Xin Jiuwei's fingertips trembled slightly. In her previous life, her father had never shown her such exhaustion until his death.

She said softly, "Father only dotes on his daughter and has mistakenly trusted an ungrateful wretch. If we're being honest, it's my fault."

Father Xin sighed deeply, turned around and took out a sandalwood box.

The box contained neatly stacked land deeds, house deeds, and account books.

“Although Qi Huaiyu is a beast, he’s right about one thing—the Xin family needs a capable heir,” said Father Xin. “Yunzhou is simple-minded, and Xiyao won’t fight for anything. The Xin family is a century-old family, and this family business…”

Xin Jiuwei paused—her father was testing whether she intended to fight for the inheritance.

She immediately knelt down, "Daughter begs Father to give my brother some more time. He is kind-hearted, but lacks experience. Daughter is willing to do everything in her power to assist him..."

"Why are you kneeling? If you're disgusted, then come on," Xin's father interrupted her.

Xin Jiuwei stood up and met her father's scrutinizing gaze.

Those weathered eyes seemed to see right through people: "Do you really think that giving this huge Xin family property to Yunzhou is enough?"

Xin Jiuwei's voice was soft yet firm, "I believe that as long as Father gives my brother more trust, he will not let you down. As for me... I have no other wish but for the Xin family to prosper and for Father and my brothers and sisters to be healthy."

Silence fell over the study as the flames in the charcoal brazier gradually died down, eventually turning into a wisp of smoke.

After pondering for a long time, Xin's father suddenly pushed an account book in front of Xin Jiuwei: "This is the account of the silk shop in the east of the city. From today onwards, you will be in charge of it. You should also continue to pay attention to Xiyao's marriage. As an old man, I don't understand what my daughters are thinking. You sisters should support each other."

Xin Jiuwei accepted the account book with both hands, saying, "Your daughter will certainly live up to your expectations, Father."

On the other side, in the Feng family's courtyard, Qi Huaiyu kicked open the rickety wooden door and walked in.

Feng, who was mending clothes inside the house, was so frightened that she stabbed her finger with the needle.

"You're asking for it!" Madam Feng cursed, sucking on her bleeding fingertip. "You've lost face and you're taking it out on me! I haven't even scolded you yet! You promised we'd be back at the Xin residence soon, and now look what's happened—you've been kicked out! What good is raising you all these years? All you do is brag!"