Chapter 661: Marriage Proposal Rejected (2)
Bai Youran's servant helped her out of the car. Currently, the aunties who helped at the house were not directly referred to as servants, but they actually played the same role as the servants of the past.
Bai Youran was very pretty, with elegant features and innocent air. When she alighted from the car, she seemed delicate and fragile. Mo Yunhao had met many beautiful women and he had always imagined Bai Youran to be a very beautiful woman. Now that he could see her, the sight of her made a deep impression on him.
An ordinary woman's only attraction was her features. But these rich playboys evaluated women in a more exacting manner.
But pampered young ladies like Bai Youran were different. Besides looks, they had an inestimable air of authority. This made Bai Youran look even more beautiful.
Mo Yunhao was now deeply attracted to Bai Youran. He wanted her to marry him as soon as possible so that he could show her off to his friends. Mo Yunhao was on fire with the thought of the envious looks that he would soon receive and of embracing this girl and doing all kinds of intimate things with her every day.
"Youran, you're back!"
Mo Yunhao happily greeted her.
Bai Youran looked at Mo Yunhao. The corners of her lips arched, especially when she observed his manner.
She was well aware of what Mo Yunhao's expression meant. The dandies in the capital often looked at her like that. All she had to do was to crook her little finger, and these people would obey her every wish.
Bai Youran was used to men courting her and flattering her. She did not think much of Mo Yunhao, but she enjoyed the adoration.
Especially since Mo Yunhao was different from the usual playboys. He was the Mo family's eldest grandson, and his status was different!
To be honest, if it weren't for her liking Mo Beihan so much, she would not mind marrying Mo Yunhao.
At the moment, Bai Youran did not know that Mo Beihan was now the Mo family's eldest grandson. Her leg had caused her so much pain that she had been ill and had not left the house.
Zheng Min had been worried about her daughter and had not paid attention to much else, so she did not mention the news to Bai Youran either.
After all, an illegitimate son or two was very common among the capital's illustrious families.
"Youran, how have you been? Your complexion is awful. Have you been ill?"
Mo Yunhao looked at Bai Youran's ashen face with concern.
He did not know that Bai Youran had been ill.
Although Bai Youran's recent illness was not really a secret, no one really dared to spread rumors about it. Mo Yunhao was out gallivanting all day, and he spent his days drinking, having fun with his disreputable friends and dallying with all kinds of women. He really had not paid much attention to Bai Youran.
Bai Youran smiled. "I'm fine, just not very well lately. Thank you for your concern."
With that, she tried to enter her house.
Mo Yunhao followed her closely and asked with concern, "Why are you suddenly unwell? Have you seen a doctor? Are you better now? Shall I come and take care of you?"
Just then, Jiang Hongying suddenly emerged. When Mo Yunhao saw her, he hurriedly greeted her. "Mother!"
Jiang Hongying's status was special and even Bai Youran did not dare to be complacent. She politely greeted her, but Jiang Hongying only grunted coldly and ignored Bai Youran, then dragged Mo Yunhao away.
Bai Youran was shocked!
She was so important and famous in the capital that many of the ladies from important families were very friendly towards her because they wanted her as a daughter-in-law.
This was the first time Bai Youran had been snubbed by an important lady.
Chapter 662: Marriage Proposal Rejected (3)
Bai Youran entered to see her mother sitting on the sofa with a frown. She asked, "Mother, what happened?"
Zheng Min sighed softly when she saw that her darling daughter was back.
She did not discuss it in the living room but helped Bai Youran back to her bedroom and helped her lie down to rest before she said, "Madam Mo has taken a fancy on you and wants you to be her daughter-in-law."
Bai Youran paused. She did not know how to feel.
There was some joy, intermingled with smugness and a little reluctance.
The Mo family!
Mo Yunhao was the Mo family's eldest grandson. If she married him, she would be the eldest daughter-in-law, and in the future, she would be the mistress of the Mo household!
