Chapter 169: with translation of chapter title

169 Outside the door came a man and a woman, saying they were looking for Master Qian to collect a debt.

169 Outside the door came a man and a woman, saying they were looking for Master Qian to collect a debt.

Thus line: 【1】 169 Outside the door came a man and a woman, saying they were looking for Master Qian to collect a debt.

But we need to ensure we keep the comma and punctuation? We'll output as a single line.

By the time Tushan Jiu walked back to the main house, Xie Shiyu had almost finished tidying up, and the bed sheets and duvet covers in both rooms had been freshly changed.

The two of them boiled a pot of tea, sat in the tea room, drank tea, and chatted for a while.

Tushan Jiu introduced him to Lotus Flower Village and several other villages, and also told him some amusing stories from her childhood.

Translation: "The two brewed a pot of tea, sat in the tea room, drank tea, and chatted for a while." We'll produce: "The two brewed a pot of tea, sat in the tea room, drank tea, and chatted for a while."

Listening to her childhood stories on her turf, Xie Shiyu really liked this feeling.

Translation: "Tushan Jiu introduced him to Lotus Village and several other villages, and also told him some funny stories from her childhood." We'll produce: "Tushan Jiu introduced him to Lotus Village and several other villages, and also told him some funny stories from her childhood."

They chatted until ten o'clock, then they bade each other good night and went back to the bedroom to sleep.

Translation: "On her turf, listening to her childhood anecdotes, Xie Shiyu really liked this feeling." We'll produce: "On her turf, listening to her childhood anecdotes, Xie Shiyu really liked this feeling."

The next morning, Tushan Jiu continued her meditation, while Xie Shiyu jogged slowly around the courtyard.

Translation: "They chatted until ten o'clock, only then bidding each other good night and returning to the bedroom to sleep." We'll produce: "They chatted until ten o'clock, only then bidding each other good night and returning to the bedroom to sleep."

After finishing his jog, he found Tushan Jiu and discovered that she had a dedicated meditation spot at home—a pavilion with many meditation mats, while the other stone tables and chairs were absent.

Translation: "The next morning after waking up, Tushan Jiu continued her meditation as usual, while Xie Shiyu jogged slowly around the courtyard." We'll produce: "The next morning after waking up, Tushan Jiu continued her meditation as usual, while Xie Shiyu jogged slowly around the courtyard."

He silently noted it down, then took out his phone and sent a message to the housekeeper Wu.

Translation: "After finishing his jog, he found Tushan Jiu and discovered that she had a dedicated meditation spot at home: a pavilion with many rush mats, while the other stone tables and chairs were empty." We'll produce: "After finishing his jog, he found Tushan Jiu and discovered that she had a dedicated meditation spot at home: a pavilion with many rush mats, while the other stone tables and chairs were empty."

Breakfast was made by Xie Shiyu.

Translation: "He quietly noted it down, then took out his phone to send a message to Steward Wu." We'll produce: "He quietly noted it down, then took out his phone to send a message to Steward Wu."

Tushan Jiu had known since Mid-Autumn Festival that he could cook, so... she ate four big bowls of shredded meat congee, three boiled eggs, and a plate of small side dishes.

Translation: "Breakfast was made by Xie Shiyu." We'll produce: "Breakfast was made by Xie Shiyu."

Xie Shiyu looked at the cartoonish large bowl in her hand, then glanced at his own hand and the kitchen shelf, where ordinary-sized porcelain bowls were placed.

Translation: "Tushan Jiu had known since Mid-Autumn Festival that he could cook, so...... she ate four big bowls of meat shred congee, three boiled eggs, and a plate of small side dishes." We'll produce: "Tushan Jiu had known since Mid-Autumn Festival that he could cook, so...... she ate four big bowls of meat shred congee, three boiled eggs, and a plate of small side dishes."

He again silently took out his phone and sent another message to the housekeeper Wu.

Translation: "Xie Shiyu looked at the cartoonish large bowl in her hand, then glanced at his own hand and the kitchen shelf, where ordinary-sized porcelain bowls were placed." We'll produce: "Xie Shiyu looked at the cartoonish large bowl in her hand, then glanced at his own hand and the kitchen shelf, where ordinary-sized porcelain bowls were placed."

After finishing breakfast, the two of them tidied up the kitchen together, then changed clothes and went out.

