Chapter 192: Forever the Eldest Aunt

The relatives of Gu Daye and Gu Erye's in-laws were blamed by all those surnamed Gu, and on the spot they drew a clear line.

Seeing that the heads of the two families were quarreling among themselves, these people felt it was boring and had no choice but to slink away.

Only the Gu clan relatives remained on the scene; the few men who stepped forward were all somewhat elderly.

They were people with influence within the local Gu clan relatives, and having them step forward to apologize carried the expectations of everyone present.

So even if Gu Xixi's words sounded like sarcasm, the few old men blushed but insisted on keeping their bent-over, head-down posture, saying, "This time we misheard the words of petty people; we truly owe you an apology."

"You... can you forgive me?"

The relatives must have already discussed it.

Everyone stood silently with hands at their sides, guiltily looking at Gu Xixi, waiting for her response.

Zhang Shen, seeing that this side had become completely quiet, also called Mu Nan Zhao to come back and see what was happening.

He Jinglan covered her mouth half‑way and whispered, "These people are apologizing to Xixi and begging for forgiveness!"

"If apologies were always effective, why would the government office need those beheading swords?"

Gu Xixi silently looked at those people.

Until she saw that a few white‑haired people, bent at the waist, were trembling slightly, she then slowly spoke:

"The cause of today's incident is indeed that Gu Daye and Gu Erye deceived you."

"I can pretend it never happened."

The few bent‑over people showed relieved expressions and were about to rise.

"However, you just now wanted to lay hands on me; your true purpose is clear to you yourselves, and I know it as well."

"The matter ends here; you may go."

As Gu Xixi was about to leave, the few people taking the lead in apologizing became anxious.

"Xixi, please stay!"

"Xixi, considering we are all from the same clan, could you teach us how to grow grain?"

"Yes, just as that young lady said earlier, our only hope is you."

Gu Xixi seemed not to hear, leading her own people farther and farther away.

Chen Dafu and the others also perceptively blocked those Gu clan people, not allowing them to pursue.

Everyone was anxious as burning, and they urged the few capable individuals to think of a solution.

Just now He Jinglan had pointed out to them that only by following Gu Xixi could they have meat to eat.

But they had already offended Gu Xixi badly; if they missed this chance today, they feared there would be no more opportunity later.

"Xixi is also a person of standing; she deserves respect—call her Gu Boss!"

"Gu Boss, Gu Boss! We have something to say; please don't rush off."

Gu Xixi didn't look back, her steps light as she walked farther and farther away.

"If this continues, after a few more steps they'll surely raise the stakes."

Because they had their backs turned, the Gu‑surnamed people naturally couldn't see Gu Xixi's sly smile.

Exactly, she did it on purpose.

Earlier, He Jinglan wasn't just giving the Gu relatives a way out; she was also paving the way for Gu Xixi.

After all, given Gu Xixi's usual conduct, spending time and effort on these people today and taking a risk, she ought to get something in return.

A few of the elder officials gathered together and whispered a few words.

"Gu Boss, please stay!"

"The local Gu clan relatives have decided to expel the entire Gu Daye and Gu Erye households of Flower Pool Ford Village from the clan, never to be recorded in the ancestral register! From now on, they and their descendants will have no relation with the local Gu clan."

The Gu Daye and Gu Erye households, who had been arguing with each other, were shocked and stopped.

"Are you all crazy? To curry favor with a little girl, you don't fear that word will get out and even the ancestors' face will be lost!"

"Exactly! That girl may bear the Gu surname, but she's a daughter; a married‑out daughter is like spilled water, and even if she dies she'll be recorded in someone else's genealogy!"

Ancient clan values were taken very seriously, especially in rural areas.

Although they usually didn't interact much, as fellow locals they were each other's support.

If there were no clan relatives, when encountering a situation like today's, there would be no one to back them up or help.

Thus Gu Erye's interests in this matter aligned with Gu Daye's, and they could only temporarily band together to speak.

"You have deceived all the clan relatives, stirred up internal strife; if it weren't for Xixi's cleverness exposing your scheme, today would truly be the day you two lost the ancestors' face!"

"What does it matter that she's a daughter? She has the ability to make all Gu‑surnamed farming households prosperous; that is bringing honor to the ancestors, and she is a meritorious official of the Gu clan!"

Looking again not far away, Gu Xixi still hadn't stopped her steps.

"Not enough; the stake the Gu clan has put down is still not enough."

Several officials exchanged glances and gritted their teeth.

"We swear on our lives to the heavens: Gu Xixi shall be formally entered into the genealogy, established as the head of the Gu clan, admitted to the clan council. From now on, regardless of marriage or not, she shall forever be the eldest aunt of the Gu clan!"

"All Gu clan relatives under Qing Tian County's jurisdiction shall respect and revere her."

"Anyone whose generation is lower than Gu Boss's must kneel!"

As soon as the words were spoken, people began to kneel one after another, including the one who had thrown stones at Gu Xixi.

Gu Daye realized it was beyond saving, his eyes rolled back, and this time he truly fainted.

Gu Youfu carried his father on his back, glaring fiercely at everyone, but having no other choice, he had to go home first.

The Gu Erye household was filled with grief and indignation.

The loss of the wheat was not recovered, and they were also expelled from the clan.

Moreover, having thoroughly offended Gu Xixi, the secret of grain cultivation was surely out of reach.

Now that Gu Xixi has the backing of the local clan relatives, the Gu Erye household dare not trouble her again, and instead turned their efforts to recover losses toward Gu Daye and his son.

The two families argued and clung together as they left.

The remaining people turned their gazes toward the distance.

One step, two steps, Gu Xixi finally stopped.

Watching her turn around and walk back, everyone wore an eager, appeasing smile.

Gu Xixi walked up unhurriedly and stopped, saying, "Let them rise."

"We are all surnamed Gu; I never intended to make things difficult for everyone."

"Actually, what I have always wanted to do is achieve a win-win."

"I am well, and everyone is well—that is a win-win; yet there are always those with ill intent who seek to thwart me through underhanded means—otherwise, why would I need to go to such great trouble?"

Upon hearing this, everyone felt hopeful that their wishes might be fulfilled, and they nodded in agreement.

They also praised Gu Xixi for her broad-mindedness, not quarreling with these foolish people over trifles.

Gu Xixi said, "Since you want a method for planting grain, I can teach you; as for the specifics, we will discuss them together after the summer harvest, when the clans gather to deliberate."

Such an outcome was hard-won; the Gu clan members were filled with gratitude, and they had no further objections.