Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
They no longer needed to worry about revenge, as they believed that Old Master Zhao and Zhao Guanghua would eventually face the consequences when the opportunity arose.
The next day, Shao Yunduan made another visit to the county city, while Qiao Xuan spent most of her time in the flower field.
Though uncertain about the details of Shao Yunduan's conversation with County Magistrate Qiao, it wasn't long before the case involving the Zhao Family was resolved.
The victims who had filed complaints against the Zhao Family were generously compensated and received a formal apology from them. They expressed their gratitude for the resolution.
As a result, Officer Qiao gained a reputable status, and many of the victims referred to him as 'the wise Magistrate."
The Zhao Family, having committed numerous crimes, had their properties confiscated. However, since they admitted their guilt, they were spared imprisonment or exile. Zhao Guanghua received 30 lashes, and the entire family was commanded to leave the county, never to return and trouble the civilians again.
The decision was met with applause and cheers from the people. The Zhao Family was infamous for their cruel behavior, particularly the younger Young Master Zhao, who was known for bullying others. It was a relief for the community to see them depart.
County Magistrate Qiao closely monitored their departure, ensuring they had no opportunity to gather their belongings. Since their properties had been seized, they were not permitted to take anything with them.
In the early morning, only Madame Zhao, with a small package of ornaments, left on two wagons before dawn broke.
However, a poignant incident occurred during this time. As the Zhao Family faced the loss of their properties and the order to leave their homeland forever, the women of the family wept uncontrollably. None of them wanted to depart from their beloved hometown. The prospect of moving made them feel deeply uncomfortable.
They cherished their hometown where they had grown up, believing that nowhere else could compare to it.
Since they were not brought to the governmental office or confronted by County Magistrate Qiao, they were unaware of the severity of their situation. They desperately sought a way to reverse their circumstances.
In their quest for a lifeline, Zhao Ming thought of Shao Liulang.
Madame Zhao, equally anxious and worried, clung to any glimmer of hope that could potentially turn the tide in their favor.
Madame Zhao sent Zhao Ming to search for Shao Liulang.
However, Shao Liulang was not at the college, prompting the anxious Zhao Ming to rush to Shaoding Village instead.
Feeling that he was being compared to Shao Yunduan and mocked behind his back, Shao Liulang made the decision to stop attending college.
He believed he had acquired enough knowledge and could continue studying on his own at home.
Perhaps, after the New Year, he would enroll in another college in a neighboring country to pursue his studies.
He had been eagerly anticipating Shao Yunduan's visit, as promised by the Elder Uncle.
He had practiced countless times how he would treat Shao Yunduan, intending to make him speak kindly to him. However, Shao Yunduan never showed up.
Shao Liulang was furious.
Ms. Ma's heart was shattered. In defense of her son, she went to the first section of the family, seeking to accuse Shao Yunduan.
But Ms. Fang drove her away, further fueling her anger.
Filled with anger and resentment, Shao Liulang hurled curses at Shao
Yunduan, calling him "evil and arrogant." He vowed to become a Cultivated Talent, a Recommended man, and ultimately an Advanced Scholar, just so he could humiliate Shao Yunduan and make him regret his actions for the rest of his life.
Regarding his Eldest Uncle, Shao Liulang felt deceived and manipulated.
Eldest Uncle had lied to him! He no longer believed in his authority or respected him as a senior.
He refused to trust his words any longer..