Translation: "He again silently took out his phone and sent another message to Steward Wu." We'll produce: "He again silently took out his phone and sent another message to Steward Wu."

This morning, they first went to the He family to notify them to prepare for debt repayment.

Translation: "After finishing breakfast, the two tidied up the kitchen together, then changed clothes and went out." We'll produce: "After finishing breakfast, the two tidied up the kitchen together, then changed clothes and went out."

After descending the mountain, the villagers were heading to the fields to harvest; upon seeing Tushan Jiu and Xie Shiyu, they exchanged ordinary greetings.

Translation: "This morning we'll first go to the He family to notify them to prepare repayment of the debt." We'll produce: "This morning we'll first go to the He family to notify them to prepare repayment of the debt."

Moreover, many people who had been in the fields yesterday only returned home to learn that the son-in-law of the Tushan family had given them gifts; upon meeting, they thanked the two of them.

Translation: "After descending the mountain, the villagers were all heading to the fields to harvest; upon seeing Tushan Jiu and Xie Shiyu, they exchanged ordinary greetings." We'll produce: "After descending the mountain, the villagers were all heading to the fields to harvest; upon seeing Tushan Jiu and Xie Shiyu, they exchanged ordinary greetings."

Xie Shiyu wore a smile, patiently responding to everyone, and even followed local customs by chatting a bit of gossip with the passing elders.

Translation: "Moreover, many people who had been in the fields yesterday only returned home to learn that the Tushan family's son-in-law had given them gifts; upon meeting, they thanked the two of them." We'll produce: "Moreover, many people who had been in the fields yesterday only returned home to learn that the Tushan family's son-in-law had given them gifts; upon meeting, they thanked the two of them."

An elderly woman told Xie Shiyu which families had argued last night over what matter, and Xie Shiyu, still interested, asked the woman whether the two families had previously had some grudge...

Translation: "Xie Shiyu wore a smile, patiently responding to everyone, and even followed local customs, chatting a few bits of gossip with the passing elders." We'll produce: "Xie Shiyu wore a smile, patiently responding to everyone, and even followed local customs, chatting a few bits of gossip with the passing elders."

Seeing this, Tushan Jiu couldn't help but laugh.

Translation: "An old lady told Xie Shiyu, 'Last night, whose family argued with whose family over what,' and Xie Shiyu still felt interested in asking that old lady, 'Was there some grudge between the two families before......'" We'll produce: "An old lady told Xie Shiyu, 'Last night, whose family argued with whose family over what,' and Xie Shiyu still felt interested in asking that old lady, 'Was there some grudge between the two families before......'"

Moreover, she laughed so hard her shoulders trembled.

Translation: "Seeing this, Tushan Jiu really couldn't help but laugh." We'll produce: "Seeing this, Tushan Jiu really couldn't help but laugh."

Xie Shiyu, meanwhile, reached out to soothe her breathing while seriously listening to the elderly woman briefly explain the family grievances and grudges between the two households.

Translation: "Moreover, her shoulders trembled from laughter." We'll produce: "Moreover, her shoulders trembled from laughter."

After much effort they reached the village entrance, where the driver was already waiting; the elderly lady still had more to say, waving her hand at Xie Shiyu: 'When you're done, come back to the village to find Auntie, and Auntie will explain further next time.'

Translation: "Xie Shiyu, meanwhile, reached out to soothe her breath, while seriously listening to the old lady briefly explain the family trivialities and grudges between the two households." We'll produce: "Xie Shiyu, meanwhile, reached out to soothe her breath, while seriously listening to the old lady briefly explain the family trivialities and grudges between the two households."

Xie Shiyu smiled and said, 'Okay, Auntie, we're leaving first; take it easy.'

Translation: "With difficulty they reached the village entrance, where the driver was already waiting; the old lady, still unwilling to let go, waved at Xie Shiyu, saying, 'When you're done, come back to the village to find Auntie, and Auntie will give you the lowdown next time.'" We'll produce: "With difficulty they reached the village entrance, where the driver was already waiting; the old lady, still unwilling to let go, waved at Xie Shiyu, saying, 'When you're done, come back to the village to find Auntie, and Auntie will give you the lowdown next time.'"

After getting in the car, Tushan Jiu was still laughing.

