Chapter 347: Discussion
Chapter 347: Chapter 347: Discussion
What decent man would choose to marry into a family, unless he himself had a problem or couldn’t survive otherwise.
Though Gu Baijiang has faced some hardships on this journey, he hasn’t skimped on using silver to support this big family.
To push a good son out the door, without even using his brain to think, how could the Bai Family truly neglect their legitimate daughter? If they win them over, why fear lack of silver?
Their expenses on this journey far exceed those of the Prince Mansion; if it weren’t for the profits, why would he care about the lives of those greedy, ignorant people of the Gu Family.
Thinking that he hasn’t even received that silver yet but has already spent so much, Rong Ruiyuan felt even more annoyed, he’d been so difficult, yet Gu Baijiang hadn’t considered being more understanding.
"Gu Kaiyuan was unfairly treated in the Gu Family, plus the Bai Family’s wealth could provide him a superior life, hence he married in," Ming Peifeng shared his guess, "Your Highness, should we offer the Bai Family an olive branch?"
Rong Ruiyuan didn’t even consider it, he directly shook his head, "Father most dislikes Prince’s competing with the people for profits and is even less willing to see us colluding with merchants. The plan was to gradually bring the Bai Family under control through the Gu Family, but who would’ve thought the Gu Family was so foolish."
Speaking of this, Rong Ruiyuan was full of resentment. When he drew in Gu Baijiang, he had this calculation in mind, but it was all disrupted, and he couldn’t say anything.
"That’s really a pity, I heard Mrs. Bai continuously sends things over here for her daughter.
Not only people but also money, as if to supplement a new dowry."
Ming Peifeng felt letting the Bai Family go was somewhat regrettable, "Actually, there’s another roundabout way, should I try to forge ties with those merchants?"
Rong Ruiyuan felt somewhat tempted, as he was in desperate need of silver now.
But it was also risky, this was Father’s biggest taboo, if he actually crossed the line, even if Father didn’t find out, his brothers would be eager to step on him.
"Forget it, once the Gu Family returns to the capital with me, we’ll have silver, we’ll speak of other matters later."
To sit on that throne, one must have continuous financial support, Gu Baijiang’s silver is far from sufficient, he’d need to think of other means next.
Actually, he’d investigated the relationship between the Gu and Bai families before, Bai Family had often given silver to the Gu Family; if Gu Baijiang hadn’t been banished, he could have secretly contacted them. If the other side was wise enough to cooperate, he wasn’t incapable of offering them a bright future.
Even if these plans didn’t pan out, having the Bai Family’s support meant he wouldn’t need to invest so much in the Gu Family, but the Gu Family’s foolishness ruined everything.
Clearly, a golden child was beside them, yet they treated the relationship so poorly.
Thinking of the thousands of taels of silver he spent, it was still somewhat painful.
Ming Peifeng was still a bit unwilling, he also wanted to make some profit from it, but given Rong Ruiyuan had said so, he couldn’t bring it up anymore.
"What’s the situation with Xu Zitian now?"
Ming Peifeng replied, "Ever since he claimed illness and stopped appearing, he’s been refusing guests behind closed doors.
I previously had someone climb over the wall, but they were just about to show up and were beaten out."
Ming Peifeng was most eager to deal with Xu Zitian, only with Xu Zitian gone could he secure his position as County Magistrate.
He hadn’t expected Xu Zitian’s servants to be so concealing, and that man, Wu Xingshun, also nestled in the courtyard learning from Xu Zitian, claiming illness to avoid coming out.
Thinking of the retired Lu Taizhuan, that old man treated all the Princes equally in the court, respectful but distant.
However, it made everyone feel at ease since he appeared impartial.
His underlings also followed his example; several who had a fiery temper even wrote directly in their reports after being drawn in by the brothers, which resulted in a reprimand while others took credit and returned home gloriously.
He hadn’t planned to touch Xu Zitian, considering Lu Taizhuan had many students on the court, he didn’t want to confront them.
But Xu Zitian was unyielding, unable to be used.
Thinking of that day at the county office, as he just took a seat and sipped some water, intending to stay in the county office for a while, Xu Zitian directly mentioned there was no place to accommodate him, advising him to promptly proceed to other places to clear out bandits.
A mere County Magistrate dared disregard him so; moreover, previously he had sent Ming Peifeng to prison, so in a flash of temper, he directly ordered Xu Zitian to be removed from his position as County Magistrate.
Remembering how Xu Zitian looked at him with disdain then, asking about his rank in the court and what authority he had to dismiss an official?
For a dignified Prince to be humiliated publicly like that, he then instructed his men to strip Xu Zitian of his official hat and robe, throwing him out of the county office directly.
Xu Zitian didn’t say much at the time, he simply left with some people.
For the sake of face, he immediately appointed Ming Peifeng to the County Magistrate position, and thereafter felt a fear.
He instantly ordered people to guard outside Xu Zitian’s courtyard, intending to seize him then, but unfortunately, the gate was closed tight, his people couldn’t break in, and even if they did, they’d be thrown out immediately; it was a stalemate these days.
They controlled the entire county now tightly, but it can’t last long.
The prince hadn’t given a clear command, so he dared not make rash decisions.
"If they happen to escape, Lu Taizhuan certainly won’t let it slide."
Rong Ruiyuan knew this reason very well; when he ordered to deal with Xu Zitian, he had already offended Lu Taizhuan.
Here, far from the imperial eyes, as long as handled properly, he wouldn’t find out.
Even if rumors circuit, without solid proof, with Lu Taizhuan’s disposition, he won’t act heavily against him.
"So have your men keep a close watch, and at the crucial time, set it ablaze..."
Ming Peifeng immediately bowed respectfully, finally the Prince had made up his mind, he would ensure the matter would be handled magnificently.