Chapter 744: Chapter 643: A Serious Talk

Chapter 643

Shaoying’s nanny had already taken the steamed and cooled crystal cakes to the living room. The two older brothers, Tang Haocheng and Gu Shaoqin, were diligently looking after their younger siblings. The little group was gathered around the coffee table, eating happily and quietly. Jiang Yuyan saw this from the window and let out a soft, satisfied laugh. She told Xiao Man and Wu Xiangyun not to go in and disturb them just yet. She had to go out for some errands herself and left, feeling completely at ease.

Xiao Man and Wu Xiangyun walked over to the covered walkway to admire a pomegranate tree that was simultaneously flowering and bearing fruit. As they were chatting, Wu Xiangyun caught sight of Gu Shaojun dragging Gu Shaoling out of the dining room. But the siblings didn’t head for the main house. Instead, they followed the walkway to the corner and turned directly toward the rear garden.

Wu Xiangyun quickly tugged on Xiao Man’s arm. "Is Gu Shaoling about to get another beating?"

Xiao Man looked over as well and joked, "If you’re so worried, you could go stop him."

Wu Xiangyun scoffed. "Forget it. I’ll stay as far away from her as I can. I don’t want to be told I’m ’a dog catching mice’ again!"

They both laughed. Xiao Man said, "Shaojun won’t hit Shaoling. He’s probably just going to have a talk with her, try to counsel her a bit."

"Eldest Brother is still the calm and patient one. Shaofeng is a bit too hot-headed. Even though Shaoling is arrogant, willful, and very annoying, it’s too much for a man to hit a woman. I told Shaofeng that last time, too."

"She’s his sister. He knows how to hold back. Otherwise, do you think she would’ve gotten away with just a crying spell and nothing else? Shaofeng has a straightforward and fiery personality. To be honest, I actually think his method of disciplining Shaoling is quite effective. When other people say a few half-hearted words, it’s completely useless. Shaoling is clearly someone who bullies the weak and fears the strong."

’Gu Shaojun also doted on Shaoling since they were children,’ Xiao Man thought. ’Him pulling her aside to talk about life is probably nothing more than him repeating the same old platitudes. He’ll say a few nice words, go through the motions, and what else can he do?’

’But in this lifetime, Gu Shaoling’s path will definitely have to change. Her formidable grandfather and doting grandmother are still alive, and her brothers are in the mood to discipline her. She can’t possibly end up as miserable as she did in her last life—holding the title of a wealthy madam from an aristocratic family, while all the children she raised were actually her husband’s with his mistresses.’

Gu Shaojun led Gu Shaoling to a pavilion in the rear garden. He frowned, ready to scold her harshly, but as he looked at the tearful young girl, an image suddenly surfaced in his mind: a heavyset, wealthy madam caked in heavy makeup. That was the Gu Shaoling of his previous life. As he carefully searched his memories of her, Gu Shaojun’s heart softened without him realizing it.

’Back then, I was disabled, living as a recluse with limited mobility. Shaoling came to visit me once and even said she wanted to take me to Xiangjiang to care for me personally. That was impossible, of course, but I never witnessed her married life with my own eyes. All I heard were bad rumors about her. Shaoling was extremely proud and vain; she would have died before admitting her marriage was unhappy. She refused to let our family interfere in her life and even fell out with Shaozheng over it. In a fit of rage, Shaofeng declared he was cutting ties with her... Looking back now, her misfortune, the fact that her husband’s family dared to humiliate and look down on her, it was all simply because they saw that the Gu family had already fallen into decline. If her own family had been strong, how would they have dared?’

’Shaoling was the pearl of the Gu family. Grandma doted on her, treating her like a precious treasure to be carefully sheltered. We, her older brothers, also spoiled and indulged her endlessly, giving her whatever she wanted, satisfying her every demand. We only wanted to see her happy and never cry, but did we ever stop to think if that was actually good for her? Especially Shaozheng and Shaolian. When a young Shaoling got into fights with neighborhood kids or classmates and came home to complain, those two would step in without asking who was right or wrong, determined to secure a "win" for Shaoling... When you look closely at why Shaoling became so domineering, difficult, and willful, her brothers have to bear some of the responsibility.’

