I originally thought it would take some time to uncover the inside information, but unexpectedly, Mother also knows something about it.
Liu Yun mentally added another mark against Bai Suihe, not knowing how to give her daughter a hard time, making her so concerned.
"The Bai Family is a wealthy household; no one knows exactly how much property they possess.
Your grandfather's current success is also due to the Bai Family's considerable support.
Don't think the Bai Family is inconspicuous; it is said they are most fond of sponsoring impoverished scholars, and many officials in the Court owe them favors.
However, impoverished scholars have limited knowledge and resources, and few reach high positions.
Your grandfather was fortunate to be promoted to the position of Second-Rank Minister, enabling him to marry his eldest daughter into the Gu Manor."
"Although the Bai Family is just a merchant family, when it comes to connections, the entire Gu Family is far from—"
"But why did they ignore Third Aunt?"
"Silly girl, do you think the Bai Family truly did nothing?" Liu Yun sighed; everyone had seen through it, but there was no evidence.
"Do you think your Third Aunt's two maids are truly so loyal? They've already been released from their indentures, yet they still do such servile work?"
"The Bai Family simply changed the appearance without changing the substance. They used a different name to prevent others from saying anything and prevent the Gu Family from taking advantage of them further."
"Since you know, why don't you blame them?"
Gu Antong felt dissatisfied. She was the eldest legitimate daughter of the Gu Manor. The Gu Family hadn't split, so why couldn't she enjoy the benefits?
"How can we say that? Dongmei and the others presented genuine household registers and travel permits, and the constables also approved them. We are now criminals; how could we possibly order people with free status around?"
"But Third Aunt she…"
"That's because they willingly live like this. What can you say?"
Gu Antong's shoulders slumped. "What a clever scheme."
"Let them scheme," Liu Yun had said so much, hoping to arouse Gu Antong's fighting spirit, "as long as my son excels in the future, he can settle the score with them later.
I think Gu Kaichuan is right; we shouldn't try to solve our problems ourselves but should ask your grandfather."
Gu Antong, "What can Grandfather do?
Can he provide us with clean clothes? Or prepare delicious food for us?
The Third Prince was very uncomfortable in the carriage. The blankets inside had a strange smell. If this continues, the Third Prince might leave in a few days."
"Do you think why the Third Prince came here? Why did your grandfather suffer several assassination attempts?
I've been guessing these days; your grandfather must have something the Third Prince wants. Now, it's just a matter of whether they can reach an agreement.
This is also an opportunity for my son. If your grandfather is willing to use the bargaining chips in his possession for you, there is no need to fear that you will not soar to great heights."
Gu Antong's eyes lit up, but she quickly regained her composure. "Mother, it's not that easy. Even if Grandfather wants to help, he'll help Father, Second Uncle, or Anliang."
Although she is favored in the Gu Manor, she knows her limitations; she is not as important as the male members of the family.
"It depends on what we do; how can we know if we don't try?" Liu Yun spoke with confidence. "These princes are grown up now, and the Third Prince's Imperial Concubine is the most favored Noble Consort Liang. It is not impossible to compete for a position.
The Gu Family wants to return to the Court; without strong in-laws, it's nearly impossible.
But if they are tied to the Third Prince, it might be different.
As long as my daughter can bear a son or daughter for the Third Prince, even if the Third Prince only becomes a Prince, my daughter, as the mother of a County Prince or Princess, will also elevate our family's status."
Gu Antong blushed. Mother was really something; why did she talk about having children?
Liu Yun was about to comfort Gu Antong when, unexpectedly, the Third Younger Sister-in-law returned with a bucket of water. "Elder Sister-in-law, you are really leisurely; you leave me here to work as a maid."
"Second Younger Sister-in-law, isn't this what we already divided? Our Eldest Branch is responsible for gathering firewood and cooking; you are responsible for other chores. Why are you so aggrieved?"
"You are only responsible for two things; there are countless other chores.
That master bossed me around, really treating me like a maid or an old woman." Xu Yulan sat down, feeling unbalanced seeing them so relaxed.
"Let me tell you, after eating, one must rinse one's mouth. He didn't do anything all day, yet he still needs to wash up. I've already delivered water several times, and it's barely enough.
We're in exile; we're exhausted after a whole day and still have to serve others. This life is unbearable."
"There's no other way; after all, he is a noble. If you serve him well now, you might be able to cultivate a relationship. Maybe he'll happily secure a good position for Second Brother or Anwei in the future. Second Younger Sister-in-law's hardships will then end." Liu Yun excels at making promises; she started again.
"Those are still uncertain. Right now, I don't want to do it anymore. How about we swap, Elder Sister-in-law?"
This time, Liu Yun didn't refuse; she unexpectedly agreed readily. "I have no objection. We can switch tomorrow."
Xu Yulan was suspicious. When did Elder Sister-in-law become so easy-going? Was there some trap she didn't know about?
"Let's talk about it tomorrow," Xu Yulan didn't think Liu Yun would be so easy-going. Now that her aunt wasn't helping her, she was extra cautious.
"I'm so tired after a whole day's work. You guys watch the fire; remember to boil a lot of water; who knows if that person will need water in the middle of the night?" Xu Yulan yawned, too lazy to wash up. She wasn't like Gu Antong; she wasn't eager to climb the high branch.
Beside the fire, she simply laid out the beddings and lay down directly.
Gu Antong looked away with disdain and saw that Gu Kaiping was already laying down oilcloth; it was specially for Grandfather and the two younger brothers.
"Rest. You've been tired all day." Because she wasn't sure if Xu Yulan was really asleep, Liu Yun didn't want to say much.
"Master," Ming Peifeng tidied up the carriage before allowing Prince Rong Ruiyuan to enter.
"Peifeng, let our people not guard too tightly; we should give others a chance."
"But, Master's safety?"
"Don't worry; those constables won't just watch. Our people will act at the crucial moment."
"Isn't this too risky?" After all, the Gu family members don't know any martial arts; how can they protect the master's safety? They might even hinder things at the crucial moment.
"Don't worry; I know what I'm doing. We don't have much time left; we need to get what we want in these few days."
Imperial Father assigned me a task; if I can't complete it, I'll be attacked by my brothers in the Court, and my impression in Imperial Father's mind will also decrease.
"Is there any news from the Capital?"
"Not yet, but it should be soon…"
"