Chapter 341: Summons
Chapter 341: Chapter 341: Summons
Rong Ruiyuan’s expression froze for a moment when he heard him bring up the matter. The silver he brought was just enough to buy some land in Zhang County; the rest would depend on the offerings from other County Magistrates.
If Gu Baijiang was sensible and handed over his silver, his assets could at least multiply several times.
"Go inform Gu Baijiang that I’ve arrived in Zhang County and have him come quickly to meet me," Rong Ruiyuan thought for a moment and added, "Remember to bring Gu Antong along as well."
Since she was already a shield, she should fulfill her role.
Ming Peifeng also wanted Gu Baijiang to quickly hand over the silver. Along the way, he had given a lot of silver and had personally lent some to Gu Baijiang, with the promise of getting it back several times over.
With that silver, he could at least drink some soup in the aftermath.
The Gu Family hadn’t ventured into the city these past days, and it was unclear what they were busy with at home.
Little did they know, it was because the Gu Family didn’t have much silver, so they were trying to stay in the village to keep expenses down.
Recently, Rong Ruiyuan had not thought of informing the Gu Family either, and he had no intention of meddling.
He instructed someone to go to Tian Village, and only then did Ming Peifeng ask worriedly, "Your Highness, Gu Baijiang has always been dissatisfied about not being able to be reinstated to his official position. He might not compromise easily."
"I’m not afraid of ambitious people, but of those who lack self-awareness. Even if I exhaust all my efforts to help him return to court, neither my father nor the civil and military officials would be willing to see him," Rong Ruiyuan was unwilling to admit his own lack of ability and simply passed the buck.
Ming Peifeng, "What about the eldest master of the Gu Family?"
"He’s not much of a concern. If Gu Baijiang is sensible, and since he helped me once, it’s not impossible for me to support him."
"When they come, you’ll have to cooperate..."
☆
Gu Baijiang came quickly. As soon as he heard that the Third Prince had arrived in Zhang County and wanted to summon him, he immediately changed into his best robes and prepared to enter the city.
The messenger noticed he was alone and said, "Bring the eldest lady of your esteemed mansion along as well."
Gu Antong’s eyes lit up; the Third Prince still remembered her.
Liu Yun quickly and excitedly dressed her up, adorning her with the carefully selected headpieces from before.
Though not particularly luxurious, at least she didn’t look like a village girl anymore.
As the mother and daughter went out, they saw Xu Shuanghong standing with Fan Meilin, who said with an ingratiating smile, "Antong, going out like this looks thin. Let Meilin accompany her to lend a hand."
Gu Antong scrutinized the newly dressed Fan Meiling. She was indeed meticulous, looking seductive and fragile as if her intentions were written all over her face.
Her own status was not yet settled, and these people wanted to undermine her position; their intentions were truly despicable.
Liu Yun’s face darkened, "Do you think just anyone can see the Third Prince?
Lending a hand? There are so many chores at home waiting for you to do, yet you haven’t been very diligent."
"Liu, how dare you speak to me like this?" Xu Shuanghong tried to use her seniority to suppress her. Although she had tried several times, old man Gu Baijiang always favored his own sons, making things hard for stepmothers and even harder for step-grandmothers.
"Madam," Liu Yun didn’t even bother with the usual pleasantries, "we all know what you’re thinking. If you behave appropriately, we are willing to show you respect, but when it’s not proper to extend your hand, you’d better control yourselves, or even my father-in-law won’t tolerate you."
Liu Yun finished speaking and, ignoring their sour faces, led Gu Antong straight to the carriage.
Gu Baijiang was already waiting inside. Seeing the newly groomed Gu Antong, he nodded with satisfaction and invited the eldest couple onto the carriage with a wave.
The second family was displeased. Gu Kaichen quickly stepped forward, "Dad, let us go too."
"What for? Stay here and guard the house." Gu Baijiang glared at him and kindly beckoned the small grandson behind him, "An Wei, you can come along."
Xu Yulan was delighted. Whether they went or not didn’t matter, but if their son could make an impression in front of the Third Prince, that was a great thing.
As for the eldest son, Gu Anliang, he didn’t step forward even though he wanted to go. He knew his grandfather had already made arrangements and intended to balance the two families.
When he saw Liu Yun about to speak, he quickly stopped her with his eyes and shook his head. At such a critical time, no disputes should arise.
Xu Shuanghong pushed her daughter forward, but Gu Baijiang gave her a cold look, "Madam, please take care of the house."
After saying this, Gu Baijiang immediately lowered the curtain. He hadn’t even arranged the Gu Family’s affairs; why would he care about Xu Shuanghong and her daughter?
The Prince especially instructed that Antong should come this time, so he had to reassess the value of this granddaughter. Some past thoughts could only be set aside now; he couldn’t alienate his granddaughter.
Gu Kaichen watched with wide eyes as the carriage pulled away, then walked off in a huff. He had no standing at home and might as well go to the next village to play.
Xu Yulan was indifferent to his departure. Better not to be at home, always hanging around that little cutie.
He was already like that, yet still not behaving. Even if he managed to charm someone, she’d still be a chicken that couldn’t lay eggs.
Watching the Gu Family members leave one by one, Xu Shuanghong and her daughter stood frozen, wondering what they’d been scheming for.
Fan Meibao crossed her arms and laughed, "See, all your scheming, and it’s still all for nothing."
Humming a tune, she went back inside. Since things were the way they were, she might as well enjoy herself. No one in the Gu Family dared assign tasks to her anymore because she really would go berserk, and when she did, it frightened everyone. This was pretty good...
Gu Kaiyuan knew the Gu Family was heading into the city but didn’t care. After all the consideration, the name Gu Xingyang had been settled.
Now, he was holding little Xingyang in the courtyard, enjoying the sun. According to Suihe, sunlight is good for the child, and Nanny Pang didn’t object, only advised to stay out of the wind to avoid the child catching a chill.
The current sunlight was just right as the father and daughter pleasantly sat together, chatting now and then.
"Daddy, aren’t you curious about the Gu Family going into the city?"
"Is our little girl curious?" He didn’t treat the little Gu Xingyang in his arms like a baby, discussing some family matters with her.
Of course, only when she was awake. The little baby, even when awake and full of energy, still had much sleep time.
"Does Daddy know?"
"I know a little," Gu Kaiyuan thought himself quite modest, "The Third Prince has arrived, perhaps asking for silver again."
Gu Xingyang’s small mouth grinned, "Daddy, what do you think they’ll do when they find the silver gone?"
Gu Kaiyuan squinted into the distance, "What will they do? Nothing they can do..."