Chapter 645: Chapter 647: Complaining

Jin Qianqian watched the young men leave with their arms around each other’s shoulders. She smiled, shook her head, and said, "They’re a bunch of tough kids. They’ve passed your first test."

Gu Wenheng had already told her his plan to test these kids.

Ever since they had followed him to Shangjing, he had provided them with good food and lodging, not letting them do any work.

During that time, he and Jin Qianqian had been incredibly busy. Even when they ran into the boys at the manor, they were always rushing about.

He hadn’t been disappointed. It was only the first day of their journey, and they had already come to him on their own, unable to sit still any longer, asking for things to do.

Gu Wenheng was also smiling now, clearly pleased. "Under the Old Clan Leader’s guidance, there are few slackers or shirkers in the Gu family."

"He was the one who picked these boys, noting they were dutiful but not dull."

"If we train them well, they might really accomplish something in the future."

"Later, have Xu Dawang assign them tasks. Boiling water, gathering firewood—all of that is fine."

Jin Qianqian suppressed a smile. "That’s about all the chores there are on this trip. Are you really going to make them do everything?"

Gu Wenheng said, "Back in the village, this is all normal work. They need to learn that under my watch, they’ll have to endure all kinds of hardships."

"Otherwise, when we get to our destination, a few words of flattery from others could lead them astray. We’d regret it then, but it would be too late."

Jin Qianqian’s expression turned serious. "Don’t worry. There will be plenty of hard, tiring work for them."

"I’ll also have Lin Dapeng and the others give them some private lessons later, so they don’t get tricked."

They had brought these boys along to learn more, not to have a good time.

Gu Wenheng added, "Have Wang Ping teach them for a while, too. When it comes to dealing with people from all walks of life, he’s the most experienced."

In Lu City, Wang Ping was only a Ninth Grade Chief Magistrate, but he was quick-witted and prudent. Over the years, he had handled matters for Gu Wenheng in a very methodical way.

Gu Wenheng had come to value his talents and had a long talk with him before leaving his post. Wang Ping decided then and there to follow him.

"We should have Luo Luo go listen in as well," Jin Qianqian said. She didn’t believe in sheltering her son from such things just because he was young.

"Yes, Luo Luo should also bond with his clan brothers." ’In this dynasty, one cannot separate from their family, so the only way is to forge even tighter bonds.’

’He and Jin Qianqian would grow old one day; they couldn’t expect their children to rely on them forever.’

...

Having been assigned their tasks, the young men of the Gu family finally felt a sense of relief.

They had been feeling very uneasy about eating and living for free every day.

It had to be said, the men the Old Clan Leader had chosen, further screened by Gu Wenheng, were all of decent character.

"Let’s hurry and gather some more dry branches so we can boil more hot water tonight."

Gu Yuzhu dragged a dead tree root toward the camp.

These past few days, aside from the occasional stay at a post station, they had mostly been camping out in the wild.

Gu Lexi said, "Let’s take this wood back first. I think I just saw something flash past in those bushes over there. It might be some kind of game. We can try to corner it later and maybe have an extra dish for dinner tonight."

Gu Benluo, also dragging a piece of wood behind him, heard this and his eyes lit up. "Brother Le Xi, what kind of game do you think it is? A pheasant or a rabbit?"

Gu Lexi glanced back at his little cousin with a mischievous grin. "It could be a wolf... AWOOOO..."

But Gu Benluo just pouted, not the least bit scared. "Brother Le Xi, don’t try to trick me."

"How could there be a wolf in such a small patch of grass and a little hill?"

"Wolves live deep in the mountains and forests. Look around here, there are so many villages nearby, and we’re so close to the county town. A wolf wouldn’t come all the way out here."

Hearing his little cousin’s analysis, Gu Lexi said with some disappointment, "You’re no fun at all. Couldn’t you at least pretend to be scared by your big brother?"

"But I wasn’t wrong. It might not be a docile animal like a rabbit or a pheasant in those bushes. It could be a snake. You’re just a little kid, so don’t you go poking around in there."

Gu Benluo replied obediently, then added, "I wasn’t planning on going myself. But you guys should remember to tell Guard Jiang and the others before you go."

"No need. Back in the village, we often went into the mountains to catch a little something extra to eat. Even if we ran into a snake, it would just be another dish for our meal."

"So, what do you say? Want your big brother to take you along for some fun later?"

Gu Yi, who had been listening quietly behind them, coughed lightly. "You should still tell Guard Jiang."

"Luo Luo is right. We can’t afford any unexpected trouble on this journey and cause problems for Mr. Gu."

"Uncle Yi, you weren’t like this back in the village," Gu Lexi said, switching hands as he dragged the wood. "I remember you caught a venomous snake with your bare hands once."

Gu Yi stopped and looked at him. "That was at home. But we’re on the road now. What did our families tell us before we left? Have you forgotten?"

’Looks like I’ll have to knock some sense into these boys when we rest later,’ he thought. ’Being on the road isn’t like being in the village where you can do as you please.’

’Besides, that rascal was just trying to drag Gu Benluo into his mischief. If something happened, it would be too late for regrets.’

Gu Benluo said nothing more, quietly following behind his older clan brothers.

’My parents told me that I’m a big boy now and I can do things that are within my ability.’

’After finishing this manual labor, I still have to go back to practice my calligraphy and read. I even have to practice a few moves with Master Wu. I might want to go play with them, but I know I don’t have any free time.’

Watching the laughing and chatting Gu Family Brothers, Gu Benluo lowered his gaze.

&

"Father," Gu Benluo said, putting down his bowl and chopsticks. He waited until he saw his parents had also finished eating before speaking up. "There is something I don’t understand, and I would like to ask for your guidance."

Gu Wenheng assumed he was asking about his studies. He smiled and patted his head, "What is it you don’t understand?"

Gu Benluo said, "Father, you once told me that of all the skills in the world, the more one learns, the better."

"Does that mean I can also learn the skills that my cousins are learning?"

Gu Wenheng raised an eyebrow at him. "Haven’t you been gathering firewood with them these past few days? What have you learned?"

Gu Benluo held out his small palms. "I learned how to save my energy. It’s just that my palms hurt a little."

Gu Wenheng glanced down and saw a few small blisters on his palms. Though his heart ached for him, he remained impassive. "You’re a big boy now. You’re not complaining to your father, are you?"

Gu Benluo closed his hands. "No. Even though it’s a bit tiring and difficult, and my hands hurt, I’m very happy that I can help everyone."

’He says he isn’t complaining, but every word is a complaint.’

Gu Wenheng nodded and said with a straight face, "It’s good that you think that way. For the rest of the journey, I hope you can continue to persevere like this."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.