Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
However, the IOU note had to be written in Qiao Xuan’s handwriting.
The note detailed the events of the previous day and explained the debt owed. Madame Qiao and Qiao Wei also left their fingerprints on the note as a sign of acknowledgment.
Madame Qiao reluctantly agreed, fully aware that the note served as a bargaining chip in Qiao Xuan’s possession. Neither party expected the debt to be repaid, nor did they anticipate Qiao Xuan to inquire about it.
Madame Qiao had no choice but to accept the terms.
In exchange, Qiao Xuan promised not to tell the incident not be reported to the Old Master.
Madame Qiao reluctantly agreed, with the condition that the money would be provided to Qiao Xuan within three days after their return to the county.
However, Madame Qiao only had 1,000 liang in cash.
She had no alternative but to comply, understanding that if the Old Master were to find out, Qiao Wei would face punishment, and the Old Master would be deeply disappointed in her.
She had maintained her reputation as a virtuous wife throughout her entire life, and she couldn’t afford to tarnish it now, especially in the eyes of the Old Master.
Her only hope was that her son would attain a high-ranking position and her daughter would become capable and accomplished. Only then would she have nothing to fear.
However, she knew that such a day had not yet arrived.
If the Old Master harbored any resentment towards her, her life would be miserable upon their return to the capital. The risk was too great to take.
Madame Qiao and Qiao Wei were infuriated as they left Qiao Xuan’s residence.
Upon their return to the hostel, Qiao Kou received further punishment in the form of slaps to her face.
From that day forward, Madame Qiao never visited Qiao Xuan again. However, she did encounter Ms. Mi Junior once more, and after two days had passed, they all returned to the county.
Qiao Wei would have normally confided in her father about the incident, but this time she remained silent.
Madame Qiao warned her sternly, emphasizing the importance of keeping everything a secret, regardless of her doubts or dissatisfaction.
Madame Qiao couldn’t disclose the truth about whether or not Qiao Xuan had helped. She also mentioned that the First Madame had never been kind to Qiao Xuan anyway.
Furthermore, she added that the family was difficult to befriend due to their arrogance.
Officer Qiao believed his wife’s words and felt regretful about the situation, but he chose not to inquire further.
At the Yuezheng Family’s residence, Ms. Mi Junior was unable and unwilling to pay the 50,000 liang in cash. Even if she had the means, she refused to do so.
Consequently, she decided to discuss the matter with her husband.
Ms. Mi Junior selectively withheld the truth, only sharing the part of the story that could benefit her.
Upon hearing about the 50,000 liang demand, the Second Old Master became furious. He exclaimed that they were being utterly bullied. How could they rob their own family ? They were all part of the same family, and such mistreatment was unacceptable.
The Second Old Master’s anger reached a boiling point, and he even contemplated confronting the First Madame along with Ms. Mi Junior.
Typically, the Second Old Master refrained from involving himself in family matters. He knew that he couldn’t compete with the influential first section of the family, so he preferred to maintain silence.
However, seeing his sons doing well gave him some consolation. Yet, it didn’t mean that the first section of the family could exploit them as they pleased.
Startled by her husband’s reaction, Ms. Mi Junior quickly intervened. What she truly needed was for her husband to assist her in covering the debt, not to create further trouble by confronting the First Madame.
Fearful of the consequences, Ms. Mi Junior was reluctant to allow the Second Old Master to confront the First Madame, knowing that it would put her at a disadvantage.
To avoid worsening the situation, Ms. Mi Junior decided to adopt a more amicable approach. She attempted to convince the Second Old Master not to pursue the matter any further. Although the Second Old Master was taken aback by this unexpected change in attitude, he restrained himself from escalating the conflict with the First Madame..