Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity
Chapter 70 - 66: Brother and Sister

He knew about Mrs. Lv’s favoritism as well, and the grievances that the eldest and the second had suffered over these years, but what could be done about it? Even all fingers on a hand vary in length, and the human heart is inherently partial. The eldest was honest and only knew how to scavenge for food in the fields; the second was a little clever but might stray without supervision; the third was impulsive and lacked foresight with spontaneous ideas; the fourth was honest as well, not talkative, but had a stubborn streak fit only for craft work. It was only the fifth, whose nature was tactful on the outside and firm on the inside, intelligent, filial, smart, capable, let alone having a notable background, that he pinned all his hopes on this fifth son. Their Xiao Bao was the source of the prosperity of the Gu Family. Thinking of this, Mr. Gu was even more resolute that he couldn’t let the Gu Family hold Xiao Bao back. Whoever blocked the way, he’d deal with them.

"Eldest! When we get back, don’t mention our affairs in the county. I will announce it during the evening meal. Just keep your mouth shut and don’t interrupt. You are not to tell your wife about things in the county, understood?" Mr. Gu had an idea. He wanted to see what the second son really thought.

Gu Chengyu found it strange. Did his dad not want the family to know about selling ginseng? But they all lived together, wouldn’t it be inappropriate not to say anything? Plus, the Gu Family hadn’t separated yet, so if they needed money later, how would they explain where it came from?

"Dad, why’s that? Can’t we tell the second son either?" Gu Chengli was somewhat puzzled. Everyone would find out sooner or later!

"He will know when the time comes. Just make sure not to blab. Alright, that’s settled." Mr. Gu wasn’t going to explain so much to Gu Chengli. The eldest was the most obedient; as long as he was instructed, he’d listen.

The ox cart stopped in front of the general store when they passed through Shanhe Town. Gu Chengyu had Mr. Gu buy two pounds of peach blossom cake. He watched the shopkeeper wrap them separately before getting back on the cart. One package was meant for the nieces and nephews, and the other for Mrs. Lv and the second sister to enjoy since Father could also have some to fill his stomach when returning from the field hungry. Peach blossom cakes were seasonal delicacies, and Gu Chengyu noticed they were made like flatbread on the outside, with a peach blossom mixed filling on the inside. It lacked the filling of modern flower pastries, with only dried peaches crushed and mixed with brown sugar, so it was probably very sweet. The shopkeeper kept recommending it, saying it tasted great and many people bought it. So Gu Chengyu ordered two pounds. It’s always fun to try something new that’s never been tasted before, right?

The ox cart rolled leisurely into Shangling Village, and by then it was around 3:30 PM, with some families already kindling their cooking fires.

The Gu Family lived at the third house from the village entrance. The ox cart soon arrived at their door, and the three from the Gu Family got down with their belongings.

Mrs. Huang, the wife of the Zhang Family next door, heard the wheels’ sound and opened the door to peek towards the Gu Family’s entrance. They had an ox cart come to pick them up in the morning, and now it had brought them back. What were they up to? Maybe they struck it rich? Otherwise, how could they afford to hire an ox cart? It’s not cheap! Weren’t they just lamenting losing ten taels of silver a few days ago?

"Mom, I’m back!" Gu Chengyu felt exceptionally close as he saw the Gu Family courtyard gate. The gate was ajar, and as he pushed it open, he heard his mother’s commanding voice from the kitchen. The noise there was quite loud, suggesting she didn’t hear him.

"Hey, Second Daughter-in-law, it’s your turn to cook today. Don’t be lazy. The wood that the second and third sons collected today is not enough! There’s so little wood, it won’t even suffice for washing faces tomorrow morning! That’s being lazy! When they return, tell them to gather more."

"Mom, we’re back!" Gu Chengyu shouted loudly towards the kitchen.

"Hey, wife’s woman, come and bring the things inside." Mr. Gu called out with a pig’s trotters in hand, as he typically didn’t enter the kitchen.

"What? Is Xiao Bao back? Oh dear! Why did you come back so late? I was worried sick." Mrs. Lv ran out of the kitchen upon hearing Gu Chengyu’s voice, delighted. Xiao Bao had never stayed away from her so long, not to mention going so far to the county. She’d been nothing but worried all day, afraid his father wasn’t looking after him and might scare him away. With Xiao Bao looking so good, if a child trafficker took him, wouldn’t she cry her eyes out? She even cursed Mr. Gu earlier in the day for rousing Xiao Bao up. The selling of ginseng was long forgotten.

"Mom, haven’t I come back now?" Before Gu Chengyu could finish, Mrs. Lv pulled him into a warm embrace. In Mrs. Lv’s eyes, there was no sight of Mr. Gu at the moment. Gu Chengyu actually missed his mother too. After five years spent with Mrs. Lv, he had already regarded her as his closest person. The embrace was so warm he didn’t want to leave.

Gu Chengli, carrying steamed buns in his hand, absentmindedly greeted Mrs. Lv and headed back to his east wing room. Mrs. Lv was too busy to care about him and waved him off to rest.

"Ahem! Wife, put the things inside. Xiao Bao and I bought pig trotters and meat buns. Reheat the buns for dinner. The pig trotters are braised and supposedly taste great!" Mr. Gu felt a bit sour watching the mother and son’s lovey-dovey act. Since stepping into the courtyard, Mrs. Lv hadn’t cast him a glance, only doting on her youngest son.

"Xiao Bao, are you hungry? Do you want to chew on the pig’s trotters your dad bought?" Mrs. Lv showered Gu Chengyu with love, smiling as she gazed at his rosy cheeks, seemingly never getting enough.

"Mom, we ate some meat buns on the way with Dad. They’re really tasty, you should try them later. I saved some especially for you!"

"Really? Oh my! My Xiao Bao is so filial. By the way, how was the trip to the county? Was it fun?"

"Mom, there were so many people in the county and lots of things for sale. I saw many tasty treats and fun toys. I even bought you a gift, you’re gonna love it!" Gu Chengyu remembered the silver and jewelry in his space, planning to take them out when no one was around later.

"Humph! Flatterer, just know how to sweet-talk Mom!" Gu Wan stepped out of the main room and caught sight of Gu Chengyu nestled in their mom’s arms, throwing a side-eyed remark.

Gu Chengyu felt a little frustrated but decided not to bicker with the little girl. Naturally, he understood Gu Wan was still upset about the egg gifting incident to the niece the other day!

"I even got something good for Second Sister. And you’re still angry with me? Oh, Mom! No good things for Second Sister anymore." Gu Chengyu made a funny face towards Gu Wan.

"What good stuff could you get for me? Is it not just meat buns and pig’s trotters? As if I couldn’t guess!" Gu Wan, seeing her little brother still cared for her, wasn’t as upset anymore but maintained a stern face pretending to be very angry.

How could Gu Chengyu not see through her little scheme? Seeing that the little girl was finally pacified, he felt relieved. Wasn’t it hard work?

Mrs. Lv watched her two young ones bicker with a wide grin. Siblings should get along sweetly, and she understood her daughter’s stubborn and spoiled nature. Could she rely on the third and fourth sons who couldn’t even take care of themselves? Before a daughter got married, she was cherished at home. Once married, she became someone else’s wife. Wouldn’t she need her brothers for support? If she got along poorly with them, the in-laws might look down on her and mistreat her because she lacked backing!