Chapter 101: Qiao Family Joyfully Moves to a New Home

When the Jiang Family saw that the situation was unfavorable, they tried to flee, but Yuan Jiaqi was standing guard at the door; after practicing his fists and kicks for so long, he still had more than enough skill to deal with those four people.

One kick each, and they were kicked back.

Only now did the Jiang Family realize that the Qiao Family was not a family they could swindle.

Not to mention the town mayor of Tianshui Town, with those two elders seated above, looking as if they were lofty.

Half an hour later, two guards on swift horses each brought the Tianhe Town mayor and the Qingzhu Cun village head over.

When the Tianhe Town mayor saw Wang Zongsheng, he immediately performed a grand salute, "I, your subordinate, present myself to the Prefect, and to Wang Lao Yezi."

"Stand up and speak."

"Yes."

The Qingzhu Cun village head, upon seeing the mayor, also performed a grand salute and, frightened, immediately knelt on the ground.

"I, a lowly commoner, have seen the Prefect, have seen the old master."

She glanced at the matriarch, whose eyes, previously open, quickly closed, clearly indicating she would not share the same trousers with her.

"Stand up, we're not outsiders; this time I'll act as your advocate—do you want to reclaim the property?"

"Speak while standing aside."

"Not at all; when I was at home, I helped mother with chores."

"It was you who provoked him before, and now you don't want to marry; that won't do. When autumn comes, their family will send people, and by next year at the latest, they'll arrange your marriage."

"I see those flowers, grasses, and such—they were bought at great cost and moved here directly."

"Yes."

"Hmm, you handle it as you see fit; I'll just show you the way. When your wife is idle, spend more time with Qiao Niang; it's beneficial."

Wang Jiaru sighed, "Alright, everything will follow Zu Fu's and father's arrangements."

When the family split, the village head was also present; the First Branch family is considered to have cleared their household, yet they still have to give the elders yearly pension money.

They have no connection with the Second Branch; ever since the First Branch couple perished, the Second Branch has set its sights on the First Branch's property.

From now on, Yuan Jiaqi and his three elders will no longer need to go to Fucheng.

"Give it to the village then; I recall a few families there are especially in trouble—let's give them houses and collect the grain from the fields to aid them."

The Qingzhu Cun village head, daring not to hide anything, recounted the Jiang Family's affairs in full detail.

"No rush; I'm only ten this year?"

"No, our mother is treating us well now; although we also wish to return, mother has given us a second life, so the two of us brothers must study diligently and help mother with work to repay her kindness."

Today the Jiang Family not only failed to gain any profit, but also suffered a huge loss; I believe they won't come again.

"This Qiao Niang is not simple."

"You're not in a hurry, but over there they are; people can't wait for you forever, can they?"

"Indeed, for a woman to reach this point is truly not easy."

"You are all good children, as kind‑hearted as your mother now; don't you want to return home?"

In the evening everyone gathered again and ate a table of vegetarian dishes.

Upon hearing this verdict, the Jiang Family members instantly fainted.

What they boasted outwardly was dazzling, yet behind the scenes they committed filthy deeds; the village head didn't know at first, and after learning, the two children had already vanished.

"Father, what's wrong with you?"

On the sixth day of the eighth month, the Qiao Family joyfully moved into a new home, but they didn't expect the Jiang Family to cause a commotion.

"Son, there's no rush; now our restaurant, after using Qiao Niang's recipe, has seen much better business, and we expect to recoup the recipe costs within a year."

"What should we do about this?"

The midday banquet was delayed a bit, yet it was lavish; Wang Zongsheng, despite his official rank being exposed, did not feel he should be treated differently, and behaved just as before.

He felt very at ease at the Qiao Family, and Shopkeeper Lu was pleased that Qiao Mai could associate with such a family.

Wang Zongsheng reported to his father, "Father, the Zuofang has been built and has already begun operating."

"I, your subordinate, will certainly enforce strict punishment."

In Yuan Jiaqi's courtyard, a large and a small person were seated.

