Jackie Chan's Son-in-Law

Chapter 49 Come Back to Huzhou with Me

The teacup Chen Huan was holding was suspended in mid-air.

Because... he really didn't know about this.

Previously, both Master Gu and Madam Li had only mentioned in their letters that Chen Qing and Madam Li had a conflict and a big fight.

That day was truly a farce. Chen Qing not only hit Madam Li, but also got into a fight with Chen Che, which was witnessed by many members of the Gu family.

Most people love gossip, and once they witness something like this, it's easy for them to spread the word. Once it gets out, many people in Deqing will probably know that the Chen brothers from Huzhou are fighting amongst themselves.

Why do brothers fight each other?

A closer look reveals that Chen Qing's marriage into the Gu family seriously impacted Chen Zhaoming's political future, forcing him to leave his post and return to Huzhou to deal with the matter.

That day, Madam Li came to Deqing and had a conflict with Chen Qing. Of course, she would not tell Chen Zhaoming that the Gu family planned to have Chen Qing marry Gu Shi, let alone that she came to Deqing because of this matter.

Chen Huan passed the imperial examination at a young age and has only stumbled once in his years in officialdom. He still has high aspirations. When he heard Master Gu's words, he only frowned slightly and thought about it for a while before looking at Master Gu and asking, "What is the meaning of Brother Chenglong's actions?"

"I really like your eldest son."

Master Gu poured him some tea and said with a smile, "Besides, I don't see anything stupid about him. The reason why Brother Zhaoming has this misunderstanding about him is probably because he hasn't been home for the past few years and only knows about Chen Qing's situation through hearsay."

Although Master Gu did not say it directly, he had actually made it quite clear.

In the past few years, Chen Zhaoming, you've probably only heard about Chen Qing from that young lady; you haven't really known anything about him yourself.

As for the claim that Chen Qing is stupid and foolish, that's utter nonsense.

Chen Huan frowned again: "In the past few years, I have returned to Huzhou a few times. He hardly said anything, just stared blankly."

Master Gu asked, "Could it be that he misses his mother too much?"

Chen Huan remained silent.

Chen Qing's abnormal behavior did indeed begin three years after his mother's death. Before that, although he didn't have much talent for studying, he was generally a normal child.

They're just not smart.

Mr. Chen put down his teacup and rubbed his temples.

“Brother Chenglong, Chen Qing is my son, and I watched him grow up. He may not be stupid, but he is by no means intelligent.”

He looked at Master Gu and said quietly, "I don't know why you insist on making him the Gu family's son-in-law, but I still want to take him back to Huzhou."

Chen Huan said slowly, "Discipline them properly."

"Brother Zhaoming's official rank keeps rising."

Mr. Gu sighed, "People are gradually becoming more domineering."

"It's not that I'm being domineering."

Chen Huan looked at Master Gu and said, "If this is a legitimate marriage, then she is Chenglong's daughter. If she marries into our Chen family, she should live in the prefectural city, not stay in Deqing to help the Gu family manage their business."

"Brother Chenglong, would you be willing to let your daughter go to the prefectural city with you?"

"Where they live should be up to the young couple to decide after they get married."

Master Gu said with a smile, "Brother Zhaoming, don't you think so?"

"No."

Chen Huan shook his head decisively.

Master Gu sighed: "Brother Zhaoming, you're still worried that this matter will affect your official reputation."

Chen Huan said, "That incident three years ago has already wasted several years of my life. This is a great opportunity. If I miss this opportunity, it will probably be difficult for me to become a government official in the capital even in another ten years."

After a moment of silence, Mr. Gu asked, "Then, is the agreement between our two families three years ago still valid?"

"Natural numbers are used."

Chen Huan looked at Master Gu and continued, "My second son is doing well in his studies and will stay at home to take the exams. My third son, Chen Che, came to the Gu family last time. He is good-looking and of good character. He can be your son-in-law, Brother Chenglong."

Master Gu looked troubled.

