Do you know: I am Xu Jiazi

Chapter 796 Fleeting Fatherly Love [Thank you! Thank you again! 7k words owed]

As dusk settled,

Visibility is acceptable.

The western sky was still somewhat bright.
In the deep blue sky, one or two of the brightest stars can be faintly seen.

Xingguo Ward in Bianjing City
Ningyuan Marquis's Residence

At the main gate,
Gu Tingye paced back and forth at the door with his hands behind his back.

Zhi Que and Shi Tou stood on the street in front of the gate, occasionally tiptoeing to look towards the street entrance.

"Why haven't you come back yet?"

Gu Tingye muttered to himself as he walked down the steps and stood beside the stone, gazing towards the street entrance.

“Young master, perhaps His Majesty has something important to discuss with the Marquis,” Shi Tou replied.

"Hmm!" Gu Tingye nodded, then glanced at the street corner a few more times.

suddenly,

Gu Tingye pointed excitedly at the street corner and shouted, "They're here!"

As he spoke, Gu Tingye stood on tiptoe and waved towards the street corner.

Street corner,

Gu Tingyu, riding his horse, lagged behind Gu Yan by half a body length.

Seeing his younger brother standing at the door, Gu Tingyu smiled and said, "Father, the waiter is waiting for you at the door."

"cough."

Looking travel-worn and exhausted, Gu Yankai cleared his throat and nodded with a straight face, saying, "Yes! I saw it."

After walking a few steps,
Looking at Gu Tingye who jumped up and waved...
Gu Yankai said calmly, "You're a father now, and you're still so immature!"

Gu Dalang, who was standing to the side, raised an eyebrow and smiled, saying, "Father, it is only in front of you that Xiao Er acts like a child."

As they spoke,
The father and son were getting closer and closer to the gate.
suddenly,

"what--"

"Crack! Crack!"

In the courtyard of the Duke of Qi's mansion not far away,
Cries of pain and the sound of a board hitting someone could be heard.

Seeing Gu Tingyu's confused look, Gu Yan said, "It sounds like they're punishing a servant; someone's being flogged."

Gu Tingyu nodded: "Father is right! The Qi family's rules are indeed very strict."

Gu Tingye glanced at the Qi family ahead, then turned around and eagerly took a few steps forward, smiling as he took his father and brother's horses.

"Father, was the journey smooth?"

Gu Tingye looked up and asked with a smile.

Seeing his son's smile, Gu Yankai's expression changed. He adjusted his posture and nodded, saying, "Hmm! Not bad."

Gu Tingye then said, "Elder brother."

Gu Dalang smiled and nodded.

Watching his youngest son lead the horse away, Gu Yankai moved his lips a few times, but ultimately said nothing.

After the father and his two sons entered the gate,
We haven't even reached the second gate yet.
Having received the message, Gu Shixing carried his younger brother and walked quickly over with Yan Jie'er.

"grandfather!"

"grandfather!"

Looking at his grandchildren and listening to their voices, Gu Yankai, who had been keeping a stern face, instantly revealed a kind smile.

After his grandchildren approached, Gu Yankai spoke a few words to them in a gentle tone, then turned and waved to his attendant, Qi Sheng.

"Children, Grandpa bought some good things up north! Come and see!"

Gu Yankai took the bundle handed to him by Qi Sheng and opened it as if presenting a treasure.

Looking at his father's expression, Gu Tingyu sighed helplessly. When he turned his head to look at him, he saw that Gu Tingye's eyes were full of envy.

While Gu Shixing and his sister were looking at the gifts, Gu Yankai took the little grandson.
Gu Tingye and Yanran's son wasn't shy at all; he stared at Gu Yankai's face with his big eyes.

When the child noticed Gu Yankai looking at him, he grinned.

That smile melted Gu Yankai's heart: "Good boy."

In a short while, Madam Bai arrived with her daughter-in-law.

"Officer."

"Father."

Looking at his family, Gu Yankai smiled and nodded, "Yes."

"You didn't even tell us you were going back to the capital," Bai said. "We only found out after you arrived."

Gu Yankai looked at Bai Shi and shook his head, saying, "It is a secret for someone like me, who commands troops, to return to the capital."

“You are right, sir.”

