sjar Chapter 351 And here comes someone trying to curry favor with me.
Chapter 351 And here comes someone trying to curry favor with me.
The news that Gu Junze was willing to personally teach Lu Ge'er spread like wildfire among the Gu clan.
Some people were envious, some were jealous, and some even started to have their own ideas.
Just then, the gates of the General's Mansion saw off the beaming face of Third Master Gu Yan.
Two days later, another couple arrived.
The downfall of the Marquis of Anyang's mansion was like a bolt from the blue, leaving the Gu family, who were dependent on it, completely stunned.
Gu Wei originally held a mediocre position in the Ministry of Works, relying entirely on his kinship with the Marquis of Anyang and the couple's shrewdness in maneuvering.
When the Marquis of Anyang was in power, he and his wife were incredibly prestigious in front of their clansmen, and they never paid any attention to their nephew Gu Junze, who had "no connections".
Madam Gu also spoke ill of Chu Ruohan behind her back, saying that Chu Ruohan came from a merchant family and was not presentable.
Unexpectedly, the situation changed drastically. The Marquis of Anyang's rebellion was exposed, and Gu Junze suddenly became a meritorious official in suppressing the rebellion and a close advisor to the new emperor.
Although Gu Junze pleaded for mercy and the Emperor did not execute the entire family, the Gu family became like rats in the street in the capital, hated by everyone.
The lives of Master Gu and his wife became increasingly difficult.
Seeing that Gu Junze not only wielded immense power but also had connections with the third branch of the family, the fourth master and his wife could no longer sit still.
They knew perfectly well that they had no relationship with Gu Junze, and in fact, they had quite a grudge against him. If they went directly to him for help, they would most likely be rejected.
This made it inconvenient for them to set their sights on Chu Ruohan.
"She's a woman after all, soft-hearted, and pregnant. I'll go and plead with her, whisper some sweet nothings in her ear. It's better than us going straight to her and getting rejected!" Madam Gu suggested.
So the couple prepared some gifts and, steeling themselves, arrived at the magnificent gate of the Zhenguo General's Mansion.
After being informed, the two were led by servants through layers of courtyards to an elegant flower hall.
The hall was exquisitely furnished and warmly decorated, a stark contrast to the bleak and desolate scene in their own mansion, leaving them with mixed feelings.
Chu Ruohan was reclining on a soft couch covered with thick brocade cushions, with a bowl of warm bird's nest soup beside her.
When she heard from the servants that Master Gu and his wife were requesting an audience, a faint smile appeared on her lips.
"Please let them in." The voice was calm and even.
The couple entered the flower hall one after the other, their faces beaming with almost fawning smiles.
"Oh, Ruohan's niece-in-law!" Madam Gu stepped forward first, raising her voice several octaves with deliberate intimacy.
"It's been a while since I've seen you, you look even better! And look at your belly, you're quite far along, aren't you?"
"What wonderful news! Our Gu family is about to welcome another member! This is all thanks to Junze, and even more so to you!"
As she spoke, she tried to help Chu Ruohan up, but her gaze involuntarily drifted to the bowl of crystal-clear bird's nest soup, a hint of jealousy flashing in her eyes.
Just six months ago, she mocked Chu Ruohan for being a merchant's daughter who didn't know the rules.
Now, she sits comfortably in the position of the mistress of the general's mansion, enjoying the wealth and glory she has always dreamed of.
Chu Ruohan turned slightly to the side, avoiding her hand.
He was quite affectionate, but everyone in the capital knew that Gu Junze wasn't a member of the Gu family.
They still eagerly tried to establish a connection, hoping to become relatives...
"Fourth Aunt is here, please have a seat. Please have some tea."
The maidservant brought out tea and snacks.
Gu Wei rubbed his hands together, then sat down awkwardly in the chair, his gaze darting away, not daring to look directly at Chu Ruohan.
As an elder, he now has to be subservient to his nephew's wife, which is a truly unpleasant feeling.
"Ruohan," Madam Gu said, sitting down next to Chu Ruohan in a tone so intimate it gave one goosebumps.
"Look at you, pregnant and still working so hard. Junze is a pillar of the nation now, with so many important things waiting for him outside. The family is all relying on you."
"As elders, it breaks our hearts to see this!"
Chu Ruohan picked up her teacup, gently blew away the foam, and did not respond.
She knew all too well why the couple had come.
In her previous life, when she first married into the Gu family, her fourth aunt often used her seniority to set rules for her and find fault with her, her words full of harshness and difficulty.
This current subservience is merely a result of being forced by circumstances.
Seeing that Chu Ruohan remained unmoved, Madam Gu became anxious and quickly gave her husband a wink.
Gu Wei cleared his throat and forced a smile that looked more like a grimace.
"Um... Ruohan, Fourth Uncle... Fourth Uncle came this time because... I have something I'd like to ask you and Junze for help with."
He paused, his voice lowering, tinged with an awkward embarrassment.
"You know what happened to my second brother... sigh, who could have imagined he would do something so outrageous! But now... I've lost my job, and things at home... things are really tough for the family..."
Madam Gu immediately responded, her voice trembling with tears.
"That's right! Ruohan, you have no idea how those people outside talk behind our backs! We're innocent! Your fourth uncle has worked diligently for decades, and because of this little thing, he's ended up like this!"
"We're almost starving right now! Junze is now a favorite of the Emperor, wielding considerable military power and influence."
"Could...could you, for the sake of us being family, mention to Junze and ask him to arrange a job for his fourth uncle?"
"It doesn't need to be anything fancy, just enough income to make a living is fine! We don't dare to ask for anything else!"
As she spoke, she took out a handkerchief and wiped away non-existent tears from the corners of her eyes. Her expression was so sincere that anyone who didn't know the story would surely feel sympathy.
Chu Ruohan put down her teacup, making a crisp, soft sound.
She raised her eyes and calmly swept her gaze over the couple in front of her, who were putting on a show.
"Fourth Uncle, Fourth Aunt!" Her voice was still gentle, but it carried a sense of distance.
"I understand your feelings. However, the imperial court has its own rules and regulations for employing people."
"Your Majesty has entrusted you with important responsibilities and you should be even more careful in your words and deeds, and keep to your duties. How can you let personal matters interfere with public duty?"
She paused, her tone turning serious: "The Marquis of Anyang's treason was a monumental crime. The late Emperor was wise enough to only investigate the ringleader and not implicate others, which was already an act of leniency beyond the law and a great imperial grace."
"It is already a great blessing that Fourth Uncle and his family are safe and sound. As for seeking an official position, it is not a trivial matter."
"Now that the new dynasty has just been established, His Majesty is working hard to govern and select virtuous and capable officials. Everything must be done in accordance with the rules and through the Ministry of Personnel's examination and selection process."
"If Junze makes arrangements for others in private and it gets out, wouldn't that give others a handle to accuse him of abusing his power for personal gain and forming cliques?"
"This not only betrays His Majesty's trust, but also puts oneself in danger."
"I'm sure Fourth Uncle and Fourth Aunt wouldn't want Junze to get into trouble because of this, would they?"