Free Web NovelChapter 279: Chapter 279: Offering Counsel
Bai Suihe remained steadfast, "From now on, our people must get into the habit of not drinking raw water."
Gu Kaiyuan naturally agreed with Bai Suihe on such a small matter, and Bai Suihe had previously explained to him some of the hazards of drinking raw water, "There is no problem with that, we can begin with minor changes and gradually influence others."
Bai Suihe also understood that some things could not be rushed. She couldn’t change everyone, but she could slowly influence the people around her.
Zhu Ziqiang acted swiftly, and soon four women came to them.
"Don’t be nervous," Bai Suihe reassured them as she noticed their flustered appearance, "I believe the village chief has already informed you that you’re here to help by boiling some water for everyone so that they can have something warm to drink. Additionally, you’ll be cooking three meals. I wonder if you can manage it."
"We can handle it; we are quite adept at working," Tian Cuifang, the village chief’s wife, stepped forward to respond.
This time, she brought along her eldest daughter-in-law, as well as two other competent old friends.
"Then let’s give it a try. Don’t worry, I won’t let you work in vain. Besides eating with us, you’ll get ten copper coins each day."
This was a price they had just confirmed with a craftsman: a strong laborer’s work for a day sometimes cost this much.
Of course, someone with a bit of skill would earn a higher wage, and such people wouldn’t have to worry about finding work.
Tian Cuifen and the others were pleasantly surprised; they had thought it would be quite good if they could just earn a meal, and hadn’t expected to receive such a high wage.
"Rest assured, we will certainly do a good job." The four women all expressed their determination, dismissing their previous shyness and awkwardness.
Bai Suihe wanted to chat with them more casually, but seeing their demeanor, she decided to refrain for now, knowing there would be plenty of time later.
She instructed Dongmei to guide them on their tasks and left them be.
As for whether these people would be diligent, in the end, the choice was mutual. The village chief undoubtedly wouldn’t want to mislead her.
Sure enough, before long, Dongmei returned excitedly, "Miss, they are indeed very capable; I just mentioned it once, and they knew exactly what to do—much more efficiently than the maids we have at the mansion."
Bai Suihe smiled. While those previous maids did some heavy labor, there was not much work in the mansion. How could they compare with those who constantly work the land?
Meanwhile, with the bustling activities, the Gu Family finally managed to send the Chen Family away, though it cost them fifty taels of silver.
Today, even purchasing so many things hadn’t cost them fifty taels, and now it was just taken away by Chen Dafu, leaving them feeling uneasy.
But this was trouble caused by Gu Baijiang, and no one dared to complain.
After they had finished handling the matter and had finished their meal, Gu Kaichen was still waiting on the people he had contacted, "Second Brother, haven’t you arranged for the people? Why haven’t they arrived yet?"
"I have contacted them and informed them of the place; they promised they would come today. They might be delayed on the road," Gu Kaichen explained before dismissing it.
Who knew that as darkness fell and smoke rose from the village kitchens, the people they were waiting for still hadn’t arrived.
"Perhaps they went to the wrong place..." Gu Kaichen had no explanation, as his family all eyed him with distrust.
Gu Baijiang, "You can’t even handle such simple tasks; what else are you good for?"
Gu Kaichen, "I already contacted them, and they agreed. If necessary, I’ll find them again tomorrow."
Besides this, what else could be done? The family had no choice but to endure the cold under the tarpaulin.
☆
Third Prince Mansion in the Capital
The study was brightly lit throughout the night, with two lines of counselors standing cautiously. Ever since the Third Prince returned to the mansion today, he had reprimanded them.
These days, they had already made their utmost efforts to draw in many ministers, but who would have thought a few of them would suddenly change sides and oppose the Third Prince in court.
Originally, they might have persuaded His Majesty to pardon the Gu Family today, but due to those individuals, they ended in failure.
"That Lord Liang is the concubine’s maternal uncle," one of the counselors nervously mentioned, "Could there be some misunderstanding in this?"
Due to his connection with the Third Prince Consort, Lord Liang was naturally aligned with the Third Prince’s faction. That he opposed today suggested underlying reasons.
Rong Ruiyuan’s face was gloomy; he was most infuriated by Lord Liang today. Being the Third Prince Consort’s uncle, as he was, standing against him in court caused great embarrassment amongst his brothers.
"Investigate the reason for me, and relay the message to the inner court. I want to see how the Third Princess Consort will explain herself."
"Your Highness, could it be related to the Gu Family girl?" All the counselors knew of Rong Ruiyuan’s escapades with this Miss Gu during his visit to the capital. It was said the women in the inner court made quite a fuss over it, and were it not for Ming Peifeng’s supervision, it might have cost him a beloved concubine.
"Truly, long hair, short insight," Rong Ruiyuan cursed, having previously warned those women, only for them to feign compliance and now await him.
If not for their family backgrounds, he would never have accepted them into his home. They weren’t of assistance; now they dared to hold him back.
Ultimately, it was Gu Third Young Master’s fault for exposing the issue; now, it has caused a stir throughout the city, also adding to his troubles.
Because of this, the Emperor had summoned and severely rebuked him, which made him resentful.
Worse yet, Gu Baijiang refused to relent, showing a great lack of trust in him, but he couldn’t just ignore it.
Besides being unwilling to part with that silver, he also wanted to send a message on the court: that following the Third Prince was not a mistake; he wouldn’t forsake any who pledged loyalty to him.
"What do you suggest we do now?" Rong Ruiyuan was troubled; without reclaiming that silver, he wouldn’t have the means to win over more people. With so many depending on him, he couldn’t expect them to work without reward.
"Your Highness, since the Emperor refuses to pardon the Gu Family and your engagement with the Gu Family girl is now public knowledge, this presents a breakthrough opportunity," Counselor Ding Ke proposed.
"You mean Gu Antong," Rong Ruiyuan’s voice was cold; she was a beauty, but not worthy of his attention.
But with Ding Ke’s suggestion, he was willing to hear what excellent strategy might be proposed.
"Given the rumors in the capital that Your Highness is enduring hardships alongside the exile for a fair maiden, pursuing relentlessly..."
"Utter nonsense..."
"Your Highness, please hear me out. Why don’t we turn this to our advantage, requesting His Majesty’s favor when you enter the palace?"
