A figure appeared at the window, respectfully saying, "My lord, I have investigated everything..."

Previously, Zhu Ziqian only knew that Liu Yingying had been granted the title of County Lady and had also become involved with Shen Shangxu.

But no one knew that she had actually acquired so many businesses in private.

These businesses combined were enough to make her a local tycoon!

But why would a woman like her need so many businesses if she didn't stay at home and peacefully take care of her husband and children?

Could it be that she had long wanted to get rid of him too?

Although Zhu Ziqian came back this time specifically to deal with the troublesome Liu Yingying.

But he absolutely would not allow Liu Yingying to have any thoughts of getting rid of him!

This is a classic case of the mentality that "only officials are allowed to set fires, while ordinary people are not allowed to light lamps!"

The next morning, Zhu's relatives arrived.

There weren't enough chairs, so everyone except the Third Uncle and the Clan Chief stood.

"Daqiang, it's truly a blessing that our Zhu family has produced a scholar like you."

“Our family’s ancestral graves haven’t been repaired for many years. Your third uncle, your father, and I have discussed it and decided to take advantage of your return to properly repair the ancestral hall and the ancestral graves. It will cost a total of three thousand taels of silver. Your father has already made the decision, and you will pay for it.”

So, they came early this morning to ask for money.

Zhu Ziqian couldn't sit still any longer; "What, three thousand taels?"

Is this to gild the ancestral graves?

"Why does it cost so much silver?"

He was just a minor official of the seventh rank, and even with the support of his wife's family, his salary was still not enough.

How could we possibly give them three thousand taels?

Even if he did have it, he wouldn't want to be the sucker!

The clan chief looked completely unperturbed. “Daqiang, although you’ve become an official in the capital, don’t forget that your roots are still in Peach Blossom Village.”

“Repairing the ancestral graves and ancestral hall is for your own good. Otherwise, if outsiders see our dilapidated ancestral hall, wouldn't you be the one laughing at us?”

He then looked at Zhu Youcai and said, "Youcai, don't you think so?"

As expected of the clan leader, he's a master of moral blackmail.

“That’s right, Second Uncle is right, that’s the truth.” Zhu Youcai agreed wholeheartedly.

His vision was limited; he thought that since his son had become a high-ranking official and married the daughter of a marquis, he must naturally possess mountains of gold and silver and countless treasures.

A mere three thousand taels is naturally nothing to worry about.

Moreover, Zhu Ziqian's financial contribution to the repair of the ancestral hall and tombs made him, as the father, feel very proud.

Little did he know that his vanity would lead him to ruin Zhu Ziqian's life!

Zhu Ziqian: "Repairing the ancestral hall is necessary, but I don't think it should cost that much money."

Third Uncle: "What, you can't possibly not even be able to come up with three thousand taels?"

Zhu Ziqian was speechless.

He genuinely couldn't produce it, but he couldn't admit it for the sake of saving face!

The third uncle, a wise and experienced man, said with a smile, "Daqiang, in our Zhu family for generations, we've only produced one person as honorable as you. If we can't even count on you to repair the ancestral hall, who else can we count on?"

Zhu Ziqian was speechless!

Third Uncle: "Putting aside everything else, just take your wife Liu. I've roughly calculated that her businesses are making a fortune every day. Can't she come up with a mere three thousand taels?"

Zhu Ziqian's pupils suddenly contracted.

Yes, how could he forget about Lady Liu?

He can't come up with the money, and he doesn't want to.

However, Zhu Ziqian would be happy to let Liu Shi take the money.

Qian Liuying came out, and in the end, he gained a good reputation. Why not?

"Third Uncle is right, but three thousand taels is not a small amount after all. Yingniang and I don't have that much cash on hand. Why don't you wait a couple of days?"

Chieftain: "Alright, let's come back in three days!"

"Slap! It's settled then!"

Third Uncle and the others were afraid he would change his mind, so they left as soon as they finished speaking.

Zhu Ziqian watched their departing figures, his heart filled with bitterness.

His ability to study and pass the imperial examinations was inseparable from the help of his clan.

But conversely, he himself will also be exploited by his clan.

He can't even have an opinion, otherwise he'll be criticized by the world!

Containing his slightly somber mood, Zhu Ziqian's gaze fell on the three children who were being cautiously observed beside him.

Now, these three children are also a burden to him.

If they were not children born to the first wife.

If Jiao Rui hadn't already known he had children and hadn't generously offered to take them to the capital...

He intends to eliminate all three children and Liu Yingying along with them!

“Father, may I ask you a question?” Zhao Di asked him, mustering her courage.

"What do you want to ask? Go ahead and ask." Zhu Ziqian suddenly became a little curious.

"My second aunt said you married a wife in the capital. Will you still live with Liu Niang?"

After Zhao Di finished speaking, she clenched her palms tightly; she was extremely nervous.

She was afraid of her father since she was a child. In her more than ten years of memories, her father rarely even looked at her directly.

But she had to ask for the answer on behalf of Liu Niang!

Liu Niang shouldn't have to suffer such injustice!

Upon hearing this, Zhu Ziqian narrowed his eyes slightly and walked a few steps toward his eldest daughter.

Zhao Di retreated in terror, but there was a wall behind her.

Zhu Jiawang looked at her reproachfully, "Sister, why are you asking this at a time like this?"

I didn't mean to upset Dad...

Just when the three thought Zhu Ziqian was about to hit Zhao Di, he simply gently stroked the top of her head.

"Zhaodi, I know that a lot has happened in our family these past two years, and you have suffered a lot, but I promise you that no matter what happens in the future, our family will live together!"

But Liu Yingying was not included in his family!

"Really?" Zhao Di looked at him excitedly.

Zhu Ziqian smiled kindly; "Of course, but... your Liu Niang is still angry with Father and doesn't want to see him. Zhao Di, can you help Father?"

“Okay!” Zhao Di agreed.

She was unaware of the feud between Liu Yingying and Zhu Ziqian.

In her opinion, Liu Niang was just angry at her father's heartlessness.

But if Father could really change, maybe...maybe Liu Niang could forgive Father.

Then they can continue to live happily together as a family!

Zhu Ziqian also changed his mind at the last minute.

If it were the old Liu family, who was utterly worthless, he would have simply made them disappear from this world.

The current Liu Yingying is not only the Lady of Ning'an County bestowed by the imperial court, but also holds a large amount of assets.

If I could get my hands on that money and assets, I wouldn't have to worry about money all the time...

Zhu Ziqian followed the three siblings to the gate of Liu Yingying's new house.

Huiyun and Lin Cuicui, the two young girls, asked them what they were doing there, separated by a door.

Zhao Di explained, "My father has come to apologize to my mother for what happened yesterday. Please open the door and let us in."

Lin Cuicui gave her a disapproving look, feeling quite dissatisfied with Zhao Di.

They had agreed to stand with Aunt Liu, but why did Zhao Di turn around and side with her heartless father?