Chapter 171: Chapter 171: Delivering Supplies

The Gu Family didn’t book separate rooms this time; they followed everyone to stay in the communal bed area obediently.

Others knew the reason; some avoided the Gu Family, unsure if Gu Baijiang might bring disaster upon everyone.

This is not something they could change by objecting. If they dared to speak up, the escort’s whip would land before the Gu Family could refute.

This time, the Gu Family learned their lesson, bought thick blankets and clothes, but with so many items, there would be fewer seats in the carriage.

"Father, why don’t we learn from the third son and prepare more oilcloth?" Gu Kaiping looked at many people buying oilcloth at high prices, initially reluctant, but now thought not buying would be a loss.

"Indeed, the carriage won’t fit so many people, and if it rains, it would be terrible." Now aware of their situation, Gu Kaichen felt more generous.

It seems the temperature drops every hour, and today was drizzly all day; their clothes soaked while leading the ox cart.

"By the way, buy a few raincoats," Gu Kaichen sneezed, "I might be catching a cold, need to buy some medicine."

Gu Baijiang said, "The more things we buy, the longer days ahead, what to do?"

They occupy space, and Silver Coin is diminishing; should he lose face and ask Ming Peifeng for more Silver?

Thinking of the 200 taels paid to his uncle last time, he was stingy about taking them out, fearing no more support.

However, with those 200 taels, he saw the Gu Family buying lots of things today.

Yet, he did not know Gu Li bought practical goods, and with their large numbers, the 200 taels were almost exhausted.

"But these are necessities," Gu Kaichen really wanted to ask the old man where the silver was hidden, but considering their current situation, it’s not wise to retrieve it.

"If we don’t have raincoats to shield us tomorrow, and my two brothers catch a cold, medicine would cost even more Silver."

"Father, second brother is right, we really need oilcloth; you see, as post stations become fewer, and if the weather gets colder, we can’t all squeeze into the carriage."

Besides, the carriage isn’t well-insulated, and our family’s lives are precious; saving a little money shouldn’t lead to greater losses."

Listening to his sons, Gu Baijiang could only wave his hand and say he’ll think of a solution.

The brothers exchanged glances, thinking their father had a way to earn money, having concealed it well, explaining why he could produce silver notes twice.

They secretly resolved to ensure Gu Kaiyuan would leave the family, and seldom return, preventing their father from bringing him to mind again.

Gu Kaiyuan disregarded their schemes, accepted the silver note Bai Suihe gave him, glanced at it, and returned a few notes, "With the Third Prince’s gift of 200 taels, Grandfather and the others won’t be struggling. Just heard from Huang Pingguo they’ve purchased warm clothing. I’ll help buy them some oilcloth and prepare a carriage for transporting goods."

"They’ll still need food and drink on the way," Bai Suihe wasn’t overly compassionate but knew they would need these family members in the future to extricate from the Gu Family, thus had to build a good relationship first, "There are old people and children in the group; they can’t survive on the few buns given by the escort every day."

I noticed their shoes were thin and full of holes, hurrying away with nothing prepared.

Make sure to buy them some sturdy boots."

Bai Suihe handed back the silver note and, touching her belly, said, "We don’t lack this amount anyway, consider it as accumulating blessings for the child."

Thinking of those elderly and innocent children, Gu Kaiyuan took the silver note and went downstairs.

The post station goods are indeed expensive, but he didn’t intend for Zhuang Datou to buy outside.

Every purchase at the post station gives Liu Pingkang and the others a commission, no need to strain relations over a few taels.

The shopkeeper was eagerly calculating, they were his biggest customer today.

"One sturdy ox cart, eighty taels."

"Twenty sheets of oilcloth, thirty taels."

"Fifty pairs of leather boots, thirty taels."

If unsuitable, you can exchange anytime.

"Five hundred pounds of grains, eighty-three taels."

"Raincoats..."

...

"Dear customer, I’ve calculated for you, a total of three hundred twenty-five taels. Seeing you buy so much, I’ll give you a few water bags for free. Pay the silver, and I’ll have the staff load the cart."

Gu Kaiyuan swiftly settled the account, watched the staff load the cart, and headed towards the communal area.

Because the clan disliked the Gu Family, they chose not to stay in the same communal room.

Gu Kaiyuan’s arrival puzzled Gu Li, "What brings you here? Your matter isn’t over yet..."

"Grandfather, the weather’s getting colder. Have you considered how to proceed on the upcoming journey?"

Gu Li frowned, as the weather worsened, they couldn’t hide at home relying on a heated bed to ward off winter.

He didn’t know Gu Kaiyuan’s intentions, "Rural folk aren’t particular, live day by day."

"I know you’ve endured much hardship, indifferent to this matter, but the elderly and children may not withstand it," Gu Kaiyuan said sincerely, "I’ve prepared some items for you, hoping you won’t mind."

Gu Li replied, "Heard you kid rely on your wife, no need to worry about us."

These days were ample to learn about the Gu Family, but spiteful mouths portrayed Gu Kaiyuan as a henpecked husband, dependent on his wife.

"This is Suihe’s suggestion; with many elders and children here, it’s a small gesture, truly not much."

Gu Baihe hesitated, they bought so many things today. Though accustomed to farm work, carrying such items would be tough, making Gu Kaiyuan’s contribution awkward.

"Where are the items? What are they?" Gu Baixi thought, the goods being purchased, the post station wouldn’t accept returns, "If they’re light, distribute a bit to each household, gritting teeth won’t be unbearable."

Gu Kaiyuan said, "I’ve placed them in the backyard, I’ll show you to avoid mix-ups tomorrow."

With so many items, they should send someone to guard them in turns.