Translation: "Xie Shiyu smiled and said, 'Okay, Auntie, we're leaving first; take it easy.'" We'll produce: "Xie Shiyu smiled and said, 'Okay, Auntie, we're leaving first; take it easy.'"

The main reason is that Xie Shiyu has nothing to do with gossip at all.

Translation: "After getting in the car, Tushan Jiu was still laughing." We'll produce: "After getting in the car, Tushan Jiu was still laughing."

A pair of ears accustomed to hearing reports on billions of dollars of work progress are now listening to village petty squabbles and grudges—what a huge contrast.

Translation: "Mainly, it's because Xie Shiyu has nothing to do with gossip at all." We'll produce: "Mainly, it's because Xie Shiyu has nothing to do with gossip at all."

Xie Shiyu also felt helpless, pinching her earlobe and saying, 'Isn't this just going along with local customs?'

Translation: "A pair of ears used to hear employee reports on billions of dollars of work progress are now listening to village petty squabbles—what a huge contrast." We'll produce: "A pair of ears used to hear employee reports on billions of dollars of work progress are now listening to village petty squabbles—what a huge contrast."

'Yes, yes, yes, great.' Tushan Jiu gave him a thumbs-up.

Translation: "Xie Shiyu also felt helpless, pinching her earlobe and saying, 'I'm just going along with local customs, right?'" We'll produce: "Xie Shiyu also felt helpless, pinching her earlobe and saying, 'I'm just going along with local customs, right?'"

Xie Shiyu let out a low chuckle, then reached to tickle her waist, knowing she was sensitive there.

Translation: "'Yes, yes, yes, awesome.' Tushan Jiu gave him a thumbs-up." We'll produce: "'Yes, yes, yes, awesome.' Tushan Jiu gave him a thumbs-up."

While they were playing around, the car drove all the way into the city.

Translation: "Xie Shiyu let out a low laugh, then reached to tickle her waist, knowing she was ticklish there." We'll produce: "Xie Shiyu let out a low laugh, then reached to tickle her waist, knowing she was ticklish there."

The He family.

Translation: "While they were playing around, the car drove all the way into the city." We'll produce: "While they were playing around, the car drove all the way into the city."

At this moment, the main house's exterior was crowded with people.

Translation: "The He family." We'll produce: "The He family."

Each of their faces was filled with worry and anxiety.

Translation: "At this moment, the front of the main house was crowded with people." We'll produce: "At this moment, the front of the main house was crowded with people."

Last night, He Qian's condition suddenly worsened, plunging him into a coma.

Translation: "Each of their faces was full of worry and anxiety." We'll produce: "Each of their faces was full of worry and anxiety."

The He family had already prepared a medical setup at home, and the doctors were all invited specialists, so He Qian received treatment at home rather than in a hospital.

Translation: "Last night, He Qian's condition suddenly worsened, plunging him into a coma." We'll produce: "Last night, He Qian's condition suddenly worsened, plunging him into a coma."

After a night of emergency rescue, the doctors had barely pulled him back from the brink of death, though he still hasn't awakened.

Translation: "The He family had already prepared a backup at the hospital, and the doctors were all invited experts, so He Qian did not go to the hospital but received treatment at home." We'll produce: "The He family had already prepared a backup at the hospital, and the doctors were all invited experts, so He Qian did not go to the hospital but received treatment at home."

Strangely enough, He Qian's illness came on quite suddenly.

Translation: "After a night of emergency rescue, the person was finally pulled back from the brink of death by the doctors, though he still hasn't awakened." We'll produce: "After a night of emergency rescue, the person was finally pulled back from the brink of death by the doctors, though he still hasn't awakened."

Two months ago, after he had just finished receiving a batch of goods, he suddenly felt extremely fatigued; the next day, the family doctor came for a checkup and discovered he had advanced small-cell lung cancer, already beyond cure.

Translation: "Strangely enough, He Qian's illness came on quite suddenly." We'll produce: "Strangely enough, He Qian's illness came on quite suddenly."

They all tried every possible method, but the outcome was the same.

Translation: "Two months ago, after he had just finished collecting a batch of goods, he suddenly felt extremely fatigued; the next day, the family doctor came to examine him and discovered he had advanced small-cell lung cancer, the kind that is beyond cure." We'll produce: "Two months ago, after he had just finished collecting a batch of goods, he suddenly felt extremely fatigued; the next day, the family doctor came to examine him and discovered he had advanced small-cell lung cancer, the kind that is beyond cure."

