Chapter 41 – Wedding Gift Box Giving
Early the next morning, after sending off the reluctant Gu Qingheng, Gu Mengyao had already prepared the gifts by the time Gu Yu returned. They could depart immediately.
Curious about the wedding gift box contents, Gu Yu took a look at what Gu Mengyao was bringing. He discovered only a few eggs and some fabric in the basket.
The Old Yang family tirelessly sent people to notify the Gu family. Gu Yu wondered what expressions they would show upon seeing the gift box, but he knew it wouldn’t be pleasant.
Thinking this, Gu Yu gave his little wife a thumbs-up, a look of extreme satisfaction on his face, which made Gu Mengyao laugh.
Afterwards, there was nothing else to do at home. After locking the door, the two headed towards the Old Yang family in the village.
Normally, Gu Yu’s visit would have been met with cold sarcasm from the Old Yang family. However, with Jiaojiao Yang’s wedding approaching, they didn’t go too far. After all, they were the ones who invited him, and they were hoping for some valuable gifts!
Especially when Gu Yu and Gu Mengyao entered the main hall of the Yang house, Mrs. Li’s eyes couldn’t stop glancing at the basket Gu Mengyao was carrying, which made Gu Yu chuckle inwardly.
When they came out, Gu Mengyao casually covered the basket with a piece of cloth. Unless Mrs. Li’s eyes could see through it, she definitely wouldn’t be able to see what was inside.
However, Gu Yu honestly didn’t know what to say about these people’s greed. Based on past experiences, anyone with a normal mind would know that he wouldn’t bring anything good, so they shouldn’t be thinking about it… But Mrs. Li and the others insisted, believing that the ties of kinship would make Gu Yu unable to let go, and even if they separated families and cut ties, they wouldn’t go too far. This kind of thing might have worked for people who were filial or cared about their reputation.
Unfortunately, Gu Yu possessed neither of those qualities. He wasn’t even the Yang family’s biological grandson, so why should he be filial to the Old Yang family? It was already a courtesy to the Old Yang family that he didn’t bring back a few random weeds from outside to give them.
Ignoring Mrs. Li’s occasional glances, Gu Yu stood beside Gu Mengyao and greeted the villagers. Having not seen them for a month and a half, the villagers were very curious about where Gu Yu’s family had gone and asked many questions.
Gu Yu explained to everyone that his family had been visiting relatives. Gu Mengyao’s relatives had sent a letter inviting them for a short visit. As there was nothing major happening at home, they went to stay for a while.
The villagers didn’t doubt Gu Yu’s words. After all, Gu Yu’s only relatives were the Old Yang family, and it wasn’t unusual for Gu Mengyao to have relatives outside.
After the confusion was cleared up, it was time for casual chatting. With the changes in recent times, Gu Yu could now talk with the villagers and didn’t refuse. After all, the gift box giving hadn’t started yet, and chatting could pass the time.
The villagers now clearly recognized that Gu Yu was no longer the pitiful child of the Yang family. Judging by the recent events, imperial commendations and saving people were not things ordinary people could do.
What’s more, as revealed by the village chief, both Gu Yu and Gu Qingheng had passed the Tong Sheng imperial examination! Unlike Shun Yang, who had been studying since childhood, Gu Yu didn’t even know a single character but had now passed the Tong Sheng exam, which made the villagers regard him with awe. They thought it would be better not to offend the Gu family in the future. The Gu family had risen! Even though Shun Yang had passed the Xiucai exam, it still couldn’t compare to Gu Yu’s transformation. To put it this way, Gu Yu was a well-developed talent, while Shun Yang was only good at reading and writing! Furthermore, given time, Gu Yu might even pass the Juren exam!
Therefore, when talking to Gu Yu, the villagers dared not be too presumptuous. Even the usually coarse rural men subconsciously restrained themselves and avoided using foul language. Although Gu Yu sensed the change in the people around him, he wasn’t surprised. This situation was good, and there was no need to change it. Compared to being looked down upon and despised, Gu Yu preferred the respect he was receiving now. At least no one would come looking for trouble, and he could get through the day peacefully.
“The bride-to-be is here! Come and give your wedding gift!”
Afterward, Jiaojiao Yang was helped into the house. Due to her approaching marriage, she was in a good mood and was smiling all the time. Even when she saw Gu Yu, she didn’t show her usual sharp and sarcastic demeanor and simply ignored him. Gu Yu inwardly hoped it would stay that way, avoiding any trouble.
When the gift box giving began, Gu Yu stood aside and observed the process. He found that the villagers were giving vegetables, fruits, fabrics, and snacks. Some also gave jewelry and clothing. Although the items were not expensive, there were many varieties. Gu Yu found it novel to watch. Jiaojiao Yang’s smile gradually faded as she saw these inexpensive gifts. Her eyes then filled with contempt as she watched each villager present their gifts, thinking that she really couldn’t expect anything from the villagers. “Hmph, all together, they’re not even as valuable as the jewelry Young Master Ye gave me!”
