Chapter 101 - 101: The (Mao Family’s Happy Move to a New Residence
The Jiang family, seeing that things did not go well, tried to escape, but Yuan Jiaqi was guarding the door. Having trained in martial arts for so long, dealing with these four people was easy for him.
He kicked each of them back one by one.
At this point, the Jiang family realized that the Qiao family was not someone they could extort.
Aside from the fact that they had the town mayor of Tianhe Town, the two elders sitting above gave the impression that they were high and mighty.
Half an hour later, two guards on horseback arrived, one bringing the mayor of Tianhe Town and the other the village head of Qingzhu Village.
Upon seeing Wang Zongsheng, the mayor of Tianhe Town immediately paid his respects. “I pay my respects to Sir Magistrate and Old Mister Wang.”
“Get up and speak.”
“Yes.”
The village head also paid his respects when he saw the mayor, and he knelt immediately.
“A humble villager pays respects to Sir Magistrate and Old Mister Wang.”
“Speak while standing.”
“Yes.”
Unexpectedly, Qiao Mai glanced at Wang Zongsheng. She hadn’t expected him to be the magistrate of Wei City.
Now that their identities were revealed, Wang Zongsheng didn’t hide it anymore.
“You, tell me about the Jiang family’s situation.”
“Yes, Sir.”
The village head didn’t dare to hide anything and explained the Jiang family’s situation in detail.
It turned out that the Jiang family favored their younger son and despised their elder son’s family. They had separated the family early and followed the younger son.
When the family division happened, the village head was also present. They got nothing and even had to pay the old couple every year.
The subsequent properties were diligently acquired by the elder son and his wife through thrift and hard work.
There was no relation between the elder son’s family and the younger son’s family. Since the tragedy that befell the elder son’s family, the younger son’s family had set their eyes on their property.
They spoke grandly to outsiders but did dirty things behind their backs. The village head didn’t know at first, and when he found out, the two children had already disappeared without a trace.
The village head was helpless. He couldn’t resolve a family dispute.
When he explained the Jiang family’s situation, Wang Zongsheng glanced at the mayor of Tianhe Town. “What should be done about this matter?”
“I will handle it strictly.”
“Here’s what we’ll do: The elderly parents will each receive ten strokes of the paddle and be imprisoned for one month, while the younger ones will receive twenty strokes and be jailed for three months. They will all be sent to the county prison. The village head will look after their families. In the future, anyone who dares to do such things should not blame me for harsh punishments. It’s disgraceful that one’s family members will bully each other when outsiders don’t. Hmph!”
Upon hearing this sentence, the Jiang family members fainted. Feng’er and Yun’er knelt before Wang Zongsheng, tears in their eyes.
“Thank you, Sir.”
“Get up. We’re not outsiders. This time, I’ll help you make the decision. Do you want to take back the property?”
“Give it to the village. I remember there are a few families that are particularly struggling. Give them the houses and the harvested grains from the land to help them.”
The village head of Qingzhu Village lowered his head in shame, and Wang Zongsheng held the hands of the two brothers.
“You’re both good kids, like your current mother. Don’t you want to go back home?”
“No, not anymore. Mother has been very kind to us. Although we miss our old home, Mother gave us a second chance at life. So, we must study hard to repay her kindness.”
“What about your father? Won’t he lose his inheritance?”
“As long as there’s his blood running in our veins, it’s enough. I believe they will not be happy if they know we did not repay our benefactor.”
Wang Zongsheng nodded, thinking that these two children were indeed clever.
No matter the conditions of the Jiang family, the Qiao family, or their surnames, they still carried the blood of the Jiang family.
Even children know that people should aim high. Wang Zongsheng couldn’t help but sigh silently in his heart.
On the 6th of August, the Qiao family celebrated their move to the new residence. They hadn’t expected the Jiang family to cause such a commotion.
Qiao Mai was good at handling people. When the mayor of Tianhe Town left, she had them take away some items from the store. Even the village head of Qingzhu Village didn’t return empty-handed.