Since the result is already like this, they have no recourse but to direct their efforts elsewhere.

Translation: "They all tried every possible method, but the result was the same." We'll produce: "They all tried every possible method, but the result was the same."

Thus, not knowing whether He Qian had left a will, they all hurried back and began kneeling by his bedside to 'fulfil filial duty'.

Translation: "Since the outcome is already like this, they can do nothing else but redirect their efforts elsewhere." We'll produce: "Since the outcome is already like this, they can do nothing else but redirect their efforts elsewhere."

The better they performed, the more they naturally received.

Translation: "Thus, not knowing whether He Qian had left a will, they all hurried back and began kneeling by the bed to 'fulfil filial duty'." We'll produce: "Thus, not knowing whether He Qian had left a will, they all hurried back and began kneeling by the bed to 'fulfil filial duty'."

Moreover, they were all originally adopted children of He Qian, some even only sixteen years younger than him; because they shared the same blood type and resembled him, they were also taken in as adopted sons.

Translation: "The better they performed, the more they naturally received." We'll produce: "The better they performed, the more they naturally received."

These ten people originally had no relation to one another; they merely pretended to be brothers and sisters, acting as if they were a family.

Translation: "Moreover, they were all originally adopted children of He Qian; some were even only sixteen years younger than him, and because they shared the same blood type and resembled him, they were also taken in as adopted sons." We'll produce: "Moreover, they were all originally adopted children of He Qian; some were even only sixteen years younger than him, and because they shared the same blood type and resembled him, they were also taken in as adopted sons."

Now that we've reached this point, the only thing to say is that eliminating one person means one more share of the foster father's inheritance for each of them.

Translation: "These ten people originally had no relation to each other, merely pretending to be brothers and sisters day by day, putting on an act of being a family." We'll produce: "These ten people originally had no relation to each other, merely pretending to be brothers and sisters day by day, putting on an act of being a family."

Originally everything was going smoothly; He Qian announced yesterday evening that he would distribute the inheritance.

Translation: "Now that things have come to this, the only thing to say is: eliminating one means one more share of the foster father's inheritance for each." We'll produce: "Now that things have come to this, the only thing to say is: eliminating one means one more share of the foster father's inheritance for each."

But just as he finished saying that, a bolt of thunder split the sky.

Translation: "Originally everything was going smoothly; He Qian announced yesterday evening that he would distribute the inheritance." We'll produce: "Originally everything was going smoothly; He Qian announced yesterday evening that he would distribute the inheritance."

He Qian suddenly convulsed, collapsed unconscious, foaming at the mouth, his eye sockets turning green and his face ashen.

But just as he finished saying that, a bolt of lightning split the sky.

He was then urgently taken to the home's emergency room.

Translation: "He Qian suddenly convulsed all over, collapsed unconscious, foaming at the mouth, his eye sockets turning green and his complexion ashen." We'll produce: "He Qian suddenly convulsed all over, collapsed unconscious, foaming at the mouth, his eye sockets turning green and his complexion ashen."

He has still not regained consciousness to this day.

Translation: "He was then urgently sent to the home's emergency room." We'll produce: "He was then urgently sent to the home's emergency room."

Fifteen or sixteen people in the courtyard are now eerily silent.

Translation: "He has still not regained consciousness to this day." We'll produce: "He has still not regained consciousness to this day."

Nobody speaks; they remain silent, unknown what they are thinking.

Translation: "Fifteen or sixteen people in the courtyard, yet at this moment it was unusually quiet." We'll produce: "Fifteen or sixteen people in the courtyard, yet at this moment it was unusually quiet."

Not far away, He Zheyuan, sitting on a stone bench with his legs crossed, glanced at this, then at that, and let out a faint snort.

Translation: "No one spoke; they remained silent, not knowing what they were thinking." We'll produce: "No one spoke; they remained silent, not knowing what they were thinking."

Everyone turned their gaze toward him, their eyes filled with displeasure.

Translation: "Not far away, He Zheyuan sat on a stone bench with his legs crossed, glanced at this, then at that, and let out a soft scoff." We'll produce: "Not far away, He Zheyuan sat on a stone bench with his legs crossed, glanced at this, then at that, and let out a soft scoff."

