Gu Kaiyuan smiled bitterly, "Mr. Liu, you should’ve seen the treatment my wife and I have received over these days.

Fortunately, my mother-in-law sent someone to follow us, otherwise, just the two of us might not have lasted until today.

From the day we bought the ox cart, my wife didn’t even have a seat. That’s when I knew that my wife and I were already considered expendable.

Since I was young, I knew my mother didn’t like me. She often magnified small issues endlessly, portraying me as a troublesome and foolish child.

I can endure those things silently without holding grudges, but the child in Ms. Bai’s womb is their grandchild too. How can they be so cruel?"

With a few drinks, Gu Kaiyuan began to vent his grievances. The Gu Family values face, but Gu Kaiyuan doesn’t care.

Having suffered so many injustices, he no longer wants to continue enduring them.

This also set the stage for some of his upcoming actions. He doesn’t want to be overly passive.

"Ah, fingers have different lengths, there’s no way around it." Liu Pingkang already knew Gu Kaiyuan and understood him well, knowing his words were true.

Though they are all children of the Gu Family, the two older brothers could focus on scholarly pursuits, while Gu Kaiyuan managed household affairs early on.

Gu Kaiyuan is not a foolish or willful person. In fact, from various behaviors, he even seems more outstanding than the two young masters of the Gu Family.

It’s said that the second Gu son has studied for years and is still only a student. In an ordinary family, he would have been urged to give up long ago instead of wasting more time.

"You indeed have it tough," Liu Pingkang poured Gu Kaiyuan more wine, "Staying away from your parents isn’t an issue. It’s just those people in black surely won’t give up easily.

You should talk to your family properly. Solve what can be solved on your own quickly, don’t implicate everyone else.

We are brothers, so I won’t hide it from you. Regarding the previous incident, I’ve already sent a letter back urgently. There might be news in the next few days.

If someone really comes to attack again, your family might have to return to the capital to undergo interrogation once more."

Gu Kaiyuan took a sip of his drink and a bite of meat, then said, "This matter is really out of my hands, I have no say in my family.

But Mr. Liu, rest assured, if something like this happens again, I will definitely not bring trouble to you and your group."

"...We all have our headaches, but it doesn’t mean neglect. Lives of our brothers are also lives, we don’t want to be dragged in without reason.

I just hope you relay this message to Mr. Gu. If men in black attack again, don’t blame us for choosing self-preservation first." Liu Pingkang put down the glass, staring at Gu Kaiyuan as he spoke.

The silver given by the Bai Family is significant, but they value their lives over money. Helping once was already fulfilling their utmost duty.

Should such matters arise again, they will undoubtedly choose to protect themselves first.

Agreeing to Gu Kaiyuan’s invitation today was also to voice the harsh truths upfront.

Previously, they promised the Bai Family to protect the couple, but as for other members of the Gu Family, they do not care about their fate.

"Do what one can and leave the rest to fate," Gu Kaiyuan looked as if he had seen through it all, "I believe my father wouldn’t create mortal enemies, it should just be minor conflicts, otherwise the last time would’ve already resulted in harm."

Seeing Gu Kaiyuan remain so naive, still speaking for the Gu Family at this stage, Liu Pingkang silently shook his head inside.

Though he complains, this lad indeed couldn’t bring himself to be completely unconcerned.

Anyway, from now on, try to keep their ox cart as far away from the Gu Family as possible, as long as Ms. Bai is protected, the benefits will naturally follow upon returning. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

The two drank a while longer before Gu Kaiyuan stumbled back to the neighboring room.

Bai Suihe saw him come in reeking of alcohol and quickly helped him onto the bed, "Why did you drink so much?"

"Suihe, I’m fine," Gu Kaiyuan lay on the bed, his eyes still very bright, "Liu Pingkang agreed to this drink today, mostly to have me issue a warning to the Gu Family.

These people have their own way of handling things, but unfortunately, this time they won’t get their wish."

"On my way back, I purposely walked through the main hall and saw the Gu Family having a drink there, I went over to greet them.

With the alcohol, I made a scene and just got back. I’m drunk tonight and will sleep until dawn."

Bai Suihe noticed his slightly slurred speech, knowing although not fully drunk, he was about seventy percent tipsy.

Anticipating what might happen tonight, she didn’t direct him to a confined space but rather tucked him in properly, "Sleep..."

After Bai Suihe ensured he was asleep, she went to open the door. Dongmei and Chunxiang were still waiting outside.

"Miss, should we stay and help you?" The master is really something, not knowing the lady’s current condition, yet coming back drunk.

"No need, you two go rest. Stay in your room tonight and don’t go anywhere," Bai Suihe instructed.

Though Dongmei and Chunxiang didn’t quite understand why Bai Suihe insisted on this, they nodded obediently.

Each returned to their quarters, instructing their husbands, and went to bed early.

The recent days of rough living outdoors took their toll, preventing them from sleeping deeply.

This was a post station, with escorts nearby, ensuring safety wasn’t an issue.

During the stillness of night, the entire post station quieted down.

Gu Baijiang opened his eyes, pretty sure he heard something outside the door.

Beside him, Xu Huizhen continued her rhythmic snores, undisturbed.

"Who’s there?" Gu Baijiang asked in a steady voice.

"Mr. Gu, I have something to discuss with you."

"There’s no Mr. Gu here, you’ve got the wrong place." Gu Baijiang’s guard went up. If Lord Ming had sent someone, they wouldn’t be so discrete.

"We’re not mistaken, you’re Gu Baijiang, right?"

It had been a long time since anyone had addressed him by name so directly, and Gu Baijiang detected a trace of malice in their tone.

Remembering the previous men in black, he resolutely chose not to go out.

A mere thin door wasn’t enough to stop them, and he had no means to better secure it.

He couldn’t help but feel a bit of regret, thinking he should’ve opted to sleep in the public area.

"Mr. Gu, don’t refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit. Whether you come out or we come in, it makes no difference."

"..."

"If so, then don’t blame us for being discourteous."

As Gu Baijiang contemplated solutions, the sounds of a fight suddenly erupted outside.

He wasn’t sure if the escort noticed or if it was Lord Ming’s backup, but he pressed himself tightly against the door.

"What’s going on in the middle of the night?" Xu Huizhen grumbled, sitting up in bed, noticing Gu Baijiang holding the door, "Sir, what are you doing?"

"Come help me hold the door; there are intruders outside." Gu Baijiang saw Xu Huizhen’s substantial figure and was struck with a sudden idea.

"Intruders!" Xu Huizhen screamed, "Is it those people in black from before?"