Chapter 361: Father-Son Bond

"The Crown Prince's protection?" Gu Cheng burst into hysterical laughter.

"Hahaha... My dear father, what merit and ability does our Gu family have, what capital do we have to let the princes protect us?"

"Father, back when Old Master Du was still alive and the Du family hadn't collapsed yet, our Gu family would yield a point to anyone."

"Now our Gu family is nothing, absolutely nothing!"

"On what basis should the Crown Prince protect us? Is it because our Gu family has been suffering one mishap after another, or because you, Father, are a mediocre and accomplishing nothing Prime Minister?"

"Impudent!"

With a slap, Gu Shijie fiercely slapped Gu Cheng across the face.

Gu Cheng's face was turned to the side by that slap.

He raised his eyes, looking at his father in disbelief; he had always been his father's pride.

Who would have thought that, just because he lost face before the Crown Prince, his father would raise his hand and slap him, completely disregarding the bond between father and son.

Gu Cheng laughed even more hysterically, coldly staring at Gu Shijie.

"Father, are you angry out of shame?"

"It's my fault for speaking out of turn; back then, Father could stand firm in Shang Jing only because of Du Yushan; otherwise, Father would be nothing."

"Father's reaching this point today is entirely because you married Du Yushan's daughter."

"Get out! Get out!" Gu Shijie shouted in fury.

He always had a hurdle in his heart that he couldn't get over; back then he was also a distinguished zhuangyuan, but because he married the daughter of Southern Qi's richest man Du Yushan, from then on the Gu Shijie's forehead bore the Du family's mark.

Even if ordinary aristocratic families said that about him, it would be tolerable, but he never expected his own son to look down on him like that, making Gu Shijie feel vexed and pained.

This brat actually stabbed him hard in the heart.

Back then, Du Qingning had exquisite looks, a gentle temperament, and was also a renowned talent in Shang Jing.

Simply because she admired his poem at a poetry gathering, she fell for him.

Gu Shijie didn't dislike Du Qingning; rather, as long as she was present, he was merely her shadow, which made him unable to hold his head high.

He hated his own weakness, and he hated everyone who defined him by the Du family.

Gu Shijie slowly leaned against the carriage wall, his complexion turning slightly stiff.

He drew a deep breath and ordered the driver to drive his carriage to the outside of Gu Kang's residence.

At this moment, Gu Kang was sitting by the window, drinking the hot tea brought by Steward Zhang, his head lowered as he read some documents.

This time, Emperor Longqing ordered him to close the case quickly, so he had to smoothly complete the task entrusted by Emperor Longqing.

As for how to write the case of Chongwen Tower, and how to weigh the wording of this closing statement, that too is a major matter.

If the wording is mishandled and it displeases Emperor Longqing, then all his previous efforts would be wasted.

He had originally wanted to consult Mr. Wen, but Mr. Wen was old and had already retired.

He also felt awkward to disturb him, so he could only wait until the next day after Mr. Wen woke up to discuss with him.

Just as Gu Kang was lost in thought, an attendant outside came to the gate and reported that Minister Gu had arrived late at night to pay a visit.

Gu Kang's fingers gripping the teacup twitched slightly, then he slowly set the teacup down on the table.

He then rose, bringing Steward Zhang to the front hall; this time Gu Kang did not offer tea or a seat to Gu Shijie, but simply stood there, staring at his father before him.

Hearing Gu Kang's footsteps, Gu Shijie hastily turned to look.

He saw his second son standing at the entrance of the front hall, the injured side of his face hidden in the shadows.

The other side of his face was illuminated by the candlelight, appearing exceptionally clear; it must be said that Gu Kang's features resemble his mother Du Qingning by eighty percent.

At that moment, this half-face that resembled Du Qingning so closely emerged slowly from the light and shadow, which made Gu Shijie's scalp tingle.

Gu Shijie thought Du Qingning had approached, so he quickly composed himself and stepped forward to look at his son.

His face bore the affectionate expression of an old father, and he even raised his hand as if to grab Gu Kang's wrist.

Gu Kang instinctively dodged, and Gu Shijie's expression stiffened slightly as he gave an embarrassed laugh.

"Today the emperor has entrusted you with such an important matter; you must think over the closing document for the Chongwen Tower case before writing it."

"During this period, it involves the interests of many great clans; although it appears to be the Chongwen Tower case, it is actually a move to strike at the clans."

"So whether it's written well or poorly, it's a hassle; Father has come today to help you polish the document a bit—what do you think?"

Gu Kang was somewhat surprised; at this moment Gu Shijie showed none of his previous mocking and attacking demeanor, but rather resembled a loving old father giving sincere guidance to his son just entering officialdom.

However, this fatherly love came too late; his expression paused slightly, while his heart felt somewhat amused.

Gu Kang lifted his gaze and fixed it on his father: "Father, let me say something unpleasant: Mr. Wen is currently at my residence; do you think your ability to write documents surpasses Mr. Wen's?"

As soon as Gu Kang's words fell, Gu Shijie's expression changed slightly and his whole body stiffened.

He moved his lips, not knowing what to say; obviously his son had dealt him a heavy blow.

A surge of anger rose in his heart, but thinking of Gu Kang's methods also made him a bit wary; he hastily suppressed the anger on his face.

He gave a stiff laugh, rubbed his hands, then looked at Gu Kang and said: "How about this, Kang'er? Father will request to open the ancestral hall and the clan register tomorrow, so you can return to the Gu family."

"You are a disciple of the Gu family; it is fitting that your name be entered into the Gu family's clan register."

"If you feel the time is a bit rushed, then three days from now."

"Three days from now, your third great-uncle and sixth great-uncle will be present; we will hold a ceremony and joyfully bring your household back."

"You, living alone outside while establishing a family and career, still have some matters that are not convenient; Father will help you plan everything."

"You need not worry about these; Father will help you settle everything properly."

Gu Kang suddenly felt nauseous, interrupted Gu Shijie's words, raised his head and fixed his gaze on him: "Minister, I would like to ask you a question, if you could answer?"

Gu Shijie blinked, then quickly laughed: "What do you want to ask?"

Gu Kang stared at him coldly, enunciating each word: "It's been some years since Mother passed away; Father, do you ever dream of her image when you wake at midnight?"

Gu Shijie thought his son was willing to return to the Gu family and grow closer to him, so he couldn't help but fill his face with a smile, preparing to answer Gu Kang's question.

Who would have thought that Gu Kang would actually ask such a question; Gu Shijie froze on the spot, unable to speak.

Gu Kang coldly laughed and said: "Gu Shijie, our father‑kind son‑filial act, don't continue singing it; for no reason it makes me feel nauseous."

"Now the Gu family's great momentum is gone; Shangshu, you should still think carefully about the eldest son's future."

"Someone! Show the guest out!"