Everything was developing in a positive direction.
For instance, Qian Yuanbao had been coerced by Li An into doing many unsavory things. After Li An was brought to justice, Qian Yuanbao received an imperial summons to the palace. Upon his emergence, although the Qian family's assets were confiscated, Qian Yuanbao was granted an official post.
It was merely a minor position in the Ministry of Revenue.
However, anyone with discerning eyes knew that Emperor Chongwen intended to heavily rely on Qian Yuanbao.
After all, anyone aware of the details of Li An's case could not overlook Qian Yuanbao's ability to generate wealth.
By assigning Qian Yuanbao to a post in the Ministry of Revenue, His Majesty's objective was clear: to have Qian Yuanbao utilize his abilities to enrich the national treasury.
Indeed, only when the court was sufficiently prosperous would the common people lead better lives.
In the future, Qian Yuanbao's prospects were bound to be immeasurable.
"An Nian, look, I have no place to live, and not a single copper coin in my pocket. Even if you don't care about me, you must care about A Nuan and the children, right?" Qian Yuanbao tugged at Gu Sinian's sleeve pitifully.
Gu Sinian frowned deeply. "You have no money? Who would believe that?"
Yes, on the surface, the Qian family had been subjected to confiscation.
But it was merely confiscation; Qian Yuanbao's various industries were still in his possession.
"It's just that because of Li An's matter, A Nuan couldn't go anywhere and was suffocating from being confined at home," Qian Yuanbao said with a grin. "She has a good relationship with Zhen Zhen, so I thought, why not let her stay with Zhen Zhen for a few days?"
Gu Sinian's brows slowly furrowed.
"Your wife staying at my residence? Is that appropriate?"
"It's not just A Nuan staying, but me and the children too. Just arrange any courtyard will do," Qian Yuanbao said.
Currently, Sui An occupied most of Zhen Zhen's time.
Jin Rong also clung to Zhen Zhen every day.
He already had little time left for himself.
Now, Li Nuan wanted to bring the children to compete with him for her attention?
He disagreed.
"It's inconvenient," Gu Sinian refused outright.
"Are we not good brothers anymore?"
"We can choose not to be."
Seeing Gu Sinian's stern expression, Qian Yuanbao suddenly had an epiphany.
"An Nian, you're... you're unsatisfied, aren't you?" Qian Yuanbao then couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"I know you're not as aloof as the outside world perceives, but I didn't expect you to be so clingy, tsk tsk—" Qian Yuanbao exclaimed with a sigh.
Gu Sinian's face was drawn taut.
His eyes coldly stared at Qian Yuanbao.
"Alright, alright, I won't laugh." Qian Yuanbao felt uncomfortable under his gaze. "Since it's inconvenient, then let's just be neighbors."
Under Gu Sinian's puzzled gaze, Qian Yuanbao rubbed his nose and said, "I got it through a bit of a trick. I wasn't actively colluding with Li An. Besides, the root of Li An's issue lies with His Majesty; I'm the victim here."
"Accompanying the sovereign is like accompanying a tiger," Gu Sinian said coldly.
Even if it was passive, the deeds done could not be undone.
If Emperor Chongwen were to pursue the matter, the entire Qian family would face dire consequences. He truly couldn't fathom how audacious Yuanbao was.
Seeing Gu Sinian's face so cold it could freeze a person solid, Qian Yuanbao couldn't help but shrink his neck and drop his playful demeanor. "I didn't think that much at the time; I was just feeling suffocated, so... I'm not stupid. I asked for the vacant residence next to your house. His Majesty hearing your name would surely pay some attention. I'm your best brother."
Gu Sinian's expression relaxed slightly. Over the years, he had done many things for His Majesty and had always been upright, never flaunting his accomplishments. He had also maintained a distance from his elder cousin.
He was loyal only to His Majesty.
It was precisely because of this that he remained unaffected.
"Let this not happen again," Gu Sinian said.