Chapter 244: Chapter 244: Banquet
Would it be that in the Gu Family, only the eldest son is Gu Baijiang’s biological child, and the other two sons are adopted?
The third son has never been valued; they all know that he is now outwardly friendly with Lord Gu but inwardly estranged.
Gu Kaiyuan has also never achieved anything significant, and he is not valuable enough to be courted by the Third Prince, so they just let him be.
The second son of the Gu Family has been investigated quite a lot these days, but he is just a seemingly impressive guy who is actually nothing.
But still, he’s a biological son, right? Is there anyone who traps their own son like this?
"Aren’t you worried that your second son’s life might be in danger?"
Gu Baijiang replied, "A weak woman, what can she do? Moreover, my second son is quite willing to do this; I hope Lord Ming can make things easier for us."
Ming Peifeng nodded; whatever needs to be said, he said it, and he cannot act on Gu Baijiang’s behalf.
He gave orders, and soon his attendants returned with a plaque, even informing him that they had already booked a top-tier banquet at the tavern.
"Congratulations, Lord Gu, on today’s joyous occasion at home. I have other matters, so I can’t attend the celebration," he said, painfully taking out a fifty-tael silver note from his chest, "A small token, hardly a respect."
"Thank you for your kindness, Lord Ming," Gu Baijiang said, not minding, as it was a private gift from Ming Peifeng, and it was indeed a pleasant surprise.
"I wonder if there have been any updates from the Third Prince," Gu Baijiang thought that after so long, it was impossible that there hadn’t been any news sent over.
"I know what you want to ask, but you also know how difficult this matter is.
After all, it’s against the will of His Majesty, and the master must consider things carefully."
Seeing no further news, Gu Baijiang didn’t stay long and turned to make arrangements.
Xu Yulan was holding a cup of hot tea, watching Fan Meibao bustling around, occasionally gesturing imperiously.
"Quickly move this thing to that bed; don’t leave it on the ground or it will get dirty."
"If you can’t manage such a small task, how will you serve your husband in the future?"
"I’m telling you both, even though you feel sorry for your sister and daughter, you can only help for a while, not forever. You should have been prepared when she started seducing my husband; this is just the beginning."
Gu Antong placed her blanket on the bed and heard Liu Yun muttering, "So arrogant now; she’s really not afraid of offending people to death."
"Mother, are you saying that Fan Meibao will gain the upper hand in the future?"
Liu Yun drew her daughter aside, seizing this opportunity for a good lesson, "See how Fan Meibao compares to your second aunt?"
"Younger, more beautiful..."
"Then what advantage does your second aunt have?"
"She’s the lawful wife of Second Uncle, and his cousin, and she bore him legitimate sons..."
"You silly girl, it seems like your second aunt has the upper hand, but men love beauty. If Fan Meibao lowers herself, the advantages of your second aunt could become her downfall..."
Liu Yun seized the opportunity to impart some strategic wisdom to Gu Antong.
She certainly wouldn’t talk about solutions from Xu Yulan’s perspective but would focus on analyzing how Fan Meibao should proceed, what she should do to rise quickly.
Gu Antong, being naturally intelligent, felt a wave of melancholy, fearing her future might be even worse than Fan Meibao’s.
"Don’t worry too much; royal concubines still need to maintain their dignity. As long as you adhere to your duties and don’t give anyone evidence, others can’t touch you.
But before doing anything, you must think carefully whether this will leave a trace, and if it’s discovered, how to escape..."
The mother and daughter openly hid in a corner whispering, while Xu Shuanghong harbored immense resentment, feeling that this mother and daughter duo were pointing fingers at them, only to note it down mentally for future reckoning.
After organizing their belongings, Gu Baijiang arrived, "Since everything is packed, let’s eat first.
There’s so much stuff here; someone needs to guard it, and the Liu Family and Mrs. Xu are already here to watch over it."
As a daughter-in-law, Liu Yun couldn’t say anything, but Xu Yulan was not pleased, "Father, I remember there are still some things to buy; how about letting Fan watch over here?"
"How dare you question what I say," Gu Baijiang replied coldly, "With so many luggage items, it’s best that you two sisters-in-law watch over here. Later I’ll have the children bring you food."
With Gu Baijiang speaking so decisively, Xu Yulan could only concede despite any objections.
But seeing Xu Shuanghong and her two daughters also following behind, Xu Yulan clenched her fists, "Sister-in-law, do you think these three are feeding Father potions?"
Liu Yun said, "No matter what, they’re outsiders; how can you be at ease letting them watch over the luggage?"
Xu Yulan was silent.
The Gu Family members entered the private room, seeing a table full of dishes, couldn’t help but swallow.
They’ve spent days eating hastily outdoors, and Liu Yun’s cooking has become more and more careless, sometimes too salty, sometimes bland; heaven knows how they’ve endured these days.
Now seeing this table of delicacies, with so much meat, it was impossible not to have their eyes gleaming.
"Dad, shall we go call Gu Kaiyuan?" Gu Kaiping, recalling the unpleasant incident last time, finally learned to remind them.
"Big brother, you are so kind-hearted; Gu Kaiyuan might be eating better than us right now, why would he be interested in our trifles?"
"Kai Chen, you forgot about being overturned the table before. No matter what, we are family, and if word gets out that we’re here feasting without inviting the third brother and his wife, what about our reputation?"
"What reputation do we have?" Gu Kaichen saw Gu Baijiang had seated himself and quickly followed to sit down.
"Let’s eat first, and anyway, you haven’t noticed, Gu Kaiyuan didn’t follow us into the post station; he probably went off to stay somewhere better again."
Gu Baijiang gestured to Gu Kaiping to sit on his left side, "You’re a good older brother, but we have other matters today. Later, pack the leftovers for them."
Gu Kaiping agreed, sat down, and then invited others.
Gu Antong was quick to join and sat with her brother beside Gu Kaiping, while Xu Shuanghong sat to the right of Gu Baijiang.
Gu Anwei, who was last, had to sit next to Fan Meibao.
He knew very well that Fan Meibao was soon to be his father’s concubine, and he felt uncomfortable, naturally showing it.
"Anwei, switch places with your father." Gu Baijiang suddenly said.
Before Gu Anwei knew it, he was already lifted by Gu Kaichen and was unexpectedly swapped places.
Seeing Gu Kaichen’s heartfelt joy, Gu Anwei instantly felt a bit aggrieved.
