Chapter 314: Chapter 314: Inquiries
Early the next morning, not only did these exiled people head into town, but Zhu Ziqiang also followed them.
If these people could receive a pardon, they should quickly leave Tian Village, living with them is indeed too dangerous.
When they arrived outside the county town gates, they found that it was already crowded with layers of people, all looking at the notice.
Gu Kaiyuan saw some familiar faces; these were people who had come along with them all the way.
As soon as they got off the ox cart, someone called out to them.
"Brother Zhou," Gu Kaiyuan greeted with a smile. This was Zhou Gang’s stepbrother, also Mrs. Zhou’s son, "You came this early too."
Zhou Ping beamed, "You all are here to read the notice too.
This time it’s good news; the Empress Dowager is granting amnesty throughout the land, we all fall within the scope of the pardon.
Just now I asked the government official at the gate, as long as the village head gives proof, we can get our household registration again.
Whether to stay here or leave at that time, it’s up to us to decide."
Alright, no need to go inside to inquire, the information is complete.
The Gu Family, afraid the news wasn’t accurate, asked several people to confirm it. Once it was confirmed, everyone cheered there.
"Brother Gu, I’ll stop chatting with you now; I need to rush back to the village."
"Brother Zhou, are you heading back to the capital or staying here?" Gu Kaiyuan stopped him.
Zhou Ping scratched his head, "I’m not afraid you’ll laugh, but us two brothers don’t want to go back and get mixed up with Zhou Gang again. My mother, however, is worried about my maternal grandparents, wants to visit them, and find a place near the capital to settle."
Gu Kaiyuan nodded, Mrs. Zhou’s thought is quite normal; her parents must be old, naturally wanting to be filial by their side.
Gu Kaiyuan pulled him aside, advising in a low voice, "If you’re going back, it’s okay, but do inform your mother, Zhou Gang might have already found another master."
Zhou Ping’s face changed; the family had been caught in Zhou Gang’s trouble several times, a recurrence could be disastrous.
"Is this news accurate?" Zhou Ping still held a glimmer of hope.
Gu Kaiyuan out of kindness, seeing Mrs. Zhou had suffered greatly, was willing to hint, but not elaborate, "I merely have a vague sense, can’t guarantee it.
You’d better discuss this with your mother when you return and investigate slowly yourselves."
He had helped; how Zhou Ping and his family decided was beyond Gu Kaiyuan’s control.
Zhou Ping clasped his hands, "Brother Gu’s kindness, we’ll remember, whether the info is accurate or not, it’s crucial for us."
Having said that, Zhou Ping immediately took his ox cart and hurried away; he dared not be careless, or act rashly, but return for assistance.
Chen Dafu sauntered over, "Gu Kaiyuan, since when are you so familiar with Zhou’s second young master?"
Having stood afar, didn’t know what the two were muttering about, Chen Dafu’s curiosity drove him to come over.
"Just asked about the notice, also casually inquired about Mrs. Zhou, how’s she now?
Since we’ve weathered difficulties together, showed some concern.
How’s it on Mr. Chen’s side? What’s the plan ahead?"
"Alas, I’m an old bag of bones, going back and forth, afraid I’ll fall apart," Chen Dafu quietly asked Gu Kaiyuan, "Are you guys going back too?
Could you perhaps take our whole family along? Don’t worry, we’ll buy ox carts this time, won’t delay your journey."
Gu Kaiyuan, "Mr. Chen, didn’t you earlier say you didn’t want to struggle? What changed your mind so suddenly?"
"Hey, if it were others, I definitely wouldn’t change my mind. But with you here...
You’ll certainly not return directly, with an escort agency, we’d all be safer..."
Many privately pondered similarly, wishing to piggyback on Bai Suihe hiring escort services.
"I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you, Mr. Chen, my wife is heavily pregnant now and about to give birth, so we won’t be traveling.
Besides, Tian Village is a nice place, with clear lakes and lush mountains.
We have modest assets here, intending to stay as affluent landowners."
This was also meant for those gradually gathering around, that he wouldn’t return to the capital right now; long journeys must wait until the child is older.
Those trying to find out when Gu Kaiyuan was leaving were disappointed, without him leaving, how could they benefit?
Should they hire an escort agency themselves? Joking aside, it costs quite a bit of silver, and alone, they’d barely get past Lingnan.
"Understandable," Chen Dafu, being cunning still, certainly wouldn’t let Ms. Bai travel pregnant, "I heard your wife will give birth soon, after the year it’s not too late to go.
After all, the capital is more prosperous, providing advantages for the child."
Not leaving before the New Year, leaving after would be similar, just a few months’ difference.
By then, weather would be warmer, sparing everyone hardships.
Gu Kaiyuan shook his head, "We are not leaving until the child grows up; haven’t you seen we’ve bought land and hills, can’t just abandon them."
Chen Dafu, "Does the Bai Family lack that bit of silver?"
"The Bai Family is the Bai Family," Gu Kaiyuan’s tone grew stern, "They’ve helped us plenty, we can’t forever rely on them; planning to plant fruit trees there in Kai Chun, with tea at the top, raising some poultry, be minor landholders."
Gu Kaiyuan spoke calmly; those with ulterior motives grew anxious, "This place is awful to stay, if you wish to farm, there’s ample land around the capital.
The region’s known for pests during summer, and humid, unsuitable to live."
"Don’t spread that nonsense," Gu Kaiyuan glanced at the original villagers gathered, "Generations have thrived here, it’s your exaggerated rumors that demonized it.
If you ask the village heads, you’ll find every place has flaws, but solutions are obtainable."
Seeing Gu Kaiyuan’s great endorsement of the area, the villagers’ favor towards him grew immensely, "You all think the capital’s better, then do return quickly."
"Yes, we really don’t welcome you, you occupy our lands.
Much land we’ve cultivated, even facing land tax in three years, can sustain ourselves."
Some enterprising minds began contemplating, many surely leaving, then their uncultivated land...
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