Free Web NovelChapter 194: Chapter 194: Sowing Discord
The two escort guards asked, "Who are your younger brother and sister-in-law?"
"That oxcart was arranged by my sister-in-law’s family. I don’t know why their oxcart squeezed between you. I apologize for any offense, and I’ll take the oxcart away immediately."
The escort guard frowned, "Do you really know them?" If they were acquaintances, Gu Kaiyuan definitely wouldn’t have failed to introduce them. Also, having been with the team for so long, they still didn’t know what Gu Kaiyuan’s family looked like, so how could they let them through?
Aside from their escort mission, there were many valuable goods that needed careful handling.
"It’s absolutely true, if you don’t believe me, you can ask the escort ahead," Gu Kaiping stood on his tiptoes to look around, hoping to spot Gu Kaiyuan and help resolve this situation.
"That’s none of our concern, we’re here to protect the goods’ safety, please step aside."
"Or you can prove your family relationship with Gu Kaiyuan, then we can let you in."
"This..." It’s like a scholar meeting soldiers; even when it’s clearly family, how should he prove it?
Right, he could ask those escorts for the household registry, and present it before those who can’t see past the end of their noses.
"Please wait," Gu Kaiping left frustrated. "Clearly, we’re family, yet they make things difficult. They perfectly embody those who look down on others. If this were in the past, they wouldn’t even be worthy of my attention."
When he approached Ma Zhi with a forced smile, he found a group of escorts guarding a pot of meat and enjoying wine.
The alluring aroma made Gu Kaiping swallow hard; he couldn’t recall the last time he indulged in meat like this.
"Sir, I have a matter to request," Gu Kaiping knew well his interruption was unwelcome, thus he presented himself respectfully.
"What trouble are you in now?" Ma Zhi immediately frowned upon seeing Gu Kaiping, the family caused a lot of issues in the team, except Gu Kaiyuan.
After all, the meat they’re enjoying was provided by Gu Kaiyuan, they owed him gratitude.
"My father is missing our third brother and asked me to call them back. Unexpectedly, they placed the oxcart among the escort agency in the back. I can’t approach them, and the escort guards require proof, forcing me to request the household registry."
"There’s no household registry," Ma Zhi scoffed, "Don’t forget your identity; here we only have rosters. Your registry will be in the place of exile, issued by local officials. You were once an official, how can you not know this?"
Gu Kaiping tried hard to recall, he wasn’t clear about these matters. Yet despite this, there was no need for the sarcasm. He patiently explained, "I was at the Hanlin Academy, and indeed unfamiliar with other bureaus’ affairs.
If that’s the case, could I trouble you to accompany me to meet our brothers?
They are really lacking discretion, they didn’t follow the leader closely and instead mixed into the escort agency’s team. I’ll definitely have a word with them later."
These escorts knew what was going on but were unwilling to inform due to the Gu Family’s poor reputation.
It was known the Gu Family Brothers were not harmonious, and it seemed even worse than previously observed.
Gu Kaiping was indeed harsh to meddle in matters behind his sibling’s back. free𝑤ebnovel.com
Luckily they knew the inside story and received enough benefits; otherwise, Gu Kaiyuan couldn’t avoid a beating.
"This is beyond your concern, our leader is aware," Mai Zhi gestured towards a nearby carriage, "You had better not go to the escort team. Your brother is currently drinking with our leader. Why not speak to them there?"
Gu Kaiping certainly recognized Liu Pingkang’s carriage. With a change in thought, it seemed the Bai Family had lavished much effort.
He intended to use Gu Baijiang to suppress Gu Kaiyuan but didn’t want to antagonize Liu Pingkang.
"Since my third brother is drinking with Mr. Liu, I won’t disturb their pleasure. I hope when you encounter Kaiyuan, you’ll tell him our father is looking for him."
Ma Zhi waved impatiently, "Fine, I’m not your house servant. You can’t command me.
If you wish to find him, wait by the side; don’t spoil the mood here."
With that, he raised his cup and told the others, "Drink up, everyone, with such fine meat and wine present, we shouldn’t deprive ourselves."
In this cold weather, a little wine warms the body. But will they get drunk?
They weren’t fools; in such an environment, they wouldn’t dare get drunk.
They sipped just a small bit from the cup’s bottom.
Seeing Ma Zhi wouldn’t help, Gu Kaiping could only leave.
But overheard mocking from behind, "What’s wrong with the Gu Family? Previously, they acted as if trying to push someone out. Yet when issues arise, they’re eager to seek this overlooked brother. Even common families don’t have such drama."
"That you don’t understand. High-status families love such intrigue. It’s merely about the resources and money held by elders."
"They’ve fallen to such a state; what resources and money are left?"
"Did you forget the Third Prince?"
Silence hit the scene; the Third Prince had been gone for some time with no later dispatches. They nearly forgot.
For the escorting exile team, many families had various high-status relatives and sometimes royal connections, preventing offenders from utterly crossing lines.
As for escorting commoners, not a stipend comes their way, suffering and hardship shared on the road.
"Alright, enough of this, let’s drink..."
Gu Kaiping, refusing to return empty-handed, lingered by Liu Pingkang’s carriage. Upon seeing three children approach, decided the four would wait there together.
"Father, it’s so cold," An Tong rubbed her palms. "Since Third Uncle can’t meet us now, should we change the time?"
"Indeed, Uncle, the snow is getting heavier, staying will leave us frozen."
Gu Kaiping stomped his feet, finally saying, "Let’s turn back for now."
He made a mental note against Gu Kaiyuan and his spouse; how outrageous they were, savoring their own lives, neglecting father and brothers...
Seeing the four returned disappointed, Gu Kaichen immediately mocked, "Brother, see? Another wasted trip.
I’ve said there’s no need to seek embarrassment; in their heart we’re nonexistent. Next time, let our father go."
