Wang Yongzhu saw this and naturally followed inside.

In the room, Gu Zikai intended to maintain Master Yi’s reputation. At this moment, if Master Yi were in the Capital City, he would likely be implicated as well.

Now, because he is far away, and with Gu Changqing ahead of him, he is temporarily unaffected.

As for his daughter and son-in-law’s family, it is obvious they wouldn’t have a good end, but since they are small pawns in the turmoil, who would pay special attention to them?

Moreover, back when he was assigned to Yunzhong County and hired Master Yi as his advisor, many people knew about it.

Now, with Gu Changqing in such a situation, even the Gu Family members have to be restrained, fearing that any mistakes could lead to being caught.

Even if they wanted to care for Master Yi’s daughter and son-in-law, they couldn’t openly say so.

Considering Gu Changqing’s character, even if he no longer saw Master Yi as the friend he once was, he would certainly offer any help he could out of past friendship.

However, Master Yi, having already hinted at his desires earlier, was eager again after a few days of calm, likely with hidden intentions.

Fuming slightly, Gu Zikai was about to say something when Old Granny Zhang burst in angrily.

He quickly stood to greet her: "Aunt, when did you arrive? Why didn’t anyone tell me in advance so that I could personally welcome you!"

This temporarily quelled the anger of Old Granny Zhang.

He also greeted Wang Yongzhu, who was behind.

Old Granny Zhang waved her hand indifferently: "Given the current times, you can’t be too cautious, and I’m sure the Yamen’s matters keep you busy. Being family, there’s no need for formalities, especially since I’m not alone; your cousin and some escorts joined me. Why so polite?"

She observed Gu Zikai’s complexion and demeanor for a while before saying: "You’re just like before. We said you should come to us to celebrate the New Year together, but you insisted on staying here alone. Look, while others gain weight during the New Year, you seem to have lost weight. Is it poor service, or are you too worried?"

Gu Zikai touched his face, not feeling thinner.

However, he knew that in this world, there’s a kind of ’thin’ perceived only by elders, so he just smiled.

After a few pleasantries, Master Yi eagerly found a moment to pay his respects, staring intently at Wang Yongzhu.

Wang Yongzhu, aware of Master Yi’s probable intentions, pretended not to notice.

After everyone was seated, Gu Zikai asked, "Aunt, cousin, have you come for something important?"

Old Granny Zhang replied, "I couldn’t rest easy with you spending the New Year alone, so I brought your cousin to see you. If you’ve gotten too thin, how would I explain it to your parents and grandmother upon returning to the Capital City?"

This was meant as a joke. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

While Gu Zikai joked with Old Granny Zhang and Wang Yongzhu, he pondered whether their trip had an undisclosed important reason and decided they must have come personally for a good reason beyond words.

Thus, after a few jokes, he suggested escorting them to the back rooms for some rest.

Old Granny Zhang seemed to want to say something, but Wang Yongzhu discreetly tugged her sleeve, stopping her.

The three stood to leave.

Master Yi, anxious for news and unable to gain more from Gu Zikai, saw Wang Yongzhu as his savior and wouldn’t let the chance slip easily.

Having endured their family small talk for quite some time, he couldn’t risk losing access once they went to the backyard.

So, gritting his teeth, he knelt behind Wang Yongzhu: "Lady Dingguo, I have a matter I beg you to assist with, for the sake of Dong Weng and Lord Gu—"

Gu Zikai’s expression changed, and suppressing his anger, he turned and said coldly: "Uncle, what’s this about? For any matters, you should directly discuss with me or my father. For what we can help with, we won’t need you to speak. We will try our best. What we can’t help with, I hope you won’t force us!"

"Moreover, though my cousin is a Lady of the First Rank, it’s merely an honorary title. You’re making it difficult for her."

This was the first time Old Granny Zhang and Wang Yongzhu saw Gu Zikai so cold and firm.

Initially, Old Granny Zhang harbored a stomach full of anger, but Gu Zikai’s greeting had quelled it.

Since the matter didn’t concern her daughter or son-in-law, she had little interest in meddling.

Unexpectedly, Master Yi was relentless, still targeting her daughter after being rebuffed by Gu Zikai, which she couldn’t tolerate.

She sat back down directly and asked: "Master Yi, I don’t quite understand your words. Why involve my daughter? Typically, we women can only meddle in these backyard matters. Do you fancy some girl, or is there a status disparity you need my daughter’s help to mediate?"

"If so, you’ve asked the wrong person! For such a matter, ask this old lady! As long as it isn’t forced, I can help you handle it smoothly. Tell me, Master Yi, whose daughter do you fancy?"

She appeared utterly eager to help.

Wang Yongzhu bowed her head to hide her smile, knowing well her mother’s boldness could eclipse many. If Master Yi was sensible, he’d know what to do.

Gu Zikai couldn’t suppress a chuckle, holding his fist to his mouth as he coughed for quite a while with his head turned.

Master Yi’s face immediately turned many colors like an open sauce shop, quite a sight.

Despite being well-schooled, being openly ridiculed by Old Granny Zhang would typically have him storming off, severing ties.

As it happens, at his age, he only worried about his daughter, and thinking of her coming tribulations, he couldn’t muster the rage.

Suppressing his shame, he forced a smile: "Aunt, you’re mistaken. At my age, my thoughts aren’t of that nature anymore."

Before he finished, Old Granny Zhang’s cold laugh made his face flush.

Biting the bullet, having already humiliated himself, he decided to go all in: "Lady Dingguo, I’m here for my daughter’s sake. I’ve heard, Aunt, that you cherish Lady Dingguo, and as a parent, for my child, I’m forced to be thick-skinned. I trust Aunt can understand my bluntness?"

Old Granny Zhang chuckled coldly, "I am but a countryside woman and know little of your scholarly intrigues. But despite my simple education, I know a few principles. To be human is to know one’s place and act wisely! Master Yi, wouldn’t you agree?"