Little Pink Starfish

The One Who Holds the Power

“Then I won’t bother with it,” Yu Xiaoxiao said to Xiao Wei. “I’m not the type who likes meddling in other people’s business.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wei suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of relief—thank heavens.

In the middle of the path, the two younger brothers both looked at their eldest brother. Suddenly sending their own mother out of the estate—surely there had to be a reason? Don’t try to tell them it was because the house was too noisy for meditation; Gu Second and Third Young Masters weren’t buying that excuse.

Gu Xingnuo waited until Madam Xu disappeared from sight before speaking to his brothers. “You both know how deeply Mother believes in Yongsheng Temple.”

“She’s believed in them for years. And just for that, Big Brother, you’re making her move out?” Gu Xingyan asked.

“It’s for her own good,” Gu Xingnuo replied calmly. “Second Brother, are you worried I’m being unfilial?”

That accusation was too heavy—even the emperor couldn’t afford it. Gu Xingyan immediately backpedaled, “I just said one thing! No need to get so riled up.”

“Just focus on taking care of Grandfather,” Gu Xingnuo said. “As for Mother, leave her to me.”

“I never meddle in family stuff,” Gu Xingyan muttered, “but I don’t think Mother wants to go.”

Gu Xingnuo’s brow twitched, and his eyes narrowed slightly.

Gu Xingyan immediately fell silent. That look from Big Brother? Definitely on the edge of anger.

Gu Xinglang waited until his second brother backed down before speaking, “Big Brother… did something happen?”

Gu Xingnuo raised a hand and patted his youngest brother’s head.

Gu Xinglang… Big Brother’s been doing this a lot lately. What’s up with all the head pats?

“So many things have happened lately,” Gu Xingnuo said with a faint smile. “Which one do you want me to talk about?”

Gu Xingyan glanced sideways at that smile. See that? See it? That’s what favoritism looks like! Big Brother always had a stone face for him, but for Little Third, his face bloomed like a damn flower.

Gu Xinglang considered everything that had happened recently. Conflict with Yongsheng Temple, and now their mother being sent away? “Big Brother…”

“Worried I’m being unfilial too?” Gu Xingnuo cut him off with another smile.

Gu Xinglang quickly shook his head.

“I’m going to see Grandfather,” Gu Xingnuo said, giving his youngest brother another head pat before glancing at Second Brother and turning on his heel.

Once their eldest brother walked off, the two younger ones stared at each other.

“Something definitely happened,” Gu Xingyan said.

“Then why don’t you go ask Mother?” Gu Xinglang replied.

Gu Xingyan just laughed. Him? Ask? He barely exchanged more than greetings with his mother all year. What could he possibly find out?

“Then why don’t you go?” he shot back.

Gu Xinglang hesitated. He’d been raised by Grandfather and his brothers in the army since young. The most time he’d spent with Madam Xu had been just recently. Thinking about it now, he realized… he didn’t know how to talk to her either.

“Why aren’t they saying anything?” Yu Xiaoxiao whispered from behind the flower bed.

“Eldest Brother is like a father,” Xiao Wei replied. “The Prince Consort and Second Young Master won’t go against his will.”

“Go what?” Yu Xiaoxiao blinked.

“Won’t disobey,” Xiao Wei clarified.

Yu Xiaoxiao looked at him—don’t bully the illiterate, okay?

Xiao Wei couldn’t even bother to twitch his lips. “I mean, they’ll listen to Eldest Young Master.”

Yu Xiaoxiao nodded. Got it. So in the Gu family, Big Brother was the one in charge.

“Princess, are we still squatting here?” Xiao Wei asked. He had no idea why he was crouched here with the princess eavesdropping on her in-laws.

“How much do you think it costs to build a new kitchen?” Yu Xiaoxiao asked suddenly.

Xiao Wei pulled a handful of dry leaves. That topic shift came out of nowhere…

—

In the old master’s room, he was still finishing breakfast. The Gu family wasn’t overly strict with formalities, so the old man dined in his bedroom.

When Gu Xingnuo entered, the empty bowls and plates had yet to be cleared.

“How are Xinglang and the princess?” the old man asked the moment he saw his eldest grandson.

“They’re fine,” Gu Xingnuo replied, standing before him.

“Sit,” the old man gestured to a chair. “What about your injury?”

“It’ll heal. Nothing serious.” Gu Xingnuo found a seat and said, “The stove in Xinglang’s small kitchen exploded. The fire’s been put out. No one’s hurt.”

The old man nodded. “If no one’s injured, then it’s nothing. Just have someone build the princess another kitchen.”

“Yes,” Gu Xingnuo replied. “I’ve already ordered the steward to handle it. Grandfather, there’s one more thing.”

Gu Xingnuo then recounted everything from the night before: their trip to Huixin Bank, Yu Xiaoxiao’s frame-up at the Zhao residence, the Second-in-Command bringing back the real Zhao Third Miss. He left out the fight with Mo Wen—his grandfather was a lifelong man of the sword, one who believed in fate, not false immortality. But he was old now, and Gu Xingnuo didn’t want to trouble him further.

The old man sat in thought for half a cup of tea’s time, mulling over his grandson’s words.

Gu Xingnuo waited patiently.

Finally, the old master let out a long breath. His grandsons… where did they get the guts? The eldest and youngest dared to do anything now, and the troublemaker second son had somehow become the least worrisome one.

“Grandfather,” Gu Xingnuo spoke again, “I’ve assigned the rebuilding of the estate to Xingyan. With money in hand, Old Wu and the others can resume their lives. I’ve also sent people out to buy grain. Tomorrow, you and Xingyan can take more supplies with you.”

The old master didn’t speak. His grandson had already arranged everything. What more could he say?

“There’s one more matter,” Gu Xingnuo added.

The old master’s liver twitched. More?

“My mother wishes to move out of the estate.”

“What?!” the old man shouted.

“She wants to focus on her spiritual practice,” Gu Xingnuo said, his tone unchanged. “I just happened to acquire a quiet residence—perfect for fulfilling her wishes.”

“You—” the old man began, “Are you kicking your mother out of the family? Aren’t you afraid people will call you unfilial? Curse you to death?”

Gu Xingnuo smiled. “How could I dare? It’s what Mother herself wants. I also plan to designate that residence as our family’s private shrine. That way, her wish is fulfilled, and the three of us brothers won’t be judged by the world.”

“This is really Xu-shi’s own decision?” the old master asked, still skeptical.

“It is,” Gu Xingnuo nodded firmly.