Chapter 346: Status and Title
Chapter 346: Chapter 346: Status and Title
Gu Kaiping’s face was filled with joy, it seems the engagement with the Third Prince is certain.
Liu Yun tightly held her daughter’s hand, finally, the tough days are over.
From now on, her daughter will be part of the royal family, even if they return to the capital now, no one would dare look down on them.
Only An Tong remained calm, timely pretending to be shy, covering her face with a handkerchief, but her flushed ears were still visible.
Gu Baijiang looked back at his granddaughter, immediately turned back respectfully to Rong Ruiyuan, saying, "Since childhood, my granddaughter has been showered with love and attention, I’m afraid she won’t be able to do servant’s work."
Liu Yun was inwardly furious, what was her father-in-law trying to do? Was he belittling her daughter, implying that she’d be serving others?
It was An Tong who, seeing her about to speak, quickly grabbed her arm and whispered in her ear, "Mother, listen to Grandfather."
The entire Gu Family is tied together, and she believed Gu Baijiang would never harm her.
Rong Ruiyuan’s gaze flickered slightly, "I wouldn’t bear it, I wish to welcome Miss Gu to the residence as a concubine."
Gu Baijiang was internally relieved, after all, it was still a position as a concubine, which is a rank.
Yet his face showed difficulty, "Your Highness, you know that’s not what I mean, it’s because we are insignificant now, her father also doesn’t have a promising future, currently without any official position, it might negatively influence Your Highness."
The sincerity in these words was palpable. If not for the previous reluctance, Rong Ruiyuan might have believed it.
"Lord Gu overthinks this, this is my personal matter and cannot be questioned by others.
I know that having Miss Gu enter the residence like this may wrong her, once she bears children for me, I’ll find a way to elevate her status."
An Tong’s palm tightened, and now her face showed no trace of shyness. If he truly cherished her, how could he discuss marriage in front of her like this and make such promises?
She knew Rong Ruiyuan’s intentions were impure, but now he treated her like a commodity to negotiate over, completely shattering her last strand of expectation.
To the Third Prince, women seemed insignificant compared to benefits.
Simultaneously, her heart grew cold and determined. Since it’s a transaction, she’d need to fully demonstrate her value, ensuring that no one could look down on her in the future.
The Gu Family, father and son, rejoiced as Rong Ruiyuan finally gave them a direct promise.
Rising from a concubine’s position to at least a side consort, and if An Tong were fortunate, even the title of Princess Consort wasn’t out of the question.
"Thank you, Your Highness," before Gu Baijiang could say anything, Gu Kaiping, the father, excitedly stepped forward and knelt down, "This sinful minister is ready to go all out in loyalty to Your Highness."
"Young Lord Gu, please rise," Rong Ruiyuan said, relaxing now that he knew the conversation had concluded, "I still have some matters on this side, at most after the New Year, we’ll immediately head back to the capital.
You need not prepare anything on your end, I will have everything ready."
Ming Peifeng stepped forward to congratulate, "Congratulations to Lord Gu, congratulations to Miss Gu."
Gu Baijiang, in good spirits, returned the salute, "Previously, thanks to Lord Ming’s care, your kindness to our family has been well remembered, and we will repay it in due time."
"Think nothing of it," Ming Peifeng laughed. Gu Baijiang simply needed to fulfill his promises when the time came, and he’d be satisfied.
Seeing the matter resolved, Rong Ruiyuan excused himself saying there were matters at the yamen, and left first.
Soon, a banquet was brought in, and the Gu Family enjoyed a lavish meal before returning to the village overjoyed.
"Your Highness, do we really have to wait until after the New Year?" Ming Peifeng asked anxiously after everyone had left.
There had already been much commotion in Zhang County, and news had spread from the brokerage that many wealthy families were preparing to sell their properties. Everyone was waiting to see, with nobody acting first.
If they continued to hold off, eventually prices would drop, and without enough silver to acquire properties, who knew who might benefit then.
Rong Ruiyuan said, "No rush, I’m still on official business. Returning too early would surely raise suspicions.
Prepare yourself as well, so Gu Baijiang and his group can disguise themselves when traveling, further confusing the spies around them."
During this outing, under the pretense of official duty, he brought many skilled hands, not only clearing bandits from the route but also eliminating some lackeys. Those who attacked the Gu Family were either dealt with by him or fled.
Now, Zhang County wasn’t entirely under control, but many issues had been cleared. The recent calmness in the town showed these people had been frightened.
"Will Gu Baijiang truly hand over the items upon his return?"
If he were Gu Baijiang, he likely wouldn’t be that straightforward.
Rong Ruiyuan said, "That depends on whether he’s smart enough. If he’s proactive and causes no trouble, I certainly won’t let the Gu Family suffer in the future."
Ming Peifeng asked, "Should we continue to station men at Tian Village?"
He was already short-handed, eager to recall the men stationed at Tian Village.
"Not for the moment. I’ve cleared out many recently. Even if there’s a straggler or two, they wouldn’t dare risk their lives at Tian Village." Rong Ruiyuan recalled previous intelligence, "Is Gu Baijiang’s third son truly skilled at martial arts?"
"He has some skills," Ming Peifeng’s eyes flickered, "Mainly thanks to those two guards sent by the Bai Family, both are skilled."
With a granddaughter already in the backyard, the last thing needed was for his son to be around the master. Otherwise, the master’s circle would be filled with the Gu Family.
For now, he managed to maintain a peaceful relationship with Gu Baijiang, but after previous difficulties, who knew if there’d be a lingering grudge?
Thus, it was best not to let the Gu Family grow too arrogant before their value was fully exploited.
"I see," Rong Ruiyuan chuckled, "I hadn’t heard of his talents in the capital, it seems it’s mere hearsay."
Ming Peifeng discreetly wiped his forehead. Although the prince had sent him to protect the Gu Family, he didn’t fully trust him and had likely placed many spies among them.
He had certainly not mentioned anything about Gu Kaiyuan, yet the prince nonetheless knew. If he ever discovered who the informant was, he’d have to deal with them severely.
Ming Peifeng continued, "Gu Kaiyuan, being unappreciative, with the escort agency invited by the Bai Family to protect them, yet due to minor disputes with the Gu Family, refused to lend a hand during the ambush.
I appealed to him to set aside his differences and help us, but he rejected it." Ming Peifeng discreetly cast aspersions, believing Gu Kaiyuan was the greatest threat to the Gu Family.
"Such ingratitude, he’ll not accompany us back to the capital then."
"He wouldn’t join anyway. Gu Kaiyuan’s already modified his registration at the yamen, officially joining the Bai Family as a son-in-law."
Rong Ruiyuan was then somewhat puzzled, "Why would he consider becoming a son-in-law?"