"Alright, I will arrange it immediately."
...
Soon, after freshening up, Gu Zhan changed his clothes and, led by Rong Yichu, arrived in a living room.
At this moment,
In the living room sat an exceptionally beautiful woman.
She was none other than the Patriarch of the Gu Family, Gai Qingcheng.
Seeing Gu Zhan and Rong Yichu enter, Qingcheng stood up and saluted, "Greetings, Marquis Gu."
Gu Zhan nodded slightly, saying, "Please, sit."
"Thank you, Marquis."
Qingcheng expressed her gratitude, then saluted Rong Yichu before seating herself slowly.
Gu Zhan sat in the main seat and said, "Today, I appreciate the assistance of the Gu Family. I extend my thanks!"
"Marquis, you are too generous," Qingcheng said, "Qingcheng came to Yiling City this time specifically to offer apologies to the Marquis. Some days ago, my family sent people along with Mr. Rong to Yunxi, and the overseer was quite lacking in courtesy, having not visited the Marquis, which was truly inappropriate. Therefore, Qingcheng specially came to apologize!"
Gu Zhan chuckled lightly and said, "Miss Gu Qi, there’s no need; what’s there to apologize for? In a bustling world, there are many people coming and going in Yunxi. Not all can pay me a visit, and it doesn’t necessarily imply wrongdoing."
Qingcheng pondered for a while and clasped her hands in respect, "Marquis, Qingcheng won’t conceal anything. Indeed, there are other matters, and I’ll speak directly. If there’s any intrusion, please point it out, and Qingcheng will certainly apologize!"
Gu Zhan smiled, "Go ahead."
Qingcheng said, "Actually, my main reason for personally coming to Yunxi is because of the battle in Yu City; the Marquis demonstrated prowess that amazed the world. Qingcheng wanted to witness the Marquis’s character and magnanimity. The Gu Family desires to form an alliance with the Marquis!"
Gu Zhan slightly raised an eyebrow and said, "Miss Gu Qi is straightforward. Does this mean the Gu Family has assessed and approved this Marquis?"
"The Marquis misunderstood; the Gu Family doesn’t intend to posture," Qingcheng hurriedly stood and said, "To be honest, despite the Gu Family’s heritage spanning hundreds of years, our foundation truly holds no advantage before the Marquis’s innate talent.
Especially as the current world situation is unclear with political unrest, Southern Jin and Beiwei are covetous externally, while internal forces are entrenched. After the turmoil of the previous years, the Gu Family has been struggling for survival in the gaps. If upheaval occurs soon, the Gu Family might not endure, with no capacity to stand alone,
Therefore, at this time, the Gu Family must find an ally—or more aptly, a formidable leader to bet on. However, the family has many lives at stake, and one wrong move could lead to devastation. Qingcheng dares not make rash decisions, though I know of the Marquis’s great magnanimity, it’s necessary to see with my own eyes to confidently decide.
The insights in Yunxi Land these days, and witnessing the Marquis’s unparalleled demeanor today, Qingcheng has resolutely decided to entrust the fate of the Gu Family to the Marquis, forging ahead together!"
Gu Zhan scrutinized Qingcheng and slowly said, "Every chaotic era has noble families betting everywhere. This Marquis understands, and it’s customary. However, I wish to know, how much is the Gu Family wagering on this Marquis, and what returns do they expect?"
Qingcheng solemnly said, "The Gu Family will fully support the Marquis, regardless of whether the Marquis seeks to establish a Martial Arts Holy Land or pursue other endeavors. The Gu Family will commit all resources to support the Marquis. As for returns, having witnessed the Marquis’s boldness, Qingcheng believes that as long as the Marquis succeeds, the Gu Family will profit without loss!"
Gu Zhan raised an eyebrow and asked again, "How does the Gu Family plan to support?"
Qingcheng said, "The Marquis’s next step must be to assert control over Yunxi. However, Yunxi is fragmented; both personnel and resources are lacking. Whether recruiting an army, revitalizing the economy, or confronting Yunzhou’s turmoil, vast resources are indeed needed.
The Gu Family has many talents idly residing at home, proficient in military affairs, civil governance, and even weapons crafting, and there are Martial Arts experts among them. As soon as Qingcheng returns to the Gu Family, I will arrange for the clan members to come to Yunxi under the Marquis’s command, while discreetly relocating the family’s resources to Yunxi for the Marquis’s use at any time."
Gu Zhan squinted slightly, remaining silent.
At this moment, Rong Yichu noticed Gu Zhan’s scepticism and smiled, clasping his hands, "Miss Gu Qi, doesn’t the Gu Family have any other conditions? Perhaps the Method of Divine Sight?"
Qingcheng slightly shook her head and said, "It would be untruthful to claim no interest in the Method of Divine Sight. However, Mr. Rong, don’t you find that, compared to a single Method of Divine Sight, the one who created it, Marquis Gu, is far more worthy of aspiring to?
From a perspective of personal boldness and capability, should turmoil truly ensue one day, the Marquis would likely become a regional lord, with the Gu Family under his banner safeguarded. And regarding potential, the Marquis, being so young, has already devised the Method of Divine Sight. Who knows, someday, he might establish a third Martial Arts Holy Land aside from the Buddhist Sect. If so, the Gu Family’s gains would not be trivial!"
Rong Yichu stood and clasped his hands, saying, "I now understand why Miss Gu Qi, as a daughter, could consolidate and elevate the nearly shattered Gu Family to this extent in just a few years. I am impressed!"
Qingcheng stood, clasping her hands, "Mr. Rong overpraises; Qingcheng has merely been fortunate, always betting correctly. This time will presumably be no different!"
Rong Yichu chuckled lightly, "Miss Gu Qi’s boldness quite matches my lord’s demeanor, haha!"
Qingcheng paused slightly, glanced at Gu Zhan, and said, "My elder brother has said as much."
Gu Zhan: "..."
Rong Yichu looked at Gu Zhan, containing his amusement.