Jiang Hongying's proposal affirmed her.
A pity that she liked Mo Beihan, but his status was too lowly.
Bai Youran felt terribly conflicted. She thought, if only Mo Beihan had Mo Yunhao's status. Then she would marry him without hesitation.
"Mother, surely you haven't agreed?"
Mo Beihan was the one she liked. Besides his background, Mo Yunhao was inferior to Mo Beihan in every way.
Zheng Min nodded. "I did not reject her outright, but I made my meaning clear. I don't want you to marry Mo Yunhao. At least, not now.
"But I also cannot reject her outright. You are still young. We'll wait a while and see how things develop in the Mo family. Youran, you are the Bai family's only young lady. Even if you want to marry into the Mo family, you must marry the Mo family's successor."
Bai Youran was surprised. "Isn't Mo Yunhao the successor?"
Only then did Zheng Min recall that her daughter had been severely ill and had not paid attention to external events, so she said to Bai Youran, "I forgot to tell you that something has happened in the Mo family lately. Another eldest grandson appeared, and he brought four children with him."
Bai Youran's eyes widened. "What? And he brought four children?"
What a juicy piece of gossip!
Zheng Min said, "They're not his children, but they are the Mo family's great-grandsons. I heard that he has an elder brother who has passed away, and the four children belong to this elder brother.
"I heard Old Master and Old Madam Mo gave Mo Wei a severe beating over this matter. Now they dote on these children. They grew up in the countryside and suffered many hardships.
"The new eldest grandson may not actually be the eldest, but since his elder brother has passed away, that essentially makes him the eldest grandson. And he has four great-grandsons to back him up. If Old Master Mo shows a little favoritism, then no one knows who the Mo family's successor will be!"
Bai Youran smiled somewhat disdainfully.
"How capable can he be if he grew up in a village? He probably didn't even have enough to eat. I wonder what he will be like after arriving in the Mo family! Our social circle has plenty of illegitimate sons from the countryside. They're all alike."
A person's ability and resources were determined from childhood by his environment and education. There were many illegitimate sons among Beijing's upper class. Many of them were even born to first wives who had remained in their hometown. But so what?
Having grown up in the countryside, they suffered from cold and hunger and were uneducated. They acted like clowns when they arrived in the capital.
So Bai Youran did not take the matter to heart.
Zheng Min said, "That may be so, but this one from the Mo family seems different. I heard he is particularly capable at work, and Old Master Mo is supporting and grooming him so that he will be even more capable.
"So! I want to wait and see what the Mo family's future is like. Jiang Hongying is now looking everywhere for a match for her son. It must be because she is hoping to increase her son's chances of being the successor!"
Chapter 663: The Gu Family Arrives At The Capital (1)
Bai Youran giggled. She was rather smug that Jiang Hongying wanted her to marry her son to increase his chances of being the successor.
But at the same time, she was rather displeased that she was being used. If he could not even beat a village boy, then he was certainly useless.
"Mother, let's not talk about these boring things. I just want to get better. If this continues, others will think that I'm seriously ill!"
Zheng Min snapped out of her reverie and said, "Right, right, right. You should just take care of yourself. From Jiang Yiru's tone, I think that you will soon be able to go out and resume your activities. That will stop any rumors."
Bai Youran did not pay much attention to the Mo family's news. She did not say anything else. She felt that her mother had done the right thing.
The Mo family's status was special, and it was best not to burn her bridges. If Mo Yunhao became the Mo family's successor, then it might be a good choice to marry him.
...
Bai Youran considered Mo Yunhao to be a spare tire, but Jiang Hongying was infuriated by her rejection.
She returned home with a stormy expression. Beside her, Mo Yunhao was still asking eagerly, "Mother, say something! Has the Bai family agreed to our marriage? Hurry up and tell me!"
Old Master Mo and Old Madam Mo were not home that day, and the entire house was quiet. Mo Yunhao was anxious, so he spoke without inhibitions.