After all, it’s always best to give and receive. As long as they’re willing to accept, they’ll be more inclined to support the Qiao family in the future.
Today, the Jiang family didn’t gain any advantage and suffered a big loss. Qiao Mai believed they wouldn’t come again in the future.
The lunch banquet was unexpectedly delayed, but it was sumptuous. Wang Zongsheng did not receive any special treatment just because he had revealed his official position. Everything was as it used to be.
The Qiao family’s atmosphere was comfortable, and Shopkeeper Lu was delighted that Qiao Mai had such connections.
With a powerful master, her daughter won’t be bullied. Shopkeeper Lu was willing to cooperate with Qiao Mai in everything.
Staying at home was more comfortable, with good food, good drinks, and everything they needed.
In the evening, everyone gathered again, enjoying a table of vegetarian dishes.
The dishes were stir-fried and delicious, which greatly pleased the old lady. She could also visit the poultry house, feed the animals, and enjoy the delicious food. She didn’t feel bored; on the contrary, she felt happy to move around, eat well, and sleep soundly.
At night, the Wang family stayed at the Qiao family’s house. Each person’s courtyard was equipped with tables and chairs, which were filled with fruits, tea, and snacks.
They sat in the courtyards. “It’s been such a short time, and Madam Qiao already has a beautiful new home.”
“Yes, a woman who can achieve this is truly remarkable.” “She lives comfortably, and the house’s layout is reasonable.” “I heard that all those flowers, plants, and grasses were moved here directly and cost a lot of money.”
“Yes. Those fruit trees are all mature, with fruit hanging on them.”
“Madam Qiao is extraordinary.”
Sitting in rocking chairs, the old couple lay comfortably, with maids fanning them.
Wang Zongsheng reported to his father, “Dad, the workshop has been built, and it has already started operation.”
“Well, the autumn season will bring a wave of sweet potatoes. Slowly harvest them. If you harvest too quickly, the prices will drop. Don’t be in a hurry. First, perfect your craft.”
“I am not in a hurry. Nowadays, our family’s restaurant has seen a significant increase in business after using Qiao Madam’s recipes. We’re expected to recoup the money spent on the recipes within a year.”
“Well, you can handle it. I’ll give you some guidance. When your wife is free, have her interact more with Madam Qiao. It will be beneficial.”
Wang Jiaru grinned and looked at them. “Dad, Grandfather, do you think my friend is good?”
“Yes, your judgment is quite sharp. But when the workshop is on track, you should also consider your marriage.”
“I’m not in a hurry. I’m only sixteen this year. Let’s wait for two more years?” “You’re not in a hurry, but they are. They can’t wait for you forever.”
“But once I’m married, I won’t be able to do anything. I’ll be stuck in the backyard every day.”
“You decided on your marriage. It’s too late to go back on your word now. When autumn comes, their family will send someone. At the latest, your marriage will be arranged next year.”
“But if I leave, what will happen to Zihan?”
“We will be fine without you. Rest assured, get married, and let Zihan stay with Grandfather here. I see that he quite likes the Qiao family.”
Wang Jiaru sighed, “Alright, I’ll follow Grandfather’s and Dad’s arrangements.”
She glanced at the old lady, who had closed her eyes, indicating she wouldn’t be on her side.
“I’m going to find Madam Qiao.”
“Come back. She’s been busy entertaining us all day. Let her rest.”
In Yuan Jiaqi’s courtyard, two people sat.
“Dad, what’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing. I feel that since we came to the Qiao family, we’ve been eating for free.
“That’s not true. When I was at home, I helped Mom with the work.” “Can those work justify all the food we’ve ate and your school expenses?” “Hehe, when I grow up, I’ll help Mom more. Are you feeling troubled by this?”
“What else?”
“Didn’t Mom ask you to study well and become an important official to support
“Your mom is capable, and now she has the support of a high-ranking official and a scholar. By the time that happens, she won’t need me at all..”