After Bai finished speaking, Gu Yankai looked at Pingmei again: "Did you know that Marquis Xu has also returned to the capital?"

Pingmei nodded: "Father, your daughter-in-law knows. My family sent someone to deliver the message."

Granny Chang walked over to Gu Yankai and took Gu Tingye's son.

Then everyone headed towards the backyard.

"At Third Sister's place."

Hearing Gu Yankai's words, Madam Bai smiled and said, "I've told her. I think Third Sister will be back tomorrow."

"it is good."

Everyone returned to the inner courtyard of the Gu family.
Bai accompanied Gu Yankai to take a bath and change clothes.

inside the house,

Inside the screen,
Bai tidied up Gu Yankai's clothes, handed them to the maid, and had her take them away.

"You should go out too!" Gu Yan said to Bai Shi with his back turned.

"My lord, you must be tired from your journey. Let me help you."

As Bai spoke, she walked towards Gu Yankai.

However, Gu Yankai turned his body slightly to the side, always keeping his back to Bai Shi.

“I told you, get out,” Gu Yankai said again.

Bai Shi also had a temper, and looking at Gu Yankai's appearance, she felt a surge of anger.

Bai then turned and left.

But after turning around and taking a step, Bai stopped.

Turning around, Bai quickly walked to Gu Yankai's side.

Thinking that Bai was about to leave, Gu Yankai hurriedly closed the clothes he was about to lift.

Seeing Gu Yankai's actions, Madam Bai instantly understood: "My lord, you..."

As she spoke, Bai reached out and grabbed Gu Yankai's clothes.

Gu Yankai: "What are you doing!"

Bai: "Let go!"

During the tug-of-war, Bai saw the wound on Gu Yan's left shoulder.

Seeing that he had been discovered, Gu Yankai looked somewhat uncomfortable.

"How did this wound come about?" Bai asked, frowning.

Gu Yan waved his hand and said, "It's nothing! I was just accidentally injured while fighting the Northern Liao people."

Madam Bai shook her head: "My lord, don't try to fool me! I've seen the armor you're wearing before. How could it possibly hurt you in a normal battle!"

Seeing the look in Bai's eyes, Gu Yankai knew he couldn't fool her anymore.

"Ugh!"

After sighing, Gu Yankai took off his clothes and said, "Speaking of which, I have to thank Pingmei."

"Pingmei?" Bai asked, her eyes filled with doubt.

Gu Yankai nodded: "Before I left home, didn't Pingmei ask you to give me a cotton-padded half-sleeved jacket?"

Bai recalled for a moment: "Yes, they said they were made of cotton! Xu Hou and several of the Xu family's sons all had them."

Gu Yankai said with lingering fear, "Thank goodness I wore this! Otherwise, I might have lost my arm in that battle with the Northern Liao people."

"Ah? My lord, you're wearing such fine armor!"

Seeing Bai's worried look, Gu Yan said, "According to later speculation, I may have encountered the Eagle Archers in the Northern Liao army during that battle."

Bai: "The Condor Hero?"

Gu Yankai nodded emphatically: "The archers of Northern Liao are extremely skilled with bows and arrows. That arrow, as thick as a finger, was shot right through the gaps between the armor."

"Perhaps the archer didn't expect that I was wearing such a cotton armor underneath my regular armor."

"When I was shot, I really thought I would never see you again."

Bai looked at Gu Yankai with lingering fear. He was wearing cotton armor underneath and was injured. If he hadn't been wearing it, wouldn't that mean...
"Thank God!" said Madam Bai. "For the wound to heal, my lord must abstain from certain foods."

"Ah."

At this time,

Granny Chang came to the outside of the screen: "Madam?"

"What's wrong, Granny Chang?"

With that, Madam Bai walked outside the screen.

A moment later, Bai returned.

"Is there something you need, Granny Chang?" Gu Yankai asked.

Madam Bai nodded: "Yes! It was Dalang who went to Granny Chang and said—" "Said what?"

"I was hoping you would praise Erlang a bit at the banquet! Speaking of which, Erlang is quite accomplished in his studies, isn't he?"

Gu Yankai was silent for a moment, then nodded: "Understood."

