Moreover, he had used some tricks, seizing their unguarded moments to pour wine into his sleeves or collar before feigning unconsciousness. Once Xiao Fu helped him to bed and closed the door, he would rise again. Hearing their snores, he would confirm they were fast asleep, then quietly slip into their rooms, retrieve the keys from their waists, open the storeroom, do what he needed to do, and finally return the keys to their waists before contentedly falling asleep.
He thought his actions were flawless, unaware that his wife had observed everything. The capital all spoke of his wife’s formidable martial arts skills, and the Jiang family’s targeting of her was merely a matter of business competition. Therefore, he had never doubted a single word his wife uttered.
Wu Caiwei decided to play along with his scheme, instructing him to demand the remaining silver from the housekeeper, catching them red-handed.
Jiang Laoye found himself standing before Wu Caiwei and his own housekeeper. His eyes narrowed involuntarily, feeling they were incompetent and had caused more trouble than they were worth. He had only asked them to handle a minor task, yet they had created such a huge mess. Although the housekeeper insisted on taking all the blame, and Jiang Laoye claimed ignorance, Wu Caiwei was no pushover.
"Whether it was you or not, I believe the truth will be revealed once we reach the yamen and the magistrate starts handing out punishments. Perhaps before the case is even heard, there will be funeral arrangements. Actually, I’m not here to implicate you, but since you resorted to such despicable means, affecting my business and damaging my fabrics, you owe me some compensation. Five thousand taels of silver should suffice." It wasn't that Wu Caiwei couldn't have them thoroughly punished, but she knew that even if she reported them to the authorities, as a commoner, the officials would likely go easy on them out of respect for the Kong family. It was better to secure something tangible.
"I have told Master Zhou many times, this truly wasn't me. Our family's housekeeper felt that your family has been targeting us intentionally or unintentionally recently and wanted to vent his anger on behalf of the Jiang family, so he acted on his own initiative. Of course, since the deed was done by someone from our household, and I was negligent in my oversight, I will bear the misfortune. Compensating some silver is acceptable, as it did affect your business. But isn't five thousand taels of silver a bit too much?" Jiang Laoye asked with a sense of being wronged. After all, Huangfu Yunkun was of royal blood. Even if the Prince of Qin's estate was no more, he still had the Emperor backing him. The Emperor would certainly support them if things escalated. Matters that could be resolved with money were not major issues, especially when one was caught in a predicament.
"Very well, if you find it too much, I will let everyone witness the true colors of your Jiang family. Since you don't want to ransom the housekeeper, I will hand him over to the county magistrate." Wu Caiwei knew that if she didn't show some resolve, he would be indecisive. She threatened to take them to court, and Jiang Laoye immediately grew anxious.
"Master Zhou, wait. Isn't it just about money? That's easily settled. We are all in the capital, and we will have plenty of opportunities to meet in the future. The housekeeper is old and has been with me for a long time. I cannot bear to see him suffer. Five thousand taels of silver it is. However, I must emphasize that this was absolutely not my instruction." Jiang Laoye said, simultaneously ordering a servant to fetch the silver.
"Whether you instructed it or not, you know in your heart, and I know it clearly. Let's not waste any more words. We exchange the person for the silver." Wu Caiwei was too lazy to deal with someone who treated everyone as a fool, as such a person could hardly be considered intelligent.
Soon, the silver notes were in hand, and she rose to take her leave. Once Jiang Laoye was alone in the room, he furiously smashed all the cups on the ground. "This is too much!" He immediately sent someone to inform his daughter of the matter.
Upon hearing about the incident, Jiang Yin gritted her teeth in hatred. Back in Wuhu, their confrontation had seemed like a victory for her, as she had driven Wu Caiwei away. Yet, only she knew that she had been utterly defeated. Firstly, her reputation was ruined, and people looked at her askance. Don't think she didn't know that although they appeared respectful on the surface, they secretly mocked her behind her back. Secondly, her father had indeed taken a concubine, and his relationship with her had grown increasingly distant.
With new grievances piled upon old, she felt she had to find a way to settle the score with Wu Caiwei. Thus, she approached Madam Kong with a hesitant demeanor.
Seeing her like this, Madam Kong felt speechless. She would have ignored anyone else, but Jiang Yin was her own niece.
"Speak. What is it?" Hearing her aunt's impatient tone, Jiang Yin's sense of grievance intensified. It was Zhou Shaoqiu who had ruined her reputation, so why did her aunt always vent her anger on her?
As Jiang Yin met her aunt's disappointed gaze, she quickly got to the point. "Does Auntie know that Zhou Shaoqiu has married the Crown Prince of Qin?"
"Yes, I do. I also know they are now just ordinary merchants. Why are you asking? I advise you not to confront her again. You are no match for her." Madam Kong, having lived in the capital for so long, naturally had her own sources of information. She knew more than they imagined. After learning about some of Zhou Shaoqiu's deeds, she even regretted not agreeing with her son's opinion and marrying her into the family. At least their Kong family could have prospered for another three generations.
Looking at her niece standing before her, filled with indignation, Madam Kong felt a headache coming on. Truly, a hopeless case. She used to seem sensible, and her son's heart was already leaning towards her. Unexpectedly, with a series of blunders, she managed to offend everyone.
"You told me not to confront her again, as it would be beneath me. But she clearly doesn't intend to let us off. Recently, her family has been expanding their business, targeting the Jiang family at every turn. The Jiang family's business has plummeted, and we are on the verge of collapse. I can only come to you, Auntie, for help."
Madam Kong's expression gradually turned serious. If it were a matter of her own petty squabbles, she would have been indifferent. But when it involved her maternal family, she had to take it seriously. Su Dan Novel Network
In her opinion, there was no conflict between the Jiang family and them. The reason she was targeting the Jiang family was likely out of spite, seeing that Jiang Yin had married into their family, and thus resorting to such tactics.
Madam Kong, who had previously held a high opinion of Wu Caiwei, now felt she was nothing special, so narrow-minded. Even after marrying into their family, Zhou Shaoqiu was still fixated on the past and couldn't let go.
However, it would be difficult to target her. Others might not see it, but they knew the Emperor's affection for Huangfu Yunkun was unusual. If possible, she really didn't want to confront them. The old madam sighed and dismissed Jiang Yin for the time being.