Chapter 344: News
Chapter 344: Chapter 344: News
The descendants of the Chen Family remained silent, harboring inner dissatisfaction. Being exiled was already unlucky enough, yet the old man constantly assigned them so many tasks.
Clearly, the family was not short on silver, yet they were still scrimping in every way. Just look at the life others are leading in comparison to theirs—there’s simply no comparison.
"So you deliberately fail to report things," Chen Dafu felt his hands itch, having not disciplined these rascals for some time, their skin seemed to be itching too.
"It’s not like that, their speed was too fast, and it was a carriage from the county that came to pick them up," Mrs. Chen explained in support, "They only have two legs, how could they outrun a horse, so I didn’t let them follow."
"Foolish," Chen Dafu cursed, "What kind of carriage was it?"
"A horse-drawn carriage," Eldest Chen clapped his hands, "I remember now, I’ve seen that carriage before. Previously, when I saw the county magistrate traveling, it was that very carriage."
Not many families in the entire county own carriages, and Xu County Magistrate’s carriage was somewhat distinctive, appearing sturdier than others.
"Xu County Magistrate?" Chen Dafu felt slightly relieved; if it was Xu Zitian, there would be no major issue. He was one of the students under Lord Grand Tutor along with Lu, both notoriously stubborn, and surely wouldn’t conspire with the Gu Family. What puzzled him was why Gu Baijiang was involved.
"Yes, it was Xu County Magistrate’s carriage. Dad, don’t you remember when you and I went to the town last time, we overheard some people discussing that the color of that carriage was deeper and more heavy-duty compared to others?" Eldest Chen confidently stated, his mind was not the sharpest, but he had a good memory.
Chen Dafu thought for a while but still felt uneasy, "No, I still need to go to the town to have a look.
During this period, the Gu Family hasn’t left the village, and we haven’t gone shopping in quite some time. Eldest, go borrow the ox cart from the village head."
Why borrow from the village head instead of those who were also exiled? Chen Dafu wouldn’t admit that he couldn’t get along with those people, often exchanging sharp words, so he’d rather spend a few copper coins borrowing from the village head.
"Borrow the cart this time?" Eldest Chen found it a bit unbelievable, "Dad, then give me the copper coins."
Chen Dafu glared at him; none of these sons could be relied upon, always taking even a penny from him, but he still pulled out five copper coins from his chest for him, "Hurry up and return, let’s also think about it, and take advantage of this time to buy more grains."
Since the cart was borrowed, they might as well bring more goods, otherwise, it wouldn’t be cost-effective.
"Master, how about I go to the town with you," Mrs. Chen hadn’t been to the town since arriving here, and she wanted to see the marketplace.
Chen Dafu respected his wife, thought for a moment, and nodded, "Bring the little ones along too. Since we’ve come, let them see the local customs."
Borrowing the ox cart didn’t incur extra fare, so they all decided to go.
Sure enough, as soon as this was said, everyone was eager. In the end, except for a few able-bodied men who could walk to the town in the future, everyone else got onto the ox cart.
The village head’s ox cart was different from the ones they bought during exile; it didn’t have a full carriage, just a plank, forcing the Chen Family to crowd onto it. It was a bit chilly when the wind blew.
The women immediately regretted coming out; knowing how cold it was, it might have been warmer to stay at home.
For the sake of the children, they sat on the outermost edges, enduring the cold until they reached the town.
Upon inquiring further, Chen Dafu realized the situation wasn’t good.
The Third Prince arrived, and the county magistrate was replaced.
It was said Xu Zitian was at home recuperating, but who knew if he was under house arrest by the Third Prince?
This was a significant matter, and Chen Dafu, thinking about it, didn’t dare delay, letting Mrs. Chen take the children to shop while he quietly entered a small courtyard.
When he came out later, he was a bit angry; the one who stayed there waiting for news was too simple-minded, not even passing the county’s news along to him, just foolishly waiting there for him to proactively reach out.
"Sir, please don’t be angry," the honest man scratched his head, "I’ve already received word, our boss will be coming over tomorrow."
Chen Dafu turned around, glaring at him, "Do you still have a carrier pigeon?"
Almost driven mad by this naive guy, he forgot about this option.
"Yes, I still have one."
Chen Dafu immediately turned back to the courtyard, "Quick, prepare the ink and brush; I have something to report."
After the carrier pigeon flew away, he gave a few final instructions, unsure of letting him out to gather information, so he left him to guard the courtyard, planning to return the next day.
It seemed this year wouldn’t pass peacefully.
...
Over on this side, Gu Kaiyuan quickly received the news, and at night, the couple huddled together discussing it on the kang bed.
Originally Bai Suihe was in postpartum confinement, and Nanny Pang suggested he rest in another room, but Gu Kaiyuan insisted on personally looking after his wife and daughter, thick-skinned and staying put.
Seeing their loving relationship, Nanny Pang didn’t interfere, as the young lady was easy to look after, she wasn’t worried they couldn’t handle it.
"Do you think the Third Prince has control over Xu County Magistrate?"
Neither of them knew the answer to this, even their people stationed in the county couldn’t obtain this information.
For someone who was perfectly fine to suddenly fall sick and have the county magistrate position taken away, what foolish move did the Third Prince make?
He was currently a powerless prince with a shaved head, without the authority to remove officials.
"Far from the imperial capital, this Third Prince is overreaching," Bai Suihe thought of some cinematic scenes where villains ran rampant, which often mirrored reality.
"I seem to recall you mentioning that this Xu County Magistrate wasn’t without backing; doesn’t the Third Prince fear this?" Bai Suihe’s curiosity was piqued.
Gu Kaiyuan, "That will depend on how the Third Prince handles things. In Lingnan, many officials reportedly die of illness, and as long as he covers his tracks well, even Lord Grand Tutor might not know."
"What’s his goal with such actions? Buying more land here?" Of course, Bai Suihe knew Gu Kaiyuan’s upcoming plans.
This was another perk of being reborn; many things could be anticipated beforehand.
Starting from this event, the emperor would send troops to patrol this area continuously. Moreover, once anyone reported the positions of bandits, troops would be dispatched for cleanup, and the informant would be rewarded. Consequently, over the next few years, peace would return to this region.
Efforts to develop this area would lead to major road constructions, and eventually, maritime transport would reach new heights.
Because of this, several noble families began purchasing land, foreseeing the skyrocketing land prices in the coming years.
Previously, land in this area was worth little, but soon it would be out of reach.
As a prince, Rong Ruiyuan had access to better information channels than most people. His choice to take on this mission and the stir he caused in the county explained everything.