Chapter 95: We’re Free
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
After saying that, she bowed to the village chief and the others. “Uncles, Aunts, please bear witness for us. Our family has no qualms about being filial.”
Then, she looked at Second Aunt Ning, who was pretending to have a stomach ache in order to avoid responsibility, with a faint smile. “The recipe’s matter has been resolved. Shouldn’t we talk about the compensation for the 20 taels of silver next?”
Second Aunt Ning’s cries of pain immediately became louder. Old Madam Ning and Second Uncle Ning condemned her repeatedly. “Do you have any conscience? Can’t you see that your Second Aunt is already like this? You’re actually only thinking about money when her life is at stake. It’s obvious that you’re heartless!”
Ning Dalang and his brother looked angry. However, their sister had just asked them to promise not to speak. Otherwise, she would be angry with them later and wouldn’t cook for them. The two of them were threatened. They could only clench their fists and stand beside their sister, silently expressing their support.
Xiaoxiao knew that filial piety was heaven in this era, and the more rural the place was, the more terrifying the rumors were. She didn’t want her brothers to become a topic of gossip because they contradicted their elders for her. Since she had become their younger sister in this life and enjoyed their love, she naturally had to do her best so that they could be respected at all times.
After the family in the old residence had said enough, Xiaoxiao said, “Grandma, Second Uncle, why are you so agitated? What 1 mean is that since Second Aunt is not feeling well, she should stay at home and recuperate in the future. Don’t come to my house from time to time.”
She said meaningfully, “I wonder what will happen to everyone in the old residence if you accidentally add more debts in the future. My family will really have no way out. At that time, I can’t possibly find a second recipe to give away, right? Grandpa, Grandma, and Second Uncle are so kind-hearted. I don’t think they will deliberately harm our lives like this.”
Old Madam Ning and Second Uncle Ning were stumped. Just as they were about to scold her to vent their anger, they heard Xiaoxiao say in a voice that only the people in the old residence could hear, “As for the 20 taels, if my family doesn’t return them, I wonder if all of you can stay out of trouble if it really gets to the courts a year later.”
Old Madam Ning glared at her. She didn’t understand. She just wanted to spit this little bastard in front of her to death, but Second Uncle Ning, who was extremely sensitive to money, was alarmed. That’s right! Their separation hadn’t been registered in the government office. If the eldest branch didn’t pay their debts and was sued, their old residence would also be implicated!
However, he was unwilling to return the money with them or go to jail!
In order not to alert them, he pretended not to understand and pulled his mother away. “Mother, was there still porridge cooking in the pot before we left?”
Xiaoxiao couldn’t see the emotions in people’s eyes, but it wasn’t difficult for her to guess Second Uncle Ning’s thoughts at this moment. Seeing them leave in a hurry, she didn’t stop them. She had worked so hard to set up such a big game. She hoped that those selfish so-called “family members” wouldn’t disappoint her.
After the people from the old residence left, the village chief sighed and left. It was difficult for an honest official to resolve family matters. Moreover, he was only a small village chief. However, after witnessing this farce today, he could not help but lean towards the eldest branch in the future.
Seeing that the matter had been resolved, the other villagers also left in whispers. Presumably, everyone would know about the ugly behavior of the old residence’s occupants the next day.
Very good. Xiaoxiao felt that she could talk to Shopkeeper Xu about their next collaboration tomorrow.
Seeing the serious expressions on everyone’s faces, Rong Yan felt that it was inconvenient for him to stay. He said to Xiaoxiao, “Come to us if you need help.” Then, he bade farewell and left.
“What should we do…” There was only her family left in the small courtyard. Madam Song could no longer control her cries. “What should we do in the future!”
Xiaoxiao walked over and hugged her. “Mother, you shouldn’t cry. You should smile.”
Madam Song looked up in confusion. Xiaoxiao wiped her tears for her. “From now on, the old residence can no longer hold on to Father’s matters when he was young and ask for anything from our family. Second Aunt is afraid of being chased for 20 taels and doesn’t dare to come and steal again. Mother, we’re free..”
