Liu Yun, "What about your third uncle?"

It’s not that she looks down on Gu Kaiyuan, "Your third uncle is simply not a concern. You can see your grandfather’s attitude; he doesn’t value your third uncle.

Plus, considering what he and Ms. Bai have done, if our family wasn’t in such a bad situation, your grandfather would have long since thrown him out with his temper."

Gu Kaiyuan being a threat to her husband’s position? That’s the funniest joke she’s ever heard.

However, since it was her daughter who said it, she couldn’t ridicule him too much. She began to advise earnestly, "Your second uncle, at least, has read some books and has gained a bit of a reputation."

Even being a scholar counts, and with a bit more luck, becoming an official is also possible.

"Add that to Gu Anwei," Liu Yun mentioned this with a somewhat twisted expression, uncertain if it was out of irritation or dislike, "Though I hate to admit it, he seems to study better than your brother; so young, and he can already take exams with Anliang.

So don’t underestimate your second uncle; in your grandfather’s eyes, they still have some chance of winning."

"Mother, it’s not the same; my father and brother are the eldest son and grandson of the direct bloodline, destined to inherit the family business in the future.

Besides, even if Anliang can study well, so what? 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

He can’t compare to Anwei, who has a sister like me. Once I’m in the Third Prince Mansion, I’ll certainly find ways to support Anliang."

"You’re a good one," Liu Yun became particularly emotional upon hearing this, immediately clutching Gu Antong’s hand beneath the covers.

Gu Antong’s whole body stiffened, wanting to scream and shake off the hand, questioning her good mother about what she had just grabbed and whether her hands were clean. But she dared not.

She could only say rigidly, "Mother, isn’t this what I’m supposed to do? You taught us siblings to support and take care of each other before.

Yet now my situation is awkward, and if the Third Prince forgets about me, what will become of your daughter?"

Liu Yun, thinking of this, became even more irritated, feeling even itchier all over, "I’ll talk to your father later; your grandfather will surely find a way."

The Third Prince is now the hope of the whole family; Liu Yun had had enough of this life, "Tong Er, Mother is feeling terrible all over right now. Could you go help Mother heat some water so I can wash and see if it feels better?"

Gu Antong, unable to stay lying down any longer, immediately wormed out from under the covers, breaking free from Liu Yun’s hand, "I’ll go ask Father to help get some water."

Gu Baijiang, who hadn’t fallen asleep yet, saw her coming and said nothing.

Gu Antong respectfully saluted him before waking up the sleeping Gu Kaiping.

"What is it?" Gu Kaiping was having a pleasant dream, dreaming that he was triumphantly returning to court, already appointed as Chief of Staff, and receiving the congratulations of colleagues.

But with a tug, he woke up, still unable to distinguish between reality and the dream.

"Father, can you come outside with me?" After all, grandfather was here, and she couldn’t just say that mother needed to wash and have father fetch water.

Even being awoken from a good dream by his own daughter, Gu Kaiping didn’t offer a good expression, "Day in and day out, don’t you know I’m tired?"

Muttering complaints, but after all, it was his daughter he favored, so he followed her aside, "So why is Liu Yun needing hot water for a bath?"

Gu Kaiping nearly cursed, "She’s really something, does she not know I spent all day herding cattle and now want more demands? What other household woman behaves like this?"

Gu Antong, "Mother can’t help it. She’s itching all over, seems to be an allergy."

"She’s just fussy. This wet weather, who isn’t enduring it like this?

Wait till we get to the post station or until the sun comes out to warm up, or change into clean clothes. This cold weather, how much hot water do we need to keep her from catching cold? I might end up sick trying to care for her."

Gu Kaiping waved impatiently, "It’s pitch black at night, if she really can’t take it, she should get up and do it herself, or you and your brother should help."

With that, he turned around to go back to bed, but Gu Antong grabbed his sleeve, "Father, just one more thing, has grandfather mentioned when our family will be cleared?"

Gu Kaiping, thinking of his earlier dream, also felt this was not to be delayed, "I’ll ask your grandfather once I go back; you all need to behave these days and not bring any more trouble to the family."

Gu Antong knew what he meant, bitterly aware yet unable to refute.

She couldn’t very well say it was out of jealousy for a little girl dressed better than herself, allowing her inner demons to act.

Causing the family to be targeted and compensate, her heart was also not at ease, always feeling it shouldn’t have turned out this way, but not knowing why.

When she snapped back, Gu Kaiping was already back under the covers; now too late to go forward again, she returned to Liu Yun’s side with clenched teeth.

Seeing her return so quickly, Liu Yun already had an inkling and decided not to count on Gu Kaiping anymore.

"Mother," Gu Antong was contemplating how to begin, seeing Liu Yun close her eyes with a bitter smile, "Forget it, you should rest early. Let’s hope for sunshine tomorrow."

Uncertain how much time passed, as Gu Antong was about to sleep, she heard a sigh...

For the subsequent journey, the two escort agencies maintained a steady pace behind. When Liu Pingkang stopped for a rest, they followed suit. Sometimes, lacking something, they could borrow or buy from them with silver, creating familiarity over time.

In the rear of the procession, Gu Kaiyuan and Bai Suihe naturally received special treatment. Initially, Liu Pingkang didn’t pay attention, but seeing some people from these groups showing Gu Kaiyuan particular respect, he figured it out somewhat.

But they all thought it was arranged by the Bai Family. Seeing how the Bai Family valued this daughter, they gained a new understanding.

Curious at times, Liu Pingkang wondered what made the Bai family niece so special to make a merchant family go so far.

Supposing they valued the Gu Family’s influence or were attempting opportunism, it didn’t quite add up considering their actions.

Their extraordinary care for Bai Suihe seemed apart from the Gu Family.

These days, Bai Suihe often felt like every move was being watched, especially by the escort members.

Stopping for a meal one day, she felt eyes fleetingly watching her and looked at Gu Kaiyuan, "Is there something on my face?"

She had just checked her clothes; nothing seemed off, could it be from not having washed her face properly these days?

That can’t be right, if anything was amiss, Dongmei and others would have mentioned it.

"I guess Liu Pingkang has figured out the escort agencies’ intentions," Gu Kaiyuan wasn’t trying to hide it before anyhow, letting Liu Pingkang see for himself.

Bai Suihe sighed in relief, "That’s it then."

They’d find out eventually, never planning to keep it a secret.