Chapter 350: Preparation
Chapter 350: Chapter 350: Preparation
Gu Kaiyuan wasn’t curious about Xu Zitian’s trump card; anyway, these civil officials always have countless machinations, and Ming Peifeng’s appearance likely already piqued his vigilance.
Bai Suihe once again marveled at the foresight of these ancients, indeed those with depth take one step while looking three steps ahead.
"So the Third Prince might be in trouble this time?"
Gu Kaiyuan shook his head, "I’m afraid it’s not that easy. Who can really understand royal affairs?"
With Lin Hua and the others around, Gu Kaiyuan didn’t go into details, and Bai Suihe glanced over without asking further.
Having been here for so long, she had already learned the rules here, not daring to speak about freedom of speech.
She almost violated a taboo just now; although they were among their own people, it was unnecessary to leave leverage in someone else’s hands.
When it was just her and Gu Kaiyuan left, Gu Kaiyuan didn’t need her to speak and started analyzing the current situation with her again.
Gu Kaiyuan never thought of Bai Suihe as just an ordinary housewife; some of her insights were deeper than his own.
Moreover, the peaceful rear courtyard was inseparable from a wise mistress.
Listening to the analysis, Bai Suihe also took the opportunity to learn the rules of this world.
It was only Gu Xingyang’s soft sounds that made the two stop.
Bai Suihe gently tapped Gu Xingyang’s little face and took her to the inner room to resolve physiological needs.
The baby was indeed very easy to care for, and because of this, she tried her best to do everything herself.
Nanny Pang and the two maids previously thought this was inappropriate, but seeing the harmonious family of three, they said nothing more.
After nursing, Gu Xingyang yawned, greeted them, and continued to sleep.
"This child needs to eat more and sleep more to grow quickly," Gu Kaiyuan noticed Bai Suihe’s tired face, "You should sleep with the baby for a while."
Bai Suihe was still in her confinement period, so rest was the most important; she didn’t refuse, since the household matters didn’t require her involvement.
During this time, New Year’s Eve was just a family having a lively meal together; in this small village, there wasn’t even the sound of firecrackers.
Gu Kaiyuan had a table of food set in the room and two tables set in the kitchen for an early New Year’s dinner.
The Gu Family wasn’t so peaceful; a large table of sumptuous dishes, chicken, duck, fish, and meat in abundance.
However, everyone’s expressions were poor; seated there, Gu Baijiang was slow to start eating.
"Why does father take my eldest brother back to the capital first?" Gu Kaichen couldn’t hold back anymore; he was so happy before, but today his father gave him such a bombshell, even though he would take his son, why not take them all together?
"We’re in a hurry to return to the capital because there’s an important matter to attend to. Following the Third Prince, should he take care of you?"
Gu Baijiang knew this decision would cause dissatisfaction among the family; he wanted to take everyone back together, but it wasn’t allowed?
Today the Third Prince sent someone to notify him that due to changes, they planned to leave for the capital tomorrow.
The journey would be simple and fast, returning to the capital as swiftly as possible.
He had heard about the events in the county town these days; he didn’t think the Third Prince was wrong in expanding his power for the throne. Xu Zitian didn’t cooperate, so he must step down.
He hadn’t expected that Xu Zitian would be so despicable, having long set up in the city, causing the Third Prince to have to give the county magistrate’s position back to him.
Because of this, the Third Prince felt too shamed to remain in the county; he had already left with Ming Peifeng yesterday to the next town, leaving people to guard their family meeting tomorrow.
With just a few people, protecting their family was impossible, so Gu Baijiang planned to take the eldest branch back first, stabilize, and then bring others to the capital.
Once this was said, aside from the eldest branch, others wore sullen faces.
"There’s no need to take sister-in-law and Antong," Gu Kaichen said coldly, "Leave the women here; they can’t handle the hardships of the road."
Liu Yun wanted to speak but was grabbed by Gu Antong.
Gu Baijiang was questioned by his son, on what arrangements to make next, and his face immediately darkened, "I have my reasons for this arrangement; when spring arrives and the weather warms, you will set out, sparing you from suffering on the road."
"Easy for you to say, how will we leave then?"
"Yes, sir," Xu Shuanghong said softly, "Now, returning with the Third Prince could save us travel expenses.
With our current family assets, we might not have enough silver coins to hire the escort agency."
Gu Kaichen gave her an appreciative look; this cheap mother-in-law sure knew how to speak, "Aunt Xu makes a valid point, saving where we can is necessary."
"Don’t worry, I’ll hire an escort agency from the capital to bring you back." Gu Baijiang thought of the silver he’d have to use returning, feeling heartache, but to appease them, he generously said, "We’ll leave the silver we have for you; with careful spending, you’ll manage until spring."
Gu Kaichen felt even less assured; what if spring came and they hadn’t been fetched, what would they do?
"Father, what if something delays during spring broke..."
Gu Baijiang firmly said, "I’ve made my decision; stay here comfortably and wait, don’t wander off, and await our letter."
Taking the eldest branch back was his plan, but this foolish son needed consolation, "My decision was after considering all aspects; leaving only the women here is truly unsafe.
I’m letting your eldest brother go back first to see if he can leverage connections to quickly resume, enrolling the two children in school sooner. Sister-in-law can start managing the household, and reconnecting with our previous contacts.
Can you do these things if you go back?"
"Sir, why not take Mei Lin back? Surely there will be much to manage when you return; this child is efficient and can assist."
Gu Antong subtly curled her finger but soon regained composure.
Gu Baijiang said, "You need someone to assist here, and following the Third Prince back, we won’t be mistreated."
He already knew Xu Shuanghong’s intentions, initially willing to favor her, but not now.
Antong hasn’t yet settled in the Prince Mansion; no need for someone to stabilize things right now.
"The meal’s getting cold; everyone eat please." Gu Baijiang said, picking up his chopsticks, placing a chicken leg in Xu Shuanghong’s bowl, "Still need you to oversee household matters."
Xu Shuanghong lowered her gaze; this reward felt lackluster, "Sir, rest assured, I’ll care well for the household."
Knowing it couldn’t be changed, Xu Shuanghong reluctantly accepted.
After all, nearby was a fool eager to charge into battle; she’d watch the situation first.