The young lady Gu Wanfang mentioned has a brother, who is quite diligent in his studies and plans to take the exams this year. If he can pass, her social status will naturally rise. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Mrs. Lv inquired about the brother’s character, and found out that he is well-regarded at the academy and often ranks at the top in monthly exams.

For a family like Gu Wanfang’s, this is already a commendable match, and Gu Wanfang himself is quite satisfied with this marriage arrangement.

He actually understands in his heart that what they value is not his character, but the support he has behind him.

"Fang is already twenty-three this year; at this age, other children can already recite the Three Character Classic. If he doesn’t get married soon, it will really be too late."

Mr. Gu sighed, thinking that this grandnephew’s character is still good.

"It’s just unfortunate timing, isn’t it? The young lady’s grandfather passed away. After finally deciding to marry early next year, the grandfather passed, and now they must observe a year of mourning. The young lady is also filial. If she were to marry during the mourning period, they wouldn’t have to waste this year."

Although complaining verbally, Mrs. Lv’s expression was full of approval. Without special reasons, who would marry during mourning? Surely they aren’t that eager to marry?

"Xiao Bao! Fang is getting married; your second uncle is ultimately Fang’s grandfather. Fang lost his father when he was young, and his mother also passed away, relying solely on his grandparents to raise him. Now that he is to marry, his grandparents are no longer around..."

Mr. Gu set down his bowl and chopsticks, afraid Xiao Bao would resent his second uncle and not want him and his brother to come over.

"Fang should decide this for himself. Didn’t I give him that courtyard as a gift? It’s only right for him to bring his grandparents over."

Since they don’t live in the main house, what issue could he possibly have?

Mr. Gu breathed a sigh of relief, "That’s what I’ve been saying too. Oh! Your elder brother and elder sister said they are coming to the Capital to attend Fang’s wedding."

Mr. Gu couldn’t help but smile as he spoke of it.

He hadn’t seen his oldest son in over two years, and he missed him dearly.

Mrs. Lv, listening from the side, had nothing to say, having no dislike at all for her eldest.

The eldest is honest, hardworking, and obedient. She still has a bit of affection for the eldest and his family.

Gu Chengyu’s face broke into a smile, "My elder brother and elder sister are coming? That’s wonderful. We haven’t seen them for over two years. When will they arrive? Did they notify us in advance so someone from the house could pick them up?"

Upon returning, he had gone straight to the main house, and Steward Chen from the outer courtyard hadn’t had a chance to report.

"Steward Chen has already sent someone to pick them up, and they just left five days ago. Your uncle’s family will also bring Hua along, so he sent a letter. Take a look."

Mr. Gu instructed the maid Qingxia to bring the letter for Gu Chengyu to review.

Gu Chengyu took the letter and after reading its contents, set it aside.

"Uncle wants Hua to come to the Capital to study? He’s scheduled for exams next year, and studying in the Capital only to return to the original place for exams seems inconvenient."

Gu Chengyu found it puzzling why Gu Wanhua, who was studying well in Jingyuan, suddenly wanted to come to the Capital.

"He mentioned it before in his letters, saying Hua is extremely concerned about Yan Bi, and there’s no longer a gynecologic expert in Jingyuan Prefecture, which led them to come to the Capital in hopes. Your uncle is so distressed he’s lost his appetite from worry, almost worn out these past two years. However, Hua said that if the Capital can’t help, he will focus solely on his studies and no longer seek a doctor for Yan Bi."

Mr. Gu was deeply disappointed in this grandnephew, not expecting after all these years Hua still wasn’t focused on studying, completely captivated by Yan Bi.

"What’s the situation? Didn’t they say Yan Bi had taken medicine that prevents her from bearing children? Why is Hua still so fixated?"

Gu Chengyu was utterly perplexed. Even if Hua had genuine feelings for Yan Bi, the issue of no offspring is still significant.

He remembered Hua had a son originally; is he just ignoring that? Is he being heartless or too emotional?

"Hua has been completely enchanted by that seductress; it’s unlucky even to mention him. They can stay for a while, but as for studying in the Capital, that’s not our concern. They will have to find an academy themselves, but Hua cannot stay in the house so as not to negatively influence Xiao Bao."

Mrs. Lv disapproved of Hua, not even wanting to mention him.

"This time Fang is getting married, and our relatives should come in some numbers. If none attend, and there are too few people, it will look shabby. Your nephews are all coming; Da Lang and the others will get to play in the Capital this time."

Gu Chengyu nodded; weddings are all about family clans. Gu Family has no relatives in the Capital, so they can’t just host a couple of tables; it would look rather poor.

He had no objections to his nephews coming because he had more than just one residence and wasn’t worried about not having enough space.

For a short stay, he didn’t mind too much. But if they linger without leaving, he wouldn’t hesitate to knock them out and send them back to their original place packed off.

However, that second son held a big grudge against him. If he doesn’t come to annoy him, that’s best, but Gu Chengyu knows that’s unlikely.

Second son had long wanted to visit the Capital. Previously being able to stay in Jingyuan was only because uncle kept a close eye.

"Are there too many people? With so many in the house eating and drinking, won’t they eat Xiao Bao out?"

Mrs. Lv was somewhat displeased with so many coming from Jingyuan Prefecture, thinking there’s simply not enough room. Additionally, some shallow-minded individuals might become envious upon entering this household.

Once those good things catch their eye, there’s no pulling them away.

Gu Chengyu found his mother adorable, considering how easily he might be eaten out. But one really has to keep an eye on these individuals!

If someone goes to one of the shops and likes something, claiming it under his name to have the house pay, that wouldn’t be impossible either.

Some people are just thick-skinned like that; you really must guard against them.

...

"Sir! Young Master Wan Qian is here," Steward Chen hurriedly rose to report upon seeing Gu Chengyu enter the study.

"Let him come find me. Lately nothing’s transpired in the house, right? Is there any trouble at grandma and grandpa’s place?"

Actually, Gu Chengyu had just heard the general affairs from his mother’s place.

"While you were away, everything in the house has remained as usual. But during this time, several letters came from Jingyuan Prefecture saying relatives from your clan are coming to the Capital, and grandpa has sent someone to bring them from Jingyuan."

Gu Chengyu nodded, "I’ve already heard about this from grandpa and grandma. We’ll discuss other matters later; let Wan Qian come in!"

Gu Wan Qian adjusted his attire and entered the study.

"Little Uncle, you’re back." Gu Wan Qian smiled as he entered the study, immediately paying respects to Gu Chengyu.

"On this trip, how’s aunt’s health holding up? She lives alone; you should bring her back to the Capital to live with you."