One-Year Reprieve

Moreover, Xu Weibei was well aware of her feelings for the Gu family.

There's absolutely no need to sow discord.

Gu Yuanshi, however, did not think so. He repeatedly emphasized to Gu Wanning that she must not be led astray by Xu Weibei.

"Gu Wanning, only by staying true to your original intentions can you achieve a peaceful divorce!"

Gu Wanning: "... Okay, I won't forget. It's perfect that you're here. I was originally planning to go home to find you, but now I don't need to."

"What's wrong?" Gu Yuanshi took a sip of tea.

He was arguing with his son-in-law this morning, and now he's trying to persuade his daughter with all his heart; he's really thirsty.

Let me show you something first.

Gu Wanning led Gu Yuanshi to the back garden.

"What is this?" Gu Yuanshi looked at the Corn, his eyes filled with curiosity.

He was eager to learn, including but not limited to knowledge from books.

He cared about people's livelihoods, so he knew about many plants from different places, but he was certain he had never seen this one before.

"This is called Corn. It can be used as a staple food. Although it can't compare to refined grains like wheat and rice, it has the advantage of high yield, which can feed more people. It can also be used to feed poultry and livestock... It has many benefits."

"Really? Where did you get this?" Gu Yuanshi's eyes lit up.

He was somewhat idealistic, dreaming of saving the world from suffering, ensuring that people were well-fed and clothed, and ultimately achieving higher levels of education.

When the granaries are full, people know etiquette; he is taking the first step.

Idealistic people are more likely to accept new things because they are hopeful.

"I bought these seeds for one hundred taels of silver at a general store," Gu Wanning said. "They were expensive, but worth it."

"How do we eat it? The stalks? Or this?" Gu Yuanshi asked, pointing to the Corn cob.

Gu Wanning then gave him a detailed introduction, from the planting season to the yield to how to eat it, doing everything she could remember.

"If this Corn is truly as good as you say," Gu Yuanshi, his hands trembling with excitement, "Gu Wanning, do you know how much benefit you will bring to all living beings!"

Gu Wanning lowered her eyes, avoiding his excited gaze, and said softly, "Father, you have the world in your heart, but I only have myself in mine."

"Gu Wanning, what... what do you want to say? Are you trying to keep something from me?" Gu Yuanshi was stunned.

"I didn't mean to hide anything. I just thought I could use this to exchange for some money as a means to make a living in the future. But Father, I'm very tired now, and I want to get a divorce first..."

Mentioning the divorce, Gu Yuanshi looked ashamed. "It's all my fault, Gu Wanning. You've suffered so much."

Even he himself couldn't stand Xu Weibei's crazy outburst in court today, let alone his daughter who was with him day and night and had to endure it.

"Dad, I'm not that miserable, but I don't want to depend on anyone and live at their mercy. So, if I were to use Corn to exchange for a chance at a divorce, do you think there's any hope?"

"Well, let me think about it..."

Xu Weibei stood behind the archway leading to the garden and heard the conversation between the father and daughter Gu Wanqing.

Despite the lingering heat of late summer, he felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave.

It turns out that Gu Wanning still wanted a divorce.

She was no longer as confrontational as before, and he thought she had given up the idea of divorce; he thought they had reconciled.

It turns out, it was all wishful thinking on his part.

In order to leave, Gu Wanning didn't even want the money; she just wanted to get away as soon as possible.

But what heinous crime had he committed to make her hate him so much?

He did do some things wrong before, but he's trying to correct them. Why won't she give him a chance?

For the first time, Xu Weibei felt boundless frustration and helplessness because of a woman, because of his unrequited love.

Even if he could conquer new territories and be the bravest warrior in the army, none of that could win back her heart.

Gu Wanning, what can I do to make you give up the idea of divorce and live a good life with me?

This was the first time he had ever thought about a relationship that would last forever.

This was also the closest he had ever been to home since his parents passed away.

But now, he doesn't even dare to show his face, fearing that Gu Wanning will treat him even more resolutely.

He loved, loved humbly, loved cautiously.

He also mocked Qin Lie, saying he hadn't expected the boomerang to arrive so quickly.

Corn, Corn... It's all Corn's fault! Xu Weibei just wants to burn all the Corn to the ground!

Chapter 85 One-year probation

But Xu Weibei dared not.

Because he knew better than anyone else that it wasn't just Corn; it was Gu Wanning's hope for the future, it was her life.

Now, besides being sad, he is mostly afraid.

Before he could figure out how to keep her, he was afraid that the Old Thief Gu would just take her away.

He was in a state of utter confusion, completely unsure how to keep Gu Wanning with him.

But this time, the one who gave him a chance to live was Gu Yuanshi, whom he hated the most.

"Is what you told Father true?" After his initial elation, Gu Yuanshi couldn't believe it. "You wouldn't be lying to Father just to get a divorce, would you?"

"I do want a divorce, but I wouldn't resort to any means necessary," Gu Wanning said. "I wouldn't joke about matters concerning people's livelihoods."

"Can it really be widely adopted?" Gu Yuanshi was uncertain.

"Yes," Gu Wanning said decisively. "I was told that Corn is very adaptable and can be grown in many places. I've already planted a lot outside the Capital this year. Those planted later will take more than a month to mature, and I'll ask Father to come with me to check the yield then."

If she could, she wouldn't mind letting the Emperor witness it with his own eyes.

"Father, may you ask the Emperor to leave the palace?" Gu Wanning asked again.

"Not suitable." Gu Yuanshi shook his head.

"Gu Wanning, I know you don't want to live with the Marquis anymore, and I don't want you to live in misery, but this matter of divorce really needs to be considered carefully."

The Emperor has already sent a swift rebuke; we can't keep harping on it. We need to wait a while, until we have a pretext to bring it up again.