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In the meantime, her other hand continued to pull and tug at her hair. The pain was excruciating, causing the plump girl to beg for mercy.

“Let go of me, please! I didn’t want to come either. It was Brother Yuan’s parents who persuaded me to come.”

Yuan Jiaqi watched Qiao Mai hold her own in the fight and didn’t step in to stop it. When he heard the plump girl’s explanation, he approached.

“Wife, release her and listen to what she has to say.”

Qiao Mai released her grip on the plump girl’s hair, pushing her into the snowy ground.

“Tell me. Who sent you?”

The plump girl sat on the ground, wiping away tears that smudged her makeup. Her hair was disheveled, and her maid rushed to pick up her hairpin and help her up.

“It was Brother Yuan’s parents.”

“What did they say? Let everyone hear and be witnesses.”

“They said you stole him from me and wanted me to come settle the score.”

“I don’t know you. Besides, I was married before and has a child. What’s the truth behind this marriage matter?”

“Your parents arranged the match through a matchmaker and praised you exaggeratedly. I was moved, so they brought me to see you secretly once.” “Did they tell you where I live as well?”

“Yes, I knew where you lived when you were there, and they brought me here too. So when they mentioned you, I knew where to find you.”

With the plump girl’s hair still in Qiao Mai’s grasp, she divulged everything when Yuan Jiaqi asked her.

“Didn’t you know I am now a part of the Qiao family?”

“I know, but your parents received benefits from my family and haven’t returned the money. They know they’re in the wrong, but they’re holding onto the money.”

“Look for them, or even go to the local authorities if needed. My relationship with them is severed, and coming to me won’t help.”

“Brother Yuan, I know you don’t like her. Look, she’s not even prettier than me. Why not leave her family and come to mine? I promise to treat you and your son well.”

Qiao Mai’s eyes narrowed. She moved forward, ready to grab the plump girl’s hair. Startled, the girl hastily retreated a couple of steps.

Yuan Jiaqi held Qiao Mai back and said, “Young lady, please go back. There’s no point in this. My wife and I will never be separated in this lifetime.”

After leading Qiao Mai back into the yard, he closed the gate.

Qiao Mai shook off his hand. giving him a stern glare that turned his face red

“Right, sorry. I caused you trouble.”

“More than just trouble.”

Qiao Mai ignored him, returning to the kitchen to wash her hands and continue making candied chestnuts.

With the crowd outside dispersing, the plump girl stormed out of the alley, fuming. She got into her carriage and left.

Determined to reclaim her lost pride in this place, she headed back home to seek revenge.

She couldn’t afford to cause a scene in Tianshui Town, not because she was afraid of Qiao Mai, but because of the mayor.

She had heard her father talk about the mayor, knowing that causing a disturbance here would be irrational. Even if she suffered a loss, she could only swallow her anger and return home, nursing the resentment.

However, back in Tiannan Town, no one dared to bully them.

Apricot Blossom Village is closest to Tiannan Town. Those two geezers not only refuse to return her money, but they also incite her to cause trouble. This debt must be settled.

They act as if they can take money from anyone. Today, she’s determined to find that pair of old scoundrels, reclaim her family’s money, and give them a good beating. Otherwise, this pent-up anger won’t dissipate.

As for that woman from the Qiao family, she’ll find an opportunity to deal with her. She won’t take a beating in vain.

From now on, Qiao Mai has acquired another enemy.

Yuan Jiaqi stoked the fire and added firewood in front of the kitchen hearth. “The Yuan family won’t hold up much longer. Madam Qiao, please bear with this situation for now.”

“What did you say to them?”

“It’s not just me who’s had enough of the Yuan family’s troubles. My other brothers can’t stand them either. I believe a family split will happen soon. At that point, they won’t have the energy to bother me.”

“I wonder, if the Qiao family treated me this way, how would I react?” “If the old ones can’t move anymore, nothing else would matter, right?” Qiao Mai laughed. “I wouldn’t care about a mere grasshopper.”

