Head Liu and Head Xu had heard Lin Hua mention this before, and only accepted this job after much deliberation.

Everyone knows that these high-status families have deep foundations, yet they didn’t expect that even after being exiled, they could still afford such wealth.

These people are not ones that those of us at the bottom can afford to offend, and they are still willing to pay double the remuneration, so in a way, we’re profiting from this.

However, with so many exiled, we saw today upon entering the city, that there are too many people for us to protect.

Gu Kaiyuan said, "You have overthought this, your primary responsibility is to protect my pregnant wife. I hope during times of chaos, you focus on her. As long as her life is secure, you’ll have successfully completed your escort duty."

Head Xu raised an eyebrow at Gu Kaiyuan, "Even if it means abandoning those goods?"

"Of course, should it come to that, you won’t have to choose, as long as you protect my wife."

Head Xu gave him a thumbs up, "Alright, I’ll take the job; you’re a real man."

It’s worth noting that this time, there are quite a few goods they’re asked to transport; Gu Kaiyuan’s boldness in making such a choice shows he’s a person of responsibility and courage.

Head Liu also nodded in agreement; considering their current situation is rather awkward as few merchants journey to Lingnan, the major businesses have their regular escort agencies and don’t hire them.

Here they only take on small jobs; patrons like Gu Kaiyuan are truly rare.

Moreover, people could bring their own personnel; previously Lin Hua and Lin Wei, who contacted us, brought a group of guards whose strength surpassed ours.

"When the time comes, I’ll have my men join your convoy, and they’ll eat, rest, and travel with you. Don’t worry, we’ll cover our own expenses." At this moment, Gu Kaiyuan didn’t want to reveal his manpower, except for his trusted aides Lin Hua and Lin Wei, the rest were skilled people he’s recently recruited.

Some of them he had interacted with in his previous life, all were loyal, others were skilled but reputable and could do a good job once paid.

Head Lin and the others quickly agreed, becoming more apprehensive of this young man in front of them—exiled, yet still able to gather so many capable hands; they dared not offend.

At this moment, the meals were served, Gu Kaiyuan accompanied them for a while, drank several cups, and left Lin Hua and the others to entertain, then departed.

Gu Kaiyuan did not return directly to the post station but went to the neighboring courtyard, where those skilled people he had recruited were.

"Young Master Gu," seeing Gu Kaiyuan, these people were thrilled, having been hired at a high price to protect him, they finally saw the main figure after such a long time.

"You’ve all worked hard," Gu Kaiyuan clasped his hands to them, "I’ve had Lin Hua prepare several tables of wine and top-notch food, I hope you enjoy it today. In the journey ahead, I’ll need your care."

"It’s our duty," Yun Ni, the head of these people, stood out and said, "Young Master Gu has helped us so much before and given us hope. We hope you don’t despise our crudeness in future matters. Whoever doesn’t perform well won’t be let off by the brothers."

Gu Kaiyuan exchanged some pleasantries before leaving with Zhuang Datou.

Zhuang Datou followed quietly, in his heart weighing Gu Kaiyuan once more.

Previously thinking the son-in-law was good to the young lady because of Bai Family’s assistance, now it seems it needs reevaluation.

Now with manpower at his side, the journey ahead will likely be smoother, easing their burden.

Zhuang Datou and Huang Pingguo fled from Lingnan, knowing its harsh conditions better than anyone.

Apart from wanting to repay Bai Family’s kindness, they also wish to return to their homeland and possibly find relatives.

With Bai Family’s wealth, they could live well, but with the son-in-law having people, they needn’t fear being coerced by local gentries.

It seems the son-in-law is knowledgeable about Lingnan, hence the thorough preparation.

This mission seems to be a real windfall for him and Huang Pingguo; as long as they stay by the young lady and son-in-law, they needn’t worry about a good future.

In the following days, Gu Kaiyuan could sense that Zhuang Datou and others were serving more diligently and surmise that if used well, they would save him a lot of trouble.

Returning to the room, Bai Suihe was already at the table sipping hot tea; instead of immediately approaching, he closed the door, stood by the fire stove to let the chill leave his body before walking over.

"How was it?" Bai Suihe knew Gu Kaiyuan had just gone out for something, casually asking while pouring him a cup of hot tea.

"Everything’s ready; they’ll set off behind the convoy tomorrow, Lin Hua bought some supplies and will escort them together."

Bai Suihe nodded, knowing the original story, despite not experiencing it firsthand, the book records many troublesome things happening on the journey once the parties set in motion.

"Without you standing at the forefront this time, how many rounds do you think the Gu Family can last?"

Gu Kaiyuan replied with a wry smile, "I can’t just ignore everything; I’ll still act accordingly, but don’t worry, I have a measure."

Bai Suihe said, "Do you still wish to pursue an official career later? Perhaps you should separate early."

Gu Kaiyuan shook his head, "It’s not that easy; even now, forming another branch, in everyone’s view, we are still one entity.

It’s best to wait until the Third Prince negotiates well, changing Gu Family’s current status; then it’s the right timing."

Gu Kaiyuan tenderly gazed at Bai Suihe, "Rather than wait three generations to restore status, why not fight for our descendants?"

Bai Suihe sighed, knowing Gu Kaiyuan’s choice is best for them, "Perhaps let Lin Hua and Lin Wei stay by your side?"

Gu Kaiyuan’s martial arts were good, and he hadn’t slack in practicing these days. Having Lin Hua and Lin Wei close by would undoubtedly make things safer.

"No need, sometimes too many people aren’t beneficial." Gu Kaiyuan considered the two escort agencies, giving a few more reminders, "I’ll have them follow the agency; we’ll be at the convoy’s rear. If anything happens, run back, our people will protect you."

Gu Kaiyuan didn’t know if deviations would occur next; alone, he couldn’t handle everything, thus the arrangement.

Bai Suihe valued life; "Rest assured, you’ve reminded me several times.

Since you now choose not to reveal your skills, don’t be front and center in everything.

Sometimes human nature fails under trials; understand that Gu Family can’t be entrusted with your back."

Apparently, Gu Kaiyuan once had Gu Kaiping push him aside to block a knife.