Chapter 267: Chapter 267: Tian Village
"You should ask the village chief about that," Su Daquan spoke harshly, believing that one should not be soft-hearted due to feminine charms. "The village chief will explain everything to you later. For now, park your carts over there according to your household registration, and I will measure the land for you when the time comes."
As they spoke, they had already entered the village, and the people who were busy in the fields were now curiously gathering around.
They knew what the village chief was up to, but the number of people he brought back was excessive. With so many people coming to share their land and seize their rations, everyone looked at them with disgust.
However, with Lord present and so many of them, even if they had opinions, they could only hold them back.
Bai Suihe had just gotten off the carriage when she noticed many people watching her.
Boldly, Bai Suihe looked back at them, yet she didn’t expect that once she returned their gaze, everyone quickly looked away.
"Is this Tian Village?" Bai Suihe was certain that the book didn’t describe this village. The plot was starting to diverge, casting doubt on whether the Gu Family could return to the capital as planned.
"See if there’s a place you like; we’ll settle down there when the time comes." Kai Yuan knew that leaving here anytime soon wasn’t possible, so it was important to make the best of the situation.
"Anywhere is fine, as long as it’s away from people." Bai Suihe looked around and observed that the village didn’t seem very united. Each house was somewhat distant from the others, but that was good; everyone could live their lives without every minor issue becoming known to all neighbors.
As for neighborly relations, Bai Suihe felt they could be left to chance. Even if she and Kai Yuan wanted a stable place to settle down eventually, they could always buy a manor. This was just a transition, no need to endure unnecessary hardships.
Kai Yuan shared this view, but seeing such a sprawling crowd made the location choice require careful consideration, which might prove challenging.
The two of them had made up their minds to choose a more secluded spot and thus weren’t in a hurry to compete with others, leisurely strolling around the village while others busied themselves with surveying terrain and competing for foundations.
The others couldn’t fathom what this couple was thinking; at a time like this, they seemed to be on a pleasure outing?
But no one reminded them because everyone wanted to seize a good spot.
The Gu Family members were likely the most resilient and knowledgeable about agriculture among them. They had already dispersed to identify which plots were the most fertile and which were suitable for cultivation.
Since the duration of their stay was uncertain, Gu Baijiang, along with his two sons, picked a spot for themselves.
"Dad, why not choose the area near the village entrance?" Gu Kaichen couldn’t believe the old man opted for a house in the village center. The land here was already cleared out; the central plot was left untouched due to many rocks, which was why nobody chose it.
"The village entrance? If you think it’s good, take Ms. Xu and your son to live there," Gu Baijiang didn’t even want to engage with his foolish son. After all the pursuit and escape, didn’t his heart grasp the seriousness?
Just staying at the village entrance—if something happens, there wouldn’t even be a chance to flee.
"Dad, I don’t want to separate," Gu Kaichen exclaimed in shock, quickly pledging loyalty.
"Hmph! Then you’d better listen well, do as I say, and stop causing trouble every day. Also, keep your people in line; you’re the one always making a fuss."
Gu Kaichen understood what this referred to, feeling helpless. He was enjoying a blessed life, but it wasn’t as comfortable as before.
Xu Yulan was now indifferent towards him, occasionally speaking in indirect insults, let alone serving him.
Mei Bao, who was already his, had been keeping her distance these days, refusing any contact and always hiding behind her mother or sister. Was this the behavior of a proper concubine?
"Dad, as you know, it’s really difficult for me," Gu Kaichen complained, "I can’t support either of the women..."
Gu Baijiang looked at him with disdain. "Make yourself aware of your limits. Yet you got involved with Mei Bao. Since she is already yours, guide her as she should be guided. If necessary, let Ms. Xu teach her the rules."
"Dad, are you not concerned about Mrs. Xu..." Gu Kaichen probed, needing some insight from his father to know how to deal with Mei Bao next.
"Are you suggesting I bring her into the family?"
Gu Kaichen quickly waved his hands in fear, "Dad, I definitely don’t have this idea. I actually think what Big Brother said lately makes sense. Even if you want to remarry, you should at least find someone presentable."
When we return later, the head of internal affairs can’t be someone like her."
Gu Baijiang didn’t correct his son’s disrespectful tone towards Xu Shuanghong, as he also disapproved of her deep down. Their past romantic encounters were only because she belonged to an honest family, but she was already married and still restless, making her unreliable in managing a household in the future or putting his mind at ease.
These days, while attending to him, Xu Shuanghong seemed helpful, but there were repeated instances of probing, subtly inquiring about his wealth.
This aligned with his prior speculations, affirming she had ulterior motives.
"Dad, are you seriously considering marrying her?" Gu Kaichen asked quietly, having contemplated the idea of Xu Shuanghong becoming his stepmother.
This might benefit him in some ways, but in the long term, it wasn’t particularly advantageous.
Xu Shuanghong would likely favor Mei Bao, making life difficult for Ms. Xu and her son in the Gu Family.
No matter his faults, she was still his wife and legitimate son, so naturally, he had to look out for them.
Moreover, Xu Shuanghong wasn’t his mother; between him and Mei Bao, she would undoubtedly favor Mei Bao, leaving him without dignity.
Could he expect favoritism in the household?
Forget it, he too was his father’s son, understanding that only when his father lived well could he benefit more, having nothing to do with Xu Shuanghong.
"I promised her that once we settle down, I would address it," Gu Baijiang asked expressionlessly, "If she becomes your mother, she might show some favoritism towards you because of her daughter’s position."
"Dad, my interests don’t outweigh yours. With your status, you can definitely find someone better suited. Ms. Xu seems unworthy of you."
Gu Baijiang had never regarded his son more favorably; his words echoed his sentiments perfectly. He could easily find a young and beautiful bride for remarriage. Xu Shuanghong may still possess some charm, but she was simply a middle-aged woman, fine for occasional novelty but not suitable.
"You have a point. Let’s discuss this later."
"So are we still choosing this spot?" Gu Kaichen glanced around. There were a couple of households nearby, but they were hundreds of meters apart. "No one else picked it, so there must be something wrong."
"Regardless of the issues, we’re only here temporarily. Being in the center gives us flexibility should anything arise," Gu Baijiang wasn’t considering other options once he made his decision.
