Chapter 83: Resolve

Lying in bed, Gou Ye tossed and turned, unable to sleep. His mind kept replaying the conversation with Gu Zhi, especially the meaning behind his final words. If he had guessed correctly, the fishing incident had been deliberate—a test, but a test of what? Gou Ye could not figure it out.

The next morning, Gou Ye and Gu Shen arrived early in the main hall. The Duke and Gu Zhi had not yet appeared. The two exchanged glances, each uncertain about what arrangements awaited them.

Before long, the Duke entered first, followed by Gu Zhi. Gou Ye and Gu Shen respectfully saluted, but no one spoke. The atmosphere was stifling, and silence lingered until the servants finished pouring tea. At last, Gu Yuan spoke in a low voice, “These past days, the two of you have done quite a few things behind my back.”

At that, Gu Shen realized their actions had been uncovered. But then, considering the vast estate, all under his father’s watchful eye, and the many events of recent days, how could anything escape his notice? He immediately stood and bowed. “Father, it was all my own idea and has nothing to do with Gou Ye.”

Gu Yuan waved his hand, not even glancing at him, and motioned for Gu Shen to sit. Then Gu Zhi looked at them both, a slight smile on his lips. “In fact, from the very first day you acted, Father already knew. It was only because I went to see our fourth brother that I learned of it. You two are bold—secretly rallying the siblings to press Father together. Especially you, Gou Ye. To dare such things in our home—are you not afraid my father will hold you accountable?”

Rising, Gou Ye bowed. He was not surprised by this turn of events. The Duke had seen countless battles and situations; every member of the household looked to him as their leader. How could such minor schemes escape his notice? “Your Grace, Brother Gu Zhi, there is no distinction between who acted and who did not. What was done, was done; there is nothing to fear. If we were afraid, we would not have acted so. Since you are both aware, the outcome is in your hands. Success or failure, I have done my utmost.”

The Duke gave a short, amused snort. “I knew from the first day what you were up to. I didn’t stop you because I wanted to see how you would persuade my children, each with their own temperament. To my surprise, you both found ways—one after another, each was convinced. In the process, you composed a poem, played a tune, and even crafted a toy for my seventh daughter. You have worked hard, Gou Ye.”

Gou Ye gave an awkward smile. “I was anxious at home, and in desperation resorted to such means. Forgive my lack of decorum, Your Grace.”

“Lack of decorum hardly matters. I read your poem, had Yue’er play your tune for me, and saw the toy you made for Man’er. I think they are all quite good. Yesterday, I heard you gifted my fifth daughter a famous painting, ‘Recluse Angling in the Pine Lake.’ You truly went to great lengths for this matter.”

As soon as the Duke finished, Gu Zhi continued, “Yesterday’s fishing by the stream was also Father’s arrangement. On one hand, he wanted to see what determination you could muster; more importantly, he wanted to test your resolve. It was a small thing, but if you could not endure a little cold and hunger, or showed no insight, we would not be sitting here together today.”

Gu Shen was stunned. So even he had been kept in the dark. “Brother, does this mean the other siblings were also part of Father’s design, and only the two of us knew nothing? We spent so much time scheming how best to persuade you.”

For the first time, Gou Ye saw Gu Zhi smile. He had no doubt that, with such a striking face, Gu Zhi would have been scouted into a boy band in modern times. Gu Zhi went on, “No, the other siblings do not know that Father and I were already aware. Father wanted to observe how you would persuade them. This was both a test and an observation. If either of you had failed to convince the others and given up, today’s meeting would not be happening. To tell you the truth, I was initially against this plan. It is too important and too risky for our family. But Father wished to see for himself. You have all misunderstood him. How can you be sure Father has not considered the family’s future?”

“Father…” Gu Shen’s face was full of doubt, and he gazed at Gu Yuan, words on the tip of his tongue.

Gu Yuan’s expression was calm, as though everything was in his grasp. Turning to the two, he allowed a rare, gentle smile. “I am old now, I must admit, on the verge of my twilight years. I have served the court my whole life, without regret. Perhaps old age makes one sentimental—I cannot help but consider the family’s future. When I return home with honor, I want my children to live in peace. I could sell my old face to secure a future for any one of you, but I fear crafty courtiers would exploit this, and the family’s honor would be at risk. Many eyes are on me. Any movement on my part would implicate many. I have privately inquired among the ministers to see who might shelter my descendants, but none seem suitable.”

He sighed softly and continued, “At that time, this young man appeared before me. From your small business ventures to your work in the village, I have known of them all. For now, at least, your heart remains pure. Your desire for power is, I think, an instinct for self-preservation, which I understand. From what I have observed, should you enter officialdom, your future will be long. I cannot predict what you will become, so I hesitated to decide if you were the right person. After Gu Zhi learned more about you, I understood your determination regarding this matter. Since you wish to pursue it, I can support you. But today, you must swear an oath here: no matter how much power you gain, you must never commit acts that go against heaven and reason, nor defy the law of the land, nor become a traitorous minister.”

Upon hearing this, Gou Ye immediately stood, made a gesture of oath, and declared, “I, Gou Ye, swear here in the Duke’s manor that all I do is to protect those around me. If one day I truly achieve power, I will never commit acts against heaven or reason, nor do harm to the court. I will do all I can to safeguard those around me. Should I one day gain power, I vow to protect the descendants of the Gu family, never going back on my word. If I harbor any treachery, may heaven strike me down and deny me a good end!”