Gu Kaiyuan truly didn’t know that his wife had such a cunning mind. However, that’s a good thing; in case he couldn’t look after her someday, she would still be able to take care of herself.

"You’re right, the physician in this mansion indeed has shortcomings. For the sake of the Gu Family descendants, I also think we should consult another renowned doctor."

Gu Kaiyuan naturally spoke up, "Tomorrow, we will leave the mansion and find a skilled physician, who can certainly restore your vitality immediately."

Gu Kaiyuan also had this plan in mind before, intending to seize the opportunity to take Bai Suihe to see a doctor for a thorough examination, along with some medicinal prescriptions for health maintenance.

He hadn’t expected his wife to be so clever; if it wasn’t for that scene just now, they might not have found a reason to leave the mansion.

The next morning, Gu Kaiyuan arrived at the main courtyard early. Clearly, Xu Huizhen had already been informed, and today she was exceptionally amiable.

Whenever she thought about how Bai’s dowry would soon be in her son’s possession, she couldn’t help but smile herself awake last night.

Although Gu Kaiyuan was mischievous, he was her son, and he wouldn’t fail to respect his own mother.

Moreover, all she needed to do was ask, and she didn’t believe Gu Kaiyuan would fail to honor her as his mother.

When the time came, those idle sons from the Xu family would also have a place to go, and she wouldn’t have to struggle with the Xu family’s livelihood every day.

"Her health is indeed not good," Xu Huizhen said disdainfully, "Her body is too delicate, and I’m not sure if she can survive when it comes to childbirth."

Gu Kaiyuan lowered his eyes, his eyes reddening, and clenched his fists. As a mother, how could she wish for his misfortune, cursing his wife and daughter right in front of him?

"At least the Third Sister-in-law is fortunate," Xu Yulan chimed in sarcastically, "As soon as the Third Brother returns, he starts caring for his wife. Unlike your Second Brother, who spends all day in the academy and never comes home."

Gu Kaiyuan paid her no mind. This cousin and second sister-in-law had always been foul-mouthed, and he didn’t understand what his mother saw in her to allow such a troublemaker into the family.

But he was truly grateful that his second brother was of a similar age to her, because the thought of any other cousin in her place was even more terrifying.

Xu Huizhen glanced at Xu Yulan and felt somewhat disdainful. Her two most valued sons married wives who offered no support.

Although Liu was from the Marquis Mansion, she was an illegitimate daughter, and the support she received was limited.

It’s a pity that back then, the Gu Family had weak foundations, and Gu Baijiang had a low government position, with very few families in Shangjing willing to accept them. Marrying into the Liu Family was already the best choice.

"Since Ms. Bai is not feeling well, take her out to see a doctor soon. Your matters are important and shouldn’t be delayed because of her." Soon, the Bai’s dowry would be in hand, and she could enjoy a peaceful life.

Gu Kaiyuan agreed and took his leave.

"The Third Cousin is indeed fortunate," Xu Yulan said with a sour tone. Bai Suihe had many estates and shops, which were constant sources of income, and Gu Kaiyuan had obtained them effortlessly.

"There’s no helping it; the Third Sister-in-law comes from a merchant family," Liu Yun said, pressing a handkerchief against her mouth to suppress a mocking smile. "Silver is the last thing she’s lacking."

"Enough, merchants reek of money, and you still have the nerve to sulk about it here."

"There’s no need for you to serve here. Go and do whatever you need to do."

Xu Huizhen felt even she was getting jealous. These two were too insensitive and didn’t know what was important, still stirring trouble here.

Sometimes she felt that merchants had their advantages; at least with money, there was no need to scrimp and save.

She could only hope that the Third Son would show some drive and take hold of those estates and shops soon.

Gu Kaiyuan had a soft sedan chair prepared, carefully sent Bai Suihe to the carriage, and waited for two maidservants to board before letting Lin Hua set off.

For Bai Suihe, it was her first time going out since arriving, and she couldn’t help but perk up her ears to listen to the street’s bustling sounds.

This was the true essence of life; being stuck in the mansion all the time, it was no wonder so many resentful women emerged in the backyard, with all the in-fighting, it was because they were idle.

She couldn’t help but lift the curtain slightly and secretively look out, seeing different attire on the street, with some clad in fine silks and others in rough tunics, and many dressed in tattered clothes.

"I’ll take you for a stroll when there’s time," Gu Kaiyuan suggested when he noticed her curiosity.

"Really?"

"Of course," Gu Kaiyuan didn’t think his wife would fear the mansion’s rules. "As long as no one says anything, no one will notice us."

Chunxiang and the others immediately pledged their loyalty, "The servant only listens to the young lady’s instructions."

Then they hurriedly covered their mouths with a handkerchief, "To the Third Young Madam and Third Young Master’s instructions."

Gu Kaiyuan didn’t mind, even if they called him son-in-law to his face, he would accept it.

The carriage traveled down the street, and the noise they heard grew increasingly varied, "Is this the marketplace?"

"No, this is just the main road; the marketplace is still some distance away." Gu Kaiyuan remarked with slight surprise, "When you were with the Bai Family, you never went out either."

Bai Suihe replied, "...My father always looked up to your father as a role model, especially regarding rules."

Then she laughed mockingly, "It’s just that he couldn’t emulate the concubine-taking aspect."

"Well, that’s truly fortunate," Gu Kaiyuan whispered to her ear, "At least he didn’t learn from my father to keep a mistress."

Bai Suihe, "..."

"They say that the righteous are often found among the lowly, while the heartless are mostly among scholars. This saying is really true." Bai Suihe couldn’t help but sigh, "Truly, appearances can be deceiving."

"My lady, your literary talent is remarkable," Gu Kaiyuan found such words novel and felt they matched Gu Baijiang’s character well.

"I came across it by accident in a book," Bai Suihe thought she should visit a bookshop to buy some books to read, lest she accidentally spout shockingly unconventional poetry or sayings and become famous, which she didn’t want.

"If there’s an opportunity, please recommend the book to me, my lady. I’m sure it contains many wise sayings, worthy of my thorough study," Gu Kaiyuan was quite interested. If these could be used in his bookshop’s publications, it might become a bestseller.

Maybe one day he could write a compelling story based on Gu Baijiang.

As for whether it would be unfilial? It wasn’t named specifically; if people wanted to associate it with someone, then he couldn’t help it. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

At that moment, Gu Baijiang, who was facing the emperor, held back and sneezed, drawing the attention of the courtiers around him.

Several ministers discreetly moved aside; sometimes, a cold could be deadly.

"Mr. Gu, are you feeling unwell?" The Chief of Staff from the Ministry of Rites turned back to look at Gu Baijiang, who he held in high regard as an honest official with excellent household rules, observing all the rituals. If everyone were like him, the Ministry of Rites would have a much easier job.

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Qian, it must be a slight chill. I’ll find a doctor to prescribe some medicine later; it shouldn’t be a serious issue." In front of outsiders, Gu Baijiang was polite and measured, especially respectful to his superiors.

"That’s good. Although state affairs are important, one must also take care of their health."

The emperor was about to arrive soon, so the group dared not chat further and returned to their positions.