"It’s not just because of those siblings!" Mrs. Jiang tugged at the corner of her mouth, "Besides, having money inevitably attracts attention. If our own hearts are not firm, even without those siblings, there might be others in the future. It’s better this way. A plain and simple life is a blessing, I’ve come to understand that."
After listening to Mrs. Jiang, Gu Nian pressed her lips together and said, "I understand your point, Mother. As for those siblings, leave it to me to handle."
Mrs. Jiang and Lin Sanshui still have to carry on with their lives. If this continues, estrangement will come sooner or later.
Anyway, since she’s about to leave this place, she might as well be the bad guy.
Early the next morning, Gu Nian went to the Zheng Family with Dahu and Erhu.
Gu Nian was heading to the northern lands, too far away to conveniently manage the Hundred Flavors Inn, so she adopted a franchise-like approach, entrusting Zheng Shaochen with full management. She would only take the franchise fee and a share of the profits.
After leaving the Zheng Family, Gu Nian handed over five thousand silver taels to Dahu, "Big Brother, Mother gave me all the family money yesterday. I thought, Third Brother and Little Brother still need to study, and there are many household expenses. It’s a substantial sum. You should keep this silver. Even if you don’t use it, it’s good to have it for emergencies."
Mrs. Jiang discussed this decision with the two children at home. Dahu didn’t want to accept it, but on reflection, Gu Nian’s reasoning made sense.
Especially concerning Sanhu, although he hasn’t been studying for long, his teacher praised him as a good student. If the family doesn’t save any money, what if Sanhu achieves something great in the future? It would be a pity if he were held back.
So he quietly keeps the silver, not using it in the meantime, but saving it for Sanhu and Little Hu’s educational expenses.
"Little Sister is so thoughtful. I’ll keep it then." Dahu exchanged a glance with Erhu and took the silver notes.
Then, Erhu hesitantly asked Gu Nian, "Little Sister, are you really leaving our family?"
Seeing his reluctance, Gu Nian felt heavy-hearted but still smiled and said, "Second Brother, even if I leave, I’m still your sister, right? And when there’s a chance in the future, I’ll come back to visit you. You should also come visit me when you can!"
In reality, only she knew how empty those words were.
In this era of inconvenient transportation, once people leave their hometowns, they often cannot reunite for many years. To speak of returning to visit is such a luxury.
Dahu and Erhu also realized this, so they just said with disappointment, "Let’s head home first."
Gu Nian glanced at the ox cart not far away and said, "Big Brother and Second Brother, wait for me at the town entrance. I still have some matters to attend to, and I’ll join you after."
"What matters? Shouldn’t we accompany you?" After the New Year, Gu Nian was only seven years old, and they were naturally worried about leaving her alone in the town.
But Gu Nian shook her head, "No need, someone will accompany me."
Gu Nian didn’t say who would accompany her, but they could guess and didn’t insist.
"If that’s the case, go ahead then." Dahu said and reminded her to be careful, then drove away with Erhu in the ox cart.
Gu Nian didn’t delay for long and caught up with them.
Gu Nian didn’t disclose what she stayed in town for, and neither did they ask.
Until the afternoon, Lin Sanshui came back in a hurry, rushed into the house immediately, and then came out to ask Mrs. Jiang, "Dahu’s mother, where’s our family’s silver?"