Jiang Hongying's expression was especially ugly. She went upstairs and Mo Yunhao followed her.
"Mother, say something! I just saw Youran at the door. She's really, really pretty. No other woman in the capital can compare to her!"
They entered a room as they spoke.
At that moment, Mo Beihan was ascending from another corridor, and he raised his brows as he watched them disappear into a room.
Jiang Hongying wanted Mo Yunhao to marry Bai Youran?
Wonderful!
He disliked Bai Youran. In their previous life, this woman had continually bullied Yao Yao. In the end, both he and Yao Yao had died because of her. He thought that a woman like that was better off dead.
But he had not yet established himself in the capital and did not have sufficient influence, which was why he could not simply attack Bai Youran, who was the pampered daughter of the Bai Family. Otherwise, he would certainly find a way to kill her.
As for Mo Yunhao and Jiang Hongying, he would not hold back either.
He knew that in their previous life, these two had harmed Yao Yao in many ways. Perhaps he would let them live for the sake of his grandparents, but...
Mo Beihan's eyes turned icy. He certainly would not allow them to have an easy life either.
The Jiang family must be destroyed. They had no place in the future Mo family!
In his previous life, Mo Yunhao had seemed rather fond of Bai Youran. But in his previous life, Mo Beihan did not return to the Mo family until much later, and Mo Yunhao had not interacted much with Bai Youran. In this life, he had returned earlier. Jiang Hongying felt threatened and was trying to find Mo Yunhao a wife from a powerful family. Bai Youran was certainly a good choice.
Mo Beihan's lips curved in an icy smile. Should he... help Mo Yunhao?
Help him to marry Bai Youran, then... force them both to leave the Mo family?
Time flew by and soon, summer ended and autumn arrived.
In the Gu family, Second Uncle's family moved to the capital without incident!
Old Master Mo and Mo Beihan had planned this for a long time. Finally, Gu Yuncheng and his family arrived at the capital that autumn.
Second Uncle had been promoted again and so had his eldest son, Gu Jinhang. Fourth Brother, Gu Jinfeng, and Second Aunt, Qin Min's positions remained unchanged.
Chapter 664: The Gu Family Arrives At The Capital (2)
Although it was not a large promotion, it allowed them to move from the south to the capital. That meant greater opportunities for expansion, and it made a radical difference.
Gu Yuncheng and his family had been assigned a grand-looking two-storey house.
Mo Beihan had already sent someone to clean the house. That day, Eldest Uncle's family also went over to prepare a meal and wait for Gu Yuncheng's family to arrive.
By the time Gu Yuncheng's family arrived, the food was ready.
The two brothers were very emotional because they had not seen each other for a long time. After the meal, Mo Beihan, Gu Jinye, Gu Jinhang and Gu Jinfeng gathered in the study to discuss matters.
Gu Qingyao had left the country, and her older cousins were very sorry about it.
Their family had finally made it and had a bright future. A pity that Yao Yao left. If Yao Yao was here in the capital, she could live with Second Uncle and would not have to suffer outside.
Gu Jinfeng frowned. "When will Yao Yao be back? She's gone to such a faraway place by herself, what if someone bullies her there?"
Gu Jinhang and Gu Jinye looked at Mo Beihan.
This fellow was now the Mo family's eldest grandson. He probably had better sources of news than them.
Mo Beihan also sighed inwardly at the thought.
Although he felt that Gu Qingyao should not be in much danger overseas, he could not guarantee it either.
The girl only had a few more decades of life experience than others. The fact was she was alone and looking for her mother. He did not know what she would encounter.
"At least... three years or so! There are no opportunities in China. There is no future for her here. It was a rare opportunity. Leaving might not be a bad thing."
The cousins exchanged looks. The men in the Gu family all had their own careers and businesses. The others were still young. Those in their parents' generation were also doing fairly well.
