Xiao Yunjing nodded at Wuyou, then turned to Gu Qingyan. “Planning to drug your own food and then demand compensation from us?”

Xiao Yunjing always spoke directly, never mincing words.

Gu Qingyan froze and lowered his head. He hadn’t expected Xiao Yunjing to be so blunt. Could he admit it? Of course not. If he did, he would lose all face.

That was, in fact, exactly what he had planned. Initially, he’d considered using something lethal, but realizing that was a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment, he opted for laxatives in his own bowl. After a bout of diarrhea, he would blame Xiao Yunjing’s unhygienic food, cause some trouble, demand compensation, and use the opportunity to visit more often. Wouldn’t that forge a connection?

Who would have thought his plan would be exposed before he could even administer the drug?

He was still wondering who had struck his hand and foiled his scheme.

The force was too great to have come from someone beside him; besides, he would have seen them. It felt like something had flown through the air to hit him.

Considering Xiao Yunjing’s status, it must have been one of his men who spotted his actions and struck him from the shadows.

It’s normal for a general to be protected by highly skilled martial artists.

But since he hadn’t succeeded, and with so many officials present today, he couldn’t admit it, even if it meant death.

So he said, “Sister-in-law, Brother-in-law, it’s not like that. The laxative is indeed mine, but not for the reason you think. I bought it for myself. Lately, I’ve been feeling a bit… uh…”

Xiao Yunjing cut him off coldly. “Hmph, quite clever, aren’t you? Don’t call me Brother-in-law. Li’er has no brother here. Leave.”

Today, Gu Qingyan was caught red-handed, but a mere packet of laxatives wasn’t enough to bring serious charges against him.

Xiao Yunjing could only let him go this time. This served as a warning for him not to harbor any more ill intentions. Next time wouldn’t be so simple.

Thinking of Ms. Hua and Zhang Qiaozui, he resolved that anyone with malicious intent towards his family would not be shown mercy.

Showing mercy was inviting future trouble, and he wasn’t foolish enough to do that.

Gu Qingyan glanced sheepishly at the people at the table, bowing. “My apologies for the disturbance. Please, enjoy your meal.”

With that, he pulled Ms. Yun to leave. Wuqing had already released Ms. Yun’s acupoints. Ms. Yun tried to say something but was dragged away by Gu Qingyan.

First Brother Gu trailed behind them. Everyone else sat back down and resumed eating.

Gu Qingli merely glanced at them. She truly didn’t know what to make of this family. Their shamelessness knew no bounds, thicker than a city wall.

Seeing that the matter was resolved, everyone continued eating.

However, everyone was now wary of Gu Qingyan. Claiming he bought the laxative for himself? Who would be foolish enough to believe that? Wasn’t he clearly up to something?

If his plan had succeeded, his parents, with their despicable character, would undoubtedly have extorted them.

Hmph, who would have thought someone who appeared decent could harbor such vile thoughts? A scholar, no less! All his studies have gone to waste.

Indeed, there wasn’t a single good person in their entire family.

Despite the incident with Gu Qingyan, it didn’t dampen anyone’s appetite for the delicious food.

Ms. Qiao gently patted Gu Qingli and whispered, “Xiaoli, you’ll need to be careful of him in the future.”

Gu Qingli nodded. “Aunt, I know, even if you hadn’t said anything.”

This family is truly awful. Daring to drug someone here? They’re practically courting death!

She glanced at Xiao Yunjing, who was eating calmly.

As if sensing her gaze, he turned his head and smiled at her.

His smile was meant to comfort her, to tell her not to be angry.

How could Gu Qingli not be angry? Her sons’ Hundred Days Banquet had been disrupted by such a disgusting family.

She nodded, lost her appetite after a few more bites, and returned to her room, holding her son.

Wuqing and Wuyou also brought the other two little ones in, as they were hungry and needed to eat.

“Miss, shall I…” Wuqing made a throat-slitting gesture, accompanied by a soft CRACK sound.

“PFFT!” Gu Qingli chuckled, genuinely amused by her maid’s earnestness. Her earlier displeasure vanished.

She waved her hand. “No need. Yunjing has a plan for him.”

Causing trouble at his sons’ Hundred Days Banquet? Gu Qingyan was in for it.

Wuqing nodded and busied herself feeding the little ones their milk.

「After the meal」

Xiao Yunjing, finally free of the four inquisitive old elders, called Fu Zonghe, Xu Yi, and Yun No. 29 to the study to discuss matters.

Meanwhile, Wuqing directed everyone in tidying up.

Gu Qingli didn’t plan to serve dinner that evening. The remaining food was packed for each family to take home.

Everyone was delighted to accept; even the leftovers were better than what they usually ate on festive occasions.

By the time they finished tidying up, returning tables and chairs, and cleaning the area, it was already late afternoon. Since no dinner was planned, everyone headed home.

By then, Xiao Yunjing had also finished his discussion, and Fu Zonghe and the other two had departed.

「That evening」

Gu Qingli entrusted the three little ones to their nanny. Then, she, Wuqing, and Wuyou began sorting through the storeroom, moving the more valuable items into her Space.

Among Fu Zonghe’s gifts were some valuable items, including three identical sets of silver tableware, perfect for the three little ones.

Gu Qingli mused that Fu Zonghe was quite thoughtful. Silverware was commonly used to test for poison. Eating directly with silver utensils would provide an immediate warning if there was an issue.

Of course, there were poisons that silver couldn’t detect.

In that case, there was nothing to be done.

Other gifts from him included bolts of cloth, porcelain, children’s primers, and the Four Treasures of the Study.

This truly showed Fu Zonghe’s thoughtfulness.

Xu Yi’s gifts were also valuable and considerate, and Gu Qingli stored them all in her Space.

The gifts from the villagers weren’t particularly valuable, so there was no need to store them in the Space. However, Gu Qingli put away the clothes, shoes, and socks made by Gu Qingmei. The craftsmanship was exquisite, and the fabric was fine cotton, perfect for the three little ones.

Ms. Qiao’s gifts were also nice. Among the clothes she sent was an outfit for Daniu, which was perfect; he could wear it the next day.

Ms. Wu, in addition to children’s clothes, shoes, and socks, also sent outfits for Gu Qingli, Xiao Yunjing, and Daniu, all made of fine cotton.

Furthermore, there were three gold locks, each engraved with one of the three little ones’ names.

Other than Gu Dayou, who had given one tael of silver, most villagers gave a few feet of cloth or twenty to thirty wen coins.

Gu Qingli made a point to check First Brother Gu’s gift: twenty wen coins.

“Finished?” Xiao Yunjing asked, coming over as they were nearly done sorting.

“Almost.” Gu Qingli stood up, rubbing her lower back.

Xiao Yunjing led her out, back to their bedroom. He had her lie facedown on the bed and began to massage her back.

He used just the right amount of pressure, and after only a few moments, her fatigue vanished.

“Better?”

“Much better.” Gu Qingli sat up and leaned against Xiao Yunjing. “I don’t want to organize any more events like this. They’re so troublesome and exhausting.”

“Alright, we won’t organize them anymore,” Xiao Yunjing said, holding her. He agreed that hosting banquets was indeed a hassle. If nothing went wrong, it was one thing, but if any issues arose, it wasn’t just troublesome; it also ruined one’s mood.

“Mm, let’s sleep.” Xiao Yunjing hadn’t rested all day either; he’d been busy from start to finish.

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