Little Pink Starfish

The Gu Family’s “Financial Crisis”

“They haven’t left,” Old Wu replied to Gu Xingnuo.

Gu Xingnuo nodded slightly. Even if those old soldiers wanted to leave, how could they survive traveling to Wangxiang Pass with no money? Move to another village? There were few fertile lands at the border—what village would take in outsiders? Leave the frontier altogether? These men were old, crippled, with families in tow—how could they travel far?

Just then, the house steward came in to report, “The hot water is ready.”

“Go wash up,” Gu Xingnuo patted Old Wu on the shoulder and gently said to the veterans, “Change into clean clothes, eat a full meal. We’ll talk again tomorrow.”

Old Wu started to say something, “Young Master…”

“I understand the situation now,” Gu Xingnuo waved a hand and spoke quietly. “Let me handle it. In any case, the Gu family will not abandon anyone. As long as someone is willing to farm, the fields can be revived. Don’t worry—I have a plan.”

Though guilt showed on Old Wu’s face, the veterans felt reassured by Gu Xingnuo’s words.

“Steward,” Gu Xingnuo instructed, “escort them down and see to it they’re well cared for.”

“Yes, sir,” the steward answered promptly and led the veterans away after they gave respectful bows to the old master and young masters.

After they left, Gu Xingyan said, “So who sent soldiers to destroy our estate?”

“Zhao Qiuming,” Gu Xingnuo answered calmly. “Or someone trying to curry favor with him.”

“Bastard!” Gu Xingyan cursed aloud.

“It won’t be hard to find out,” Gu Xingnuo leaned back against the couch, pressing a hand against his bruised ribs, pain flashing across his face.

Gu Xingyan quickly asked, “Big brother, are you alright?”

The old master immediately urged, “Yan, go check on that doctor—what’s taking him so long?”

Gu Xingyan ran out of the study.

The old master walked over and gently touched the spot where Gu Xingnuo had his hand. “Here’s where you’re hurt?”

Gu Xingnuo nodded slightly and spoke softly, “Grandfather, there’s not much money left in the house. What do we do about Old Wu and the others?”

The old master sat down beside him with a sigh. “I’ve got some money set aside. Take it for now.”

Gu Xingnuo knew exactly what money he meant—it was the old couple’s funeral savings.

“You don’t need to worry about that,” the old master continued. “It’s time your second brother started shouldering responsibilities. You’re right—he can’t keep acting like nothing concerns him.”

Gu Xingnuo gave a bitter smile. “Grandfather, your money mustn’t be touched.”

“Nonsense!” the old master glared. “Is my money cursed? Will someone die if it’s used?”

“Grandfather,” Gu Xingnuo took a breath. “You need to take that money to the frontier. We suddenly have 100,000 extra troops and no provisions. That money needs to go into the army.”

The old master’s face turned grim and he said nothing.

“If there’s a delay in wages, it’s manageable. But if there’s no food and the troops go hungry, a mutiny will break out. When that happens, it’ll be our Gu family’s fault.”

“You’re suggesting I start bulk-buying grain in the capital?” the old master asked.

“Along the road is fine,” Gu Xingnuo said, “but we should start here in the capital—buy as much as we can. That way, the censors will report it, and if His Majesty inquires, we can explain ourselves. It won’t look like we’re complaining to the throne.”

The old master mulled over his grandson’s words, tapping a finger on Gu Xingnuo’s shoulder. “You’re sharp, alright.”

“All the cleverness in the world can’t conjure up money,” Gu Xingnuo said bitterly. “No money—what do we do about the estate? Counting women and children, there are thousands there.”

At that moment, Gu Xingyan returned with the physician. “Grandfather, big brother, the doctor’s here.”

The old master patted Gu Xingnuo’s shoulder and said softly, “Let’s take care of your injury first.”

The physician sat down to examine Gu Xingnuo. As he checked his pulse, his expression turned increasingly grim—it was clear the injuries were severe.

Gu Xingyan leaned toward the old master and said, “Grandfather, I’m going to my room for a moment.”

“What for?”

Gu Xingyan fumbled for a reason but couldn’t explain himself clearly.

“Alright, go,” the old master said impatiently, waving him off.

“Big brother, I’ll be right back,” Gu Xingyan called out, then dashed out of the room.

---

Madam Lin was sewing in her room. Little Gu Xu was already asleep in the nanny’s arms.

Gu Xingyan pushed open the door, looked at the nanny, and said, “Take Xu’er back to the nursery.”

The nanny quickly obeyed.

Madam Lin stood up. “Husband, did something happen?”

“Do you wish disaster on the household?” Gu Xingyan snapped.

Madam Lin forced a smile and walked up to him. “That was wrong of me. Don’t be angry.”

“Our money,” Gu Xingyan demanded. “How much do we have? Bring it all to me.”

Madam Lin was startled. “Why do you suddenly need so much silver?”

He gave her a brief explanation of the estate’s destruction. “From the way my brother looks, I can tell—the family’s out of money.”

Madam Lin didn’t show much reaction, but inside she was unhappy. The household is broke, so now they want to dip into her personal savings?

“Well? Why are you standing there?” Gu Xingyan pressed. “Bring out the money.”

“Husband,” Madam Lin hesitated. “We’ve just recovered from a confiscation. How much could we possibly have left?”

Gu Xingyan’s expression darkened. “I may not manage our finances, but I’m not stupid. When our confiscated property was returned, my brother and sister-in-law gave us our rightful share. We haven’t had to spend a penny on food or clothes. So where did that money go?”

Madam Lin tried to explain. “Yes, we received some—but you should ask your brother how much exactly. It wasn’t that much.”

Gu Xingyan froze. “What are you saying? That my brother stole our share? He’s not that kind of man. Don’t you dare speak nonsense!”

Madam Lin quickly backpedaled. “That’s not what I meant! When Third Brother married the princess, you and your older brother paid for it. Your grandfather and grandmother’s portions were declined. Even your mother’s share was returned. And you know what weddings are like—money flowed out like water. Now you’re asking me for money. Am I supposed to magically produce silver?”

Gu Xingyan stared at his wife, then turned to rummage through the room. “No money? Fine. I’ll just sell everything in this room. As long as I can get cash, that’s what matters.”

“You’re going to ruin us?!” Madam Lin shouted in panic, trailing after him.

He turned around and looked at her coldly. “Where. Is. The. Money?”