threaten

Yu Roulan fell ill.

Granny Cui personally cooked a table full of dishes, but Yu Roulan only ate a few bites before stopping. Fu Zhi Qiao urged her to eat more, but Yu Roulan said she couldn't eat anymore. She wasn't acting; she really didn't have an appetite.

Fu Zhiqiao felt that Yu Roulan was too immersed in the role and was afraid that she would actually lose her appetite while acting, so she had to speed up the arrangements.

The next day, at breakfast time, Granny Cui carried a bowl of porridge, her voice filled with worry, "Madam, please eat something. How can your body take this?"

"I can't eat." Yu Roulan looked exhausted, and then fainted.

"Quickly, fetch Doctor Li! The lady has fainted! Hurry!" Granny Cui screamed, and the maids below also ran out to find a doctor, and Tingxue Hall immediately became noisy.

When the doctor arrived, Yu Roulan had already woken up and was lying weakly in bed.

Overthinking can easily lead to health problems.

Seeing this, Doctor Li sighed. It was rumored that Master Fu and Madam Fu were very much in love, and now it seemed that this was indeed true.

It's easy to heal a physical ailment, but difficult to heal a mental one. After taking her pulse, Doctor Li prescribed a calming decoction and a few doses of tonics. He offered a few words of comfort and then left.

Fu Zhiqiao escorted her to the entrance of Tingxue Hall, saying, "Thank you, Doctor." Then she instructed Defu to see Doctor Li out of the mansion.

Yu Roulan's fainting was obviously fake; it was part of her and Fu Zhiqiao's plan.

Defu escorted Dr. Li to the door and paid the consultation fee.

Some busybodies saw the doctor going in and out of the Fu residence and quietly inquired with Defu. Defu then told him about how his wife had fallen ill again because she missed her deceased husband.

"Dr. Li said that my wife was overthinking things. Ever since my husband passed away, she has not been able to let go and was too heartbroken. During the funeral, she had to entertain guests and take care of the sick young lady. She was so exhausted that she fainted."

This line of dialogue was specifically instructed by Fu Zhi Qiao.

Soon, news of Yu Roulan's illness spread to several neighboring households. People sympathize with the weak, and the servants in the Fu family also felt sorry for her, knowing that she had fallen ill again because she missed her deceased husband.

"Oh, how pitiful. Who would have thought that the First Madam would become a widow?"

"You have no idea, Madam cried in front of the mourning hall all day long, and fainted several times in the middle!"

The servants whispered amongst themselves, and rumors quickly spread throughout the mansion.

Seeing that the groundwork had been laid, Fu Zhiqiao prepared to meet Fu Mingjie.

*

Recently, the most talked-about topic in Yuzhou City has been the Fu family. As a wealthy family, the eldest son of the first branch of the family died unexpectedly, and the younger brother of the second branch immediately took over. There are also rumors that the management of the household has been handed over to the second branch.

Brothers at odds? Fighting over the family fortune? Tsk tsk tsk! There are so many possible explanations for this.

The news spread like wildfire, reaching Fu Mingjie's residence, and he panicked.

He has worked hard for many years to achieve his current position, and he cannot allow these rumors to ruin his reputation.

Just then, Fu Zhiqiao came looking for her.

In Fu Mingjie's study.

Although Fu Zhi Qiao disliked this second uncle, she still had to be polite in appearance, so she curtsied properly and said, "Greetings, Second Uncle."

"No need for formalities. What brings you here, Zhi Qiao?" Fu Mingjie composed himself, smiled, and nodded in response. "Sit down and let's talk."

A servant came in and replaced the tea with fresh water.

To lower the guard of a treacherous person, the only way is to show weakness.

Fu Zhi Qiao pinched her thigh hard, squeezing out two tears. Her voice was choked with sobs. "Second Uncle, there's something I want to discuss with you. My mother...she..."

Fu Mingjie was getting impatient. He didn't like anyone from the main branch of the family, let alone Fu Changyue's wife and daughter.

"Ever since my father passed away, my mother has been crying all the time. The doctor said she's suffering from emotional distress, and if this continues, it will ruin her health..."

