"Father, my second brother is just stubborn. Perhaps he's just having a moment of confusion. Please don't be upset. In time, he will surely understand," Gu Siya said, comforting Gu Changwei.
His attentiveness made Gu Sinian seem even more unreasonable.
"What sin has my Gu family committed in a past life to have a descendant as scheming as you!" the Old Madam Gu said coldly, looking at Gu Siya. "The Gu family will be ruined by you sooner or later!"
"Mother, please don't speak about Aya like that. He has always respected you. If you say such things, he will be very hurt," Gu Changwei couldn't help but defend Gu Siya.
The Old Madam Gu sneered, "I have failed your father! From now on, do not appear before me. I do not wish to see you!"
With that, the Old Madam Gu, leaning on the arm of a nearby wet nurse, walked away shakily.
"Father, it's all my fault." Gu Siya watched the Old Madam Gu's retreating back, a look of guilt on his face.
"This has nothing to do with you. Your grandmother doesn't understand now, but she will in the future. The Gu family will not be ruined; it will reach greater heights," Gu Changwei patted Gu Siya's shoulder. "From now on, the title of heir is yours. Rest assured, Father will strive to give you even more."
Whether it was the heir of the Duke's mansion or the heir of the Prince's mansion, in short, he wanted to give the best to Aya.
"Father, I will always remember your kindness to me," Gu Siya said with gratitude.
Internally, however, he felt indifferent. His feelings towards Gu Changwei were the complete opposite of what he showed.
He appeared to revere Gu Changwei, but in his heart, he resented him.
A man who couldn't even control his own life, who couldn't protect the woman he loved.
His mother's tragic fate was partly due to Madam Qin, partly due to that old hag, but the greater fault lay with Gu Changwei.
Furthermore, he claimed to be deeply devoted, unable to forget his mother. Yet, hadn't he brought his aunt into the mansion? Not only that, but his aunt was also close to giving birth.
If he were truly devoted, truly in love.
How could he?
Moreover, his aunt was never a simple person.
She already bore some resemblance to his mother, and now she was deliberately imitating his mother's attire and mannerisms. He had heard more than once from those around Gu Changwei about how loving they were.
They also spoke of how much Gu Changwei anticipated the child in his aunt's womb.
While claiming Gu Siya was his most cherished child, he eagerly awaited the child of another woman.
Gu Siya sneered inwardly, but his expression became even gentler.
Everything in this mansion belonged to him and his mother. He would protect it well.
After Gu Sinian left the Duke's mansion, he did not return directly to the Gu residence. Instead, he went to the government office to officially register the document severing their family ties.
Thus, their relationship was completely severed.
The officials at the government office recognized Gu Sinian but did not dare to ask any questions.
They could only speculate about what had happened between Gu Sinian and Gu Changwei, to the extent that not only was their father-son relationship broken, but Gu Sinian was also expelled from the Gu clan. After all, it was usually after committing heinous crimes that a clan, fearing implication, would expel the offender.
Gu Sinian…
It seemed unlikely.
There had been no news of Gu Sinian doing anything recently.
Truly, strange things happened every year, but this year was particularly unusual! Gu Sinian was highly regarded by His Majesty. Had Gu Changwei been kicked by a donkey?
Or perhaps his head was filled with water!
Otherwise, it was inexplicable!
Gu Sinian ignored the officials' subtly curious gazes. After cupping his hands in thanks, he declared sonorously, "From now on, my Gu family has no relationship with the Huguo Duke's mansion, nor with the Gu clan of Jinzhou. From this day forward, I am the patriarch of the Gu clan in the capital."
After speaking, Gu Sinian strode out of the government office, not bothering to ask the officials to keep it a secret.
Therefore, the matter quickly spread throughout the capital.