When Gu Kaiyuan was fetching water, he saw the Gu Family members. Surprisingly, Xu Yulan was the one sent to fetch water.

Upon seeing Gu Kaiyuan, Xu Yulan’s face twisted briefly, and then she displayed a fake smile, "Kaiyuan, why are you still fetching water? Didn’t Third Sister-in-law bring servants along?

No matter what, you’re still their uncle by marriage. This is because they see our family in decline and don’t think much of you."

Truly lacking brains, so obviously trying to sow discord, Gu Kaiyuan couldn’t be bothered to interact with her.

Xu Yulan wasn’t embarrassed; she even covered her mouth and laughed, "I say you shouldn’t argue with your parents. As they say, brothers united can conquer any challenge. If you stood firm, would Third Sister-in-law dare ignore you?

Look at your Second Brother, a glare from him and I obediently come to fetch water. This is what a real man should do."

People lined up to fetch water were baffled by Xu Yulan, wondering if she had some mental issue.

Those standing close to her quietly took two steps back, never having seen anyone take pride in being mistreated like this.

Gu Kaiyuan said, "Second Sister-in-law, your tastes are really quite special.

But I can’t help it either. Who knew I wouldn’t win my parents’ favor? My wife contributed so much silver, yet can’t even eat a steamed bun.

Following along behind Dongmei and the others, at least we can gain some relief and help save household grain.

It’s because my wife was kind to others, and in these tough times, there’s loyal servants willing to lend a hand.

Good deeds bring good returns. Second Sister-in-law, you usually treat people kindly too. How come no one’s coming to see you off this time?"

Gu Kaiyuan wouldn’t go back to the end of the line because of Xu Yulan, nor would he let her have it easy.

If she wants to ruin his reputation, then let there be mutual harm.

Those exiled had more or less someone to send some travel provisions. Even if friends and relatives were absent, a woman’s maiden family would offer something, otherwise they’d be accused of neglect.

The Xu family really had no sense of propriety, and for the life of him, Gu Kaiyuan couldn’t figure out what Xu Yulan was proud of.

Oh, she’s proud of her virtuous Second Brother, who knows how to subdue his wife.

"..." Xu Yulan was genuinely hurt, neither she nor her aunt received help from their maiden family, let alone a send-off.

The Xu family always relied on her aunt and herself, hauling carts full of gifts back during festivals, yet offering no help in their time of need, which left her heart cold.

Now, Gu Kaiyuan attacks using this fact, making her feel even worse.

And that damn maid Bicao, was she not good enough to her?

Loyal maids would run to follow, yet that wretched maid disappeared without a trace.

"Second Sister-in-law, you’re not thinking about your maid, are you?" Gu Kaiyuan saw through it all, "Did you ask your family to buy back that maid?

If not, who knows her present fate.

My wife’s family acted righteously, sorting everything out as soon as they got the news, and managed to buy back all my wife’s dowry."

These words received much admiration; Mrs. Bai, though a merchant, behaved in ways beyond reproach.

She outperformed many others, even when those present could hardly protect themselves. None acted with such foresight as Mrs. Bai.

With such masters, maids surely would remain loyal.

Xu Yulan breathed deeply; Gu Kaiyuan really was vexing.

If only he hadn’t sided with Ms. Bai, they could control Ms. Bai, and now they’d be sitting comfortably in a spacious carriage.

She wouldn’t have to struggle like this, standing with rough men fetching water, enduring Gu Kaiyuan’s mockery.

"Regardless, I’m your Second Sister-in-law and cousin, how dare you speak to me so?"

"I’m being truthful. If Second Sister-in-law cannot accept the truth?

How supportive were your maternal relatives before? Yet they dare not show their faces in times of trouble, despite your mother sending cart after cart of gifts home, no wonder you feel unbalanced.

In the end, the blame falls on Suihe, for having a mother who cherishes her so?"

Xu Yulan felt she shouldn’t have started speaking today, suffering blow after blow.

She resented Gu Kaichen, for making her come fetch water when their Eldest Sister-in-law was idle.

When her turn came to fetch water, she hurriedly finished and left without looking back.

Gu Kaiyuan ignored her, knowing she’d surely speak ill of him upon returning, perhaps even adding fuel to the fire to sow discord.

If they were destined not to get along, why should he compromise?

"Gu Family’s Third Master, treating your sister-in-law this way isn’t right, after all, you’re one family," said an old woman behind Gu Kaiyuan.

Gu Kaiyuan turned to scrutinize her, "Who are you? You enjoyed the spectacle earlier, what are you playing now?"

"You..." The old woman was choked with words, squeezing out from between her teeth, "My master served in the same court as your father, this is just a harsh but honest word."

Gu Kaiyuan remembered vaguely about her, seemed like she was among those exiled with them, along with an Imperial Censor. These Censor-officials usually relished picking at minor matters, reporting endlessly, and this Imperial Censor Zhou was outstanding among them.

His downfall seemed to be due to kicking the iron board, possibly twisted, he kept watching princes and princesses, reporting non-stop.

Be it royal affairs, revealing the good and bad, could the emperor favor such actions on the court?

Recently, several princes collectively overthrew this Imperial Censor.

This also was the most united move by princes and princesses the emperor desired, fulfilling through a wave of the emperor’s hand.

Hence, the entire Imperial Censor Family suffered, joining the exile as companions. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"Oh, from the Imperial Censor Family, finally I know why this family ended up this way, even a household lady is so irresponsible," Gu Kaiyuan remarked, "This is not the court, focus on your own interests."

Mrs. Zhou said, "I speak for your sake, our majesty rules with filial piety, your disobedience towards your parents and disrespect towards your siblings is a public defiance.

I advise you sincerely to go back and apologize sincerely to your parents, honor them in the future, this is the path to follow."

Gu Kaiyuan laughed, yet it didn’t reach his eyes, his words made Mrs. Zhou shiver, "Thank you, Mrs. Zhou, when you get a chance, greet Mr. Zhou on my behalf, someday we’ll discuss what defines filial piety.

Though Mrs. Zhou might be unaware, surely Mr. Zhou is deeply experienced."