Upon hearing Fu Zhi Qiao mention Fu Chang Yue, Fu Ming Jie's face stiffened, and a sinister glint flashed in his eyes. From childhood to adulthood, he had always been overshadowed by Fu Chang Yue's brilliance. Now that Fu Chang Yue was gone, he had already established himself firmly outside, and no one in the entire mansion could stop him anymore.

Fu Zhiqiao noticed his expression and continued, "There are too many visitors at the mansion, which is not suitable for my mother to recuperate. I want to take her to the countryside so that she can rest and relax. What do you think, Second Uncle?"

Oh? Leaving the Fu family mansion is a good thing! He was just annoyed by those two women. Now that Fu Changyue is gone, the Fu family is his domain. It's better to have fewer eyesores around.

Fu Mingjie was pleased. He coughed lightly, a warm smile on his face, and pretended to be concerned, saying, "Good child, it's rare to see such filial piety from you. Your elder brother would be very pleased to know this in the afterlife."

Bah! Fu Zhi Qiao sneered inwardly, you didn't hold back at all when you were plotting against Fu Chang Yue!

"However, I have another request." Fu Zhiqiao was still young, and her voice was soft. If she showed any weakness, she would give people a feeling of being delicate and pitiful.

"What is it? Please speak frankly." Fu Mingjie didn't have a deep impression of this niece. He only knew that she was weak from birth and had been bedridden for many years. Fu Changyue doted on her and kept her at home, rarely letting her go out.

Fu Zhiqiao pretended to be hesitant to speak, lowered her head and said timidly, "The doctor said my mother's health needs to be properly regulated, and tonics and medicines are essential. Moreover, the journey to the countryside is difficult, and it will be hard for her to return in a short time. I would like to ask for an advance on my monthly allowance."

With the Fu family's wealth, supporting Fu Zhi Qiao and her daughter for a lifetime wouldn't be a problem. But wouldn't keeping them in the mansion just cause them trouble? If they didn't support them, they would be branded as unjust. Fu Mingjie was worried about this. Now, when he heard that Fu Zhi Qiao was going to the countryside to recuperate and wouldn't be back for a while, he was immediately happy and said with a smile, "Okay, just ask your second aunt about this."

Fu Zhiqiao bowed and said, "Thank you, Second Uncle!"

Fu Mingjie feigned concern and asked her a few questions, to which Fu Zhiqiao responded with meek and agreeable responses.

Having received confirmation from Fu Mingjie, Fu Zhiqiao led Granny Cui to collect the money early the next morning.

In the Jin Yu Yuan courtyard where the second wife lived, many maids had gathered, and Zhao Xialan was giving instructions to the servants.

The maid at the courtyard gate saw Fu Zhiqiao approaching from afar and went inside to inform Zhao Xialan: "Madam, the eldest young lady has arrived."

What is Fu Zhi Qiao doing at Jin Yu Yuan?

Zhao Xialan frowned slightly and waved her hand to dismiss the maids.

Zhao Xialan was currently riding high on her success. She was wearing a smoky pink brocade jacket with peony patterns, a long skirt with a silver sash, and a gold hairpin inlaid with gemstones in her hair.

Zhao Xialan had put a lot of thought into this rich and gorgeous outfit. She tried her best to make herself worthy of the status of the mistress of the Fu family. However, since the family had just suffered a death not long ago, she did not want to be too ostentatious and usually only wore it in her own courtyard.

After Fu Zhi Qiao greeted Zhao Xia Lan, Zhao Xia Lan held her hand and asked her about her well-being, as if the previous conflict had never happened.

What woman in the backyard can't put on an act?

Is your mother's condition more serious?

“My mother is fine. The doctor said she was just worrying too much and will recover with proper rest. Thank you for your concern, Auntie.”

Fu Zhiqiao said softly, "My mother also said thank you for the tonics you sent. She should have come to see you in person, but she was afraid of passing on her illness to you. Please don't blame her, Aunt."

"What are a few tonics? Sister-in-law, you must get well soon."

Zhao Xialan glanced at Fu Zhiqiao, seemingly casually.

