The jailer, not one to act without certainty, said, "Don’t try that with me. You can barely protect yourselves now, are you sure someone would risk visiting you?

If they really intended to, they would have sent someone before nightfall." 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

He wasn’t one of those newcomers who could be deceived with a few words.

"My family is from the Marquis Mansion, they will definitely come to see me." For her son, Liu Yun said bravely.

Since her father passed, her stepmother no longer cared for her, and the usual yearly rituals have become increasingly perfunctory.

Now with the Gu Family’s troubles, they would definitely avoid her even more.

But she had no other choice now, so she had to flaunt the Marquis Mansion’s name and hope for some help.

"So, a lady from the Marquis Mansion," the jailer clearly wasn’t intimidated. The Marquis Mansion had already begun to decline in this generation. When the next generation has no outstanding members, they will be no different from commoners.

"Then wait for them to send you brocade and silk; this shabby jacket of ours may be beneath you dignitaries."

After saying this, the jailer turned and left, having thought he could gain something from the newcomers, only to find them unhelpful too.

"Mother, I’m so cold," Gu Anwei, squeezed between his grandmother and mother, still felt a chill.

"There’s nothing we can do now, my son, bear with it. Perhaps your grandfather will send something over tomorrow." Xu Yulan could only comfort him this way.

After all, her family lived in the countryside and wouldn’t receive the news so quickly.

Bai Suihe silently listened to all this, sighing inwardly.

The Xu Family hadn’t shown up at all, likely eager to distance themselves.

However, the Marquis Mansion, while its head didn’t show up, did send a servant with a hundred taels of silver before their exile, although it’s unclear what was said as the main family remained silent for a long time after.

She was a bit worried now; Mrs. Bai must be going frantic.

But there was nothing to be done, they were merchants, and even if they got the news, they wouldn’t quickly find out which jail she was in.

However, by early tomorrow morning, the Bai Mansion’s steward would come to make things smoother for them.

Being locked up together, the Gu Family would also benefit.

Although Bai Suihe was unwilling, she knew she couldn’t improve her situation without them.

She regretted not confiding in Mrs. Bai earlier, thinking of ways to arrange for a separate prison cell.

"Alright, stop it. If you don’t rest, others need to," the jailer swaggered in, waving a whip, "Any of you called Bai?"

Bai Suihe looked up. None of this was recorded in the books.

"She’s Bai," seeing the fierce demeanor, Xu Yulan hurriedly pointed at Bai Suihe, who was hiding behind the haystack.

"Is she in more trouble?"

The jailer unlocked the padlock, "Don’t ask what you shouldn’t. You, come out."

Bai Suihe stood up, supporting herself against the wall, and followed out of the cell.

"Sir," Xu Huizhen squinted at Bai Suihe, "I don’t know what wrong Bai has done."

Could her family be in trouble because of her?

The jailer locked the door again, "Not really, someone paid a hefty sum to get her a more comfortable cell, with a quilt and food. Do you want one?"

The shivering group became unsettled, rushing to the door and shouting, "We need one."

"Money talks," the jailer spread his hand, "If you’d done this sooner, you wouldn’t need to suffer."

"We don’t have money, but the Bai Family does." Xu Huizhen raised her head, "I’m Bai’s mother-in-law; she should honor me.

We’ll take the cell you prepared, lead us there quickly."

"I see," the jailer flicked his whip, startling nearby prisoners awake. They gathered around to watch the commotion.

"There are no such rules here.

If you can’t pay, don’t waste my time."

"Bai, let’s go, your place is already set up, and I’ve prepared hot water for you." Perhaps to provoke the Gu Family, the jailer was much more agreeable to Bai Suihe.

"Bai, I’m your mother-in-law." Xu Huizhen’s voice was threatening.

Bai Suihe blinked innocently, turning to the jailer, "Sir, what do you think?"

"Don’t play games with me. I’m paid to handle you, and you’re the one to be taken."

"No, you can’t take my daughter-in-law," Xu Huizhen immediately pointed at Bai Suihe, "You’re not leaving with him alone. Who knows what dirt is being hidden?"

"Crack," following the whip’s sound, Xu Huizhen screamed, covering her hand and crouching, trembling.

"Miss," a familiar voice sounded, and then Wu Qingshui appeared in the cell.

"Nanny Wu," Bai Suihe was a bit surprised, "What brings you here?"

"Madam was worried about you, and it took quite a while to locate you here. Sorry you’ve suffered."

Bai Suihe walked toward Wu Qingshui, who quickly came to support her, "Miss, you’re pregnant, don’t rush."

"You’re the steward for Mrs. Bai," Xu Huizhen bore the pain, stood, and shouted, "Arrange for all of us to get out; it’s too cold here."

This commanding tone made Nanny Wu frown, but she realized she couldn’t ignore the situation.

This was why she hadn’t shown up earlier, not knowing Old Madam Gu would be so troublesome, almost ruining her lady’s reputation.

"Old Madam Gu," said Wu Qingshui, "I am here on madam’s orders to settle our lady.

I thought you had arrangements already. This unpreparedness truly puts me in a difficult position."

Liu Yun lowered her eyes. She had flaunted the Marquis title earlier, only to find it wasn’t as good as a merchant’s.

Gu Antong held her mother’s arm tightly, "It’s okay, Mother, you have me and brother."

"Yes, you still have us." She looked at Bai Suihe again, her gaze colder. Could the Bai Family protect her forever?

Xu Huizhen spoke, "My family is in the countryside, and it might take until tomorrow to get the news. Bai should not leave her mother-in-law here alone to enjoy blessings."

"This indeed puts me in a bind," Wu Qingshui pondered, "But Miss is pregnant, and for the child’s sake, surely Old Madam feels deep love and won’t fret over such matters."

Before Xu Huizhen could retort, she quickly said, "However, I will arrange to bring blankets for everyone, so please be patient."

With that, she supported Bai Suihe slowly outside, "Miss, I know you’re filial, but you’re carrying a child; ensuring the Gu Family’s heir is the top priority."