Gu Baijiang’s words, Rong Ruiyuan was reluctant to fully trust, as the experiences of the past few days had almost worn out his patience.

"Lord Gu, I am quite fond of your granddaughter and wish to give her a promising future. What do you think?"

"It is the benevolence of Your Highness, but An Tong is still young. Moreover, with her status, I’m afraid she is not even qualified to be a servant by Your Highness’s side."

"Lord Gu, what are you saying? She is the only legitimate daughter of the Gu Family. How could this Prince treat her poorly?

I believe even the Emperor would not want his descendants to have too low a status. Please, Lord Gu, wait for my good news."

This is a promise of significant benefits. Gu Baijiang’s eyes sparkled, and just as he was about to bow, he pulled on a wound on his body, bringing him back to his senses. Even an imperial pardon would not enable him to return to the officialdom.

He must think carefully, at least leave himself with half of the silver, as it would be his assurance for the future.

Gu Kaiyuan was unaware that due to his meddling, Gu Baijiang’s face was injured, which also triggered a chain reaction.

"But even if His Majesty pardons, this sinner’s current state cannot return to the court."

Rong Ruiyuan’s mouth twitched. This Gu Baijiang truly dared to think; just look at his current appearance, even a ghost would shy away.

"Lord Gu, there’s no need to worry. Is your son not also here?" Rong Ruiyuan glanced at the approaching Gu Kaiping, his gaze friendly, "A son following in his father’s footsteps. I believe one day, Young Lord Gu will be entrusted with significant responsibilities like you."

Gu Kaiping’s eyes gleamed. Was this the Third Prince making a promise to his father?

Unless a Divine Doctor restores his father’s appearance, his career is over. The second and third sons don’t even think about it; the entire family’s hope rests on him.

Gu Baijiang watched the delighted Gu Kaiping, but bitterness filled his heart.

Even though he always valued the eldest, he had self-awareness.

Gu Kaiping was of mediocre talent. Without his protection, he would have long been used as a stepping stone by others.

If he were to return to the court alone, it would only be a few years before the Gu Family vanished from the capital again.

As for Gu Kaichen, not passing even the Scholar exam after all this time, he had long lost hope in his second son.

Gu Kaiyuan’s recent strange behaviors suggested a foreign heart. If he gained power in the future, he might favor the Bai Family even more.

As for the two grandsons, they were still too young...

"Then let’s await the Third Prince’s good news," Gu Baijiang changed his address. No matter what, they must first escape the current predicament.

Otherwise, reaching the place of exile, even if they temporarily settled the Gu Family, their future days would not be easy.

Hearing Gu Baijiang’s words, Rong Ruiyuan had doubts about his previous decision. Why did he ever find Gu Baijiang reliable or worth bringing closer?

Still needing the silver, he couldn’t afford to break relations, so this was the only way.

"Third Prince, An Tong is, after all, our carefully nurtured legitimate daughter. As her grandfather, I certainly won’t mistreat her. How much dowry do you think I should prepare for her?"

Rong Ruiyuan pressed his tongue against his palate; he was beginning to negotiate terms with him.

Gu Antong’s status also signified how much Gu Baijiang was willing to invest. This cunning old fox dared to negotiate with his silver, truly testing his nerves.

Initially thinking of settling it with a noble concubine position, he now had to reconsider.

A dowry should mean a position as a consort, and the position of a step-consort was valuable, while a concubine’s position might not satisfy the old man.

"There’s no rush in this matter, I will consult with the Emperor in the palace and let His Majesty decide."

This ambiguous answer nonetheless brought joy to the Gu father and son; to involve the palace meant the position wouldn’t be too low.

"News of my presence here has already leaked, and the guards following me likely represent various forces. I plan to leave tomorrow." He did not want to stay in this rundown carriage for another day, even with Gu Antong arranged inside, the presence of two little ones made any intentions inconvenient.

Sometimes when speaking in veiled terms, it was as if those two little ones understood, making it even more tedious.

"Wouldn’t that..." Gu Baijiang truly worried, fearing more men in black as he couldn’t withstand much more in his condition.

"After I leave, Lord Gu must be cautious with words and actions. I will have people watching nearby, but one cannot prevent others from causing trouble, so take care of yourself, Lord Gu."

At least until the silver was in his hands, Gu Baijiang’s life was indispensable.

Gu Baijiang glanced at Ming Peifeng behind him, "Then I must trouble Lord Ming. Our family’s humble lives will rely on you."

Ming Peifeng, "...Lord Gu, you overthink. I am merely serving His Highness; I will do my utmost without any negligence."

Gu Baijiang knew he was being reprimanded for bargaining, but so what?

He had risked his career and life for Rong Ruiyuan. Was it too much to ask for some security?

Whether it was for show or for the silver, even if Rong Ruiyuan got angry, he had to protect them!

Gu An Tong showed some cleverness; as long as she entered the Three Emperors Mansion and bore children for the Third Prince, there was still hope for the Gu Family.

As for allying with other Princes, it wasn’t that Gu Baijiang hadn’t considered it, but after measuring the pros and cons, he ultimately chose Rong Ruiyuan.

To host Rong Ruiyuan properly, Liu Yun and Xu Yulan went around and finally brought back some sumptuous dishes at great expense. Seeing it was getting late, the two dared not delay and began to busy themselves.

Gu An Tong, wishing to appear virtuous, busied herself quite a bit, all the while not forgetting to showcase her best side to Rong Ruiyuan.

However, she knew how to control it just right, capturing Rong Ruiyuan’s attention without seeming too deliberate.

The Gu father and son exchanged glances, both thinking this was indeed the right move.

"Father, do we really have to apologize to the Clan Leader later?" Gu Kaichen, returning with firewood, instantly broke their good mood.

"Of course, we must. You should say less when the time comes."

"Father, you should say that to the third brother. I think that boy Kaiyuan is now having second thoughts about us."

Gu Baijiang didn’t expect this second son to show such insight today, "Isn’t it because of your excessiveness? If not for Mrs. Xu and you going too far, Ms. Bai wouldn’t have had an excuse to sever ties with us."

"Father, old matters can’t be revisited. Besides, we’re family; where’s the need for such grudges?" Gu Kaichen’s motto was to be lenient with oneself and strict with others, hardly admitting his mistakes.

"But we should think first about how to arrange things with the clan?" Gu Kaichen had overheard some comments while out gathering wood. If not handled properly, their reputation might be utterly ruined.

"What do you suggest we do?" Gu Baijiang also wanted to see if this son had any wits.