Fu Zhi Qiao's face was still somewhat pale. Her long, black hair was gently tied back with a crescent-white ribbon. She wore a bamboo-green embroidered dress, which made her look as serene as an orchid. She was graceful and elegant. Although she was young, she was exceptionally beautiful and a true beauty in the making.

She spoke with a look of panic, perfectly portraying the pitiful state of someone living under someone else's roof, afraid to say the wrong thing.

It was as if the imposing aura displayed in Tingxue Hall that day was all fake.

Zhao Xialan didn't want to admit that she had ever been intimidated by the gaze of a junior. Her thoughts returned to the conversation between the two. Considering that Fu Zhiqiao had lost her father at a young age, she fully demonstrated her composure and love, and also established herself as a kind and benevolent matriarch.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Fu Zhiqiao explained her purpose.

After hearing what Fu Zhi Qiao said, Zhao Xia Lan's smile froze instantly. "How much do you want?"

"Twenty thousand taels," Fu Zhiqiao repeated.

Twenty thousand taels of silver is equivalent to the income of three or four large shops in prime locations for four or five years. Zhao Xialan swallowed her displeasure and pretended not to understand, "How could you spend so much money on medical treatment? Even according to your monthly allowance..."

The Fu family was wealthy. The monthly allowance for the ladies and young misses was about twenty to thirty taels of silver, depending on their status. Their daily food and drink were paid for by the central government. Each household paid for their own individual purchases. The mother and daughter were only there to recuperate, so why would they need to spend so much money?

"What do you mean by this, Second Aunt? My mother is going there to recuperate. Medicine and supplements cost money, don't they? Do you want my mother to eat coarse food all day long?"

Fu Zhi Qiao's sudden outburst startled Zhao Xia Lan, who was momentarily taken aback. "That's not what I meant..."

"My father has only been gone a short time, and my second aunt is already cutting back on my and my mother's monthly allowances and reducing our food and drink expenses? Does my second uncle know that my second aunt is doing this?"

"No, you've misunderstood..."

"So, Second Uncle was just kidding when he asked me to come and get the money? Second Aunt never intended to give it to me!" Fu Zhi Qiao feigned sudden realization, not giving Zhao Xia Lan a chance to speak. "In that case, if rumors spread that some heartless uncle and aunt are abusing their niece, don't blame me!"

As she spoke, she stood up and started to walk out.

Zhao Xialan's eyelids twitched, and her expression immediately changed. She quickly told the stewardess to stop Fu Zhiqiao.

Here it comes, just like last time!

This girl may look weak and helpless, but she's actually quite formidable. Her master's position has only recently been stabilized, and he can't be accused of mistreating his elder brother's wife and daughter.

"What nonsense are you talking about, child?" Seeing Fu Zhi Qiao's face flushed with anger, she immediately softened her voice and said, "Zhi Qiao, why do you have to say such hurtful things? How can we let outsiders laugh at our family? I promise you."

Zhao Xialan was caught in a dilemma and had no choice but to reluctantly agree.

To prevent her from making excuses to delay, Fu Zhiqiao slowly pulled out a handkerchief and said, "Second Aunt, why don't you give me the money today? It will save outsiders from gossiping and ruining Second Uncle's reputation. Twenty thousand taels is already a good deal to buy Second Uncle's reputation. Don't you think so, Second Aunt?"

A threat, a blatant threat!

If we don't give her this money today, she'll make a scene.

Fu Zhi Qiao asked for money under the guise of monthly allowances, but the monthly allowances were all set in stone. She couldn't change the family rules as soon as she became the mistress of the house, so the second branch of the family had to subsidize the 20,000 taels of silver themselves.

Zhao Xialan's heart was bleeding when she handed over the silver notes.

Once she had the money, Fu Zhiqiao lost interest in pretending and said to Zhao Xialan, "Thank you, Second Aunt!"

Very good, her secret stash of silver has increased by another 20,000 taels.

Watching Fu Zhi Qiao's dashing departure, Zhao Xia Lan, furious, slammed her hand on the table, causing the cups and saucers to shatter and fall to the floor with a crisp sound.

The servants huddled to one side, not daring to utter a sound.

Zhao Xialan clutched her chest, panting heavily. Seeing this, Jiang's mother quickly stepped forward to help her catch her breath, lest she faint from anger.