Carrying the little lucky star, leading the villain on the road to exile

Gu Kaiyuan really wanted to get up and leave. Even at this point, he couldn't resist stepping on someone else.

"But you're quite something. Your dad wouldn't let you study or learn martial arts, so you're pretty clever and know how to develop your skills in a sneaky way."

With your martial arts skills and business acumen, if he had allowed you to go to school back then, the Gu family probably wouldn't be in this state now..."

"Lord Chen, you've gone off-topic. We're discussing your family's children."

"I actually think your kids are all pretty good; you've trained them to be very obedient." Gu Kaiyuan retorted sarcastically, "It's just that you've forgotten they're all human beings, with their own thoughts and hobbies. You never ask about them, you just blindly assume everything. You've arranged everything for them; do they even need to use their brains?"

Growing up in such a family environment, it seems that Gu Jia wasn't so bad after all; at least he wasn't turned into a silly fool.

Gu Kaiyuan shook his head in fright. He couldn't make such a comparison. Otherwise, even the most heinous things would have something even more powerful.

"As the head of the family, of course I have to make arrangements for them. If I hadn't put in so much effort to prepare for them, they would have been ruined." Chen Dafu felt that he had a tough job, raising this whole family on his own, only to have them all fail to live up to his expectations.

Gu Kaiyuan didn't want to persuade him anymore. Chen Dafu was definitely demanding his descendants meet his own standards. It was truly terrifying to have such a patriarch.

Anyway, the other party won't listen to anything he says, and he's developed a habit over the years, so why should he play the bad guy?

"So you mean you want them to learn something from me?"
Although I haven't joined as a merchant yet, nobody knows what the future holds.

Those who stay by my side only learn how to make a living; I won't teach them to read or write.

Chen Dafu looked at Gu Kaiyuan with disdain, "Don't worry, I wouldn't dare to think about what you're talking about, nor would I dare to let you teach me."

Gu Kaiyuan wanted to flip the table and leave. No wonder none of his children and grandchildren were successful. With his character, even if they were successful, they would have to pretend to be stupid in order to avoid even greater pressure.

What Gu Kaiyuan didn't know was that he had actually guessed some secrets: none of the Chen family's descendants with any sense wanted to be the first to stick their necks out.

According to Chen Dafu's old ideas, the Chen family's children and grandchildren should share weal and woe and be equally poor and rich.

Under such education, who would dare to be the first to stick their neck out? It's better to stay quiet and obedient, so as not to face Chen Dafu's harsh discipline and not to be a slave to the Chen family for the rest of their lives.

No matter how well you do, it's still a contribution to everyone, so why not just do the same as everyone else...

"Have someone come over and keep them by your side. You can order them around as you please. If possible, it would be best to teach them a skill so they can have a livelihood in the future."

"Why did you come to me?" Gu Kaiyuan asked, puzzled. "You are now an imperial envoy. Once this mission is completed, you will definitely be promoted. There are plenty of people in the capital who will try to curry favor with you, and they will certainly be even more devoted to you."

Chen Dafu shook his head, "You're still too young. If there really were such people, I wouldn't dare let my children and grandchildren stay by their side."

They'll just fawn over me, trying to get more benefits from me, or become my protectors—I don't want any of that.

"You're quite something, kid. You're the first person I've had since I became an official to dare confront me directly."

Gu Kaiyuan, “…” Is this guy crazy? Is he coming here looking for trouble? “You’re a person of principle, and since you’re not good at politics and have the Bai family backing you, everything you do will be easier than others, and you’ll rarely need to ask for favors.” Perhaps realizing that his words were a bit harsh, he added, “However, if you can help me discipline my children, I can still help you with things in the future as long as they don’t violate my principles.”

Gu Kaiyuan rolled his eyes. "Then I'll thank you in advance."

"Then it's settled. I'll have them come over to find you later," Chen Dafu slapped his thigh and made the decision.

"Wait, when did I agree to that? I only said I wasn't right for you and that you should find someone else."

Chen Dafu said, “Although you are a bit younger, don’t underestimate yourself. Anyway, my kids will come to live with you. You don’t need to pay them wages. Just give them food and let them learn something. That’s enough.”

"I'm not good at teaching..."

"They don't need to be taught like you. Just having them around to broaden their horizons is fine too."

"Wouldn't it be better if they just followed you? Look at you, you're an imperial envoy, how prestigious you are! Maybe they'll be captivated by your charm and work hard to pass the imperial examinations, bringing glory to your Chen family."

“Sigh, if they had that talent, I could keep them by my side every day,” Chen Dafu shook his head. “I’m just afraid that if I keep them by my side, they will take advantage of my power and act arrogantly. If they change their ways, it will be even harder to correct them.”

Gu Kaiyuan laughed in exasperation, "Your children and grandchildren are truly blessed to have you."

"You're so afraid of everything, you really are a good head of the household."

Chen Dafu pursed his lips. In fact, he had long realized that there was a problem with his parenting, but it was too late.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have come to Gu Kaiyuan for help. If there had been even the slightest hope, he would have kept the person by his side and personally taught him.

"Just tell me if it's okay or not?" Chen Dafu really thought highly of Gu Kaiyuan and his wife. Both of them were smart people. Even though his status had changed, they would still treat him the same as before. He could feel at ease following such people.

"It's not necessarily a bad thing," Gu Kaiyuan thought to himself. Getting involved with Chen Dafu wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Chen Dafu was a loyal subject with a good character. Making him owe a favor might come in handy in the future.

"But you can't send too many people over. Send one or two to try first." Gu Kaiyuan didn't want to support this whole family. Given Chen Dafu's old scoundrel personality, he might actually send his entire family over.

"That's fine too," Chen Dafu said, though he wasn't satisfied, but since he needed Chen's help, he didn't say anything more.

"Then you should tell your children beforehand that they are not here to act like princes and princesses. They have to do what I tell them to do, and they shouldn't even think about coming here to tell me what to do."

“Of course not,” Chen Dafu immediately said sternly. “Since I’ve let them follow you, you’re in charge of everything. If they dare to disobey, you can punish them as you please.”

Don't worry, those kids are tough and resilient. As long as you don't touch their bones, you can do whatever you want with them.

Gu Kaiyuan, “…” Could this person in front of him be his stepfather? What grudge does he hold against his children and grandchildren…?

"Then it's settled. You choose two people to send over. I'll try to mentor them when I have time, but I can't guarantee the outcome." (End of Chapter)