn’t lack silver now.” Mrs. Yao smiled and added.

Seeing this, neither of them refused. Instead, they asked about Zhou Ying’s life in the capital.

It was only on the way back that the two of them took a look inside the red packets.