’In this life, I won’t allow Shaoling to be bullied or wronged. Of course, she can’t be allowed to be arrogant, willful, and unreasonable herself, looking down on everyone. From now on, I’ll have to pay more attention and guide her properly.’

Gu Shaojun sighed softly. Just like always, he gently and kindly coaxed Shaoling until she stopped crying. Then, he had what could be called a serious and earnest conversation with her. It was a case of "one thing conquers another"; Gu Shaoling might be afraid of her own brother but remained unconvinced in her heart, yet she was one hundred percent obedient to her Eldest Brother. When Eldest Brother told her not to act spoiled, she sat there obediently, nodding at every sentence. Gu Shaojun promised he would criticize Gu Shaofeng’s behavior and that he shouldn’t have hit her that day.

Gu Shaoling’s eyes were red with grievance, but she was also visibly relieved. She rattled off a whole list of her brother’s "abuses," declaring with self-righteous indignation that she wasn’t a child anymore, but an adult. She claimed her brother had violated her human rights and humiliated her in front of her siblings, so he had to apologize to her!

Gu Shaojun nodded in agreement and made a pact with her: from now on, he would often talk and chat with her, at least once a month.

Gu Shaoling was overjoyed, her face beaming with a smile. She didn’t care what they talked about; as long as she could see her Eldest Brother regularly, she was happy.

Gu Shaojun told Gu Shaoling to apologize to their grandmother, First Aunt, and Third Aunt. She shouldn’t have caused a scene in the dining room, disturbing the elders’ quiet meal and upsetting their grandmother. Gu Shaoling lowered her head in embarrassment and readily agreed to go apologize.

He then asked her to apologize to Wu Xiangyun and Xiao Man. It didn’t have to be right away; she could wait until she was in a better mood and find some time to say something to them. Gu Shaoling pouted, her lips jutting out, neither agreeing nor refusing.

Gu Shaojun didn’t press her. ’There’s plenty of time. We’ll take it one step at a time. Wu Xiangyun is Shaoling’s own sister-in-law; that’s a relationship she can’t escape. With some friction, they’ll eventually get along. My Xiao Man is stubborn and proud to the bone, and her relationship with Shaoling is a bit complicated. After all, Shaoling was once used by Jun Ran and Tian Sisi to spread nasty rumors about Xiao Man. Even I was furious when I found out, let alone Xiao Man. Whether the two of them can get along like a normal sister-in-law and sister, I won’t force it. We’ll let nature take its course.’

’Later, I’ll also have a word with Shaofeng, Shaozheng, and Shaolian. I’ll tell them to try to show more care for Shaoling and spend more time with her. They should teach her what needs to be taught and say what needs to be said. Just feeling frustrated that she’s not living up to expectations won’t change anything.’

Nearly an hour had passed. Gu Shaojun, thinking of Xiao Man, escorted Shaoling back to the main house’s hall. He saw only their grandmother and Grandma Tang sitting there chatting idly. Upon asking, he learned that Xiao Man and Wu Xiangyun had taken the three little cuties to the side courtyard to feed the parrots, hwameis, and other birds.

At that moment, Grandpa Gu’s guard came in and said that his superior was heading out and requested Gu Shaojun to accompany him. Gu Shaojun bid farewell to the two grandmothers and followed the guard out. Just as he got to the bottom of the steps, he ran into Zhou Huiyun. Gu Shaojun told the guard to go on ahead as he needed to change his clothes, then exchanged a few quiet words with his mother before leaving.

When Gu Shaojun returned home in the afternoon, he heard the clear laughter of women coming from the side courtyard. He was certain one of the voices belonged to his Xiao Man and felt very happy. He first went to the kitchen and found his mom. Zhou Huiyun said with a smile, "I spoke with Grandma Tang and asked Manman to accompany me on a trip to the West Suburb Mansion. Manman happened to overhear and said she wanted to go and have some fun herself, so Grandma Tang agreed. I heard she might be staying over, so she even had someone send over two sets of clothes. Right now, Manman and Xiangyun are playing badminton."

"I understand. Thanks, Mom!"

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