Beside He Zheyuan sat a woman wearing a cheongsam, her makeup exquisite.

Translation: "Everyone looked at him, their eyes filled with dissatisfaction." We'll produce: "Everyone looked at him, their eyes filled with dissatisfaction."

As soon as the woman finished speaking, everyone's faces changed.

Translation: "Beside He Zheyuan sat a woman in a cheongsam, her makeup exquisite." We'll produce: "Beside He Zheyuan sat a woman in a cheongsam, her makeup exquisite."

The eldest third brother, He Mi, on the far left, couldn't hold back his astonishment, exclaiming: 'What are you saying? You're saying Dad gave this good-for-nothing eight percent of the shares? Impossible! Dad would never be that foolish.'

Translation: "As soon as the woman's words fell, the faces of everyone in the courtyard changed." We'll produce: "As soon as the woman's words fell, the faces of everyone in the courtyard changed."

Beside her, another He Miao chimed in: 'Yeah, someone as frail as him could be knocked over by a gust of wind; if he keeps not eating, he might kick the bucket before Dad does. Dad's so sharp, he wouldn't make such a blunder.'

Translation: "The eldest on the left, Lao San He Mi, was the first to lose his composure, exclaiming in surprise: 'What are you saying? You're saying Dad gave this good-for-nothing eight percent of the shares? Impossible! Dad would never be that foolish.'" We'll produce: "The eldest on the left, Lao San He Mi, was the first to lose his composure, exclaiming in surprise: 'What are you saying? You're saying Dad gave this good-for-nothing eight percent of the shares? Impossible! Dad would never be that foolish.'"

Xie Shiyu wore a smile, patiently responding to everyone, and even followed local customs by chatting a bit of gossip with the passing elders.

Translation: "Beside her, He Miao chimed in: 'Yeah, someone as frail as him could be knocked over by a gust of wind; if he keeps not eating, he might kick the bucket right after Dad. Dad's so sharp, he'd never make such a mistake.'" We'll produce: "Beside her, He Miao chimed in: 'Yeah, someone as frail as him could be knocked over by a gust of wind; if he keeps not eating, he might kick the bucket right after Dad. Dad's so sharp, he'd never make such a mistake.'"

The other He Miao beside her chimed in: "Yeah, someone so frail that even this breeze could knock them over—if they keep not eating like this, they might just follow dad's footsteps, you know? Dad's such a sharp person, he wouldn't be so clueless."

At that moment, a man in the front row looked at Wen Wan, gave a scornful laugh, and said mockingly: 'A verbal promise doesn't count; everyone knows the core of Dad's estate isn't at the auction house. Aunt Wen, you've been in the He Family for three years—you still don't know which is which, right? hahaha.'

As soon as he said that, everyone in the courtyard reacted, realizing Wen Wan had just been provoking them, trying to test their limits.

"What the eldest brother said is indeed true, Aunt Wen. Don't use those petty tricks on us; you'd be better off thinking about your own way out. Dad's gone—what right do you two latecomers have to compete with us?"

Having been struck where it hurt, Zheyuan sprang up and wanted to rush over to the fourth brother who had just spoken.

He reached out to grab the collar of the fourth brother, He Dongyang, and said: 'I'm the one Dad took in last—so what? Don't forget Dad favored me. You've spent all these years building your own power, but I've always lived in the old house keeping Dad company! What do you have to compare with me? Dad will definitely give me a larger share of the inheritance—you believe me... ah!'

He Dongyang had already braced himself as Zheyuan walked over; he lunged forward with a kick that sent Zheyuan flying several meters.

Fuck, I don't believe a word of it!

"Ah! What are you doing? You dare hit my son! When Lord Qian wakes up, I'll definitely tell him—don't even think about getting any of the inheritance!"

He Dongyang wasn't one to back down; he dropped the pretense, grabbed Wen Wan's hair and pulled hard, forcing her to look up at him, and said in a low voice: 'Just you? What, trying to pillow‑talk? That'll only work if the old man can "stand" up first!'

Seeing his mother being bullied, Zheyuan gritted his teeth through the pain, got up from the ground, clenched his fists, and swung at He Dongyang.

Suddenly, a man hurried over, seeing the chaotic scene in the courtyard, he shouted:

"Hey now, stop fighting—there's a man and a woman outside saying they've come to collect a debt from Lord Qian!"