SGEIRS -Chapter 233 Teaching the Elder Brother

Although Gu Xiuwen scolded his younger sister for being foolish and headstrong, he still felt a pang of concern for her. Even though she didn’t say anything, he could sense that she must have suffered some grievances in her marital home.

He sighed softly and spoke to Gu Xiuyuan, “Big brother, Xuanyi probably isn’t having it easy in her in-laws’ house.”

Gu Xiuyuan frowned and shook his head helplessly. “Even if things aren’t ideal, we, as her natal family, can’t interfere in someone else’s household affairs. Only if they truly overstep can we step in to seek justice. The Wu’an Bo residence has always had a complicated family environment; a girl without certain skills is bound to suffer some hardships after marriage. Let her experience it and grow wiser from it.”

At that moment, Gu Xiuming interjected, “Big brother, Fourth Brother, why would you say that?” He glanced at the two older brothers with a smile, unconcerned. “From what I’ve seen, my elder brother-in-law treats my elder sister very well. He always speaks to her gently, careful not to raise his voice to frighten her. How can she be having a hard time?”

Upon hearing this, the two brothers simultaneously turned their heads to look at him.

Gu Xiuwen noticed his smiling expression and wasn’t sure if he was overthinking, but he had the sense that Gu Xiuming was enjoying a little schadenfreude. Anyone with clear eyes could see that Xuanyi looked somewhat haggard; a truly happy new bride would have rosy cheeks and a cheerful expression—just like their elder sister did. Was their third brother really unable to see it, or was he pretending not to?

Gu Xiuyuan replied, “Even if brother-in-law treats her well, that doesn’t mean she hasn’t been wronged. The Wu’an Bo residence has many people, and conflicts are inevitable.”

Gu Xiuming shook his head helplessly, smiling. “You worry too much. Our elder sister was born into the Changxing Hou household. With Father’s favor currently at its peak, and Xuanyi being Father’s own niece, could the Wu’an Bo residence really treat her harshly?”

Gu Xiuwen frowned slightly and asked in a low voice, “Third brother seems very confident about the Wu’an Bo residence?”

“I don’t see any problems there,” Gu Xiuming glanced at them before continuing, “Is our elder sister the type to let herself be wronged? If she had suffered, she would have told us when she returned to her natal home. Today, she says everything is fine and even shows affection to elder brother-in-law. That proves she truly hasn’t been wronged.”

Gu Xiuwen parted his lips slightly, momentarily at a loss for words, and decided not to argue the point.

Since the Qingyu Pavilion where Gu Xiuming stayed wasn’t on the same route as the courtyard of the two brothers, Gu Xiuwen parted ways with him and spoke to his own elder brother, “Big brother, after I went to Lingshan Academy, I haven’t kept up much with family matters. You see Third Brother more often at home—what do you think of his behavior lately?”

“Why are you asking something like that?”

Gu Xiuyuan gave him a puzzled look but then said, “Ever since Third Brother was punished with house arrest after fighting with you and Second Uncle, he has reflected seriously. Afterwards, he corrected himself, showing filial respect to elders and friendly care toward his siblings. There’s not much difference from before.”

Gu Xiuwen asked again, “And how about toward Third Aunt?”

Gu Xiuyuan replied, “Third Brother treats Third Aunt with great respect as well, visiting her regularly to pay his regards. They are truly a model of filial piety and affection now.”

Combining this with past experiences, Gu Xiuwen felt some doubts. “His fiancée has become a mother figure, and people outside are mocking him, saying his bride has become a new mother. He used to hate Third Aunt intensely—can he really treat her as his own mother?”

Hearing this, Gu Xiuyuan shook his head slightly. “That’s a matter for the third branch. Our main branch shouldn’t interfere. But why do you care about this?”

Gu Xiuwen said, “Big brother, we can’t say that. Third Aunt has been very good to me. When she sent gifts to Second Uncle, she gave me one too. If it weren’t for Third Uncle, I wouldn’t have been able to go to Lingshan Academy. If Third Brother has any problems, I must alert Third Uncle and Third Aunt so they can keep an eye out.”

Gu Xiuyuan fell silent for a moment, then said, “Third Uncle, as Chief of the Dali Temple, has dealt with countless criminals. He has eyes like a hawk. If Third Brother had any problems, do you think he wouldn’t notice? There’s no need for you to worry. You just focus on your studies and stop thinking about unnecessary things.”

Gu Xiuwen shook his head, unconvinced. “Affection for family can blind people. Treating criminals is different from dealing with relatives.”

He paused mid-step, looked around, and lowering his voice, said, “Big brother, don’t think you can stay out of it. If anything bad happens in the third branch, our main branch will also suffer. Right now, we’re benefiting from their influence.”

Gu Xiuyuan was stunned. For the first time, he looked at his younger brother with a mixture of seriousness and surprise. After going to Lingshan Academy, he had clearly changed—he had become more mature and sensible. In the past, he would never have said such things. Back then, he only cared about eating, drinking, and playing—fighting roosters, cricket matches, and taking the parrot out for walks. He could be extremely patient in games, but could never sit still for studying.

Gu Xiuwen glanced at him again and added, “Big brother, if you want a career in government, will Father pave the way for you? In the end, it still depends on Third Uncle. If Third Uncle isn’t trustworthy, we can’t expect good outcomes. The Gu family has other branches in office who can help, but none are as close as Third Uncle.”

Gu Xiuyuan looked at his brother steadily for a long moment. “Fourth Brother, you’ve grown up.”

“I’m already fifteen—I’ve grown up. Many people at my age are already fathers,” Gu Xiuwen said with a light snort, a touch of pride on his face. Seeing his elder brother smile, he continued, “Grandmother always says a family must work together. If hearts aren’t united, the Gu family’s glory won’t last.”

Gu Xiuyuan glared at him. “So now you think you can teach your elder brother a lesson?”

Gu Xiuwen chuckled, “I wouldn’t dare. Big brother, I just remembered—I still need to see Third Uncle. I won’t tell you more now.”

Gu Xiuyuan looked dumbfounded. “Fourth Brother, haven’t you always been afraid of Third Uncle? Why on earth are you going to see him now?”

Gu Xiuwen sighed lightly. “Xuanyi’s wedding gave me a break from the academy to return and attend the celebration, but I still have assignments to complete. Third Uncle may be strict and frightening, but if I don’t do my work well, the academy’s master is even stricter. Lingshan Academy’s masters are far harsher than others. I was punished twice already and dare not be careless again. Big brother, I won’t bother you now—I must go consult Third Uncle.”

Gu Xiuyuan looked at him with sympathy. “Do you not understand something? I can explain it to you later.”

Gu Xiuwen rolled his eyes at his elder brother. “Your explanation can’t compare to Third Uncle’s. Maybe you don’t understand fully either. If I do my homework as you say and fail, I’ll be scolded by the master and get a failing mark. What then?”

As he spoke, his tone grew increasingly anxious. “The academy’s end-of-year evaluation counts my daily performance. If I don’t do well, even if I’ve performed well usually, the master might give me a pass, but otherwise I’ll probably be kicked out. I won’t mind the shame, but it would also embarrass Third Uncle, since he helped me get in through a back door.”

“….”

Gu Xiuyuan was left speechless. Being looked down upon by his own younger brother made him question his life choices. Had he not worked hard enough? Was he really academically insufficient? Did he still have a chance at this year’s autumn exams?