Chapter 319: Traveling Together
Chapter 319: Chapter 319: Traveling Together
Though adopted, we’re still of the same clan, and if the Third Prince can’t ascend to that position, the Gu Family will be in great danger.
If they end up implicated like Mrs. Zhou, that would be truly unfair.
"I’ve been discussing with the clan leader these days, but there are many differing opinions within the family.
Some fear that if the Gu Family reinstates its official position, it will come after them for revenge. Hence, they prefer to keep things quiet, plus having family members in court serves as a deterrent to others."
Bai Suihe furrowed her brows, "Have you not mentioned the pros and cons to them?"
"It’s ultimately about interests," Kai Yuan came to realize, even though Gu Baijiang hasn’t extended any support to the Gu Family, as long as he is in court, the local officials dare not excessively trouble the Gu Family.
Sometimes, just having that name can solve many problems, like taxes and military service; they tend to show leniency for Gu Baijiang’s sake.
"What does the clan leader say?" Bai Suihe knows there is opposition, which surely isn’t minor, and fears more people will be persuaded.
"He’s hesitating, he wishes to return to his homeland, but some people don’t want the hassle, thinking since we’re here already, we should stay."
Bai Suihe said, "This is indeed difficult, if it doesn’t work out, we’ll go our own way from the family."
But doing this may burden them with a bad reputation.
"Don’t worry," Kai Yuan reassured, "I didn’t intend to upset you, but there’s a way out."
Bai Suihe was silent.
"Today, I spoke with my granduncle about ways big families share risks and preserve their lineage."
Bai Suihe didn’t understand, she’s just an average person, unaware of the complexities within big families.
"That means some people plan ahead," Kai Yuan continued without reservation, "it’s known among big families, that being close to the sovereign is like being close to a tiger, you never know when the axe might fall, so every few generations, they secretly branch out."
Bai Suihe realized, "This has to be done secretly, preparations must start from birth, it’s not suitable for us now, is it?"
Kai Yuan said, "Although that’s true, the clan’s records are with my granduncle, how they are written is up to him."
Bai Suihe thought of the old family records, "It might be hard to change them, right?"
"Given the journey, it’s normal for records to suffer some damage, we can completely transcribe a new one," Kai Yuan has shared the method with Gu Li, now it’s up to him.
"But we and the Gu Family... everyone in the capital knows about our relationship."
"As long as we don’t return to the capital soon, who will get picky about it?"
With time, or once things settle in court, no one will pay much attention to them.
"Don’t you want to hold power like in your past life?" Bai Suihe probed regretfully; Kai Yuan indeed has military talents, otherwise, he would not have quickly risen to be the Great General.
Kai Yuan replied, "That was for revenge; power doesn’t mean much to me, in this life, I just want to protect you all."
Kai Yuan gazed intensely at Bai Suihe, taking the opportunity to show his loyalty.
Bai Suihe felt a bit uneasy under his gaze, she quickly turned away, staring at the ceiling, "Won’t you regret it?"
"You want me to be an official?" If Bai Suihe wants him to, he can strive for it.
Bai Suihe quickly shook her head, the battlefield is brutal, and rising as a soldier is extremely difficult. Even though power is enticing in this era, it’s also deadly.
"In the coming times of turmoil, getting involved will mean becoming cannon fodder, we might as well nurture the children."
Bai Suihe truly thinks this way; in this unknown era, no one can predict the future, she’s unaware of history’s progress, better to stay hidden.
As for the future of their descendants, that’s their own life decisions to make.
The couple talked a bit more before slowly falling asleep.
☆
The departure of the Zhou Family still agitated some people; those who didn’t leave are eager to move.
Kai Yuan received many emissaries who disregarded Bai Suihe’s current health, promoting Kai Yuan vigorously, but he turned them all away.
The Gu Family knows Kai Yuan wants to stay, and this is discussed too.
However, no one could convince Kai Yuan, so all hopes were pinned on Gu Baijiang.
Gu Baijiang hasn’t gotten what he wanted, nor any promises, naturally, he won’t easily agree to leave.
Once he returns, much of his silver must be handed over, and then the Third Prince gets his desires, without much sentiment for him, this much he understands.
While not a complete falling out, at most he could maintain a wealthy lifestyle, not what he desires.
"You all stop talking, wait for news from Lord Ming." Gu Baijiang said and stepped out, only to see Zhou Gang and Chen Dafu heading towards him.
"Mr. Gu, just talking of finding you, didn’t expect we’d really think alike." Chen Dafu said with a cheerful smile, as if past clashes between their families never existed.
"You two are packing to leave, what brings you here?"
Gu Baijiang was feeling irritable, not in the mood to deal with them.
"Mr. Gu, now we’re all free, seldom do we come to Lingnan, how about we explore?" Chen Dafu smiled, "After such a hard journey here, we should enjoy the scenery."
Gu Baijiang looked at him suspiciously, "Mr. Chen seems quite interested, but my old body and bones won’t accompany you, you may invite Mr. Zhou, have a companion."
Zhou Gang waved quickly, "Mountains everywhere, what’s the interest?
Mr. Gu, I’m here to ask when you return to the capital, so we may travel together."
"My plans aren’t settled, don’t hold up Mr. Zhou, perhaps find someone else." Gu Baijiang was highly wary of those around him, knowing many desire his life and silver, a bit of caution, lest his life be lost unknowingly.
"Ah, no joke, my stepmother’s already ahead, the journey’s hardships, we’ve all faced, we’re just thinking larger numbers could embolden." Zhou Gang knows this isn’t secret, he candidly shared hoping for some sympathy, and harming that stepmother’s reputation a bit.
"But our return time’s uncertain, don’t want to delay your plans," Gu Baijiang wishes the people would leave quickly, so he could enjoy peace.