Wufu saw Wen Congrui with ease, and she explained her intention. Of course, she wasn’t asking for leniency or anything, just inquiring about the outcome for those involved in the case.
"Zhou Xuennian has confessed to his crimes, and by law, all his honors have been stripped, and he is barred for life from taking the civil service examinations. He can be released," said Wen Congrui.
Wufu rose to her feet and performed a courtesy: "In that case, may I come to take him home tomorrow?"
Wufu smiled, saying, "Actually, this was all set in stone already, wasn’t it? Whether I came or not, this would have been the conclusion."
"You could say that, it’s just a matter of being released sooner or later," Wen Congrui thought for a moment and then added, "If you wanted to preserve his honors..."
"No, this is very good! There are state laws after all!" Wufu quickly interrupted him.
Joking aside, why should she use her connections to protect that man’s honors? Who was he to her? Her coming here was already giving them face.
Besides, it was good this way, with the conclusion already decided, she wouldn’t have to use much of her influence. She could merely make one visit, taking the opportunity to negotiate with the Old Zhou family, and incidentally crush Madam Zhou’s hopes of maintaining ties with her natal family.
The Old Zhou family themselves had better have the self-awareness not to challenge her repeatedly, because if she could get Zhou Xuennian out, she also had the power to send several people in.
Seeing her , Wen Congrui was rather curious, as just a few days ago she was talking about making things as difficult as possible. Why the change now?
As if reading his mind, Wufu offered a light explanation with a smile, "The Zhou family came to my mother."
Wen Congrui suddenly understood.
Having received the answers she wanted, Wufu did not linger and took her leave. Upon returning home, she informed Madam Zhou, which was just to put her at ease; as for Old Lady Zhou and her daughter-in-law, a bit of anxiety wouldn’t hurt.
As expected, the next day Wufu saw the dark circles under their eyes, and she couldn’t help feeling a secret thrill of victory.
"You can go directly to the Yamen to receive him," she said to them, her tone cool and indifferent.
Having received the news at the inn where he was staying in the city while searching for mother and daughter Wufu the day before, Zhou Xueli had come over during the night. Now, gazing at Wufu and her daughter, his expression was very complex.
Old Lady Zhou let out a huge sigh of relief and glanced at Madam Zhou, saying, "Thank you for taking care of this," before turning to leave.
Madam Lu was not willing to give up so easily, but seeing her mother-in-law leaving, she could only speak quickly to Madam Zhou, "Ying Mei, we are all family; there are no overnight grudges. Let’s visit each other more in the future!"
A sharp look flashed in Wufu’s eyes.
Madam Lu shivered and didn’t even dare to look at Wufu, forcing a couple of awkward smiles before hastily following Old Lady Zhou.
Madam Zhou’s eyes were reddened as she looked toward Wufu, her lips quivering.
Wufu pressed a small gold ingot of five taels into her hand, causing Madam Zhou to tremble.
Watching the Old Zhou family walk away, Madam Zhou called out to Zhou Xueli and handed him the five-tael gold ingot, saying, "Xueli, don’t let mother find out. Since you’ve separated from the family, take this silver. Buy her something good to eat at the festivals – consider it my filial piety."
Zhou Xueli looked at the small gold ingot in his hand and looked up, saying, "Sister, the Zhou family has wronged you. Have a good life from now on and don’t worry. We still have our fields; no one will starve."
Madam Zhou’s tears fell in droplets as she sobbed silently.
Zhou Xueli then gave a bow to Wufu and set off after Old Lady Zhou and the rest.
Inside, Wufu sighed and gave Qiu Xiang a meaningful glance. The latter then supported Madam Zhou, consoling her significantly as they entered the house.
Later, Hongyu asked Wufu why she had given away the silver, calling it a waste.
Wufu replied, "She’s my blood relative; I am not, which is why I can remain detached. Those five taels are just to buy her some peace of mind."