Gu Changwei put down the trinket in his hand and made up his mind.
Given the current situation, he could not secure anything for Siya. Because of Gu Sinian's relationship, even if Siya were more outstanding, it would be difficult for her to achieve anything in officialdom. Moreover, he had tried to secure the position of heir apparent more than once, only to be rejected by Emperor Chongwen.
Siya was the child left to him by the woman he loved most, and he could not abandon her.
As for Gu Sinian, Siya had always been kind-hearted. After he gained prominence in the future, he would surely spare him a way to live.
Gu Changwei wrote a letter, summoned his confidant, told him a location, and had the letter delivered. Afterward, he called Gu Siya to the study and told him his plans.
Gu Siya, as usual, wore an expression of filial respect. "Father, whatever you say goes. Your son will listen to you. Oh, I heard that my second brother is back. Where is he?"
Gu Changwei snorted, "Your good second brother has grown wings. Does he even have his father in his eyes? Who knows where he's gone?"
"Second brother is still young, and he has talent. It's normal for him to have some arrogance. Father, we are a family, a family bound by blood." Gu Siya said amiably.
"Don't put in a good word for that reckless fellow. If he were half as considerate as you, I wouldn't have to work so hard. I only hope that while I strive for the future of the Gu family, he won't drag me down." Gu Changwei was somewhat agitated.
"Second brother understands reason. He won't." Gu Siya's immediate response was to protect Gu Sinian.
Thinking of the strained relationship between father and son, Gu Changwei became even more impatient. "Alright, let's not talk about him. Your wife has been back to her parents' home for so many days. She must know she was wrong by now. You should bring her back."
Gu Siya nodded. "Son will go pick her up shortly."
The father and son talked for a while longer, and Gu Changwei dismissed Gu Siya.
After leaving the study, Gu Siya's face still held a gentle smile. It was not until he returned to his own courtyard that the smile disappeared, replaced by a stern expression.
Lin Fangru had to be brought back, but this woman, relying on her minor cleverness, always acted foolishly. If she wasn't taught a lesson this time, she would always be bossy in the future, which he couldn't tolerate.
Gu Siya sat for a while, then stood up and called his usual attendant. "Go prepare a gift. I'm going to the Lin family. My father-in-law likes ancient calligraphy and paintings. Go to the treasury and pick out a work by a master from the previous dynasty."
Meanwhile, Gu Sinian, upon leaving the Duke's mansion, galloped towards Taihe Temple. He hadn't seen Zhenzhen for several months, and now he wanted nothing more than to be by her side and watch her.
He hurried along and finally arrived at Taihe Temple before the mountain gate was closed.
Qi Zhenzhen was eating fruit when Gu Sinian entered, looking travel-worn. She had thought he would stay in the capital for a few days before coming again, but she didn't expect him to arrive so soon.
Given the rush of the journey, she assumed he must be hungry. Qi Zhenzhen instructed Chunfeng to get something to eat from the kitchen, and asked Erxi to fetch water and bring a cloth. She personally served Gu Sinian, helping him wash his face and hands. "Can't you rest a bit before coming?"
"I can only rest well by your side. Besides, I'm not tired. When I was on the battlefield, it was normal to go days and nights without rest," Gu Sinian said nonchalantly.
"Have you settled everything?" Qi Zhenzhen asked.
Gu Sinian nodded. "You focus on your pregnancy and don't think about troublesome matters. By the way, there's something I need to inform you about in advance."
"What is it?"
Gu Sinian told her about the old madam's intention to give her away. He had to take Zhenzhen back. He had managed to block it this time, but no one could guarantee there wouldn't be a second attempt. Rather than letting Zhenzhen be put in a passive position later, it was better to tell her now and prepare her mentally.