The whip in Gu Baihe’s hand was seized by a clansman already blinded by hatred, and it was mercilessly lashed upon Gu Baijiang.

The first lash immediately tore through his thick clothing, leaving a long red mark on his back, indicating the force used by the other party.

Gu Baijiang let out a wail, rolling on the ground, the scorching pain numbing his whole body.

But he hadn’t even caught his breath before the second and third lashes followed consecutively.

"Master, help," Gu Baijiang was truly afraid, he resented all the Gu Family members, why did they have to be so aggressive?

He knew in his heart what his uncle said was true; he was the Clan Leader, and with the disgrace he now bore, he had no place to argue when dealt with according to clan rules.

Gu Kaiyuan watched with particular satisfaction; in his past life, it was he, this big fool, who endured these lashes for him; his two most proud sons were closer to him in this life but kept a distance.

"Aren’t you going to help your father?" Just as he was comfortably watching the spectacle, there was always someone hauntingly persistent.

Gu Kaiyuan glanced at Chen Dafu, "That’s my granduncle, how could I possibly defy my elder?"

"Your Gu Family is really ruthless, letting your father be treated like this and still not letting go? Look at your clan members, they all act like they want to devour your father alive. If you don’t step in now, when will you?"

Gu Kaiyuan said, "Mr. Chen, you have clansmen too, don’t you?"

Chen Dafu, "..."

"The trouble you’ve caused should also affect your clan members, when will they join you?"

Chen Dafu, hit again, "..."

"I think you should quickly think about whether you might face the same or even worse situation as my father?"

Chen Dafu suddenly felt isolated; yes, he only knew to be loyal, forgetting those kinsmen of his same roots and origin.

Seeing Chen Dafu standing there dejectedly, Gu Kaiyuan quietly moved in the crowd to avoid taking responsibility for triggering him suddenly.

Quickly focusing back on the show, Gu Kaiyuan was curious about how Rong Ruiyuan would handle it.

Rong Ruiyuan did not disappoint him; descending from the carriage, he directly shielded Gu Baijiang, saying to Gu Li, "This minor punishment is enough to serve as a caution; is it necessary to press him to death?

I can vouch for Mr. Gu, he will surely make amends to you all."

"Who are you? What right do you have to vouch?" Gu Li realized from the address that this wasn’t a Gu Family member, an outsider daring to meddle in their clan matters was simply absurd.

Gu Kaiyuan knew now was the time to bridge the gap with the clan members, hustling to Gu Li’s side, respectfully bowing, "Nephew grandson Gu Kaiyuan, greets granduncle, respects all elders, and clan members."

The Gu Family had no favorable view of the sudden appearance of Gu Kaiyuan; what good could the son of Gu Baijiang bring?

Gu Kaiyuan stepped forward, closer to Gu Li, whispering, "Granduncle, this is the Third Prince of the day. Your anger can be vented slowly later, but do not offend this person."

Gu Li looked into Gu Kaiyuan’s earnest eyes, silently questioning.

Gu Kaiyuan nodded silently, "Nephew grandson dares not deceive granduncle, anyway, we’ll travel together from now on, no rush to act now."

Quickly stepping back two steps, Gu Kaiyuan loudly spoke, "Granduncle, my father has erred, but he’s truly remorseful now, please grant him a chance. Injuring him now would also delay our journey.

Why not wait until we rest and then slowly settle accounts, trust my father will provide an explanation."

Gu Baijiang also nodded hurriedly; Gu Li, this old stubborn man, would hit him dead-handedly if truly determined; he had so much silver yet to use and couldn’t let his life end with these farmhands.

For now, placate them, and settle accounts with them later.

"I was indeed unreasonable," Gu Li cast a cold look over Gu Baijiang and took the opportunity to observe Rong Ruiyuan. His bearing, this temperament, Gu Kaiyuan should not have deceived him.

He instructed his eldest son to retrieve the whip and return it to the escort.

Then respectfully said to Liu Pingkang and others, "Our arrival delayed your journey, we ask escort officials for forgiveness."

"This is your first time, I forgive you, but if such disorder happens again, don’t blame our whips for having no eyes." Liu Pingkang looked at Gu Kaiyuan with so much respect for this elder, surely not a simple matter.

Having seen enough and with no more interest in staying here wasting time, he began to urge, "Hurry, scatter, let’s get moving."

Gu Kaiping and Gu Kaichen then went over to help Gu Baijiang up, "Father, are you alright?"

Here, Gu Kaiping knew the old Clan Leader, he was the only one of the three brothers who lived in the village, and Gu Baijiang took him back to worship ancestors.

"Not dead yet for now," Gu Baijiang just steadied himself and went to deeply bow to Rong Ruiyuan, "Thank you, Master, for your assistance."

Gu Kaiyuan curled his lips, "..." He knew it would be like this.

However, he didn’t mind and followed alongside Gu Li, "Granduncle, are all our family members here?"

"Indeed, and your scoundrel father, has he truly committed such a grave crime?"

Gu Kaiyuan nodded, "That’s what the Holy Decree states, but granduncle, I don’t know where my father hid those silver; I’ve never been good at studying, and my father dislikes me the most."

Gu Li observed the tall and sturdy Gu Kaiyuan, "You indeed resemble your grandmother."

Gu Kaiyuan touched his face, "A pity nephew grandson has little fate with her, I truly wish I could witness grandmother’s demeanor."

"Your grandmother was a good person," Gu Li seeing Gu Kaiyuan’s face dissipated half of his anger, "She helped the family a lot, but it’s unfortunate your father squandered all that goodwill."

Thinking of Gu Baijiang, Gu Li couldn’t help but clench his fists, knowing that the whole family would suffer because of him; he should never have allowed him to leave the village back then.

At this time, the group had started moving, the Gu Family gathered around Gu Li, and showed no good face to Gu Kaiyuan who followed beside.

All because of this kid, the Clan Leader didn’t pursue Gu Baijiang relentlessly, contrary to what was discussed previously.

Now, many harbored deep hatred, wishing to destroy Gu Baijiang, his son wasn’t anything good either.

"You kid, tell me the truth, is that really the Third Prince?"

Gu Kaiyuan nodded solemnly, "This person came specifically looking for my father."

Gu Li, "Your father has taken sides in court politics?"

Gu Kaiyuan knew it was impossible to hide from this elder and nodded silently.

"So your father holds a leverage, is this person here for that?"

Gu Kaiyuan hesitated for a moment but continued to nod, "As for the details, nephew grandson is not privy."