Chapter 58 Persuasion

58 Chapter 58 Persuasion
When Mrs. Liu saw this, she immediately followed up and said excitedly, “Darling, since Chengrui earned so much money, do you think we should go and ask them to pay their dues?”
“Filial piety dues? Did you give them a house or land? Besides, I’m not old enough that I can’t walk.” Father Gu turned his head and replied in an unpleasant tone. He flicked his sleeves and went directly to one of his concubines, Mrs. Guo.
“What do you mean? They…” Mrs. Liu said indignantly, but before she could finish her words, she saw Father Gu enter Mrs. Guo’s room, and she was so angry that she snorted hot air.
“Mother, you should know better than me how Chengrui left the family.
“I think it’s best if you don’t have any ideas about Chengrui in the future. Otherwise, you will likely hit the hornet’s nest instead of getting the honey you want, causing more trouble than it’s worth.
“Besides, Chengrui knows medical skills. We might need him in the future, so it’s better not to make things too ugly between us.”
The second son, Gu Chengye, walked in and continued, “Otherwise, if father’s affection for you is gone, our days here will be difficult.”
“How could that be? Your father and I were childhood sweethearts. All these years, he has never left me.” Mrs. Liu said indifferently.
“You, too, know that it’s been so many years, but don’t forget that no matter how deep a relationship is, it will fade.
“You’ve forgotten the once-famous Mrs. Qiu. She was born an actress, deeply loved by father, and even you had to give in to her.
“But she was still left behind when we left the capital.
“Even though the existence of us siblings can protect your position, we can’t protect father’s feelings for you.” Gu Chengye reminded her.
“That’s impossible. Your father doesn’t like Chengrui and his wife. Why would he fall out with me for them?”
“Yes, he doesn’t like Chengrui, but father loves his dignity, especially in front of the patriarch.
“Don’t forget that he was the number one person in the clan a few years ago and was the subject of others’ flattery. His calls would always be heard, and he would always be in a glorious state of mind.
“But after coming back, he had to ask for the patriarch’s help, especially for the hundred acres of land and the official job for me and big brother.
“When Chengrui was chased out, he didn’t get any of the family’s assets and lost even more face before the patriarch.
“Now that the patriarch and Chengrui’s relationship is getting closer and closer, do you think father will be happy about that?
“If you ask father to go over to demand Chengrui for money, not only will he lose face before Chengrui, but would father have any more dignity if the patriarch hears about it?
“Moreover, I’ve seen the family separation agreement. It clearly states that since Chengrui isn’t getting any of the family assets, he’s not responsible for father’s retirement.
“However, they will pay for father’s medical expenses according to the village’s rules.”
Of course, what Gu Chengye didn’t say was that it indicated that it didn’t include Mrs. Liu.
But he wasn’t afraid of this. After all, the family property of the first household would all belong to Gu Chengye. If he couldn’t afford to care for his mother, others would look down upon him.
After Mrs. Liu heard it, her anger subsided a little, but she still said, “He’s also his son. Why shouldn’t he take care of his parents?”
Gu Chengye saw that she was still not listening and immediately said impatiently, “Although a concubine’s son’s share of the family property is small, he is supposed to get 30%. But when he split up with us, he only took two sets of clothes and an old quilt.
“Forget about him. I wouldn’t have given any money, either, if it were me.”
After Mrs. Liu heard it, she looked at him with a startled expression. Seeing his firm eyes, she didn’t know what to say for a moment.
Gu Chengye didn’t want to say it like this. After all, everything his mother did was for him.
After that, he helped her to sit down and said, “Mother, now that Chengrui has been separated, there’s no one to fight with me for the family inheritance. So, you should return to your previous attitude toward the family. Otherwise, father might stay away from you.”