Chapter 418: Covering The Sky With One Hand

Translator: Henyee Translations | Editor: Henyee Translations

Her words made the two of them blush. Gu Chang’an chuckled and turned to leave to prevent the two juniors from being embarrassed. Unexpectedly, Xiao Ran pulled him back. “Why are you running? The guest list has to be discussed together. Also, you have to write those name cards.”

Gu Chang’an did not find writing troublesome. He was from the Gu Family after all. His calligraphy skills were once the best among the descendants of aristocratic families. It was just that he had kept a low profile after he abandoned his brush and was forgotten by the literary circle.

However, the guest list…

The more he had a headache, the more it came. Xiao Ran clenched her fists and coughed lightly. “We have to invite the Gu Family’s members, right?

“It’s their granddaughter’s coming-of-age ceremony.”

Gu Chang’an frowned even more when she said that.

“So, Husband, who are we going to invite?

Gu Chang’an was silent for a long time before sighing. “Let me think about it.” This time, Xiao Ran didn’t stop him from leaving. However, she turned around and met Xiaoxiao’s curious gaze. “Alright, I should have told you about this.” Rong Van was an insider. Knowing that it was a long story, he bade farewell and went to do his own things.

After Xiaoxiao sent her away, she returned to Xiao Ran’s room and even brought snacks and tea.

Xiao Ran was between laughter and tears. “Are you listening to a story?”

Xiaoxiao chuckled and did not deny it. This made Xiao Ran’s regret and worry lessen a little.

-As you know, your father came from the Gu Family in the Imperial Capital. The Gu Family is a scholarly family. Even the servants have to read and write since they were young. Your father was also a famous scholar in the Imperial

Capital back then.”

“Everyone in the Imperial Capital says that Gu Chang’an will be the youngest top scholar in Great Xia after Lu Chen, but your father didn’t appear on the day of the imperial examination.”

Xiaoxiao stopped chewing and even sat up straight reflexively.

Xiao Ran said, “No one knows why he didn’t appear, but that night, your father and grandfather had a big fight. From then on, the father and son didn’t have a good relationship.”

“Others think that he interacted less with the Gu Family because he married into the General’s Residence and made Grand Secretary Gu feel embarrassed.

However, that’s not the case.”

“Even though they didn’t interact and even though the two of them didn’t mention each other much, they would definitely be the first to rush up if anyone outside said that the other party was bad.”

Back then, someone said that Gu Chang’an was willing to degrade himself. He failed the exam and married into the Xiao Family to seek wealth. In the past, Grand Secretary Gu, who was scholarly, would chase after him and debate with him. That person was also a slightly famous student, but Grand Secretary Gu made the article worthless on the spot, but he could not refute him.

That was not all. During the morning court assembly the next day, Grand Secretary Gu, who had always been good-tempered, made the student’s father feel ashamed. He wished he could take off his official hat and return to his hometown on the spot.

As for Gu Chang’an, the only favor he asked the Emperor for after he became an imperial chef was to investigate a minister who was corrupted, causing him to lose his family fortune.

Others might not know, but Xiao Ran knew that the minister had once mocked Grand Secretary Gu for losing his footing after drinking.

The Gu father and son were equally stubborn and protective. At the same time, the two of them were equally awkward.

Xiaoxiao tilted her head and asked, “They clearly care about each other, so why are they still in a deadlock?”

Xiao Ran said softly, “Ego.”

“Maybe they just lack an opportunity.”

Xiaoxiao understood. “Mother, you mean that my coming-of-age ceremony is that opportunity?”

She patted her chest and promised, “Mother, don’t worry. Leave this to me!” The next day, Gu Chang’an, who came for breakfast, had dark circles under his eyes. He said that it was because of the guest list, so no one exposed him. After dinner, Xiaoxiao volunteered. “The weather is good today. I’ll send the invitation.”

Gu Chang’an didn’t think too much about it. “Why would you need to do such a thing yourself?”

The people of Great Xia were open-minded. There was no saying that women could not show their faces, especially young ladies like Xiaoxiao. Children of aristocratic families could be seen strolling around the streets of the Imperial

Capital.

Xiaoxiao said, “Of course there’s no need for ordinary people, but it’s better to visit those who are closer to me personally. Besides, I haven’t seen some of my friends in a long time. If I don’t visit them, they might be angry with me in the future.”

Her little friends? For example, the Shen Family and… Ruoruo?

Gu Chang’an thought of something and his gaze stopped on breakfast. He hummed softly.

Xiao Ran suppressed her laughter and gave her daughter a look. Knowing that her father was thin-skinned, she stopped while she was ahead. She got up in a few bites. “Then I’ll go out first. If I go late, I’m afraid they’ll have to go to

school.”

After saying that, hse disappeared. It was common for Rong Yan to eat at the General’s Residence, but he was especially silent today. Before Xiao Ran could ask, she saw Rong Yan put down his chopsticks and stand up to tidy up his appearance. Then, he walked up to Xiao Ran and Gu Chang an.

“Aunt Xiao, Uncle Gu, Yan’er wants to officially propose marriage after Xiaoxiao’s coming-of-age ceremony. I hope the two of you can fulfill my wish.” He said, “I’ll definitely treat Xiaoxiao well in the future. If I’m negligent, Aunt Xiao will hold the spear and beat me up at any time. Yan’er will definitely not dodge.”

“I won’t say mushy words, but as long as I’m around, I won’t let Xiaoxiao suffer. If I go against this, I’ll be struck by lightning.

Xiao Ran teased him. “You said that you wouldn’t make vows. Now you’re talking about them now. Men.”

Rong Yan’s face was red. Although he felt that Aunt Xiao and Uncle Gu would not reject him, he was still very nervous.

Gu Chang’an helped him up and patted his shoulder.

“You have to wait at least three years for her to get married. We’ve been separated for many years. I can’t bear to see her get married too early.” Rong Yan nodded vigorously. “Uncle Gu, don’t worry. Yan’er will abide by etiquette, love her, and respect her.

After saying that, he added, “Moreover, ahem, the Third Prince’s residence is near the General’s Residence. Even if we get married, Xiaoxiao won’t leave

you.”

“Yan’er will treat Aunt Xiao and Uncle Gu as my biological parents!

In the world, only Xiao Ran dared to say such words. “Alright! I’ll treat you as my biological son too!”

The Emperor had sneezed a few times early in the morning, so he was in a bad mood.

“Dezi, remember who else is singing praises for the Crown Prince in the morning court later. I want to see how many people in the court have not been roped in by the Yan Family!”

The Crown Prince was his son and was personally appointed by him. Hence, even if the Crown Prince was a little anxious and went overboard, the Emperor could understand. However, he could not tolerate the Yan Family covering the sky with one hand.

In the court, the officials would say whatever the Yan Family wanted them to say. If they didn’t want them to say anything, they could immediately shut up. Prime Minister Yan’s gaze seemed to be even more effective than his words as the Emperor.

He was not interested in today’s morning court assembly until last night, when he opened a memorandum, in which Rong Yan reported the process of the trip to Xijiang County..