Of course, Kai Yuan couldn’t let Gu Li expel Gu Baijiang and the others from the clan at this moment; at least they would have to completely sever ties with the Gu Family first.

As for exposing Rong Ruiyuan, that was just a fleeting thought he had just now.

Rong Ruiyuan wanted to leave, but for An Tong, who aspires to a good reputation in the royal family, it also depends on his willingness.

After this incident, although An Tong got what she asked for, her reputation was tarnished.

After this affair, Rong Ruiyuan would have more concerns; the entire court should know about the undeniable secret between him and Bai Jiang.

I wonder what their expressions will be when they find the empty warehouse after all their trials?

With Rong Ruiyuan’s identity revealed, he could no longer pretend deafness to steal a bell. He had to clear his throat and explain, "Earlier, I encountered an assassin and my carriage was damaged, hence the fate that brought me to travel with you. Please treat me as a common passerby, no need for undue courtesy."

"Thank you, Third Prince," Liu Pingkang was puzzled about what was inside Kai Yuan’s gourd.

However, revealing Rong Ruiyuan’s identity was good for them, as they could send this deity away earlier without having to be on edge all day.

As for the others, their expressions were complex, having fallen to this point because of the emperor’s orders, and now having to bow to the son of their enemy, anger arose inevitably.

But they couldn’t do anything, so their eyes focused on the Gu Family.

"Earlier was my panicked moment," Rong Ruiyuan had to smooth over his previous actions at this moment, "My subordinates were too hasty and damaged your pen."

Looking at Ming Peifeng, Ming Peifeng quickly drew a silver note from his chest and respectfully handed it to Gu Li, "It was rash of us earlier, and this compensates you, Elder. Please forgive us."

Gu Li looked at the silver note with a denomination of 100, seeking help with his eyes toward Kai Yuan for unknown reasons.

Kai Yuan showed a toothy smile to him, "Granduncle, the Third Prince’s oversight, you should give them a chance to compensate."

Gu Li then reached out to take it, muttering, "This is too much; the old man can’t provide change."

Ming Peifeng’s face twisted; this damned peasant takes advantage and feigns humility.

Then raising his head, his face was full of kindness, "Elder, no need to provide change; we apologize for frightening you just now.

If you do not accept, we cannot pass this hurdle in our hearts."

"Then, the old man can’t be the villain, I will accept it." Having said that, he placed the silver note in his chest, then squatted down shakily to pick up the broken pen on the ground, eyes brimming with tears, "Though this pen is now ruined, it’s an ancestral heirloom; who would have thought after passing through ten generations, it couldn’t be preserved."

Impatience flashed in Rong Ruiyuan’s eyes; this greed was insatiable.

His mentor said that treacherous people are born from poor mountains and evil waters; this statement proved true. But to maintain royal authority, he could only glance at Ming Peifeng.

Ming Peifeng gritted his teeth and drew another silver note from his bosom, his personal savings, "We were reckless and hurt your ancestral treasure; knowing this small silver note cannot cover its value, we hope for your understanding, Elder."

Gu Li easily accepted the note, "How could I refuse?"

Witnessing the scene, many stifled laughs internally; don’t pretend to be embarrassed and take it so swiftly.

Kai Yuan also thought the granduncle was quite a character for catching his intention quickly and responding well.

Seeing Ming Peifeng’s miserly expression, Rong Ruiyuan also felt irritated internally. Although the residence was robbed, it shouldn’t be to the extent of failing to afford several hundred taels.

"Should I return this silver to you?" Gu Li pocketed the silver note and asked another unnecessary question.

Kai Yuan, "..."

The people, "..."

Trying hard to think of sad things to prevent laughing aloud.

Ming Peifeng said through gritted teeth, "Of course not, it’s enough that you don’t mind its small amount, Elder."

Ming Peifeng regretted immediately afterward, wishing he could slap himself for the off-hand remark, fearing the elder would take an inch and demand an ell, which would make extricating himself difficult.

"Don’t dare, don’t dare."

Fortunately, this time, Gu Li didn’t press the issue further, allowing him to breathe a sigh of relief.

Rong Ruiyuan unable to resolve matters, exposed his identity, and compensated with some silver, naturally felt unhappy inside.

However, unable to unleash his anger in front of many, he said to Gu Li, "As the Prince, although aware of your family’s affairs, outsiders are unfit to meddle; however, I offer a suggestion, consider sentiment amidst family rules, I apologize here on behalf of Gu Daren to you all. There will be opportunities to compensate you in the future.

Having traveled a whole day, let’s not delay rest; everyone should quickly disperse."

With Rong Ruiyuan saying this, those originally watching the excitement nearby dared not remain, leaving swiftly.

Back when they were officials, they dared not cross paths with royalty, let alone now.

These days, seeking opportunities or methods to establish connections with this master has been on their minds, but the counterpart always remained inside the carriage, preventing interactions.

Thus it would take someone like Bai Jiang, wily and cunning, who arranged a granddaughter to share quarters with the Third Prince; the Gu Family’s resurgence seemed inevitable. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

From afar, Liu Pingkang guarded the area with others; previously, he could feign ignorance, but now he couldn’t.

If the Prince encountered trouble with him, their lives were insufficient for reparations.

Rong Ruiyuan coldly scanned Kai Yuan once more, contemplating leaving at daybreak, now necessitating a nighttime departure.

The nocturnal ethical monsters would be abundant, but he had no choice left.

"Gu Daren, you’ve truly taught a good son."

Bai Jiang awkwardly laughed, "All are guilty ministers bringing trouble to the master.

Also, due to the guilty ministers, causing anxiety for the master.

Hearing the master’s title, Gu Li’s heart sank to bottom, cursing Bai Jiang, needing clan expulsion.

Even if this one could ascend in the future, he dared not risk the entire clan’s fate, regardless of glory and wealth having no relation to them.

Yet this instant he couldn’t reveal it, taking deep breaths, relaxing his posture, shoulders drooping as if losing half his spirit instantly.

"Gu Daren, as the Prince, regardless of your previous actions, this matter was indeed your error.

Calm your clan members, take this time to handle internal issues well.

Now, I shouldn’t stay here long, any matters you have seek out Pei Feng."

Upon hearing Rong Ruiyuan planning to leave, everyone except Bai Jiang and An Tong breathed a sigh of relief.

An Tong silently watched Rong Ruiyuan, eyes gathering moisture, her longing expression utterly pleasing Rong Ruiyuan.