She was adamant in her refusal, and on the way to be tied up, she attempted suicide several times—though it was really more of a threat to the Liao Family people. The Li Family became worried that if she really died, they would gain nothing from her. That’s when Liao Zhaoji took the chance to say that she should be given an opportunity to plead with the Ruan Family. Having borne three sons for the Ruan Family, Ruan Jiandang certainly wouldn’t stand by and watch her die; he would surely pony up the same amount of money to save her.
In fact, the Li Family was also reluctant to sell her because that would mean this business deal would end all future profits from her. After pondering it over, they agreed.
She knew her own daughter well, as long as she could re-enter the Ruan Family, she would find a way to coax her back again in the future!
Once coaxed back, there would be a steady flow of money again, which was far more profitable than just one-off deals.
Thus, the current scene unfolded.
Liao Zhaoji was a complete mess of snot and tears, crying heartbreakingly.
A few bystanders who were watching the commotion couldn’t bear it and began to try to persuade her, "Aunt Ruanlin, they say it’s better to demolish a temple than to break up a marriage. Since Zhaoji knows she was wrong, you should forgive her."
"Exactly, just look at the state she’s been brought to. I’ve heard that this Li Family is adept at tormenting people, but I never imagined they were this cruel."
"Indeed, she’s your own flesh and blood, yet how can your heart be so hard? Aunt Ruanlin, in my opinion, you should just..."
"Pah, easy for you to say when you’re not the one hurting! If you’re so sympathetic, why don’t you take her back!" Ruanlin Family was not to be trifled with; she turned and pointed mockingly at the bystanders who were speaking out of turn: "Considering your second son just lost his wife, since you’re so concerned, take her back, come on! Quick, take her back!" As she spoke, she moved to grab one of them, scaring the person into retreating several steps.
The issues with Liao Zhaoji had already spread throughout the neighborhood; no one would want to bring such a troublemaker back home.
People always pretend to be the good ones, but when it really comes down to them, they know fear.
"Pah, if you’re unwilling yourself, what makes you think you can persuade me? Who gave you the audacity!" The Ruanlin Family scoffed at the cowardly behavior of that person and rolled her eyes dismissively before turning her gaze heavily back to Liao Zhaoji: "Liao Zhaoji, let me tell you, stop this nonsense! You’ve already divorced Jiandang. If you keep making trouble, I’ll have the police from the station come and arrest you!"
Upon hearing the mention of the police station, Liao Zhaoji visibly shrank back.
But she couldn’t just give up, she wouldn’t give up.
Even in death, she refused to marry that decrepit old man.
Her tears were running as snot and tears mixed together; suddenly, she scrambled up and ran to Ruanlin Family’s side. Ruanlin Family thought she was up to something and raised her hands defensively, only to see Liao Zhaoji kneel down with a thud in front of her!
"Mom!" she cried out hoarsely, "Mom, mom, I know I was wrong, I really know I was wrong. Please, please forgive me. I won’t dare to do it again. I’ll be good, I’ll live peacefully with Jiandang. I won’t be narrow-minded anymore, please let me come back."
Crying, she started to kowtow to Ruanlin Family, one thump after another, with such force that her already bruised forehead began to bleed.
The onlookers felt a pang of pity at the sight.
Concealed in the crowd, Liu Mei sneered, thinking the Ruan Family wasn’t so great after all, and quickly raised her voice to shout, "Aunt Ruanlin, you’re a woman too, how can your heart be so hard? Zhaoji has acknowledged her wrongs and even kowtowed to you, why not forgive her?"