Chapter 342: Preparations
Chapter 342: Chapter 342: Preparations
Gu Kaiyuan’s tone was indifferent, as if he were talking about someone else.
"That Third Prince is not a good man. If he doesn’t get what he wants, he might resort to harsh measures.
Father, we should be prepared early."
Gu Kaiyuan didn’t think Baby was being overly worried. These royal nobles were fond of venting their anger on others.
He had already married into the Bai Family, but he was still a member of the Gu Family, with Gu blood coursing through him. These nobles loved to uproot threats entirely, and he was just that crooked root they might want to dig out and eliminate.
"Don’t worry, at least he won’t dare to act openly. If he tries something in secret, then we can have a duel." Gu Kaiyuan hadn’t been idle these days; Yun Ni, who had escorted them here, had already settled with a group of brothers nearby.
These people in Shangjing were just some rangers, constantly fighting and having no settled place. Now that he’s providing them with money to settle, and willing to hire them as martial masters to train some children and guards, most of them were willing to stay.
As for a few, everyone has their own aspirations, and he didn’t force them, giving them enough silver to leave properly.
If it ever gets to that, Yun Ni and the others can come to help.
Besides, the Third Prince now thinks he is just a destitute person who was driven out, not worth much attention, and would target the Gu Family first.
"Hmm, I will protect mother."
"You little heartless thing, won’t you protect your father?" Gu Kaiyuan lightly tapped her little nose, speaking with a slightly sour tone.
"Father’s martial arts are amazing; you can definitely slaughter enemies everywhere." Gu Xingyang giggled and said.
Flattery never fails, and as expected, it made Gu Kaiyuan happy at once.
Gu Kaiyuan was proud inwardly; in his daughter’s heart, he was indeed mighty.
Father and daughter laughed under the sun, which also brought a knowing smile to Bai Suihe, who was sitting inside looking out through the window.
This father and daughter, even at this short distance, of course, she heard everything.
If once she was worried about those assassinations, since Nanny Pang came, Bai Suihe felt more assured.
Gu Family enters the city
Gu Baijiang tidied his clothes before being the first to step down from the carriage.
He couldn’t remember the last time he took a carriage. Indeed, power is intoxicating.
"Move faster," he didn’t forget to urge his offspring, "Talk less, listen more."
"Yes," Gu Kaiping was also excited, quickly wiping his face and regaining composure.
"Lord Gu, come inside," Ming Peifeng this time, dressed in his County Magistrate official robe, came to welcome them.
Seeing Ming Peifeng in his official robe, the eyes of the Gu father and son narrowed slightly, but Gu Baijiang quickly composed himself, cupped his hands, and smiled, "Congratulations to Lord Ming. Why didn’t you let us know about such a great occasion so we could prepare a congratulatory gift?"
"Lord Gu, you’re joking. This is merely due to His Highness’s favor, granting me such a small position. I believe with your capabilities, your future will surely be bright."
Ming Peifeng had been by the Third Prince’s side for many years, and getting such a position of real power, possibly having some say in the future, stirred him. He finally emerged from obscurity, ready to bring glory to his family.
But the more it was so, the more composed he remained these days, even flattering Gu Baijiang, whom he never held in high regard.
"Lord Gu, His Highness has been waiting. Let’s go inside first."
"Lord Ming, when did His Highness arrive?" Gu Baijiang asked casually, assuming Rong Ruiyuan had arrived no earlier than yesterday.
Ming Peifeng’s eyes flashed slightly, "Not long ago; you know His Highness has many affairs to attend to, and hasn’t stopped to rest since arriving in this county."
"His Highness has worked hard!!"
Ming Peifeng, "..." Indeed, quite hard; the county’s rich families hadn’t stopped sending women to the back yard these days. His Highness is now surrounded by beauties and can’t help but indulge.
Saying this, he couldn’t help but glance at the girl standing behind Gu Kaiping. This Gu Family girl was indeed pretty, but the girls sent into the back courtyard were all individually outstanding, some even came with dowries. What would this Miss Gu bring?
Once they entered the government residence’s backyard, it looked somewhat different from the outside; this backyard was rather simple, with just a few rooms and a small courtyard, feeling a bit cramped.
"Is His Highness staying here?" Gu Baijiang seemed disapproving, "Lord Ming, even if you were more frugal, you could’ve arranged for an inn. How can His Highness be treated so poorly?"
Ming Peifeng silently cursed; this old fellow had wicked thoughts, subtly setting traps right upon meeting.
"Lord Gu misunderstands; this was all per His Highness’s instructions. He is here on a mission and shouldn’t be too conspicuous.
Moreover, this place is quite sufficient; though small, it is well-equipped, enough for His Highness’s needs."
While talking, they had already reached the main room; perhaps someone had informed them inside, for just as they stepped into the courtyard, Rong Ruiyuan came out of the room, followed by two beautiful handmaidens.
Gu Antong, seeing this, nearly twisted her embroidered handkerchief to shreds but could only follow her elders in saluting.
"Alright, you may rise." Rong Ruiyuan scrutinized the family, seeing they hadn’t suffered much during the journey.
Gu Baijiang knew these were just pleasantries.
He executed a proper salute with the Gu Family, then stood aside to listen to the instructions.
"It’s been a while, Lord Gu, and you’ve grown distant from this Prince," Rong Ruiyuan sighed.
"I know you’re resentful of this Prince for not getting you reinstated at court. There’s no point saying much. After all, it was indeed my failure to keep my promises. All I can do is find ways to compensate in the future."
"Your Highness, you’re too kind. This is simply my fate. Moreover, in my current state, I’m estranged from the court, and I’ve somewhat resigned myself to it." Gu Baijiang slightly regretted that he had tidied himself up too well, he should have looked a bit more haggard.
"Regardless, it’s my fault for breaking my promise. This is a token from the capital; I hope Lord Gu will accept my apology!"
The more humbly Rong Ruiyuan presented himself, the more anxious Gu Baijiang felt. The Third Prince left no room for retreat.
"I don’t dare." Gu Baijiang immediately knelt, "Your Highness, you’re overwhelming me."
"Please rise, Lord Gu," Rong Ruiyuan personally helped him up, "You’ve suffered because of this Prince. Sadly, my power is limited, and I couldn’t seek justice for you. I made many efforts in the palace to persuade the Emperor to issue an amnesty due to the Empress Dowager’s grand birthday, which indeed was unjust to you.
This time, I’m here under imperial orders to suppress bandits; since the journey was relatively smooth, I seized the opportunity to see how you’re doing here."