Chapter 21: Mother‑in‑law and Daughter‑in‑law Scheme Against Yi Zhonghai

"This is obviously not enough; the 196 yuan was originally someone else's money—how could there be any justification for using someone else's money to compensate them?"

"At least we need to compensate Yang Qing 200 yuan; only then can the other party feel balanced."

Yi Zhonghai found Qin Huairu's naivety somewhat amusing.

Do you really think everyone else is like Sha Zhu?

Qin Huairu said anxiously.

"What should we do? We only have 200."

Jia Dongxu also looked toward Yi Zhonghai.

"Master, why don't we first go to the police station to see my mom, then ask her where she hid the money?"

Upon hearing that, Qin Huairu almost kicked Jia Dongxu.

Yi Zhonghai is here, yet you go to the prison to demand money from your mother—you really are a great filial son.

Moreover, Qin Huairu could be absolutely certain that her mother-in-law would definitely not say that.

Because if she said it, her family's financial situation would be exposed, and then the compensation would have to come from them.

If she doesn't say it, Yi Zhonghai will likely produce the money.

It's only natural to squeeze a little out of a half‑son.

They never considered that Jia Zhangshi had never taken that 196 yuan.

Instead, they simply assumed that the money had been taken by Jia Zhangshi.

Upon arriving at the police station, the two saw Jia Zhangshi.

Seeing Yi Zhonghai, Jia Zhangshi was pleased with her daughter‑in‑law's intelligence, able to understand her hints, and they were in sync.

Upon seeing Jia Zhangshi, Yi Zhonghai first said:

"Sister‑in‑law Jia, where did you put the money? This money needs to be returned to Yang Qing to seek his forgiveness."

Jia Dongxu also chimed in from the side.

"Yeah, Mom, where did you put the money? Return it to Yang Qing, and only then can he write a letter of forgiveness."

Jia Zhangshi saw that both of them were accusing her of stealing Yang Qing's 196 yuan, but she truly hadn't stolen it—she felt utterly wronged.

It's one thing for others to say that, but even her own son said the same.

This almost made Jia Zhangshi's anger flare up.

"Let me tell you, I didn't steal, I didn't steal—did you hear? It's all Yang Qing's scheme to frame me."

"Go teach Yang Qing a lesson, make him withdraw the lawsuit; if he doesn't, beat him to death for me."

The arrogant Jia Zhangshi was too much for the police to bear.

Bang bang bang……

The police pounded hard on the door.

"Behave yourself; if you dare to be insolent again, I'll send you straight to the detention center."

This is totally outrageous—stealing someone's money and still wanting to beat them up; are you even human?

Another police officer nearby spoke softly.

"Their siheyuan—I investigated it; you wouldn't know unless you looked, but once you do, it shatters your worldview."

"Do you know how they used to bully Yang Qing? They tore down his house and looted everything inside, leaving nothing."

"Yang Qing's home now has only a bed made from door panels, and nothing else."

"And that's not all—they even took half of Yang Qing's food rations."

"You haven't seen how skinny Yang Qing is—he's nothing but bones."

"Their siheyuan is nothing better than an animal pen."

The police were utterly shocked, their worldview completely shattered.

"No wonder this woman is so arrogant—she constantly claims others are framing her and wants to beat them up."

"I bet they do this all the time."

The two officers' words reached Yi Zhonghai's ears, and his face turned pale.

It's over; their siheyuan is basically finished.

Once this reputation spreads, who could be okay? Knowing their courtyard is full of eligible men and women, how will they ever find spouses?

Do all the people in the courtyard not hate his older brother Jia Family to death, and consequently also hate Yi Zhonghai?

Yi Zhonghai's face darkened as if thunder were about to strike; he suppressed his anger and shouted in a low voice.

"Alright, Jia Zhangshi, do you realize your situation? Burglary carries a sentence of three years or more."

"If you don't return Yang Qing's money, you can just stay in there."

Now he has no desire whatsoever to rescue Jia Zhangshi—what a nuisance, pure trouble.

Yi Da Ma's and the deaf old lady's words began to echo in his mind.

Jia Zhangshi also realized she had just spoken rashly, feeling a bit regretful, but after being scolded by Yi Zhonghai, her rebelliousness surfaced.

"What's wrong? I, Jia Zhangshi, can't handle you anymore?"

She glanced at Yi Zhonghai, her eyes narrowing slightly, and said mysteriously.

"As an old woman, where would I get money? I truly didn't take Yang Qing's money—Uncle Yi, do you believe me or not?"

She said this while staring straight at Yi Zhonghai.

Yi Zhonghai immediately saw the threat in Jia Zhangshi's eyes, and countless thoughts raced through his mind.

"What wicked deed have I done to get entangled with this nuisance? But this matter still has to be settled."

There's no choice; Jia Zhangshi still needs to be placated.

Suffocatingly frustrated.

But as for how to handle the specifics, there are ways to do it.

He said solemnly.

"If you really didn't take it, there might be a misunderstanding. Dong Xu and I will go talk to Yang Qing and see if we can clear it up."

Jia Dongxu felt desperate.

"Mom, stop making excuses—now the evidence is complete, even the sweet potato noodles and bowl have been found."

"There's also evidence from people in the compound about this money; you can't deny it."

"Now we're not actively compensating, seeking understanding, yet you still deny it and even want us to pressure Yang Qing."

"Is that possible? How have we been bullying Yang Qing all these years—have you forgotten?"

"How could he possibly forgive you just based on a few words?"

"Mom, give up your delusions—let's improve our attitude, be more proactive, and first try to keep you out of trouble."

"Otherwise, wait two days, and once the sentencing comes out, it'll be too late to say anything."

Jia Dongxu could speak earnestly, but he didn't know that Jia Zhangshi simply didn't want to pay this money—she felt terribly wronged, and she hadn't stolen that much at all.

However, she wasn't certain either; it might have been Yang Qing framing her, or perhaps someone else stole it and she just happened to take the blame.

Now Jia Zhangshi's idea is to have Yi Zhonghai pay to settle the matter, so she absolutely cannot admit to taking the money.

"I've said it over and over—I didn't take the money, I didn't take it, do you hear me? It's Yang Qing who framed me."

"Elder Uncle, please stand up for me."

Yi Zhonghai let out a sigh.

"Don't worry, I'll do my best—older sister-in-law, stay at ease, and I'll go back to work."

Then he tugged at Jia Dongxu.

"Hey, Dong Xu, let's go back and think of a solution—your mom's side just doesn't make sense."

Jia Zhangshi isn't afraid of Yi Zhonghai not cooperating; she actually holds leverage that could change his fate.

Leaving the police station, Yi Zhonghai felt sorry and took out 200 from his pocket, handing it to Jia Dongxu.

"Dong Xu, I'll lend you this money first—let's get Yang Qing to issue a letter of understanding first."

"With the letter of understanding, your mother will be a bit better off."

Jia Dongxu took the money, moved, and said with a choked voice.

"Master, thank you—if it weren't for you, I really wouldn't know what to do."

200—that's a huge sum nowadays.

If you have no idea, multiply this number by 100 and you'll get roughly the equivalent.

(This is a rough purchasing-power conversion; back then, sweet potatoes and potatoes were only a few fen per jin, now they're a few yuan.)

Buying a letter of understanding for a theft charge costs about twenty thousand, which is roughly this price.