Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Shao Yunduan recounted Zhao Mings visit, urging Zhao Guangyin to reconsider his plans and discard the absurd idea. He emphasized the dire conditions of the prison, highlighting the risk to his father and brother's lives, given their age and accustomed luxurious lifestyle.
Zhao Guangyin was shocked and scared, expressing his ignorance of the situation. He sought Madame Zhao's explanation, and upon hearing it, he was overwhelmed with anger.
After the Zhao Family decided to repay their debt using their own assets and leave the county, County Magistrate Qiao showed leniency. He made it clear that on the day of their departure, Old Master Zhao and his son would be released from prison.
Amidst his preparations to transfer their properties and depart in two days, his mother proposed such a foolish idea!
Couldn't she have inquired about the relationship between the third and first section of the family to determine if sacrificing their own son and daughter-in-law was necessary for the sake of the third branch?
Madame Zhao remained unconvinced. She clarified that she was seeking her daughter's assistance, not making a marital proposal. She insisted that her daughter must marry into a prestigious family of equal wealth and influence, not a rustic man who hadn't even achieved the status of Cultivated Talent!
However, Zhao Guangyin had no faith in her words.
He had no reason to doubt Shao Yunduan's honesty. There was no motive for Shao Yunduan to deceive him.
On the other hand, his mother was never dependable and could act impulsively.
A heated argument ensued between mother and son, leading them to part ways.
Determined to complete the tasks at hand, Zhao Guangyin worked through the night, planning to depart the next morning.
He couldn't leave his mother and sister unattended. What if they made another mistake?
The Zhao Family left discreetly the following day.
To Zhao Guangyin's astonishment, as they left the city, County Magistrate Qiao's men seized the money and two boxes of treasure that he had instructed his wife to hide.
In an instant, those possessions, along with the money, valued between 60,000 to 70,000 liang, vanished.
What remained were a few jewelry pieces belonging to the daughter-in-law and mother, the least valuable among their collection. The most precious pieces were not seized by the authorities, but their worth was only a few hundred liang.
Madame Zhao and her daughter-in-law wept inconsolably. Zhao Guangyin's heart sank.
If they had over 10,000 liang, he would have been confident in starting a new venture, not a grand fortune, but a stable and comfortable life.
However, a few hundred liang couldn't provide much assistance.
With their settlement, the remaining money was only sufficient for a small-scale business to sustain their livelihood.
Zhao Guangyin had never expected that everything unfolded due to his mother and sister's actions.
If it weren't for Zhao Mings visit to Shao Liulang, Shao Yunduan wouldn't have alerted County Magistrate Qiao about the possibility of Zhao Guangyin hiding his properties. As a result, County Magistrate Qiao wouldn't have entertained the idea or stationed guards at the city gate for inspection.
Shao Yunduan didn't intend for this chain of events to unfold, and he was willing to let Zhao Guangyin keep some of his properties hidden.
County Magistrate Qiao, consumed by his desire for the confiscated properties from the Zhao Family, wouldn't have ordered a search of their wagon.
However, the Zhao Familys behavior had been repugnant, and it was time for them to face the consequences.
After leaving the county, the Zhao Family lived a bitter life. Old Master Zhao and Madame Zhao struggled with the unfamiliar food, clothing, accommodations, and travel, which quickly took a toll on their health and accelerated their aging..