Each dish was fried to a fragrant, silky tenderness, winning over Wang Lao Yezi's wife's favor; especially after waking from a nap, she could go to the poultry house, feed this and that, never feeling bored, but rather feeling lively, eating deliciously, sleeping sweetly.

Staying at home remains comfortable; the food, drink, and amenities are all perfectly satisfying.

"But once married, I won't be able to do anything; I'll just stay in the backyard all day."

It turned out the Jiang Family elders favored the younger son, despised the older son's family, and divided the household early, with them following the younger son.

Since their daughter's master is powerful, the daughter won't be bullied; she naturally is willing to cooperate with Qiao Mai in everything.

"Hmm, a wave of sweet potatoes will arrive in autumn; harvest them slowly—if harvested too quickly the price rises. Don't rush; first perfect your craft."

After he clarified the Jiang Family matter, Wang Zongsheng glanced at the Tianhe Town mayor.

"Hmm, you have good insight, but when the Zuofang gets on the right track, your marriage should also be scheduled."

"Not much; it feels that ever since the two of us came to the Qiao Family, we've been living off free meals."

"Yes, and those fruit trees—they're mature, with fruit still hanging."

The Wang family, seated in the courtyard, sighed, "It's only been a short time, and Qiao Niang already has such a new home."

"Her house is very comfortable, and the layout is extremely rational."

"The work you did, does it justify the food you eat and the school tuition?"

The later property was earned by the older son and his spouse through frugal living, diligent and industrious effort.

"Thank you, sir."

At night, the Wang family all stayed at the Qiao Family; in each of their courtyards, tables and chairs were set, each table laden with fruit, tea, and snacks.

Qiao Mai knows how to treat people; when the Tianhe Town mayor left, she even had someone take some of the shop's items for him, and she didn't let the Qingzhu Cun village head return empty‑handed.

It's enough that his blood runs in his bones; trust that my parents, once they know we were rescued, will be displeased if we are ungrateful.

The green official finds it hard to settle family affairs, let alone he is just a tiny village head.

Even the children know people aim for higher places, and Zongsheng couldn't help but let out a silent sigh.

Feng'er and Yun'er brushed away their tears and knelt before Zongsheng.

"Will you tell us about the Jiang family's affairs?"

"Yes, sir."

"If we lose you, our Wang Family still can't make it, so rest assured about the marriage; later let Zihan stay here with his grandfather, I think he quite likes the Qiao Family."

"But if I go, what will happen to my younger brother?"

On the rocking chair, the elderly couple reclined comfortably, while Wang Jiaru's Servant Girl fanned them with a fan.

Wang Jiaru grinned, looking at their talk, "Father, grandfather, my friend is decent, right?"

Zongsheng nodded, thinking it was true; those two youngsters were indeed very clever.

"When she returns, she's been exhausted all day entertaining us; let her have a good rest."

"Whatever conditions the Jiang Family has, whatever conditions the Qiao Family has, whatever surnames or given names, they all carry Jiang blood—a shared lineage."

The village head of Qingzhu Cun lowered his head in shame, and Zongsheng clasped the hands of the two brothers.

"Here's what I'll do: the older ones receive Ten Big Boards and a month in prison; the younger ones receive Twenty Big Boards and three months in prison, all sent to the County Jail. The village head of Qingzhu Cun will look after their families. If anyone dares to repeat this, don't blame me for sentencing them to death—it's outrageous. Outsiders don't bully, but when our own family does, humph!"

"I'll go find Qiao Niang."

"If you bite off someone's words and take someone's hand softly, as long as you dare to take, you'll surely turn to the Qiao Family when trouble arises again."

With his identity clarified, Zongsheng no longer hides it.

Qiao Mai glanced at Zongsheng in surprise; she hadn't expected him to be the Prefect of Weicheng.

"Then your father hasn't broken the family line?"

"Hehe, when I grow up I'll help mother more; is father really bothered because of this?"

"Otherwise?"

"Mother said, let you study well, and later become a high official shielding mother."

"Your mother is capable; now you already have the Prefect and the gentleman protecting you, and when that time comes, you won't need father at all."

(End of chapter)