"I dare not forget," Kai Yuan’s voice was flat, "It’s just that I’ve heard some rumors while being away these days."

Huizhen was intrigued, "What interesting rumors have been going around Capital City lately?"

"I’ve heard that there’s a high-ranking official, known for his upright and honest nature, most dutiful and law-abiding, and he also imposes strict discipline on his household and children, having a great reputation.

However, he has secretly established another residence outside, and it’s said that the new mansion is extremely luxurious, with a new concubine of unmatched beauty..."

Huizhen’s expression turned ugly, but she didn’t relate herself to it. Instead, she felt unjust for the neglected wife, "That official is truly excessive; how can he be worthy of the wife who has sacrificed so much for him?

I don’t know which official this is, but I must discuss this thoroughly with your father someday. Such a person is not worthy to associate with."

Kai Yuan said, "I don’t know which official it is either, but there’s an odd coincidence—they share the same last name as ours.

I’m not aware of which officials in the court bear such a kinship with us; this matter still needs big brother to investigate."

"With the same surname ’Gu,’" Huizhen scrutinized Kai Yuan, pondering why he brought this up without cause today—could it be...

Thinking of how often Gu Baijiang is not at home, her face turned unsightly, "Do you know where the courtyard is?"

"I’ve heard of it," Kai Yuan revealed the location, "Earlier, I even got ridiculed by a friend of mine, but I retorted back. My father is honest and upright; how could he engage in such base conduct?"

Having received the answer she wanted, Huizhen waved Kai Yuan away.

This call-and-dismiss gesture didn’t trouble Kai Yuan, who bowed and left straight away.

Seeing a few peaceful days left, might as well let the Gu Mansion become lively.

That good elder brother of his actually knows about the new Gu Mansion but never thought to warn their mother—shows his nature.

The more Huizhen thought about it, the more she felt something was amiss with what the third spoke. She summoned Nanny Xu and gave some instructions. Once she left, she was restless in the mansion.

Gu Baijiang has always used business as an excuse not to return home, and even when he did, he stayed in the study area.

Upon reconsideration, how long has it been since he entered her courtyard?

She once thought of them as an old couple who had become grandparents, indifferent to sharing a room. Now she realized, there had been a secret all along.

She wanted to ask Kai Ping but eventually gave up.

In her heart, she knew Kai Ping was most like Gu Baijiang—even if he knew, he would most likely hide it for him.

She never suspected her eldest son, in whom she had placed high hopes, had already betrayed her.

With the accurate address, Nanny Zhou didn’t take an hour to gather information.

The new Gu Mansion was robbed a few days ago, which hadn’t been exposed, but nearby neighbors heard news.

This topic is still ongoing; Nanny Zhou took a lap around the alley and quickly got the information she wanted.

An official from the Ministry of War, also had the surname Gu—what else is there to know?

Kai Yuan subtly pushed from the dark, given Gu Baijiang’s attempts to hide, coming and going without official attire—who knew what kind of people lived there?

Upon hearing the news, Xu Huizhen felt her world crumble. There were many officials with the surname Gu, but in the Ministry of War, there was only Gu Baijiang.

"I have to see for myself," Xu Huizhen held back a simmering resentment; if she didn’t seek clarity today, she wouldn’t be at peace.

Nanny Zhou also agreed, "I heard the new Gu Mansion is extremely luxurious, with the hostess wearing different clothes and jewelry daily."

Xu Huizhen already panting heavily said, "You take some people, let’s go and see."

"Shouldn’t we ask the master, to avoid any mistake?" Nanny Zhou was now somewhat hesitant. She was indeed the old lady’s person, but it was still the master who held authority in this household.

"I’m merely asking you to accompany me out for a stroll. What if the new Gu Mansion turns out to be our old acquaintance?"

Xu Huizhen gritted her teeth, pointing to one of the maids, "You, go call the third young master for me."

Kai Yuan, however, had anticipated this and left the mansion early.

Anyway, according to the timetable, tomorrow they would seize the house, so stirring the pot today isn’t bad.

Not finding him, Xu Huizhen called upon Yu Lan to accompany her. In her mind, her daughter-in-law and niece were more reliable than Kai Yuan.

Bai Suihe, having received Kai Yuan’s instructions earlier, was attentive to the happenings at the main courtyard, and upon hearing that the old lady left with a large group, couldn’t help but feel a bit amused.

"Pity, can’t witness the scene firsthand." Bai Suihe caressed her belly, not really intending to join in; someone would surely recount the scene later.

The newly plundered Gu Mansion, arranged by several wealthy merchants, was thoroughly repaired just the day before.

Madam Li specifically dressed up today to welcome her master’s arrival.

"You, clean the main gate nicely, and there, are the lanterns under the arcade ready?

The entire mansion needs to be lit tonight, with no errors allowed.

Is the kitchen ready? Make the dishes more lavish."

Madam Li, with several maids, commanded in the courtyard, exuding the aura of the mistress.

At this time, a knock was heard at the door, causing Madam Li’s eyes to light up, thinking the master couldn’t wait to see their new home.

Though once back, she was anxious to see the empty mansion,

Unexpectedly, the master restored it according to her preferences so swiftly.

"The master has returned," Madam Li personally came out to greet them, but upon seeing the aggressive crowd outside, her face grew stiff.

"Who are you? Who are you looking for?"

"This is the courtyard of Gu Baijiang, Sir Gu, right?" Xu Huizhen surveyed the wealthy-looking woman, noting her luxurious attire and abundant jewelry, which made her particularly envious.

Especially that alluring visage, which she wished to destroy.

"Are you here for the master?" Madam Li lifted her delicate hand, revealing a jade bracelet jingling, and gently said, "The master is occupied today; perhaps you can come another day."

Today was supposed to be their joyous housewarming; she wondered who came uninvited without foresight.

Not the ones she expected, Madam Li turned to head back, but pain struck her head, yanking her to the ground.

Then, an ugly and obese figure pinned her down, and with resounding slaps, pain seared her cheeks.

"What are you doing? Do you know who I am?

Are you all dead? Quickly pull her off me."

Madam Li lost her composure, shouting without regard for dignified appearances.

Xu Huizhen felt an overwhelming fury; the moment this vile woman admitted to Gu Baijiang, her doom was sealed.

The people of the new Gu Mansion trying to rescue their mistress were stopped by those brought by Nanny Zhou.

"Do you know who our old lady is?"

Once said, no one dared to move.

The Capital City had countless dignitaries—far too many they couldn’t afford to offend.

Though bought as household servants in the Gu Mansion, they still valued their lives.