It could be said that as long as one had a bit of silver, they bought ox carts or donkey carts. Escorts at the post station even arranged for horse carts, making the entire group much more relaxed.

Those who didn’t buy carts gritted their teeth and kept close, fearing the escort’s dissatisfaction, which would result in anger concentrated on the minority without carts.

By the time they rested at noon, the escort’s expression had improved somewhat, distributing rations and giving them half an hour to rest.

After all, there were also so many livestock, they needed rest too.

The Gu Family certainly noticed Gu Kaiyuan alighting from another ox cart, and Bai Suihe was even being served by two maidservants.

At that sight, everyone was left unsettled.

What exactly is going on here? Beside Ms. Bai were her two former maidservants.

Could it be that the Bai Family sent people after all?

Recalling previous actions, the Gu Family couldn’t help but feel a mixture of emotions.

Xu Yulan, full of indignation, said, "What’s going on here? The third brother and the others have abandoned us to live the good life.

Look at that ox cart, it actually has a canopy."

Post stations had such ox carts, but adding a canopy costs dozens of silver taels more.

Throughout the journey, she had eaten a lot of dust; if there was a canopy, she wouldn’t have suffered so much.

"I’ll go ask," Gu Kaichen had already forgotten that it was he and his wife who schemed first, he stormed over, "Gu Kaiyuan, aren’t you going to explain what’s going on?"

"What is there to explain?" Gu Kaiyuan looked coldly at the Gu Family, "My wife and I were abandoned by you, but fortunately, we met acquaintances who took pity on us and agreed to give us a ride.

Won’t this explanation suffice for you and the others? Are you satisfied?"

Having finished speaking, he looked at the Gu Family, "You wouldn’t wish to see how destitute we are, or intend that we struggle at the back, would you?"

"How dare you speak to your brother like that?" Xu Huizhen looked at Dongmei and Chunxiang, "You both are so loyal, since you are here, serve well.

Come over and help me, I’ll join you on that cart from now on."

Bai Suihe said, "Mother, have you misunderstood? Dongmei and Chunxiang have already redeemed themselves; they are now free people.

This time they are returning to their hometown with their husbands, and coincidentally encountered their former, struggling master, me, on the road. Out of past affection, I boldly asked them to take us along.

They are civilians now, we’re the criminals; we dare not boss them around."

Xu Huizhen said, "Regardless, you have been benevolent to them, haven’t you? You don’t want them to serve me?" Xu Huizhen didn’t expect such a reply, her expression was resentful.

"Mother, please mind your words. We are criminals now, not employing servants.

Even the way we address each other should change; what was appropriate in the estate doesn’t apply here," Bai Suihe looked at Bai Jiang, "Father, do you think I make sense?"

Bai Jiang felt stuck by Bai Suihe’s comments; how was he supposed to respond, especially with those escorts glaring?

As criminals, they had long been cast into the dust, and certainly couldn’t maintain any airs.

Employing servants wasn’t possible for them, let alone instructing civilians to work for them.

"Were they sent by Mr. Bai?" Bai Jiang diverted the topic.

Bai Suihe replied, "Father misunderstood; how could my dad bother for such an unfilial daughter?

I’ve heard my father plans to clear all ties by ousting me from the family.

Dongmei and Chunxiang meeting here really is a coincidence; if you doubt it, they can present their household registers and travel permits for your inspection."

Chunxiang said, "Miss is right, it was by chance we encountered her here.

Seeing how arduously she was traveling with our master, we managed to ask the officials for permission to lend some support.

Pingguo, bring over our household register and travel permit, or else Mr. Gu might think we’re deceiving him."

Huang Pingguo responded loudly and quickly brought over his travel permit and household register, first showing them to the escort, "There’s no choice, traveling outside, we hope for some understanding and promise not to cause trouble for anyone."

Liu Pingkang had already received benefits, and this was agreed upon beforehand.

The behavior of the Gu Family was evident to them and greatly looked down upon. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"It’s tough traveling for everyone.

However, since you’re with us, try not to cause trouble, leave promptly when we reach our destination."

Liu Pingkang said some polite words before handing back the household register to Huang Pingguo, who made sure to exhibit it to the Gu Family.

Previously, Dongmei and Chun Cao were household servants, but in such a short time, their status had reversed.

Realistically, they were now less free than Dongmei and Chun Cao, who could travel unrestricted.

"Truly loyal lapdogs," Xu Huizhen reacted upon seeing Bai Jiang’s silence, recognizing there was no chance for gain, directly addressing Gu Kaiyuan, "Kaiyuan, how do you propose solving this?"

"Mother, this really puts me in a bind; it’s only thanks to Suihe that I have a place," Gu Kaiyuan himself was surprised by Xu Huizhen still attempting to struggle, "Shall I not return, to fulfill filial duty in front of mother?"

"Then come back," Xu Huizhen said, her eyes fixed on Bai Suihe, "Your brother has been towing an ox cart all day; it’s your turn."

Gu Kaiyuan had predicted this, instantly agreeing, "Alright, I’ll take turns with my brothers, living and eating with you all.

After all, relying on my wife for a good life had me seen as freeloading.

It’s thanks to mother’s foresight; no disadvantage having such a sturdy laborer as me."

The matter cheerfully agreed upon, Bai Suihe said nothing, taking Dongmei and Chunxiang back to the ox cart.

The two maidservants put out previously prepared cakes while Zhuang Datou and Huang Ping moved a small cook stove below, cooking a fragrant pot of beef noodles in full view of the Gu Family, inviting Bai Suihe to eat.

"Look at Ms. Bai," Xu Huizhen’s envy fumed, why did she, as the mother-in-law, endure hardship while Bai Suihe enjoyed servants’ care?

"If you dislike it, then don’t look," Bai Jiang said displeased, "She holds higher status now than us, what can you do about it?"

Simultaneously, internally deciding, the Bai Family? There will come a time to settle accounts with them.

Including that Ms. Bai, divorce isn’t out of the question.

Upon pondering such things, he found some inner peace.

Also secretly wondered why the Third Prince only brought him a mere two hundred taels of silver?

Unbeknownst to him, the Third Prince, now facing difficulty himself, had his entire residence robbed clean, urgently hoping for Bai Jiang to provide silver, already sending people to hasten this matter, all unbeknownst to Bai Jiang.