After a simple shower,
Bai helped Gu Yankai get dressed.
Looking at Bai Shi in front of him, Gu Yankai carefully chose his words and said, "So many major events have happened in the capital in less than a month."

"Yes." Bai nodded.

Gu Yankai: "I already know about the Qin family's affairs. That's right, that's right."

Madam Bai lowered her head and said, "My lord, do you want to ask about Yu'er's aunt?"

"Uh—yes! No matter what, we have to collect her body so that she can have a peaceful place after death."

After Gu Tingye finished speaking, he looked at Bai Shi, who was bowing her head and remaining silent, and for a moment he didn't know what else to say.

After fastening Gu Yankai's belt, Madam Bai said, "Don't worry, Lord Marquis."

Gu Yankai was taken aback.

Madam Bai continued, "Previously, Aunt Yu sent someone to warn Xu Jia'anmei, but Jing-ge pleaded for her and she was spared the death penalty."

Upon hearing this, Gu Yankai was momentarily stunned: "Spare from the death penalty?"

"Yes. The person is still alive, at the farm outside Xujia City."

With that, Bai turned and left.

After a while of reacting inside the house, Gu Yankai immediately chased after him.

Gu Yankai breathed a sigh of relief when he heard Bai Shi outside instructing him to prepare a drink.

Gu Family Banquet

After three rounds of drinking,

Gu Tingye's cheeks were already flushed from drinking.

The urging in Gu Dalang's eyes as he looked at Gu Yankai became even stronger.

Gu Yankai glanced at Bai Shi, who was playing with Yanran's son, then put down his chopsticks and said solemnly, "Second son, you've done well while I was away from the capital!"

Upon hearing this, Bai smiled slightly.

Upon hearing this, Gu Tingye seemed to sober up instantly, his face beaming with undisguised joy. He stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "Thank you for the praise, Father! I... I haven't done enough for my son."

"Hmm! You do have some self-awareness! Compared to the Xu family's children, you certainly haven't done enough!"

After exchanging a glance, Bai Shi and Ping Mei rolled their eyes at Gu Yankai.

“Father is right,” Gu Tingye nodded.

"Sit down!" Gu Yankai waved his hand, picked up a wine pot from the side, and poured himself a full cup of wine: "I know you work hard studying. Come, let me toast you."

Just as Bai was about to speak, Gu Yankai's gaze stopped her.

"Oh! Oh!" Gu Tingye frantically searched for his wine glass.

Perhaps because he had been drinking, Gu Tingye's eyes began to redden, and he felt a burning sensation in them.

Seeing that Yanran was in a hurry to get up, Pingmei quickly tugged at her.

Yanran looked at Pingmei: "Sister-in-law, why is my husband crying?"

Pingmei pursed her lips: "He's just excited! Over the years, my father-in-law has rarely praised Erlang."

"Oh, is it really that exciting for you, sir, just because your father-in-law praised him?" Yanran asked, somewhat puzzled.

"Hmm! Maybe Erlang has matured and become more sensible."

First seat,

Gu Yan opened his wine cup, concealing the smile on his lips, and looked at Gu Tingye, saying, "Second Brother, do you know why Xu Hou and I returned to the capital?"

Gu Tingye took a deep breath and, after calming his excited emotions, said, "I know, it's because Father and Marquis Xu both won the battle."

"That's one of the reasons."

Upon hearing this, Gu Tingye pondered for a moment before saying uncertainly, "Jing-ge'er has rendered meritorious service in saving the Emperor! If His Majesty wishes to reward him, Marquis Xu must be present."

As he spoke, Gu Tingye glanced at his elder brother standing to the side.

Gu Dalang smiled and nodded: "Erlang, think about it again."

Gu Tingye, whose mind was somewhat agitated and confused after drinking, shook his head and said, "Father, elder brother, I really can't think of anything."

Gu Dalang laughed and said, "Second Brother, according to etiquette, Jingge'er's rank cannot be higher than that of Marquis Xu."

Gu Tingye blinked: "Big brother, you mean..."

"Indeed! Marquis Xu already has the merit of destroying a country. This time, he is returning to the capital with my father. I'm afraid he will be granted the title of Duke along with Marquis Tuoxi!"

Gu Tingye: "What about Jing-ge'er?"

"Just as you think!" Gu Dalang laughed.

