Chapter 351: Scheming
Chapter 351: Chapter 351: Scheming
After Gu Antong finished her sumptuous New Year’s Eve dinner, she began packing luggage with Liu Yun. All the clothes that had worn out before were left behind; she only took the few sets recently purchased, along with some headgear.
She initially thought there wouldn’t be much, but after picking a little here and there, they ended up with two large, full bundles.
"Don’t bring so much stuff," Gu Baijiang frowned at the nearly one-meter-high bundles, "each of you just needs a change of clothes. His Highness has already sent word to keep it as simple as possible."
In the past, the eldest daughter-in-law wasn’t so petty. Could it be that after enduring such hard times recently, she’s learned to be thrifty?
"These are all things we’ll need on the way, and isn’t there a carriage?" Liu Yun used to disdain these things, but after suffering on the road this time, she understood too well that sometimes even a little item can be life-saving.
Especially the dry food, which filled an entire package below.
"Then let’s bring them for now," Gu Baijiang wasn’t sure if the Third Prince had prepared a carriage, but considering the Third Prince’s status, it was unlikely he’d be traveling on horseback, so he let it be.
"Grandfather," Gu Antong respectfully said at this time, "should we inform Third Uncle about our return to the capital?
After all, we’re family, and Third Uncle might have misunderstood before..."
The implication was clear to everyone. Liu Yun slightly scolded her daughter for meddling; the sins the third son committed himself, he should bear himself.
He’s already chosen to abandon this entire family, so at this time, there’s no need to cling to them.
In the future, it would be their family taking charge. She couldn’t wait to separate her two brothers-in-law.
Gu Baijiang, however, pondered. Such a grown son, he obviously didn’t want to raise him for nothing.
But ever since that boy left the capital, his personality changed drastically, and he couldn’t align with the family.
What he couldn’t let go of most was the Bai Family behind him. Although this time going back, he could leave some of the hidden silver behind, it still wasn’t comparable to the Bai Family.
"Don’t mention him," Gu Baijiang still had his pride and wouldn’t bow first. Anyway, his return to the capital wasn’t a secret, so if Gu Kaiyuan had any sense, he should come and apologize.
After Gu Baijiang left, Liu Yun tapped her daughter’s forehead, "Why did you bring him up now?
If we really take them back, we’d end up supporting their whole family again."
"Mother," sometimes Gu Antong didn’t know how to comment on Liu Yun. She was scheming and calculative, but not generous enough.
If Gu Kaiyuan and his family really returned with them, there would be someone to manage the household affairs.
Counting on Second Uncle? Don’t make me laugh, Second Uncle is just superficially impressive but weak inside.
"Don’t forget, Third Uncle still has the Bai Family. If Third Uncle’s family really returns, would the Bai Family really ignore them?"
The whole journey was organized so well, not to mention in their presence.
The married legitimate daughter living a destitute life also harms the Bai Family’s reputation, so following them would only mean cheap gains.
"Your Third Aunt is tricky," Liu Yun said disapprovingly, "See how no one took advantage of her along the way?
Now that you’ve caught the Third Prince’s eye, you’ll marry into the royal family, so don’t involve these poor relatives who might ask for favors later."
The daughter’s connections are to be reserved for her husband and son, not for the rest of the Gu family.
"Mother, I am aware of this," Gu Antong blushed slightly, "When we return to the capital, our foundation is weaker. With just Father supporting us, it’s tough. Even if we promise more now, we’ll still have the final say later..."
Liu Yun pondered and realized it was indeed so, "Should I have your father talk to him?"
"Go ahead," Gu Antong, seeing her mother come around, sighed in relief, "Let Father speak to him properly, and don’t be afraid to promise more benefits."
☆
Bai Suihe heard the commotion outside and couldn’t help but poke her head out, "So late, who’s visiting?"
It’s New Year’s Eve, why not stay home to celebrate, rather than disturb others?
Gu Kaiyuan held Gu Xingyang, "Who cares, Lin Hua and the others will handle it."
Gu Xingyang said gleefully, "Father, it’s your big brother coming to see you."
"My big brother?" Gu Kaiyuan initially didn’t react, "On such a cold day, why would he come over?"
Gu Kaiping cherishes his life; with the light rain outside, dark and cold, isn’t he afraid of slipping on the road?
"To inform you of great news, they’re returning to the capital," Gu Xingyang blinked while looking at his father, "They’ve come to ask you to return."
Gu Kaiyuan gently patted her through the blanket, "I have no ties with them anymore; where they go is none of our concern."
"Hehe," Gu Xingyang chuckled, "That’s because they need a blood sacrifice, waiting for you to deliver yourself.
They’re coming with lots of ’sincerity.’"
Bai Suihe said, "You little rascal, do you even know what sincerity is?"
"Of course I do," Gu Xingyang’s crisp voice echoed in their minds, "It’s all sorts of promises, all kinds of verbal paperwork."
Bai Suihe, amused by the child, smiled with arched eyebrows, "You even know this?"
This child seems to be a genius, with knowledge from birth.
Gu Xingyang boasted a bit, "I’ve learned quite a bit from Mother all these years."
Bai Suihe’s brows furrowed, "..."
Gu Xingyang realized she had spoken too much and quickly tried to cover her small mouth, but being bundled up thickly, her little arms couldn’t reach. Her eyes darted around before she looked to Gu Kaiyuan for help.
Gu Kaiyuan laughed and smoothed things over, "Our baby is smart; it’s good to know more. Why is it taking so long to send them off?"
Usually, after sending them off, someone would report back. Could it be that Gu Kaiping is being unreasonable again?
Indeed, it was as he guessed. This time, no matter what, Gu Kaiping insisted on meeting Gu Kaiyuan in person, refusing to leave the door.
Lin Hua and the others had no choice but to inform Gu Kaiyuan of the situation.
"Just close the door on them and ignore him," Gu Kaiyuan said coldly. Such nerve, just because he wants to see me, I must comply?
Lin Hua promptly turned and left, summoning a few people to push him out and close the door.
Left outside the door, Gu Kaiping, "..."
But he wasn’t ready to give up, continuing to pound on the door.
"During such a New Year’s, Mr. Gu won’t settle down," Lin Hua complained and then raised his voice, "Mr. Gu, you’d better head back. It’s the New Year, and appearing like this isn’t a good look."
"Bring Gu Kaiyuan out; I don’t believe he’ll shut the door on his own big brother."
"I have big news for him. If you servants delay it, will you take responsibility?"