Except for Youngest Uncle. Their fathers had said that Youngest Uncle was actually the most intelligent of the brothers. But because he was the youngest, when it was his turn, his older brothers had already left, and he had no choice but to remain at home to take care of the old folks.
And their younger cousin, Gu Qingyao, was clearly very intelligent but was born at the wrong time. She had no opportunities at home. She could only do the housework, get married, and have children.
It was indeed a rare opportunity to study overseas.
Mo Beihan inwardly calculated the time. He was thinking that Yao Yao might as well stay overseas for a few more years and wait until this era had passed completely.
It would be over in a few years. He knew that Gu Qingyao had no problem completing her medical studies. But if she wanted to find her mother, it would be more easily achieved if she remained overseas.
Once she returned, it would be difficult to leave again.
He had almost gone crazy from missing her, but he still hoped that his girl would live in an environment of freedom.
Mo Beihan glanced at them. "All right. I've asked you here to discuss an important matter. Considering the current circumstances, I think... they will pass in three to four years. What plans do you have? What do each of you want to do in the future?"
When the restrictions were lifted and they were free, all the illustrious families would all develop in diverse ways. A person's achievements and influence would also depend on many factors. They did not have to depend solely on their jobs as they did now.
In a large family, those who had achievements in various professions would have greater cohesive power. The Gu family members were all very intelligent, but not everyone was suited to civil service.
Chapter 665: The Gu Family Arrives In The Capital (3)
Among them, Gu Jinhang and his brother, Gu Jinfeng, were the most intelligent and the craftiest. They were flexible and agile thinkers.
Gu Jinhang was a fox. He was the most suited to civil service. In their previous life, he had been the most successful.
In comparison, Gu Jinfeng was a more independent thinker. He enjoyed the freedom and disliked being restricted. He was more suited for business.
In their previous life, this fellow quit to start his own business. He prospered in the business world and was the richest member of the Gu family.
Eldest Cousin, Gu Jinye, was not as outstanding as them, but in the end, he was the eldest. He was not any less capable than them. He was a practical person and more reliable. He was also all-rounded and was best suited to looking after the family.
As for Gu Jinlin, Mo Beihan felt that he had not fulfilled his potential in his previous life. This might be because Third Uncle's family was poorer, or because Zhou Ping had less foresight. In the end, Gu Jinlin and Fifth Cousin, Gu Jinxuan, had gone into business at Zhou Ping's insistence.
Gu Jinlin was not as successful as Gu Jinfeng but had some accomplishments. After all, he was not stupid.
As for Fifth Cousin, Gu Jinxuan, he was the youngest of the older cousins and the most independent thinker. With the support of his older cousins, he had been fearless and had been fairly successful.
In their previous life, the Gu family had developed into a fairly powerful family! After all, none of their sons or grandsons were slackers. Not only had the older cousins done well, when the younger ones grew up, they had all succeeded too. This was rare among the families in the capital.
Mo Beihan felt that they could do even better in this life.
The older cousins' eyes brightened at Mo Beihan's words. "You... what do you mean? Have you received news?"
Mo Beihan smiled. "It's just a guess!"
Everyone: "..."
Mo Beihan said, "Think of our thousands of years of history. Never has there been an era like this. So I think that this is only temporary. One day, society will return to normal. And I feel that that day is not far off!
"Then all the professions will expand. If our families want to grow more powerful, they must have talented people in every profession. These are social connections. The Gu family has many children and grandchildren, and they can take different pathways. They should each develop their strengths so that the family will be even more powerful. Don't you agree?"
"What on earth are you saying?" Gu Jinhang asked.
Mo Beihan lowered his eyes and smiled. "If I say too much now, you probably won't believe me either. I'm just giving you a hint. Older brothers, all of you are so intelligent, I'm sure you'll figure it out soon."
Older brothers?
They quivered and rolled their eyes. This bastard was really shameless!
