Li Chunlian, standing outside the Chen family gate, was still in shock, unable to believe she had been driven out by her own daughter.
People bustled past on the street, making her feel as if everyone was mocking her. What little guilt she had felt towards her daughter earlier had vanished, replaced by a resolve that she would never visit her again, even if she were dying.
Having been rebuffed by Ouyang Xue, Mr. and Mrs. Ouyang approached Chen Fu again. They claimed they had done their best, but Ouyang Xue was unyielding and determined to leave. They begged Chen Fu to let them off the hook.
"Since you are so useless, you can wait for the Ouyang family to go bankrupt. The Chen family has taken care of you for so many years; we have been more than fair," Chen Fu said, his heart sinking. This was proving difficult. He had expected that bringing in her maternal family would make her yield, but she had defied his expectations.
No matter how much the Ouyang couple pleaded, Chen Fu refused to budge. They returned home dejectedly to figure out their next move.
When Chen Fu returned home that afternoon, he predictably encountered Wu Caiwei, who demanded money. His expression darkened involuntarily, but he suppressed his anger and calmly said, "After dinner, I will give it to you."
"Then I'll be waiting. I hope Master Chen keeps his word. You know, I still have many things I want to say properly to our neighbors," Wu Caiwei said, her words laced with a threat.
Chen Fu snorted and turned away.
After dinner, when Wu Caiwei pressed him again, Chen Fu said impatiently, "Follow me."
Wu Caiwei swaggered behind him. Although she felt something was slightly off about Chen Fu that day, she was not afraid. She was curious to see what tricks he had up his sleeve.
Before they knew it, they arrived at the reception hall. Upon entering, she was shocked to find everyone present, including the old women and maids. As soon as she entered, they hastily bolted the door.
"No wonder you all disappeared after dinner. You were waiting for me here. It seems this is a banquet of absolute feasting, and I wonder how you plan to deal with me," Wu Caiwei said, raising an eyebrow with interest. She scanned the room, finding nothing particularly unusual.
"You're not afraid?" This time, it was Chen Fu's turn to be surprised. He had expected a woman in such a situation to panic, perhaps even beg for mercy, but Ouyang Xue was the opposite, even appearing somewhat eager.
"What is there to be afraid of? Are you a tiger?" Wu Caiwei looked at him with amusement.
"I like your courage. If you had been obedient, you wouldn't have ended up like this. It's a shame," Chen Fu said, making a clicking sound with his tongue.
"It's not yet decided who will emerge victorious. Are you so confident you can suppress me?" Wu Caiwei looked at him mockingly. The Chen family was truly a formidable force.
"Come on, let's put the plan into action and let Ouyang Xue see what she's up against." Ignoring her taunts, Chen Fu took direct action, eager to see her beg for mercy.
An old woman brought out a bowl of dark, unappetizing-looking medicine from a corner.
This matter was crucial to Chen Yan's reputation. Uncharacteristically, Chen Mu and Chen Yan joined in, actively cooperating.
The five of them surrounded her, slowly shrinking their circle.
"Is this medicine meant to be forced down my throat? I'd like to know its purpose. It's unlikely to be a fatal poison," Wu Caiwei mused, still curious about the medicine's effects.
Chen Fu had a bad feeling. Her composure at this point suggested she either had an unknown backing or had gone mad. The former seemed more likely.
However, she had been married into the Chen family for so many years without exhibiting any special traits. After a moment's hesitation, he reasoned that since he had already offended her, he might as well go all the way.
"You're quite clever. I certainly can't let you die now. As for what it is, won't you know once you drink it?" Chen Fu said, moving closer.
As he approached, the medicinal smell wafted to her nose. She recognized it as a drug that induced a stroke. These people were ruthless. Inflicting suffering on the original owner for over a decade wasn't enough; now they wanted to leave her paralyzed.
Wu Caiwei watched them advance. When they were still two or three steps away, with lightning speed, she snatched the bowl of medicine from the old woman's hand. Before any of them could react, she grabbed Chen Fu by the neck and forced the medicine down his throat.
Chen Fu involuntarily swallowed a large portion. By the time he tried to spit it out, it was too late. He struggled in terror, trying to escape and induce vomiting.
He looked pleadingly at the remaining four, but Chen Yan and Chen Mu hesitated. They even felt this outcome might be for the best, as it would allow Chen Yan to regain control of the Chen family.
Seeing their inaction, Chen Fu knew what they were thinking, his eyes burning with rage.
They unconsciously lowered their heads, afraid to meet his gaze.
Wu Caiwei felt enough time had passed and released him. Chen Fu immediately tried to force himself to vomit, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't.
While attempting to induce vomiting, tears streamed down his face. After much effort, failing completely, he sat down on the ground with a thud. He hadn't forgotten what the doctor had said at the time: "Once this medicine is taken, there is no antidote. Even a divine physician couldn't save you."
"How dare you? Aren't you afraid I'll report you to the authorities?" Chen Fu said, pointing at her, his voice trembling.
"Go ahead and report me. Let's see if the magistrate believes you or me. Besides, they probably won't allow it. After all, they are accomplices," Wu Caiwei said confidently.
Chen Fu scanned their faces and understood everything from their expressions. Contemplating spending the rest of his life in bed, he broke down in despair.
Wu Caiwei ignored them and returned to her room to sleep.
As she had predicted, Chen Fu was unable to get out of bed the next day. Chen Yan went to the shop to conduct business as usual. This time, no one could stop him from returning.
The shopkeepers were initially defiant and visited Chen Fu themselves. However, Chen Fu's mouth was twisted, and he lay motionless in bed, unable to speak. The symptoms of a stroke were evident.
They had no choice but to reluctantly obey Chen Yan's orders. After what happened to Chen Fu, Chen Yan felt that if the opportunity arose, he would definitely replace these shopkeepers. Only those he promoted himself would be truly reliable.
Wu Caiwei resumed her routine of demanding money from Chen Yan. In the beginning, Chen Yan, having just taken over the shop, was grateful to her and considered the money insignificant, turning a blind eye.
However, over time, he found it unbearable. He worked hard outside all day, only for the money to end up in Wu Caiwei's pocket. Moreover, this woman was solely focused on leaving.