"You all go and help," Gu Li didn’t want to see so many people surrounding him; there are some things he needs to think through carefully.

"Everyone has had a tough journey. Go and help with the physical work; you can’t rely on Feng Yu and the others for everything."

Gu Baihe and the others all responded affirmatively, and everyone started working together to settle in quickly.

Liu Pingkang found this sheltered spot, which is indeed good. Although it was cold that night, it wasn’t so bad as to leave everyone in a sorry state.

Some of the larger families followed Gu Kaiyuan’s lead, using oilcloth to enclose their area. With the surrounding bonfires, they could sleep peacefully tonight.

Gu Baijiang tossed and turned, unable to sleep, listening to the snores of his two sons nearby. He sighed, got up quietly, and went to the bonfire outside. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to go for a walk; he just didn’t have the courage.

"Mr. Gu, can’t sleep?" Zhou Gang suddenly came over and sat down next to him.

Gu Baijiang didn’t want to talk to him. This Zhou had just taken advantage of him.

"I know what you’re worried about," Zhou Gang didn’t expect him to answer, and moved a bit closer by himself. "We have no major grudges; it was your granddaughter who started it all.

This counts as knowing each other through conflict; we should have more interactions in the future."

Gu Baijiang snorted coldly, "I wouldn’t dare."

Getting involved once means losing some skin; he wouldn’t dare invite trouble into his home.

"I have some news; I wonder if Mr. Gu is interested?"

Zhou Gang didn’t expect Gu Baijiang to respond and continued on his own, "Knowing the Gu family’s wealth, my master wishes to make a deal with you."

Gu Baijiang, who had previously remained indifferent, looked at Zhou Gang with some surprise, "Mr. Zhou, I wonder which prince you’ve pledged to?"

"No rush to talk about that," Zhou Gang smiled and asked back, "Do you think the Third Prince is the Gu family’s support?"

Gu Baijiang, "I don’t know what you’re talking about. I am just a demoted criminal, struggling to survive, without the wealth you speak of. Your master must be mistaken.

Besides, if Mr. Zhou had actually found a reliable master, you wouldn’t be here."

Zhou Gang was unfazed by Gu Baijiang’s sarcasm. "I have no choice; for my family’s sake, I have to make a choice.

Our situations are quite similar; why not keep an option open?

If you’re willing to help, my master promises to restore your position and offer a high status to your family’s lady."

Gu Baijiang remained unmoved. The Third Prince could offer these things too, so why turn to others and taint himself?

Besides, Zhou Gang clearly had ulterior motives, casually making these promises—who knows if he’s speaking truthfully or seeking some secret?

"If the Third Prince had any regard, he wouldn’t let Mr. Gu suffer like this," Zhou Gang continued, unbothered by Gu Baijiang’s silence, not expecting him to agree today.

With the recent enmity between the families, it’s normal for him to be wary.

Alas, if only the olive branch from above hadn’t come so late, he wouldn’t have to seek compensation from Gu Baijiang. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

"I don’t know what you’re talking about," Gu Baijiang stood up, now wary of Zhou Gang. It seemed he had aligned with some prince, but asking further might involve him in their schemes.

"It’s getting late now; Mr. Zhou, you should rest. I’d rather listen to my sons snoring than face various tests."

After Gu Baijiang left, Zhou Gang smiled, stood, and dusted off his clothes. He had said what needed to be said. If some people refuse the easy way, wanting the hard way, he’ll watch and see their end.

He turned back to his spot, not noticing a probing gaze following him.

It rained continuously for the next five days, making everyone miserable.

Some people’s skin began to break out in red bumps.

Liu Yun was the same, itching all over, yet unable to complain.

"This damned weather, I wonder when it will clear up, or at least let us reach a post station," Liu Yun grumbled while secretly scratching herself under the covers.

Beside her, Gu Antong turned her back disdainfully.

Darn Gu Family, they took away the extra quilts they had prepared, forcing them to huddle under one.

"Antong, after the Third Prince left that day, did he mention when he might return?"

Gu Antong rolled her eyes, though she spoke gently, "Mother, how would I know? It wasn’t just me and the Third Prince in the carriage that day; why would he tell me such things?

We should ask Grandfather; the Third Prince spoke with him several times privately when he was here."

Gu Antong was anxious too. Without fancy clothes and jewelry, her carefully crafted look felt plain, far from the grand appearances of the Capital City’s noble ladies—a sight the Third Prince might overlook.

Now knowing the Bai Family hadn’t abandoned Bai Suihe, her resentment grew. As a family, they didn’t even help her. If they could provide her with fine attire and cosmetics, she was confident she could impress the Third Prince.

And Gu Kaiyuan, her third uncle—he only sided with Ms. Bai. Surely, as Bai Suihe’s husband, he must have some influence.

And the previous entanglements with the Zhou Family; this couple didn’t step in, clearly not caring for her as their niece.

If she were to enter the Three Emperors Mansion, she certainly wouldn’t acknowledge them should they approach.

"Your grandfather’s temper has grown strange; I dare not approach," Liu Yun scratched herself with a fearful expression, recalling Gu Baijiang’s ruthless demeanor that day.

He treated the mother who raised his three sons harshly, then acted as if nothing happened. How could it not chill the heart?

"What about Father? He might get some news from Grandfather." Gu Antong was anxious; their current situation left them no means to gather information.

"Your father is in a tough position," Liu Yun defended her husband. "Your second uncle follows your grandfather closely; he can’t afford any mistakes now, lest he’s replaced by your second uncle."

Gu Antong sneered, "Mother, what are you thinking? Can that fool of a second uncle replace Father?

I believe we should guard against our third uncle. I always find him hard to read."