Do You Know?: Rule the World

"Brother Zhao, look, the one in the carriage is my stepmother."

"She looks so gentle and kind, it's hard for me to believe she's the one who teamed up with the Bai family to murder me."

Zhao Han smiled calmly and said gently, "You'll know whether it's true or not after you try it. Remember, no matter what she says later, you must go back to the Marquis' Mansion and admit your mistake. It's best not to contradict Ning Yuanhou."

"But I guess she probably doesn't want you to go back today."

A hint of doubt flashed across Gu Tingye's eyes, and he murmured, "This shouldn't be possible..."

Zhao Han didn't say much, but just patted him on the shoulder.

Immediately afterwards, he boarded the carriage and followed Sheng Wei to his house in Yulin Lane in the inner city.

When Pinlan learned that Zhao Han would be staying at Sheng's house for a while, she danced with joy in the carriage.

"Great! After Master Zhao's examination is over, I'll have him teach me archery no matter what!"

Shulan sat aside, shaking her head gently with a gentle smile on her face.

On the other side, after Zhao Han's carriage went farther and farther away, Gu Tingye came to Xiao Qinshi with the stone.

"Mother." Gu Tingye bowed to Xiao Qin as usual.

Seeing that Gu Tingye not only did not look haggard during his time in Yangzhou, but also stood in front of her in high spirits, Xiao Qin couldn't help feeling a little depressed.

Her fingertips gripping the fan handle tightened unconsciously, but her face still wore a kind and concerned smile, and her voice was as gentle as water.

"Erlang, you left without saying goodbye this time, leaving only a letter. Your father has been mad for days." She sighed softly, fanning herself against her chest. "I almost wanted to drag Tingwei over and beat him up to vent my anger."

Seeing Gu Tingye's expression change slightly, she pretended to be worried and added, "Now I know that you have returned to Beijing. I was so angry in the study just now that I even smashed a few cups and plates."

"I've been trying to persuade him for quite some time, but he hasn't calmed down. In my opinion, when you go see your father later, you should honestly admit your mistake, or you'll be punished."

Just when he thought Zhao Han's speculation was wrong, he heard Xiang Mama, who was beside Xiao Qin, say, "My brother, it's best for you to hide for a few days. It won't be too late to go back after the Marquis has calmed down."

As soon as these words came out, a hint of vigilance flashed across Gu Tingye's eyes. After remembering Zhao Han's instructions, he bowed and said, "Mother is right. I should go back and apologize to father. Father is angry only because he still cares about me."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qinshi paused slightly in the movement of her fan.

Chapter 26: Knowing your mistakes can make a lot of improvements

In the past, when she said that the Marquis was angry, Gu Tingye's expression would have changed.

Without saying a word, he found an excuse to slip away. No matter what, he would not set foot in the Marquis' Mansion.

But today——

Xiao Qin looked at Gu Tingye calmly, only to see that his expression had not changed, not even a frown. Instead, he calmly straightened his sleeves, as if he was about to return home immediately.

Could it be that the climate and soil of Yangzhou nourished people and even made his courage fatter?

Xiang Mama's cultivation was far inferior to Xiao Qin's. When she heard these words, her expression changed and there was a hint of surprise in her eyes.

"Brother, do you really want to go back now?"

As she spoke, she secretly glanced at her own wife and saw that she was still smiling like a loving mother.

"In that case, Erlang, hurry up and get in the carriage. We'll have a good family reunion dinner together later."

"Before I left, I specifically asked the kitchen to prepare your favorite pickled goose feet and steamed duck with fermented rice wine."

"During the time you were away, Tingwei kept talking in my ear."

Although Xiao Qin often fanned the flames in Gu Tingwei's ears, instigating him to compete with Gu Tingye for the title, Gu Tingwei had no interest in the title at all.

Not only does he have a deep brotherly relationship with Gu Tingye, he also protects his brother everywhere.

In the entire Sheng family, apart from Gu Yankai, the one who is most loyal and affectionate to Gu Tingye is Gu Tingwei.

Gu Tingye sneered in his heart, but he didn't show it on his face. He just nodded slightly and said, "Thank you for your concern, mother."

The Ningyuan Marquis Mansion was located on Gonghou Street in the inner city of Bianjing. About half an hour later, the carriage slowly stopped outside the mansion.

Upon learning that Gu Tingye had arrived outside, Gu Yan began to sit in the main hall, his face ashen, holding an ebony stick that was a full ten feet long in his hand.

The maids and servants serving in the hall were all silent, even breathing lightly.

Especially Gu Tingwei who was standing next to Gu Yankai, he lowered his head and shrunk his neck.

His eyes were fixed on the tip of his shoes, not even daring to glance towards Gu Yankai, like a frightened quail.

"How dare this rebellious son come back!"

Gu Yankai shouted angrily, scaring Gu Tingwei so much that he trembled all over.

But when he remembered all the kindness his second brother had shown him in the past, he mustered up the courage to say, "Father...Father, my second brother..."

"Shut up!"

Gu Tingwei shuddered suddenly and almost bit his tongue.

Steward Li Zhong carefully served the teacup, "Lord, calm down. Since my second brother has returned safely, there's no need to resort to family law."

"Calm down?" Gu Yan sneered and slammed his stick on the ground.

