Chapter 315: Sanlang Has Hardened His Heart

Old Huang’s face contorted. "I’ve given up hope that he’s even still alive."

"As long as Wu Dahai is alive, I can forget about ever marrying and having kids."

"If he were dead, I could marry a hundred women!"

Gu Fei chuckled. "A hundred? Sir, could you even handle that?"

Old Huang chuckled. "I was just saying."

Gu Fei turned, opened the door, and glanced back. "You should eat. If your health gives out, nothing else will matter."

Once outside, Gu Fei thought to herself, ’Old Huang asks for ten thousand taels right off the bat. He’s certainly bold.’

’His family was already wealthy, and he’s run a silk shop for over twenty years. He must have well over a hundred thousand taels of silver.’

’But having all that silver and not being able to spend it must be frustrating.’

The next day was the Dragon Boat Festival. First thing in the morning, Gu Erlang hurried out to buy groceries. Once he was back, he was in the rear kitchen, endlessly chopping vegetables and marinating meat.

As soon as the city gates opened, Gu Sanlang came over. The two of them quickly took the mule cart to go claim their spot.

Mrs. Chen and Gu Zhang had originally wanted Gu Fei to come home for the festival, but the shop was impossibly busy. Gu Fei didn’t dare leave, so instead, Gu Zhang and Mrs. Chen came into the city and spent the whole day helping greet customers and wash dishes.

Er Lang and Sanlang didn’t return to the shop until it was dark. Er Lang was beaming. Seeing his expression, Gu Fei couldn’t help but ask, "Second Brother, just how much did you make today? You’re smiling so hard your eyes have practically disappeared."

Gu Erlang’s eyebrows practically flew off his face as he held up three fingers. "Three taels of silver! I made three taels today alone!"

"Oh, right! On my way back, I ran into Uncle. He and Aunt went to sell barbecue too. I heard they made over two taels of silver."

Gu Fei beamed. She was happy that everyone was making money.

The following afternoon, Gu Qing drove his cart into the city. After getting down, he headed straight for the counter and grabbed Gu Fei’s arm. "Little sister, Mom and Dad want you to come home. Something’s happened, and they need to talk to you about it."

Gu Fei jumped in surprise. "What happened?"

"It’s about Sanlang. I’ll explain on the way back." Gu Qing couldn’t hide the worry on his face.

Gu Fei quickly instructed Lian’er to watch the shop before climbing onto Gu Qing’s mule cart. After they had gone some distance, Gu Qing said, "I don’t know who put him up to it, but Sanlang went and enlisted in the army."

Gu Fei froze. "When did this happen?"

"It’s been several days already. That kid... he did it without a word to anyone. He stole the family’s household registry to sign up. He only told Mom and Dad this morning, and he said he’s leaving tomorrow."

"And it’s not even the City Defense Army—it’s the border army!" Gu Qing sighed heavily.

"Then what do we do?" Gu Fei asked, starting to panic.

"Mom and Dad don’t know what to do. That’s why they sent for you, to see if you have any ideas."

Gu Fei thought for a moment. "I don’t have a plan, but I figure if enough silver is involved, getting him out of it shouldn’t be a problem."

Gu Qing shook his head. "It’s not about the silver right now. It’s Sanlang—he’s absolutely determined to go. You know how he is, once he’s made up his mind, a team of horses couldn’t drag him back."

Gu Fei couldn’t understand. "When did Third Brother even get this idea?"

Gu Qing gave a wry smile. "Who knows."

The siblings returned home, their hearts heavy with worry. The moment Mrs. Chen saw Gu Fei, it was as if she’d found her pillar of support. She grabbed Gu Fei and pulled her toward Sanlang’s room. "Little Fei, your third brother has lost his mind! You have to talk some sense into him!"

Sanlang was in his room packing. When he saw Gu Fei come in, he broke into a wide grin. "Sis, what’re you doing back?"