“My daughter and Chen Qing are about to get engaged. Even if I wanted to break off the engagement now, I’m afraid my daughter wouldn’t agree.”

“What do young girls know?” Chen Huan’s expression remained calm: “In the end, it is still us elders who make the decisions.”

At this point, he stood up and said, "If Brother Chenglong doesn't like my three sons, then let's call it quits. I'll slowly pay back the debt from three years ago to the Gu family."

Master Gu stood up, looked at Chen Huan who had a calm expression, and couldn't help but sigh: "The officialdom is still the best place to nurture people. Brother Zhaoming's dignity is becoming more and more profound."

"However, I think we should discuss this with the children."

Mr. Gu said quietly, "If it's a proper marriage, where we live doesn't really matter."

At this moment, Master Gu's words already hinted at a concession; he was even willing to accept his daughter going to the prefectural city with him.

At worst, we can just deal with the Gu family's businesses.

"it is good."

Chen Huan said, "Where is Chen Qing? Tell him to come see me, and I'll explain things to him."

"it is good."

Master Gu stood up and said, "Brother Zhaoming, please sit here for a while. I will go and fetch Chen Qing."

Chen Huan glanced at the old master Gu who had stood up and said with a faint smile, "With so many servants in the Gu family, why did Brother Chenglong have to make the trip himself?"

Master Gu shook his head: "Chen Qing should be with my daughter right now."

Upon hearing this, Chen Huan's eyes flickered, but then his gaze hardened again.

Old Master Gu glanced at his expression, then left with his hands behind his back. He went all the way to the backyard of the Gu family compound, where he found Chen Qing talking to his daughter.

At this moment, Chen Qing was telling Miss Gu about his experiences during the disaster relief efforts. He spoke wittily, and Miss Gu listened attentively. Just as he was about to mention Li Shiyi and his sister, Master Gu walked over with his hands behind his back and coughed lightly.

"Nephew."

Upon hearing the sound, Chen Qing quickly turned to look at Master Gu. He then turned back to Miss Gu and said with a smile, "Miss Pan'er, I'll talk to you later."

Gu Pan looked at Chen Qing, nodded first, and then said with a smile, "This flood didn't escalate too much. After you rest, young master, you can finish the story of the West Chamber. Mr. Yang at the teahouse can't continue."

She paused, then said, "When the time comes, the Gu family will contact booksellers to have this 'Romance of the Western Chamber' printed for the young master."

Chen Qing smiled and said, "It's better to print it yourself than to print it for others. I'm planning to get started on this. I'll tell you the details when I get back."

As he spoke, he waved to Miss Gu, then turned to look at Mr. Gu who was walking towards him, his smile completely gone.

He knew that his father had arrived.

After taking a deep breath, Chen Qingying approached Master Gu and asked, "Uncle, how did your conversation go?"

Master Gu shook his head and said, "His official arrogance is growing stronger."

"It's not negotiable."

He looked at Chen Qing and continued, "Your father wants to break off this marriage and wants you to see him. I'm afraid you'll have to talk to him about this yourself."

"I have said what I was supposed to say."

Chen Qing nodded silently: "It is indeed my turn to talk to him."

As he spoke, he glanced back at Miss Gu below the pavilion, then turned to Master Gu and said, "I'm going now."

Old Master Gu patted him on the shoulder without saying a word.

Chen Qing closed his eyes, pondered for a few breaths, and then strode confidently toward the main hall of the Gu family.

By this time, he was already familiar with the Gu family's place and quickly arrived at the main hall. When he saw the middle-aged man sitting in the main hall from afar, Chen Qing narrowed his eyes and strode in.

Upon approaching, Chen Qing bowed and said, "Greetings, Father."

Chen Huan glanced at him and snorted coldly.

"She was more sensible when she was a child."

After saying this, Mr. Chen didn't even look at Chen Qing, and simply said, "Go pack your things."

"Come back to Huzhou with me."

(End of this chapter)