Chapter 253: Chapter 253: Winning Over
Bai Suihe couldn’t help but quietly ask Gu Kaiyuan, "Today, it’s already the second wave of people. Was it the same in your previous life?"
Gu Kaiyuan replied, "It wasn’t this frequent, otherwise I probably wouldn’t have survived.
It seems that because of the Third Prince’s affair with Gu Antong, the backyard of the Third Prince Mansion is on fire. These people are directing all their anger towards the Gu Family, and you see several waves of people are targeting the women."
The targets, besides Gu Antong, also include the Fan sisters. It seems they prefer to mistakenly kill than to let anyone go, and the Fan sisters are caught up in it.
He had also watched several spectacles, and somewhat agreed with Bai Suihe’s so-called theory of the heroine’s aura. The Fan sisters suffered some injuries, but Gu Antong always came out unharmed, which was indeed strange.
Ming Peifeng deflected another attack, his gaze sweeping over the crowd watching the commotion with dark hatred. If these people were willing to help, they wouldn’t have to bear all the assassination attempts alone.
Seeing two more of his men fall, Ming Peifeng knew that if this continued, even his own life would be in jeopardy.
Yesterday they had already sent a fast message to their master, but he still didn’t know when reinforcements would arrive.
For the Gu Family, his master had already exposed too much. If it continued like this, it was bound to be a fight to the death with the other few factions.
The people Liang Shan sent, seeing that they couldn’t succeed this time, decisively called their people to retreat immediately.
Anyway, Master said to preserve their strength as much as possible and not let the Third Prince Consort handle everything, benefiting the concubines in the end.
The Gu Family barely caught their breath when the escorts began urging everyone to move quickly, undeterred by the assassination attempts on the Gu Family.
Gu Baijiang wanted to use this chance to hide in the crowd, but Ma Zhi whipped him, "Hurry up, you’re still at the front."
Everyone felt this was peculiar—despite so many assassination attempts, the Gu Family suffered only minor injuries, while their protectors were seriously hurt, and some even died.
This family now seemed like a plague in the group, avoiding everyone at all costs.
"Master Gu, if you have conflicts with those in charge, resolve them quickly," Liu Pingkang walked over at this moment.
"Sir, you are here under the Third Prince’s orders to protect the Gu Family. But seeing several assassination attempts a day, this is not a solution. Your numbers are decreasing daily; if it continues, there will be no one left to protect the Gu Family.
I advise you to quickly contact the Third Prince, see how to arrange for the Gu Family. Let the orders come swiftly so we can step aside."
Gu Family’s business was a mess he truly didn’t want to take over. Sometimes he hoped this family would have some sense and let him cross them off the list.
The combined trouble from all the criminals he had escorted before didn’t compare to the Gu Family’s affairs. If every trip in the future had these kinds of troublemakers, he would rather give up the job than continue.
"Since you know where we come from," Ming Peifeng found himself stuck in a dilemma and eager to find an ally, "If you help us, once we return to the capital, I’ll report to our master, and you won’t be unrewarded."
Liu Pingkang shook his head, "Thank you for your kindness, sir. But I’m worried I’m not fortunate enough, and I have my own tasks, not to mention I could be held accountable."
After speaking, he ceased to linger and urged everyone to move quickly.
Ming Peifeng watched the group leave and cast his gaze at the two escort agencies behind, especially the ox cart parked among them.
Although the Gu Family was capable of self-defense, he had to spend money and energy here.
He approached Bai Suihe, examining the pregnant woman in front of him, "You are the legitimate daughter of Bai Jingwen."
Bai Suihe had forgotten Mr. Bai’s name momentarily and didn’t respond until Gu Kaiyuan shielded her behind him and said, "I don’t know what instructions you have, sir."
"The third son of the Gu Family, are you watching your father and your brothers suffer?"
Gu Kaiyuan said, "Sir, aren’t you meddling too much? This is our own family matter, and I believe you are well aware of our relationships. I don’t know why you’re here, but I can’t manage your affairs, nor do I want to."
"You are all Gu Family members. Do you think you can stay out of this?"
Gu Kaiyuan looked around, "Can’t you see, sir? I’m already staying out of this."
"Aren’t you afraid of being labeled unfilial?" Ming Peifeng really didn’t know how Gu Baijiang raised such a traitorous son as Gu Kaiyuan.
Moreover, considering they’re all his sons, why categorize them into ranks, if it wasn’t for the Bai family’s wealth and arrangements, how could the Gu Family be so passive?
Thinking of his own quickly depleted resources, Ming Peifeng almost cried.
Because of that damn Gu Baijiang, he lost money and people, all the losses fell on him.
Those were his painstakingly accumulated resources, his carefully trained subordinates, and every day he lived with heartache.
"Right and wrong will be judged by others," Gu Kaiyuan said righteously, "I have a clear conscience."
Ming Peifeng then looked towards Bai Suihe, "Third Madam Gu, you should also consider the Bai Family in the capital. If you can persuade the Bai Family to serve our master, I believe your husband will have a bright future."
Bai Suihe blinked, "This humble woman is foolish, only knowing trivial matters of the inner house, and understands nothing else. Moreover, now that I’m married, how can I dictate my natal family?
Sir, you’ve found the wrong person!"
Ming Peifeng seeing that this couple was impervious to persuasion, could only grit his teeth and leave, though he dared not go far. This time he didn’t hide but caught up with the Gu Family, directly following them closely.
Bai Suihe watched this and pouted, "Isn’t he supposed to be the Third Prince’s adviser? Is this it?"
"Perhaps these days have overwhelmed him, causing him to lose his composure," Gu Kaiyuan remembered the previous life when Ming Peifeng provided many schemes to Gu Antong and gave him quite a few troubles. He was just worrying about finding a chance to settle scores with him, but he delivered himself first.
"Well, his nature is indeed lacking," Bai Suihe thought of his mention of recruiting the Bai Family, "Is the Third Prince really that poor now?"
Gu Kaiyuan fixed his gaze on her, Is the Third Prince poor? Doesn’t she know?
Bai Suihe, "I thought with Consort Liang helping him in the palace, and since he’s still a prince and somewhat favored, the Emperor would provide some support."
"The princes also receive stipends, and Consort Liang’s background is low, with no support from her family."
With that said, Bai Suihe understood. Consort Liang’s favor was likely related to her background.
It quickly became clear that the Emperor permitted the Third Prince and Gu Baijiang to engage in corruption, perhaps intending for all his princes to be equally wealthy.
