In the dead of night, Gu Baijiang heard the signal and quietly approached the edge of the mountain. The shadow squatting there made a cooing sound twice, to which Gu Baijiang also responded.

Bai Suihe, resting in the carriage, opened her eyes and looked at the moonlight outside, blinking.

Calling like this in the middle of the night, at least they could try to imitate a night bird’s call, right?

Is such an obvious signal hoping that no one else will notice?

I wonder if anyone went to check; I’m curious which idiot came up with such a stupid idea. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"Lord Gu, I am sent by Lord Ming. Have you considered it?" The shadow squatting there kept an eye on the surroundings.

"This matter is too significant, and I need to think about it carefully.

You also know I have an injury on my face; find a way to send me some healing salves." Gu Baijiang wouldn’t reveal such a big matter just like that; he needed to see tangible benefits first.

"Lord Gu, this is an order from our master." The visitor was a bit impatient, with a hint of threat in their tone.

"Tell Lord Ming that I’m disheartened right now. A few days ago, the men in black came, why didn’t you help?

Are you not afraid that I might be intercepted by other forces and then all will be lost?"

The visitor replied, "Lord Gu, our Master Ming has long made arrangements.

We cannot show up in front of others. If they really take you away, our people will intervene and ensure you won’t be in danger."

"Sounds nice, but that would make us fugitives. Don’t you know what fate awaits our entire family?" Gu Baijiang thought this was clearly a warning from Ming Peifeng.

"Lord Gu really misunderstood. Those men in black did not leave that area of the mountain." The visitor did not know how those men in black were dealt with, or who helped, but he used it to gain favor.

"You got rid of those men in black." Gu Baijiang was somewhat satisfied, as those who hurt him finally got their comeuppance.

"Of course, no life left safely," the man in black was impatient, "Looking at all our preparations, how can you not believe the master?

If you quickly tell us the location, with enough silver, the master can certainly maneuver things in court.

Your Gu family will return to the court in no time. What are you still hesitating for?"

"Alright, stop persuading me. If you were in my shoes, what would you do?" Gu Baijiang sneered, "Remember to bring me some healing salves next time, especially ones that remove scars."

After speaking, Gu Baijiang turned and left. He only had this one bargaining chip; how could he give it away easily?

As he was about to return, he ran into Chen Dafu, who was hurriedly running in his direction. Gu Baijiang’s face changed. He had always felt there were many questions about the Chen Family’s exile, and now it seemed he needed to reevaluate.

"Lord Gu, are you just getting up?" Chen Dafu, holding his stomach, greeted him with a smile and rushed off.

Gu Baijiang looked back at his retreating figure, left with a cold smile.

Ming Peifeng, upon hearing the report from below, also turned gloomy. The matter the Third Prince assigned him had made no progress and was urgent, and he did not know what to do.

"Master, what should we do now? Why not find an opportunity to capture his family’s two little ones?"

"Don’t act rashly; if we push too hard and Gu Baijiang turns to someone else, we’re all doomed.

Prepare ink and paper; I must write to the master and see if we can say some favorable words for Lord Gu in the court."

"Lord Ming, why help him?"

"I have my reasons," Ming Peifeng began to clean his hands in preparation. He wanted to see how the Third Prince would handle those who followed him.

Everything was fine before, but now with the example of Gu Baijiang, it was up to the Third Prince to decide.

They wanted credit for following the dragon, but they were also afraid the master would kill the donkey once the millstone was turned.

A letter was sent swiftly to the capital, and Ming Peifeng then ordered someone to prepare the healing salves.

"What about the scar-removing salve?"

"You know how much silver we brought with us; that salve is too expensive, and we can’t afford it right now. Wait until there’s news from the Third Prince’s side."

Ming Peifeng had already put some silver into this venture and could no longer further advance funds. Gu Baijiang was truly hopeless, failing to protect his face, proving the useless nature of scholars.

Early the next morning, everyone dragged their weary bodies to continue the journey.

Along the way, they encountered several villages, all refusing them entry.

Eventually, it was Liu Pingkang who found a large village and personally persuaded the village chief to allow each household to buy some grain.

They had to buy grain; he didn’t have enough buns on hand to give half a bun to each person.

This team was poorer than before, having failed to make adequate preparations at the first post station.

Handling affairs in Beijing, Lin Hua and Lin Wei, who chased after them, arrived just in time.

"Third young master, we’re late," Lin Hua and Lin Wei were full of apologies. They should have caught up yesterday, but due to some troubles, they were delayed by a day.

"Put everything in the back of the ox cart. Try not to show yourselves," Gu Kaiyuan instructed Dongmei to help them store the supplies, which was the advantage of being at the back of the group.

Lin Hua and the others brought quite a lot: rice, flour, oil, meat—everything. They each held a big hen.

"I originally wanted to have it prepared, but I was afraid the chicken wouldn’t stay fresh if not eaten immediately," said Lin Hua awkwardly. "But don’t worry, young master, I’ll handle this."

"Leave it to us," Spring Fragrance took them and tied them to the side of the ox cart.

"Sister Spring Fragrance, you’re here too." Lin Hua and Lin Wei were delighted; the sisters by the young madam’s side were naturally excellent and they had once hoped that when the time came, the third young master would arrange a marriage for them.

But upon seeing the buns on the two sisters’ heads, they felt a little disappointed—it was a missed opportunity.

"We arrived a few days earlier than you, thank you for your hard work." Spring Fragrance was happy to see so much food; the young lady and the groom had eaten very little in recent days, and they felt guilty for not managing things well.

"It’s what we should do," Lin Wei glanced at Dongmei, his eyes dimming slightly.

Gu Kaiyuan noticed this and cursed internally. These two brats had this intention and didn’t mention it earlier.

But they really hid it well; in the past life, he didn’t notice. In this life, he’s been busy collecting supplies and various preparations, and didn’t pay much attention to them, feeling somewhat guilty.

But some things, once missed, are missed. He could only find them something better in the future.