Chapter 146 Apology

"Okay, then I'll owe you money for now."

Cheng Weiyao observed Zhang Haiyu's expression, confirmed that he was truly shameless, and then relented. She still understood the principle of quitting while you're ahead.

A strong dragon cannot defeat a local snake. The Prince of Qingping's palace was moved out to scare people, but he was still exiled. The emperor was far away and the mountains were high. If he died in a foreign land, there would be many excuses to make up for it.

Cheng Weiyao was willing to give in, and Zhang Haiyu breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay, Madam, you're so generous! As the saying goes, leave some room for improvement so we can meet again in the future. I'll definitely give you what I promised, and I'll be going back today."

Turning around, Zhang Haiyu threatened a group of servants fiercely, then led the servants back in disgrace.

As soon as he left, Wen Liyu's deliberately princess-like demeanor dropped, and she gave Cheng Weiyao a thumbs-up, but there was still a hint of complaint in her expression: "Sister-in-law, why don't you just ask for more? There's a bank nearby where we can ask this guy to withdraw money!"

Cheng Weiyao shook her head slightly. She had no hope at all that Zhang Haiyu would give it to her tomorrow as he promised. Even if Zhang Haiyu didn't say anything, with so many servants in the Zhang Mansion staring at her, it was only a matter of time before Zhang Daming heard about it.

However, according to Zhang Daming's smooth official personality, he could only guarantee that the matter would not be pursued, and it was impossible for Zhang Haiyu to pay the subsequent compensation.

"Go back. When you get home, remember to apologize to Auntie and return the banknotes."

Cheng Weiyao rubbed her temples and felt a headache looking at Wen Liyu, her unrepentant sister-in-law. If the cause of this disaster was to be traced back to when Wen Liyu stole her aunt's divorce money.

Looking at all these new clothes and jewelry, you can imagine that she has squandered quite a bit...

"Sister-in-law, what are you talking about? I don't understand. Maybe it's those little beggars..."

Wen Liyu's expression was somewhat unnatural, and her eyes were evasive.

She didn't expect that this matter would be discovered so quickly. She was busy setting up the stall during the day, so it was entirely possible that it was taken by a customer.

And although she and her mother were on the street, she saw the little beggars harassing her. Maybe there was a petty thief among them?

Cheng Weiyao's brows furrowed slightly. She had originally given Wen Liyu a way out and didn't intend to pursue the matter, but she really didn't like Wen Liyu's stubborn attitude. Before she could say anything, she was interrupted by a childish voice.

"You're a typical example of someone who doesn't know how to appreciate kindness. If I had known you'd throw dirty water on us, I wouldn't have saved you..."

Goudan originally planned to come over and say a few words of concern and comfort, but he didn't expect that this sister-in-law's personality was completely different from Cheng Weiyao's.

Not only did he not appreciate it, but he started throwing dirty water on himself and his friends as soon as he arrived.

"Okay, it's indeed my fault. I shouldn't have secretly taken Auntie's money."

Being caught by a little kid at the scene, even Wen Liyu felt a little embarrassed. Moreover, judging by the tone of the story, it was most likely that these little beggars went to help her bring in reinforcements. In that environment, for the sake of profit, people chose to turn a blind eye...

"Thank you. How about I treat you to some candied haws?"

The little beggars were overjoyed when they heard that they could eat candied haws. Under normal circumstances, this was something they could never dream of. During the Chinese New Year, if they bought one, they had to share it among themselves.

Wen Liyu's honesty made Cheng Weiyao's brows relax a little. At least her nature wasn't completely hopeless. However, the silver notes Wen Liyu used to repay the little beggars were still her aunt's divorce silver...

In the small courtyard, the imperial concubine and the concubine had already prepared dinner, and Wen Chengming also sat at the stone table. The three of them did not pick up their chopsticks, waiting for the people who were out to come back and start eating.

"Why haven't my mother, grandmother, sister-in-law, and elder sister returned yet? Should we report them to the police and try to find them?"

Wen Chengming rested his chin on his hand, looking at the closed gate of the courtyard, his face slightly wrinkled. His sister-in-law had been called out, and she left in a hurry. He felt something was wrong. Could it be that his sister had encountered some trouble outside?

At this time, outside the courtyard, Cheng Weiyao and Wen Liyu had basically arrived, but they were standing in front of the door without pushing it open.

"Sister-in-law, please don't tell your family about what happened today, so as not to worry them."

Perhaps it was because she heard Wen Chengming's childish concern that Wen Liyu's conscience came back to her senses and a hint of regret appeared in her eyes.

Cheng Weiyao nodded. Even without Wen Liyu's request, she wouldn't have told anyone about what happened today. The ancients valued a good reputation. Given the circumstances, Zhang Haiyu could have been accused of having had physical contact with Wen Liyu.

If she met a more rigid family, they might insist on marrying their daughter to them. As for the imperial concubine, although she might not do that, she would definitely shed tears behind her back.

"Sister-in-law and elder sister are back."

Wen Chengming spoke suddenly. He saw four shadows of feet appearing in the crack of the door.

The imperial concubine and the concubine looked up when they heard the voice, and sure enough, the aunt and sister-in-law pushed the door open one after another. Wen Liyu had a guilty look on her face when she entered, and she bowed directly to the concubine as soon as she came in.

"Ayu, you can't do that. You are worth a lot of money... Besides, as an elder, it's only right for me to give a little gift to the younger generation."

The aunt's face changed slightly, and she hurriedly supported Wen Liyu's arm with her hand.

At her age, she has long since let go of material things like money. You can't bring it with you when you are born and you can't take it with you when you die. Instead of holding on to it, it is better to spend it on future generations.

The Imperial Noble Consort watched quietly from the sidelines without interfering. Although her aunt repeatedly tried to cover up for her, she finally figured it out after Cheng Weiyao left. It was probably Ah Yu who had secretly taken the money. She might be poor now, but her character couldn't be bad.

Even if Wen Liyu did not apologize after returning, the Imperial Noble Concubine would intervene. It is best for her to admit her mistake now.

"There's nothing wrong with that. If it's wrong, it's wrong. You can give it to me, but I can't steal it. This is Auntie's silver, please keep it. If I do it again, I will be struck by lightning, and the heavens are my witness!"

Wen Liyu stuffed the purse into her aunt's hand, raised three fingers seriously, and admitted her mistake in a very proper manner.

Swearing an oath was no small matter in ancient times. Cheng Weiyao was quite satisfied with this, but if one did something wrong, one had to accept punishment.

There is no way to get back what Wen Liyu has already spent, and the silver notes that Zhang Haiyu compensated her with can just fill the gap.

"Alright, alright, kid, why are you still so serious? You've been setting up the stall all day, it's not easy. Let's eat first..."

The aunt smiled helplessly, and the imperial concubine also responded cooperatively.

Wen Chengyun always goes out early and comes back late, so the meals are almost always reserved for him in advance and he doesn't have to wait any longer.