Quite a few people came to see them off; everyone was looking for their relatives, but no one dared to be disorderly for fear of provoking the grudges of these government officers, which might cause trouble later on during the journey.

Xu Huizhen and her group were also looking around, hoping to find their family members.

Gu Baijiang lowered his eyes to the ground; during his time in the prison over the past couple of days, he had come to understand that none of his former acquaintances or students would come.

"Fourth Miss," just then, a nanny brought two family servants over with an arrogant attitude and gave a disdainful look at the disheveled Liu Yun.

"Nanny Xiao," Liu Yun recognized her at once; she was the nanny beside her elder brother, and hope rose in her heart that he had sent her out, still considering the bond between siblings.

"Fourth Miss, I have been sent by the Marquis to deliver travel arrangements to you," Nanny Xiao said, unwilling to address herself as a servant, "The Marquis mentioned that this might be the last token of sibling affection he could offer.

He does not expect you to be grateful for the nurturing of the Marquis Mansion, but hopes that you will live well outside and refrain from tarnishing its reputation. If the Marquis hears of you damaging the mansion’s name, even if you’ve been exiled to Lingnan, he will have ways to hold you accountable."

After saying this, Nanny Xiao took out a silver note from her pocket, "These 100 taels of silver should help you settle into a home over there, Fourth Miss. Take care of yourself."

With those words, Nanny Xiao turned and left with her men, not forgetting to huff coldly as she did, "Back in the day, you and your mother instigated Old Marquis to reprimand the Marquis frequently. Now, I’ve come to see the daughter’s downfall who was once doted upon by the Old Marquis.

If fate is cruel, remember to send regards to your concubine down there."

Liu Yun was so incensed that she felt breathless; she really wanted to throw away the silver note in her hand, but ultimately couldn’t bear to.

"Mother," Gu Antong said worriedly, "With just these 100 taels of silver, I’m afraid it won’t be enough for the journey."

"Don’t worry; your father is there with us, and he won’t neglect us." Liu Yun quickly tucked the silver note into her pocket, which might be their last resort for the three of them.

Even though the Marquis Mansion only gave 100 taels, neither the Xu Family nor the Bai Family had sent anyone.

Just as she was thinking, a horse carriage stopped in front. Whose relatives could this carriage belong to?

The driver lifted the curtain, "Nanny, we’ve arrived."

Wu Qingshui stepped down from the carriage, followed by two maidservants.

Gu Family was surprised to see Dongmei and Chunxiang, knowing they were the ones serving beside Ms. Bai.

Not long ago, they were released under the pretext of arranging marriages for them, even preparing dowries.

No one expected such circumstances to allow these two maidservants to escape distress, making Xu Yulan and others envious.

Their own maidservants might have been sold off somewhere, potentially never to be seen again, while those two could come to see off their mistress.

"Miss," Wu Qingshui walked quickly to Bai Suihe’s side, with Dongmei and Chunxiang busy saluting.

"I didn’t expect you to come see me off," Bai Suihe said with a smile, "Go on and live your lives well; don’t worry about me."

"Miss," the two maidservants were teary-eyed; the Miss had planned their retreat, yet she herself...

"Silly maids, stop crying; at least this life still remains. If you ever need help, you can go to Nanny Wu, and my mother will stand up for you."

"Miss, don’t worry about us; we’ve already made arrangements." Chunxiang smiled through tears, "Miss, take care on your journey."

"The lady intended to come see you off," Nanny Wu recalled the affairs in the mansion today, feeling uneasy inside.

The master is also the Miss’s father, yet he is so heartless.

"I understand," Bai Suihe could guess what it was, "Father has his own concerns. You should also advise my mother well when you return.

For my sake, or at least for my brothers’ sake."

"I will relay your thoughts, Miss," Wu Qingshui wiped her tears, and whispered softly, "Miss, rest assured; the lady has made arrangements, all will be taken care of along the way. When you arrive, don’t be afraid; people sent from here will soon be there."

Wu Qingshui noticed several fierce gazes staring in their direction and looked up to find they were all from the Gu Family.

Sighing inwardly, back then the master really misjudged.

"The lady cannot leave the mansion, nor can she come see you off; it falls upon this old servant to make the trip." Wu Qingshui proceeded to pull out a silver note from her bosom, "This is 100 taels of silver the old servant has saved; I hope Miss doesn’t find it lacking."

"How could I accept your money," Bai Suihe sensed Wu Qingshui squeezing her hand slightly, and promptly followed suit, "My husband will take care of me on this journey.

I can’t accept this silver; it is your retirement fund."

The Gu Family members were left speechless; how stingy the Bai Family could be!

And even this sympathy money came from an old nanny; utterly shameless.

"Miss," Dongmei and Chunxiang now unloaded a package from the carriage, "This contains a quilt and shoes we brought for you, Miss. We dared not bring too much, fearing you couldn’t carry it."

Both proceeded to hang the package on Gu Kaiyuan, who stood nearby; it was small, with limited space for belongings.

Nanny Wu saw that the pair of heads were conversing with Bai Suihe and headed straight for Liu Pingkang, sitting there sipping tea, who was the main person in charge of this escort.

"Mr. Liu," Wu Qingshui approached respectfully, "This old servant is a managerial nanny of Bai Mansion; I have visited your manor before."

"I’ve heard from my humble wife," Liu Pingkang stood and gave a formal hand salute; though the Bai Family was but a merchant household, their generosity was significant, and they promised further rewards afterward, which naturally made his attitude more courteous.

"Mrs. Wu, saying goodbye to your family’s Miss?"

"This journey is long; no words alone can express all that’s needed. I truly must rely on Mr. Liu to provide careful attention and care.

The lady said as long as our Miss and her husband were safely escorted to their place of exile, everyone would be generously rewarded upon return."

While speaking, Wu Qingshui took a food box from the driver’s hand and placed it in Liu Pingkang’s hand respectfully, "Here are some travel necessities prepared by our lady. It’s a tough journey for you all; can’t let you be shortchanged, hope the officers won’t find it lacking."

The small government official beside Liu Pingkang peeked inside as he opened the food box and couldn’t help but lick his lips upon seeing a stack of silver notes.

Liu Pingkang glanced at them—each was a small amount but still 50 taels per note, perfectly convenient for distribution.

Seeing such generosity at the start, one could imagine the abundant rewards the Bai Family would provide upon safe arrival.

"Rest assured, we will definitely look after your family’s Miss and her husband. I noticed your Miss seems to be expecting; a long journey could be unsuitable for her.

Perhaps once outside the capital, she should be assigned to a bullock cart?"