The two grandsons of the Gu Family, Gu Anliang and Gu Anwei, felt somewhat lost and anxious, looking around the carriage without any adult to guide them, and so they decided to stick closely by Gu Kaiyuan’s side.

"Third Uncle, is Grandmother alright?"

Gu Anliang asked nervously, and beside him, Gu Anwei also wore a worried expression.

Gu Kaiyuan’s tone was heavy, "Third Uncle doesn’t know either. Let’s hope that the gods and buddhas bless her, so your grandmother can be well and at peace."

These two brats often didn’t show much respect to him back in the mansion, but now they’re frightened, and that’s why they’ve come seeking help.

It’s a pity they sought help from the wrong person. When he was injured, no one comforted him, so why should he warm others?

But pretty words, these two brats in their past lives must have uttered plenty.

"Third Uncle, can we really not find a doctor?" Gu Anliang stared at Gu Kaiyuan with wide eyes, "Isn’t Third Uncle acquainted with those adults? Can’t you ask them for help?"

Gu Kaiyuan sneered inwardly; indeed, he’s the most valued legitimate grandson of his father, without other skills, but he’s learned quite well how to trap people.

"Third Uncle has already asked, but as you can see, it’s barren here without a village or shop in sight; we cannot make a doctor appear out of thin air.

I know you both mean well and are filial, but even if your grandfather took action, there’s no way to solve this."

"Can’t the Bai Family help either?"

This brat, Gu Anliang, really knows how to press on; it seems his elder brother must have taught him well in private.

"You forget the Bai Family is just a merchant. Your grandfather always says merchants focus on profit. What do we have now to offer them?

Your third aunt is relying on two maids for support and is heavily pregnant, unable to protect herself; whom can she beg for?"

"However, you are the eldest grandson of our Gu Family and the grandson of the Marquis Mansion. Due to this relationship, perhaps the escort might be willing to help. When we reach the next village, they might help us find a village doctor."

After speaking, Gu Kaiyuan looked at Gu Anliang excitedly, "Nephew, if you make a little more effort and persuade the Marquis to speak for us, the hope for our family to return to the capital will be rekindled."

Just a little brat and already knows how to set traps; then, don’t blame him for counterattacking.

It’s not that he’s naive, rather the Gu Family has never been easy to deal with.

"Third Uncle, why are you so naive?" Even if Gu Anliang had schemes, at this moment, he couldn’t hold them back; he’s just a child. How could Third Uncle place all hopes on him? 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Besides, what sort of relationship do they have with the Marquis Mansion? Isn’t he aware?

Mother never brought him to visit, and even if they bumped into those cousins from the Marquis Mansion outside, they never considered him.

Since then, he knew, whether his mother’s family existed or not made little difference, even when something happened to the Gu Family, they took the opportunity to step in, not acknowledging their existence.

Truthfully, the Marquis Mansion is less reliable than the two main maids by his third aunt’s side; at least they remember the bond between master and servant, occasionally lending a helping hand.

"Is there anything wrong with what Third Uncle said? Previously, Sister-in-law always mentioned the Marquis Mansion, and our family followed their rules; such an important marriage tie should play a crucial role now.

How do you know you can’t succeed if you don’t try? After all, Sister-in-law came from the Marquis Mansion; surely they would afford her some respect."

This brat Gu Anliang still wants to embarrass him; he should first wipe off his own dirt.

Watching his face change is quite satisfying.

Gu Anwei saw his cousin being defeated and was internally overjoyed, deciding to treat Third Uncle better in the future; at least he can make Gu Anliang uncomfortable.

"Sigh, how I live doesn’t matter; anyway, in your grandfather and grandmother’s eyes, I’m just a nobody.

But you’re different; you’ve read so many books, and now you’re about to take the child student exam; yet due to this matter, your career path is halted, and you might end up like me, a common idle man."

Gu Kaiyuan slapped his forehead again, "Third Uncle misspoke. Indeed, more reading is necessary; even speaking clearly is a struggle."

Just as Gu Anliang thought Gu Kaiyuan might reflect, suddenly he changed his tune, looking at them with pity, "Not even a common idle man, we are mere exiled prisoners, subject to supervision and restriction by officials."

Watching the two kids’ expressions constantly change, Gu Kaiyuan suddenly felt this long trek wasn’t so tiring; even the cow beside him swatting mosquitoes with its tail seemed cute.

No wonder the Gu Family in their past life tried their hardest to discomfort him; with vented emotions, the liver qi flows well. If the scene were suitable, he might even hum a tune.

Gu Anliang and the others dared not speak further, slowly slowing their pace, distancing themselves from this frightening Third Uncle.

But when they slowed, nearing the carriage again and hearing the anguished cries coming from it, both brothers shivered in sync and quickened their steps once more, this time silently following behind Gu Kaiyuan without a word.

Gu Kaiyuan glanced at them, then at the long procession in front, and finally at the already-yellow mountains and forests, thinking this scenery quite beautiful.

The Gu Family doesn’t have a fool; even a child understands the predicament the Gu Family faces now and what Xu Huizhen, crying in the carriage, is about to endure.

Yet the Gu Family is selfish; Xu Huizhen is biased but always favored the first and second houses; as beneficiaries, who truly pities her now?

Gu Kaiyuan felt desolate inside; despite Xu Huizhen’s many faults, she raised him. His actions at this moment were indeed selfish too.

But what wrong did he commit? If he were to relive the past, he’d face the same accusations again; upon what basis?

The sounds from within the carriage grew weaker; Gu Kaichen, handling the wound inside with Liu Yun and Xu Yulan’s assistance, helped Xu Huizhen open her clothing, gazing at the already rotten and split wound, feeling at a loss.

"Kai Chen, quickly help Aunt process that wound; it’s continuously bleeding," Xu Yulan was on the verge of tears, her voice trembled.

Liu Yun quietly moved backward, tightly leaning on Gu Antong, "Tong Er, why don’t you get off the carriage for now?"

She genuinely feared her daughter would be traumatized; here, there’s no way to call for a doctor.

Gu Antong was afraid too, her limbs icy cold.

But thinking of Grandfather outside and those fierce eyes, she immediately made a choice, "Mother, I won’t go out; I’ll stay here with Grandmother, stay here with you."

Liu Yun was moved by her daughter’s filial piety, grabbing her hand, "If you’re scared, why not just close your eyes?"