Gu Yankai's fatherly love vanished, and he glared at Gu Tingye, saying, "Look at him, and then look at you!"

The sky was dark.

at this time,

The moon, which was about to disappear into the night sky at midnight, was already somewhat westward.

Although the curfew in Bianjing has been lifted,
At this hour, only the streets where a few legitimate brothels such as Fanlou, Panlou, and Qiyunlou were located were still lit up.

The rest of the place was mostly dark and quiet.

The same was true near Quyuan Street; only the Hou Mansion's gate was lit with lanterns.

"Wang! Wang Wang!"

Amid the barking of dogs, the sound of hooves echoed down Quyuan Street.

"Uu——"

Seven or eight horses stopped in front of the gate.

After the side gate opened, the group of people entered the courtyard.

Xu family backyard
The room was lit with candles.

inside the house,

Only Madam Sun and her two daughters-in-law were present. The children had already gone to sleep, and Marquis Yongyi Xu Minghua, exhausted from his journey, was also persuaded by Madam Sun to go and rest.

"The two young masters have returned."

As the female messenger announced their arrival, Xu Zaijing and Zaizhang stepped in.

The three people inside the house, including Mrs. Sun, immediately stood up.

"How is the situation?" Mrs. Sun asked hurriedly.

Hua Lan frowned and looked at her husband Zai Zhang with some anxiety.

After Xu Zaijing gestured, Zaizhang looked at his family with a serious expression and said, "I got the answer!"

"Was it really done by the Kang family?" Sun asked.

Zai Zhang and Xu Zaijing nodded in unison.

Upon hearing this, Hua Lan frowned in annoyance.

As they talked, everyone took their seats.

"Master Marquis is here."

Following the maid's announcement, Xu Minghua, dressed in his robes, entered the room.

"Father."

Everyone bowed and greeted the person.

Xu Minghua waved to everyone, then glanced at Hua Lan and asked, "How's the matter with our relatives?"

Zai Zhang said softly, "Father, they've confessed everything! The strong woman who kidnapped Sixth Sister was recruited by Mama Hu of the Kang family. They used to work at the Prince of Jing's residence!"

"After the Jingwang Mansion was sealed off, they were not punished. After passing through several prestigious families, they entered the Kang family."

Xu Minghua nodded: "Then why are they holding the sixth daughter of the Sheng family hostage?"

Zai Zhang said, "Father, they originally intended to kidnap Fifth Miss Rulan! But they only knew Rulan's personal maid, Xique, and didn't know what Rulan looked like! By a twist of fate, they mistakenly kidnapped Sixth Miss Sheng."

"The two families are really close relatives, why is the Kang family trying to kidnap Rulan?" Xu Minghua frowned.

Zai Zhang glanced at Hua Lan.

Hua Lan's chest heaved violently as she stood up abruptly and said quickly, "My lord, does the Kang family intend to kidnap Ru Lan, ruin her reputation, and force her to marry into the Kang family?"

Zai Zhang nodded.

Hua Lan was furious and wanted to curse, but with all the elders present, she could only stomp her foot in frustration: "How could there be such relatives?!"

Zai Zhang quickly stepped forward to comfort him.

Xu Zaijing looked at his parents and said, "Among the people who were escorted to the Imperial City Guard by the Chai family, one of them was Hu Mama's own son. It is said that Madam Kang borrowed him from the Wang family under the pretext that the Kang family had many affairs!"

Upon hearing Xu Zaijing mention the Chai family, Xu Minghua glanced at his youngest son.

"At dusk, Hu Mama was also dragged out of the Kang family by the Imperial City Guard."

According to her confession, Madam Kang not only wanted Rulan to marry into the Kang family, but also planned to have the Wang family marry Kang Yuan'er.

After Xu Zaijing finished speaking,
Hua Lan couldn't help but sneer, "My aunt is dreaming!"

Zai Zhang quickly patted Hua Lan's back.

Xu Minghua asked in confusion, "How could such a personal maid confess so quickly?"

Xu Zaijing offered a few explanations.

Madam Sun looked at Zai Zhang and Hua Lan: "Go to the Sheng family first thing tomorrow morning and explain things to your aunt and cousin."

"Yes, mother."

(End of this chapter)