Gu Kaiyuan still wanted to take a round into the deep mountains late at night, but was stopped by Bai Suihe.

"You’ve been tired all day, there’s no need to take risks."

"I’ll be quick, in and out," Gu Kaiyuan reassured, "When I return, you can take me inside to rest, and it will settle everything."

Although he bought some things at the post station, if you want to live well, some things still need to be done openly.

He didn’t just want to go out hunting; there were some matters he needed to handle.

Bai Suihe handed the dagger he previously collected in the space to him. "Be careful and don’t wander too far.

Still borrowing weapons from Liu Pingkang and his men as before?"

Gu Kaiyuan nodded. "It’s always good to greet them, and if I leave, I must let them know."

Liu Pingkang and his men certainly had no objections; every time Gu Kaiyuan went into the mountains, he brought them some game. With their daily labor, they also needed nourishment.

"Do you want me to send someone with you into the mountains?" Liu Pingkang asked, unable to resist as Gu Kaiyuan was leaving.

Gu Kaiyuan, "I have no issue, but I’m afraid you can’t be gone for long."

If something went wrong in between, the charge of dereliction of duty alone would be enough trouble for them.

Liu Pingkang raised an eyebrow, not willing.

Gu Kaiyuan, "You probably don’t know the origins of that person from the Gu Family, do you?"

Liu Pingkang, "Brother Gu, you know? Wasn’t it said he’s a staffer of the Third Prince?"

Gu Kaiyuan, "Do you think such a minor staffer is worth the entire Gu Family bustling about for him?"

Liu Pingkang had previously thought something was amiss and of course wouldn’t miss the chance to explore the truth. "Brother Gu, let’s not play games between us. If there’s anything, just tell me. I, Liu Pingkang, will definitely be grateful."

Gu Kaiyuan didn’t care about his change in attitude. With his current status, did he still expect others to treat him with respect?

Talk about brotherly feelings? Perhaps nothing is as enticing as a silver note.

"You can dare to think upwards."

"Hiss..." Liu Pingkang just felt a toothache. "Judging by the age and demeanor, this isn’t...the Third..."

Liu Pingkang pointed at the sky and saw Gu Kaiyuan nod slightly, instantly feeling a headache.

There was an assassination attempt by men in black last night. With such a great presence staying with them, it was simply asking for their lives.

"Why would that person be here?"

Gu Kaiyuan, "That I don’t know. Why don’t you go ask Lord Gu?"

Liu Pingkang was greedy but not stupid and rolled his eyes at Gu Kaiyuan. "If your father was willing to tell us, he wouldn’t have kept hiding it.

This person’s visit is probably related to the previous interceptions of those people, right?"

Gu Kaiyuan once again wore an innocent face. "I really don’t know. As you can see, I’m not valued in my family. When a guest arrives, they don’t even call me back for introductions."

"Then how do you know it’s that person?"

Gu Kaiyuan, "I had the fortune to catch a glance from afar before, believe it or not, it’s up to you.

The day hasn’t gotten any earlier, I must hurry into the mountains, you’d better keep all the brothers vigilant."

Gu Kaiyuan knew that there would be all sorts of trouble ahead, not because of a sudden kindness, but hoping these escorts could do a better job and shield their little home from getting caught in the middle of it all.

Liu Pingkang waved to let people leave, immediately gathering his men. If it’s really that person here, whether they act or not is a mistake. Now, they just hoped that one would peacefully leave from here.

As for whether Gu Kaiyuan would deceive him? Liu Pingkang didn’t even consider it. Gu Kaiyuan wasn’t one to speak carelessly, and deceiving him had no benefit.

In his view, Gu Kaiyuan was a smart guy. He hadn’t ventured near the Gu Family all day.

He had the brothers raise their vigilance, carefully guarding the night these days, then uneasily patrolled around before returning to the carriage.

"What is it, chief?" Guo Baoshu approached him.

"Nothing really, just have everyone pay more attention."

"Chief, this doesn’t seem like you. Did Gu Kaiyuan say something?" Ever since Gu Kaiyuan left, the chief had become very different.

Besides, they had been taking turns guarding the night before, generally getting by, unlike tonight’s seriousness.

"If I remember correctly, you’re on the second half of the night’s guard, go get some rest. If there’s a mishap, you may lose this job."

Liu Pingkang wasn’t in the mood to deal with him, feeling unsure, went out for another round.

Gu Baijiang saw his two grandsons were already asleep and was about to rest when Gu Kaiping brought over a cup of hot water, "Dad, have a sip before you sleep."

"You should go rest too," Gu Baijiang drank a few sips and returned the bowl, ready to lie down.

Gu Kaiping spoke, "Dad, can you tell me why the Third Prince insists on traveling with us?"

"Isn’t it because the Third Prince’s carriage broke down..."

"Dad, do you think I’d believe that?

The Third Prince, with his status, how could he delay his journey for a carriage?

I’m your eldest son; we’re family. Is it necessary to hide some things from me?"

"It’s for your own good. Sometimes knowing too much isn’t positive."

"Then does Dad not object to An Tong taking care of the Third Prince mean what I think?"

Gu Baijiang nodded, "You might have guessed my intentions when we were in the capital; otherwise, you wouldn’t have let An Tong attend the princess’s banquet.

Although nothing was finalized then, An Tong was already marked for the Third Prince, and the position promised is that of a concubine."

Gu Kaiping was thrilled but then disheartened, "Dad, you also said that was in the past.

In our current state, how can we still dream of a royal marriage?"

Both father and son had the same thought process; being a concubine for a prince and being a consort are entirely different matters.

The position of consort is recorded on the jade tablet and ranks officially.

Even if the Third Prince was willing now, the emperor wouldn’t consent.

"I have my arrangements. You have An Tong build rapport with the Third Prince these days; I won’t let her enter the mansion at a low position."

Gu Baijiang sighed inwardly. Though the consort role was out of reach, a concubine was not impossible to compete for.

He believed the bargaining chips in his hands could be enough to negotiate some terms.

However, he was completely unaware that the Third Prince Mansion urgently needs this silver, far beyond his ability to delay.

Rong Ruiyuan was sitting in the carriage, unable to sleep, as the smell there was quite unpleasant.

Ever since the theft in his mansion, he felt that there wasn’t a single day that went smoothly.

He needed to recruit talent, win people’s hearts; none of these could progress without silver paving the way.

Gu Baijiang was fully aware of his intentions, yet he acted ignorant, an unforgivable offense.

He admitted, Gu Antong had some charm, and he intended to bring her into the mansion, offering Gu Baijiang some reassurance, but now, it required more calculated considerations...