Chapter 743 - Chapter 743: Who Dares!
Chapter 743: Who Dares!
Editor: Henyee Translations
Upon hearing his mother’s hurtful words, Gu Zhaoming’s reaction was one of unsurprised resignation.
In his youth, he had once believed her bias was the root cause, only to later realize her motives were steeped in self-interest. She always prioritized her own agenda, manipulating her younger brothers to ensure her ascendancy to dowager status—a position contingent upon her brothers assuming leadership. With Gu Zhaoming growing up under his grandfather’s influence, she feared losing control over him.
Now that he had returned, her apprehension heightened, fearing he might challenge for the position of family head or seek retribution against them.
Yet, Gu Zhaoming remained unfazed by her trepidation.
Closing the distance between them, he spoke with a sardonic chuckle, “For the coveted seat of family head.”
Old Madam Gu recoiled in terror at the intensity of Gu Zhaoming’s gaze, instinctively retreating a step. Her worst fears had materialized.
She couldn’t allow the old man to encounter Gu Zhaoming.
At the very least, they couldn’t make an appearance at today’s birthday banquet.
After years of meticulous planning, the old man had finally relinquished hope in Gu Zhaoming, intending to designate the family headship to Zhao’an or Zhaoye.
Should Gu Zhaoming emerge now, all her machinations would be rendered futile.
Old Madam Gu wasted no time in summoning the security guards stationed outside the banquet hall, her eyes ablaze with icy resolve as she gestured towards Gu Zhaoming’s family. “Eject them!”
As for Butler Liu, she would address his insubordination later.
The security guards advanced, poised to carry out her command and apprehend Gu Zhaoming and his kin.
Yet, at that critical juncture, a commanding and aged voice reverberated from behind Old Madam Gu, laced with a hint of indignation. “Who dares!”
Startled, Old Madam Gu turned to find the Fifth Elder accompanied by Gu Hongwei, his presence a formidable force.
The Fifth Elder’s voice dripped with reproach. “Madam, Zhaoming is your eldest son. His return to celebrate the family head’s birthday is a rare occurrence. How can you entertain the thought of casting him out?”
Gu Hongwei fixed his gaze upon Gu Zhaoming, his expression etched with the weight of years gone by. “Zhaoming, you’ve returned…”
Gu Zhaoming met his father’s gaze with a complex mixture of emotions. “Yes, Father.”
Old Madam Gu, however, swiftly regained her composure, jabbing an accusatory finger in Gu Zhaoming’s direction. “Old man, he’s not here to honor your birthday. He’s merely angling for your position as family head! Why else would he have absented himself from your seventieth birthday celebration?”
Gu Zhaoming’s gaze bore into Old Madam Gu with a pained expression, words of reproach lingering on his lips, yet hesitancy held him back.
The Fifth Elder’s voice dripped with resentment. “Madam, your judgment is clouded. If Zhaoming harbored intentions of seizing the family headship, would he have waited until now to make his move? Your accusations are unfounded and needlessly hurtful!”
Gu Zhaoming offered a bitter smile before turning his attention to Gu Hongwei. “Father, I pray for your health and longevity. Initially, I intended to bring my wife and children to partake in your birthday festivities, but in light of Mother’s stance, our presence here seems unwelcome.”
With those words, he gently ushered his family, along with Ruan Xueling, away from the scene.
Gu Hongwei, whose gaze had lingered on the children moments before, found them obscured behind Gu Zhaoming and Ruan Xueling. Before he could get a clear view, they were whisked away. His tone held a hint of urgency as he interjected, “Wait.”
Taking matters into his own hands, Gu Hongwei hastened forward and grasped Gu Zhaoming’s arm, halting their departure.
His voice, weathered with age, trembled with emotion. “Stay, Zhaoming. Time grows short for me. Once you depart, it may well be our final encounter.”
Moved by his father’s heartfelt plea, Gu Zhaoming regarded Gu Hongwei with a softened expression, his resolve waning in the face of paternal longing.
Beside him, Ruan Xueling gently clasped Gu Zhaoming’s hand, her voice tender as she urged, “Zhaoming, let’s stay and celebrate Dad’s birthday together. Your mother will come to understand in time. Plus, the children haven’t had the chance to meet their grandparents yet.”
Gu Hongwei found himself immediately favorably disposed towards Ruan Xueling. She exuded a natural grace that appealed to him, her presence effortlessly commanding respect. It was evident to him that she possessed all the qualities befitting the family’s eldest daughter-in-law.
Gu Yang’s four children, standing behind them, wore an array of expressions as they listened to Ruan Xueling’s persuasions.
Even Feng Jue and Gu Jin, typically composed, couldn’t help but shiver at the eerie undertones in Ruan Xueling’s voice.
Gu Pei stifled a laugh, turning away and biting his finger to suppress his amusement.
Having observed Gu Zhaoming and Ruan Xueling rehearse, Gu Yang remained composed. After all, she had been the language coach for her mother’s earlier admonitions.