"He left Beijing for months without a word, and now he's going home? Does he still care about this family? Does he still care about me as his father?"

Before he finished speaking, footsteps were heard outside.

Gu Yankai immediately straightened his back, intending to teach Gu Tingye a lesson.

Xiao Qin was the first to step into the main hall. Seeing Gu Yankai's furious look and holding the family rules in his hand, she felt a little relieved.

She stepped forward and pretended to persuade him, "My Lord, what are you doing? Erlang is still young, how can he withstand the punishment of the family law?"

"If something goes wrong during the fight, how can I be worthy of the spirit of the Bai family sister in heaven?"

"Speaking of which, I am also at fault in this matter. It is me, as a mother, who failed to teach Erlang well and allowed him to develop a reckless character."

"If the Marquis wants to punish me, he might as well punish me too." As she said this, Xiao Qin took out a handkerchief and pressed the corners of her eyes.

These words turned out to be just as Xiao Qin had expected.

Gu Yankai's rage grew even stronger. "You're still protecting him! It's your indulgence that's what's made him become even more lawless!"

He gritted his teeth and looked at Gu Tingye, "Today I will discipline you on behalf of your dead mother!"

Just as Xiao Qinshi put away her handkerchief and prepared to watch the fun, she saw Gu Tingye kneeling upright in front of Gu Yankai and said calmly, "My son knows he is wrong. Please punish me, father."

He admitted his mistake so quickly and decisively that Gu Yankai was speechless for a moment, and his hand, which had been tightly gripping the stick, couldn't help but loosen.

Gu Tingwei suddenly showed an expression of disbelief.

As far as he could remember, he had never seen his second brother take the initiative to admit his mistakes to his father.

"I left without saying goodbye this time because my grandfather, even when he was seriously ill, sent someone to deliver his will. I was so worried that I hurried south without even notifying my father."

"During this trip to Yangzhou, my son learned a lot and even made a rare confidant."

"He told me that parents who love their children have long-term plans for them, and that my father was strict with his son only because he hoped I would become something useful."

"In short, no matter how many mistakes I made, they were all my fault. If my father wants to beat me or punish me, I will never complain."

These words made Gu Yankai stand there in a daze.

He looked at Gu Tingye in disbelief, always feeling that the young man in front of him was a little strange.

Gu Tingye lowered his head and looked at Gu Yankai cautiously out of the corner of his eye.

Seeing his expression relax, I was secretly delighted.

"Did you take the wrong medicine?" Gu Yankai said as he silently put down the stick.

Xiao Qin twisted the handkerchief tightly and almost bit her teeth off in anger.

Over the years, she has tried her best to ruin Gu Tingye's reputation, just to make Gu Yankai dislike him and pass the title to Gu Tingwei in the future.

But Gu Yankai was never willing to give up on Gu Tingye. No matter what mistakes he made, he would try his best to clean up the mess for him.

Gu Tingye said in a serious tone: "No, my son just knows that he is wrong, and he will never do it again next time."

The main hall was extremely quiet. After a moment, Gu Yankai personally helped Gu Tingye up from the ground.

A pair of rough hands firmly grasped his shoulders, and said meaningfully, "It is a great honor to admit one's mistakes and then correct them. You must be tired after the long journey. Go back and rest."

"If it happens again, it won't be as simple as family rules."

"I'll keep it in mind, son." Gu Tingye bowed deeply.

When he turned around, Yu Guangzhong unexpectedly caught a glimpse of Xiao Qin's slightly distorted face. He felt a chill in his heart and immediately believed what Zhao Han said.

On the way back to the courtyard, Shitou followed him and scratched his head, saying, "Brother, why do I feel that this Madam Qin has a bit of a smiling tiger vibe?"

"Even you can see that?"

Shitou nodded repeatedly. Although he was young, he had seen countless people in the Cao Gang.

Gu Tingye clenched his fists, took a deep breath, and inevitably quickened his pace.

-

At the same time, in Yulin Lane, Sheng’s residence.

This is a large house with five courtyards. Its area and luxury far exceed Sheng Mansion in Jiying Lane. It has carved screen walls, flying eaves and brackets, and winding corridors. It is worthy of being the richest businessman in Youyang.

Under Sheng Wei's arrangement, Zhao Han and Chang Qing moved into a small courtyard in the southeast corner. It was not only quiet but also convenient for Zhao Han to come and go at any time.

Sheng Wei stroked his beard and smiled, "If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask the housekeeper. Don't be polite."

Zhao Han cupped his hands and replied, "My nephew understands. Uncle Lao Sheng cares about me."

As soon as she finished speaking, she saw Pinlan, who was wearing a peach pink brocade dress, running towards her with Shulan.

"Dad, I heard there's an extremely spacious polo field outside Jinming Lake. I want to play polo there!"

Please vote for me, please read it~

Chapter 27: Guangyuntai Wei Xingtou

Shulan was dragged by Pinlan and jogged over here. Her breathing was a little disordered, and the hair on her forehead was slightly wet with sweat.

She felt a little rude, and the tips of her ears turned a faint pink. Her fingers unconsciously straightened the collar of her clothes that was pulled askew by Pinlan.

She whispered, "Daddy, please don't agree to her promise. This girl is always jumping around and never quiets down."