Mo Beihan said, "For example, Yao Yao is especially talented in medicine. In the future, she will certainly pursue this path. If she can reach the pinnacle of her profession, I believe her status in the capital will not be inferior to any of you."
They paused. They had not carefully considered this point before.
In their hearts, it was their job as boys to build up the family. Yao Yao was their beloved younger sister. She just had to be pampered at home. As long as they were around, they would not allow anyone to bully her.
But they had not considered that Gu Qingyao's social standing might be higher than theirs.
They thought about Yao Yao's medical skills. The older cousins still could not figure out why their younger cousin was so talented, but if they compared her to Jiang Yiru's current status, their younger cousin was not to be underestimated if society returned to normal!
Chapter 665: The Gu Family Arrives In The Capital (3)
Among them, Gu Jinhang and his brother, Gu Jinfeng, were the most intelligent and the craftiest. They were flexible and agile thinkers.
Gu Jinhang was a fox. He was the most suited to civil service. In their previous life, he had been the most successful.
In comparison, Gu Jinfeng was a more independent thinker. He enjoyed the freedom and disliked being restricted. He was more suited for business.
In their previous life, this fellow quit to start his own business. He prospered in the business world and was the richest member of the Gu family.
Eldest Cousin, Gu Jinye, was not as outstanding as them, but in the end, he was the eldest. He was not any less capable than them. He was a practical person and more reliable. He was also all-rounded and was best suited to looking after the family.
As for Gu Jinlin, Mo Beihan felt that he had not fulfilled his potential in his previous life. This might be because Third Uncle's family was poorer, or because Zhou Ping had less foresight. In the end, Gu Jinlin and Fifth Cousin, Gu Jinxuan, had gone into business at Zhou Ping's insistence.
Gu Jinlin was not as successful as Gu Jinfeng but had some accomplishments. After all, he was not stupid.
As for Fifth Cousin, Gu Jinxuan, he was the youngest of the older cousins and the most independent thinker. With the support of his older cousins, he had been fearless and had been fairly successful.
In their previous life, the Gu family had developed into a fairly powerful family! After all, none of their sons or grandsons were slackers. Not only had the older cousins done well, when the younger ones grew up, they had all succeeded too. This was rare among the families in the capital.
Mo Beihan felt that they could do even better in this life.
The older cousins' eyes brightened at Mo Beihan's words. "You... what do you mean? Have you received news?"
Mo Beihan smiled. "It's just a guess!"
Everyone: "..."
Mo Beihan said, "Think of our thousands of years of history. Never has there been an era like this. So I think that this is only temporary. One day, society will return to normal. And I feel that that day is not far off!
"Then all the professions will expand. If our families want to grow more powerful, they must have talented people in every profession. These are social connections. The Gu family has many children and grandchildren, and they can take different pathways. They should each develop their strengths so that the family will be even more powerful. Don't you agree?"
"What on earth are you saying?" Gu Jinhang asked.
Mo Beihan lowered his eyes and smiled. "If I say too much now, you probably won't believe me either. I'm just giving you a hint. Older brothers, all of you are so intelligent, I'm sure you'll figure it out soon."
Older brothers?
They quivered and rolled their eyes. This bastard was really shameless!
Mo Beihan said, "For example, Yao Yao is especially talented in medicine. In the future, she will certainly pursue this path. If she can reach the pinnacle of her profession, I believe her status in the capital will not be inferior to any of you."
They paused. They had not carefully considered this point before.
In their hearts, it was their job as boys to build up the family. Yao Yao was their beloved younger sister. She just had to be pampered at home. As long as they were around, they would not allow anyone to bully her.
But they had not considered that Gu Qingyao's social standing might be higher than theirs.
They thought about Yao Yao's medical skills. The older cousins still could not figure out why their younger cousin was so talented, but if they compared her to Jiang Yiru's current status, their younger cousin was not to be underestimated if society returned to normal!