These words surprised both the Grand Elder and Ye Fan.
This was a classic case of accumulating so much merit that one threatened the ruler’s authority. However, this old man of the Gu family had a remarkably magnanimous spirit. Had it been anyone else, they might have secretly plotted against Elder Gu by now.
After all, no one wants to be outshone by another.
Yet, the Gu family patriarch not only didn’t become angry but treated Elder Gu with utmost respect at every turn. Such magnanimity was truly admirable.
“Then why did Elder Gu leave the Gu family? And end up in Jiangnan City?”
Compared to the Gu family, Jiangnan City was incomparable in terms of geographical location and family status.
Especially considering that Elder Gu had sought refuge with the Feng family in Jiangnan City and nearly lost his life. This was a stark contrast to his status as the Grand Protector of the Gu family, holding the same rank as the family patriarch.
The Grand Protector smiled wryly, “Why? It was simply because he couldn't accept such honor; his pride got the better of him.”
Ye Fan and the Grand Protector exchanged glances. Pride? What did that mean?
The Grand Protector’s expression grew increasingly bitter.
“He lived like that in the family for a year. As the patriarch became more respectful towards him, he suddenly told the patriarch that he wished to leave the Gu family. When the patriarch asked why, he said he couldn't bear to live a life of being revered and treated as a superior in the Gu family. He was already a member of the Gu family, and saving the patriarch was merely his duty; he didn't need the patriarch to treat him specially. In his eyes, the respect shown by everyone in the Gu family was worse than death, so he wanted to escape.”
The Grand Protector sighed helplessly.
“At that time, he was resolute. No matter what anyone said, he wouldn’t listen. So, when the patriarch's attempts to dissuade him failed, he had no choice but to let him leave. However, he gave him the Patriarch’s Token, stating that if he ever encountered danger, he could present the token at any of the Gu family’s shops or businesses, and they would do everything in their power to help him. Thirty years have passed, but the Patriarch’s Token has never appeared, and we have all become old men.”
This sad past would likely never have been spoken by the Grand Protector if he hadn't encountered Elder Gu today; it would have remained buried deep within his heart forever.
“So that’s how it is. No wonder Gu Ping didn’t dare to be arrogant in front of Elder Gu. I didn’t expect Elder Gu to have such a distinguished status in the Gu family.”
Ye Fan suddenly understood, and his shock at Elder Gu’s identity deepened.
This old man, who usually appeared lazy, sipping tea in his wicker chair, only regaining his spirit when encountering something that piqued his interest.
Ye Fan had even suspected the old man of being deliberately shirking his responsibilities.
But now, it seemed that what Elder Gu had experienced was something ordinary people could not endure, so his peculiar personality was understandable.
Experiencing such extreme highs and lows, falling from heaven to earth, it was remarkable that he could bear it.
“After Elder Gu left, did you become the Grand Protector?”
Ye Fan looked up and asked again.
The Grand Protector nodded, “That’s right. After my elder brother left the family, I became the Gu family’s Grand Protector. However, being the Grand Protector wasn't easy. Everyone in the family believed I had been appointed to this position because of my elder brother. For a long time, I resented this, resenting the family and also my elder brother. Later, the patriarch spoke with me, telling me about my elder brother’s sacrifices for me over the years. Only then did I realize I had misunderstood my elder brother all these years. From then on, I wanted to find him, but he always avoided me. It wasn't until ten years ago that I found him in Jiangnan City. Since then, every time I visit Jiangnan City, I have a drink with him.”
At this point, a faint smile appeared on the Grand Protector’s lips.
It was evident that the Grand Protector was very happy to have reconciled with his elder brother.
“I didn’t expect you brothers to have such a past. If that’s the case, Elder Gu’s decision to leave the Gu family back then was probably the right one.”
Ye Fan said with a smile.
His words caused the Grand Elder and the Grand Protector to freeze. What did Ye Fan mean by that?
They both looked at Ye Fan with confusion.
Sensing their questioning gazes, Ye Fan smiled slightly.
“Elder Gu is a person who values his reputation greatly, or as you said, he has a very strong sense of pride. Such a person, how could he be content with being so revered? Everything he wants, he needs to obtain with his own hands. Just like in Jiangnan City, he started from scratch and gradually climbed to become a Level 1 antique appraiser. All of this was earned through his own steady efforts, which is why he feels happy. But if he were to gain something without earning it, given his character, he would absolutely not tolerate it.”
The Grand Protector fell into thought. After a moment, he looked up at Ye Fan and nodded heavily.
“You are right. With my elder brother’s character, even if he had to endure great hardship, he would never enjoy unearned glory. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be my elder brother.”
The Grand Protector genuinely admired Elder Gu’s character.
“Grand Protector, the current Gu family doesn't seem to be at peace, does it? That second young master of the Gu family, Gu Ping, is likely not someone to be trifled with, is he?”
After understanding Elder Gu's situation, Ye Fan shifted the topic to Gu Ping.
The Grand Protector was slightly startled. Gu Ping had humiliated Ye Fan profusely just now, and with Ye Fan's personality, he wouldn't tolerate it.
Therefore, Gu Ping had already become the first Gu family member Ye Fan intended to deal with.
Could it be that the Gu family’s thousand-year peace was truly about to be shattered?
Seeing the Grand Protector frown, Ye Fan smiled slightly.
“Grand Protector, are you worried about internal strife within the Gu family?”
Looking at Ye Fan in surprise, the Grand Protector nodded after a moment.
“After all, I am the Grand Protector of the Gu family. I do not wish to see the Gu family in chaos during my lifetime. Ye Fan, I am a member of the Gu family.”
The Grand Protector sighed. As a member of the Gu family, he naturally had feelings for the family.
Moreover, the Gu family's current honor was also the result of his hard work. He naturally did not wish to see his efforts turn into bubbles in the end.
Upon hearing the Grand Protector’s words, Ye Fan immediately laughed.
“Grand Protector, do you think the current Gu family is peaceful? Although it appears calm on the surface, beneath the waves, wouldn’t there already be undercurrents? Rather than waiting for things to get out of hand, it’s better to let them happen sooner while the situation is still manageable, at least to have a psychological preparation. Moreover, with proper planning, the losses can be minimized. This way, the troublemakers can be removed, the remaining members of the Gu family can unite, and the family can even expand significantly. Why wouldn't we do that?”
Ye Fan presented a reason the Grand Protector couldn't refuse.
It had to be said that given Ye Fan’s personality, him saying so much to the Grand Protector was unprecedented.
If it were his past self, he would have directly acted against Gu Ping without consulting the Grand Protector.