Chapter 549 - 550: Thoughts

Chapter 549: Chapter 550: Thoughts

"What are Dongmei and Chunxiang up to right now?" Those two girls couldn’t stay idle. After arriving in the county town, even though they were told not to work, they kept themselves busy every day. Bai Suihe couldn’t be bothered to persuade them otherwise; after all, staying active before giving birth would help with the delivery.

"They should be helping out in the kitchen right now," Nanny Pang replied. "However, the kitchen staff doesn’t dare let them do any heavy lifting. They’re just washing vegetables and doing light chores.

"When the two families came knocking, I informed them immediately. Those two girls are quite sharp; they knew to let Zhuang Datou and the others handle it.

"I’m not sure what Zhuang Datou said to them, but those two families have already gone back. As for whether they’ll return in the future, it’s hard to say."

Nanny Pang lifted the curtain. As they entered the room, a refreshing wave of cool air greeted them, instantly making them relax.

Although the weather outside was relatively cool today and the Gu Family had provided plenty of ice, the quantity was still limited. It couldn’t compare to the lavish comfort of their own home.

"It’s still most comfortable at home," Bai Suihe said as she removed her elaborate hair ornaments. Wearing them was truly a headache. Fortunately, she had chosen a relatively simple set, or her scalp wouldn’t have been able to handle it.

"We are departing tomorrow. Will they come back to cause trouble?" Bai Suihe felt she was destined to be a worrier. Even though she claimed she didn’t care, she couldn’t help but be concerned.

"Don’t worry. This isn’t Tian Village. With so many people in our household, as long as we don’t let them in, Chunxiang and the others will be perfectly fine!" Nanny Pang reassured her.

The two maids had already helped put her things away and brought her some tea. After Bai Suihe finished her tea and had a few pastries, Gu Kaiyuan finally came in from outside.

"I just had a quick chat with Zhuang Datou. They said they would handle their own family matters properly," Gu Kaiyuan said.

He had specifically taken Gu Xingyang, who loved watching a good spectacle, along with him.

"That’s good." Bai Suihe didn’t want to ask what exactly happened between them. After all, it was likely just more endless demands for money.

"Our things are mostly packed. Why don’t you two take a look and see if anything was left behind?"

The conversation was swiftly brought back to the matter at hand. Since they were going on a long journey, there was a lot to bring. Even after streamlining Gu Xingyang’s belongings as much as possible, they still took up half a carriage.

Early the next morning.

As soon as the city gates opened, their caravan departed from the city.

They had no idea that the Gu Family had sent another visiting card over today, only to find an empty house.

At the Gu Family’s residence.

Nanny Ding frowned deeply. "How could it be such a coincidence? They left today of all days."

The servant who brought the news replied, "I asked their gatekeeper. Actually, Mr. Gu and his family were supposed to leave yesterday. They only delayed it to today because they received the visiting card from our residence a few days ago."

Nanny Ding waved the servant away before looking at Gu Qianyi. "Second Young Master, what do you think?"

"It should just be a coincidence. I heard they bought a lot of properties in other places, so it’s only natural for them to go on an inspection tour.

"We made a mistake this time. I thought taking it step by step would be fine, but it seems we missed a golden opportunity," Gu Qianyi said.

"Should I send someone to chase them down and bring them back?" Nanny Ding asked. She was used to being high and mighty, issuing orders without a second thought, though she reigned herself in slightly in front of Gu Qianyi.

"Don’t," Gu Qianyi quickly stopped her. "Since it has already come to this, we will slowly figure out another way later.

"They still have so many properties here. Besides, I heard they plan to use Tian Village as their ancestral home, so they can’t run away forever.

"Our only plan right now is to solve the problem here in Zhang County first. Send a visiting card to Xu Zitian."

Nanny Ding felt unwilling to give up. When they left the capital, she had guaranteed the Old Madam that she would handle the matters in Lingnan perfectly. Furthermore, she had promised to make the Bai Family hand over their properties in the capital to the Duke Mansion.

Now that Bai Suihe had left a step ahead of them, causing her to break her promise, she was already secretly scheming how to get back at her later.

"Grand Tutor Lu’s disciple is famously stubborn and ill-tempered. We can’t just rashly send a visiting card. It would be best if you found an opportunity to show your face and get acquainted with him beforehand. This matter cannot be rushed." Nanny Ding knew how to adapt her approach depending on the target. Dealing with someone capable and well-connected like Xu Zitian required her utmost attention and caution.

"I will arrange that," Gu Qianyi said, then brought up another matter. "How should we deal with Gu Yeshi and his wife?"

"Although Mr. Gu is somewhat mediocre, he is quite hardworking. I think you should keep him by your side, Second Young Master. It’s much better than using an outsider.

"As for his wife, however, I think we should send her back as soon as possible. I’ve already made inquiries; her previous meek behavior in the mansion was all an act.

"Since arriving here, she has become increasingly arrogant, which is exactly why she ruined our plans.

"It’s best not to keep someone so brainless around, lest she drags us down with her," Nanny Ding suggested.

"Then how do you propose we handle this? If we bluntly send her back, I’m afraid Gu Yeshi will have objections. With such a hidden risk beside us, it would be better to send them both away together."

"Then let’s keep them both here for now. I will confine the Ninth Madam to the inner courtyard. She is not a well-behaved woman; it would be best if you don’t let her touch any of the business you are handling." Nanny Ding’s tone was cold, as if she were discussing something entirely trivial.

Gu Qianyi was already used to her attitude. Anyway, the family had sent Nanny Ding with him to manage the inner courtyard. His own wife was currently pregnant, and he couldn’t bear to let her travel all this way with a heavy belly just to clean up this mess.

"Nanny Ding, I actually feel that seeking out Mrs. Gu won’t be of much use regarding the Bai Family’s affairs. After all, she is already married and can no longer intervene in her maiden family’s business."

"According to our investigations, Mrs. Gu holds a very important place in the heart of the Bai Family’s matriarch—even more so than her two legitimate sons.

"The dowry she brought to the Gu Family was completely confiscated. Yet, in such a short period of time, they managed to purchase such massive properties in Lingnan. Whose doing do you think this is?

"Do you think it was just the Gu Family’s third son? He’s nothing but a kept man living off his wife."

Gu Qianyi didn’t think so, but there was no need to argue with Nanny Ding. "Can’t we just talk to Mr. Bai and the others directly?"

Given the status of the Duke Mansion, surely Bai Jingwen would have to give them some face?

"When we left the capital, I received the latest news. The Bai Family has already split up their household.

"Rumor has it that the vast majority of the properties went to the two legitimate sons, while all the illegitimate sons combined only received ten percent.

"You could say that most of their properties in the capital are in the hands of the main branch. If you go looking for Bai Jingwen now, I’m afraid he no longer has the final say."

"Then we can just go directly to his two legitimate sons," Gu Qianyi said. "Parents running the household is entirely different from brothers doing it."

Nanny Ding knew exactly what Gu Qianyi was thinking at this moment. He simply felt that a married daughter couldn’t dictate the affairs of her maiden family.

But that depended entirely on the person. Just look at the Empress; she might not be favored in the palace right now, but would the Duke Mansion ever dare to disobey her words?