Jiaojiao Yang knew that nothing should go wrong today, so her contempt didn’t last long before she quickly hid it so as not to be discovered by others. After all, if her marriage caused a bad reputation, it wouldn’t be good for her in her husband’s family. As long as she endured the gift-giving ceremony, the matter would be over. However, seeing Gu Yu and Gu Mengyao appear, she started to anticipate what good things they might give her! Seeing the large basket Gu Mengyao was carrying, she wondered if they were bringing her silver, or perhaps gold rewarded by the Emperor? If it were gold, she would have something to support herself in her husband’s family, as her husband’s family wouldn’t dare to make things too difficult for her with an imperial reward. “Hmph, in that case, Gu Yu still has some conscience and hasn’t forgotten that he’s still part of the Old Yang family.” Jiaojiao Yang, who didn’t consider herself an outsider at all, changed her previous disdain and was full of anticipation as she looked at the basket Gu Mengyao was carrying, wondering what wedding gift Gu Yu would give. After all, the Gu family had been very prominent recently, and they must have good things!
However, what followed was bound to disappoint Jiaojiao Yang. When Gu Mengyao took out eggs and fabric from the basket, Jiaojiao Yang was stunned. Then, she clenched her fists in anger, almost directly cursing Gu Yu for being unrighteous and treating her, his little aunt, like this. “Giving these things? Are they for beggars?” Gu Yu watched with cold eyes, thinking that if Jiaojiao Yang dared to say anything unpleasant later, he wouldn’t mind that today was her special day and would retort. Fortunately, after getting angry, Jiaojiao Yang suddenly remembered the occasion and didn’t say anything. She just glared hatefully at Gu Yu and Gu Mengyao, wishing she could kill them with her gaze. “Once I marry into town, I’ll deal with this guy Gu Yu later.” Mrs. Li was even more indignant. If Jiaojiao Yang hadn’t stopped her, she would have likely started scolding Gu Yu and the other verbally by now. “After waiting for so long, to only receive a few eggs and coarse cloth, Gu Yu, this ungrateful person, is truly unfilial!”
“A’yu, the gift-giving is almost done, let’s go!” “Are we leaving already?” “It’s not very comfortable staying here, it’s better to leave! We can take a walk in a place where no one is around with this time…” “Okay, I’ll listen to my wife.” Afterward, as Gu Mengyao spoke softly to Gu Yu, her words indicated that she no longer wished to stay there. Coming to give Jiaojiao Yang a wedding gift today was merely to silence the villagers’ gossip. Now that the mission was complete, it was time to retreat. Otherwise, why stay here and endure Jiaojiao Yang’s glares? It was also Jiaojiao Yang’s happy occasion, and Gu Mengyao didn’t want to argue with her, so she thought of leaving to avoid seeing what was unpleasant. Gu Yu nodded repeatedly upon hearing this, especially looking forward to the place without anyone that his little wife mentioned… Gu Mengyao’s bold kiss yesterday had surprised Gu Yu at the time. He wondered how his little wife could be so daring. However, he quite enjoyed this feeling. He even wanted to do it again. So, after hearing Gu Mengyao’s words, Gu Yu was even more eager to leave. Fortunately, no trouble arose, and the two successfully left the Old Yang family.
However, things didn’t go as Gu Yu expected. After walking out of the Old Yang family, Gu Mengyao suddenly remembered that she needed to visit Min Yan’s house. It had been almost two days since their return, and they hadn’t informed Uncle Yan, and it would be bad if they were still worried. So, the two changed their route and went to visit Min Yan and his wife in town. After staying for a while, they left under the couple’s invitation and began to wander around the market. They just wanted to inform them and didn’t need to stay for lunch. Gu Yu had bought flowers yesterday, and Gu Mengyao liked them very much. Coincidentally, Gu Mengyao was with him today, and Gu Yu wanted his wife to choose some flowers she liked, and he would buy them for her. Although Gu Mengyao was initially reluctant to spend money, she couldn’t resist the beautiful flowers, one pot after another, and finally chose two pots. They continued shopping, each holding a pot. If there weren’t so many people on the street, Gu Yu would have held Gu Mengyao’s hand directly! Shopping would be more fun that way!
“A’yu, look! Isn’t that Chengfeng Shan and Lin Yue? They were in the Capital before, how did they end up in Lian Town?” While shopping on the street, Gu Mengyao looked ahead with some confusion as Gu Yu was thinking about holding hands. Then, as she spoke to Gu Yu, Gu Yu also curiously looked forward. As a result, they saw Chengfeng Shan and Lin Yue appear ahead, talking and laughing, clearly unaffected by what had happened in the Capital. However, if they were really unaffected, why were they in Lian Town? It seemed they had returned even earlier than him and Gu Mengyao!
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