“Even though a grasshopper is small, a bite can still be painful. Don’t underestimate any enemy. Sometimes, the more inconspicuous they are, the more they can harm the ones you care about.”

Qiao Mai squinted, unsure if she was ready to resort to violence as she came here for an ordinary life.

She’ll deal with it when the time comes. Yuan Jiaqi might be saying all this, but his parents had forced him to marry into the Qiao family, yet he hadn’t taken action. Why should she rush?

During the morning, she fried ten pots of candied chestnuts, leaving a small bowl for the children and sealing the rest in jars, even though they would be in her space.

After lunch, she wasn’t idle either. She fried five pots of peanuts and melon seeds. Seeing she had extra time, she made two pots of fruit candy, producing over twenty kilograms of candy blocks.

In the evening, too exhausted to cook, Qiao Mai reheated some buns and drank rice soup.

The three older children took excellent care of Ling’er, who also liked her brothers. They fed her whatever she needed, and she didn’t cry or fuss. When she saw them, she smiled, making all three brothers fond of her, unsure how to treat her even better.

That night, Qiao Mai didn’t return to her space. She and Ling’er slept on the warm bed.

Over ten months old, Ling’er was now eating egg custard and porridge in addition to nursing.

Her stomach wasn’t too strong due to the umbilical hernia, so she often ate smaller meals. Since birth, she hadn’t been sick, thanks to Qiao Mai’s careful attention.

On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month, Yuan Jiaqi took the children and cleaned the house thoroughly.

Meanwhile, in Apricot Blossom Village, the Yuan family’s home was in complete disarray. Madam Yuan Xu sat on the bed, crying, while Old Yuan sat on a low stool, puffing on his pipe.

None of their sons were around, each staying in their rooms.

Inside the main room, a woman spoke in hushed tones, “Husband, we can’t go on like this. Greed for money is one thing, but they shouldn’t hold onto the money they don’t deserve. They know they can’t handle the consequences, yet they refuse to let go. They’re causing all this trouble, and in the end, they must return the money anyway. We’ll suffer a beating for nothing. I don’t understand what they’re trying to achieve.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve discussed it with my other three brothers. After the New Year, we’ll tell our parents we want to split the family. Whether they agree or not, it’s happening. The inheritance they’ve amassed over the years must be distributed. If they don’t…”

The eldest son’s eyes glinted with determination and ruthlessness.

“Will that work? What if they report us?”

“On the second day of the new year, we’ll visit your family together. We’ll ask for their help. If things get tough, they’ll help us.”

“How will they help?”

“If our parents insist on pushing us to the edge, we won’t hold back, whether through persuasion or force. If they refuse to agree, they’ll face the consequences. We might accidentally hurt them…”

His wife widened her eyes. “But that’s a serious crime of unfilial conduct. Will we end up in jail?”

“Who said that? If there’s a dispute and physical altercation between in-laws, what does it have to do with us? By that time, they won’t be able to move, let alone crawl to the government office. Even if thev go to the government office, it’s an internal family matter, and the town magistrate won’t meddle much. In the end, it will likely be resolved without much fuss.”

“Can we really do it?”

“Don’t worry. Nothing major will happen. With so many of us, the mayor won’t punish all of us.”

“But who will take care of our parents?”

“After we divide the money, we’ll build our houses and move out. Let them live here in their old age. When the time comes, I’ll discuss with my brothers to take turns bringing them food.”

“I feel uncertain about this.’

“Come what may, it’s worth a try. If we don’t resist now, we’ll be under their thumb forever. I’ve already discussed it with my brothers. Just make sure the children are safe.’

The eldest son of the Yuan family had been contemplating this issue since he returned from Yuan Jiaqi’s place.

After decades of oppression, rebelling required a strong determination. Under the threat of their lives, filial piety seemed insignificant

He had secretly discussed the matter with his three brothers. They were all on the same page…